I suggest you fit a hand brake on the Hotrock and let him get used to that action while still having coaster brakes. I did that on my sons Hotrock 16 and his Haro Outback came with both coaster and hand brakes on the rear as new.
When he is ready to step up to gears, start hitting the bike shops that take trades, or the consignment stores and I bet you can find him a second hand one with little use on it. This is what I did when my oldest son moved from 16 to 20" recently.
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Originally Posted by
colorider
Phobias are for irrational fears. Fear of junk ripping badgers is perfectly rational. Those things are nasty.