ATV for Kids: How to Know if Your Kid’s Ready for One
“Be sure to look both ways first!”
This adage captures the mentality of many parents who want to raise children who are not afraid to take risks, and more importantly, children who know how to risk wisely.
These same parents remember what it was like as a child to charge into the excitement of spring with muddy, bare feet and a mischievous grin, tirelessly seeking all the adventure the outdoors had to offer. These parents want nothing less than the same rebel-rousing joy for their children.
But the moment the words “ATV for kids” enter a conversation, the good judgment of many a parent will be called into question by their well-intending friends.
Why such an aversion to children riding ATVs?
And how do you know your kid is ready for that level of responsibility?
Let’s “look both ways” before making such an important decision.
If you are considering or thinking about finding a quad for sale for your kids, you need to consider the Dangers. Here are a few of the biggest dangers and some of the best ways to know if a child is ready to handle them.
Why Parents are Hesitant to Buy an ATV for Kids
While putting a kid on an ATV is not technically illegal in most states, it is openly discouraged by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, who declares that no one under the magical age of 16 should be allowed on one.
Why such a decisive stance?
Let’s take a look at the stats:
In general, children makeup about one-third of all ATV related emergency-room visits, and about one-fourth of all ATV related deaths.
At first glance, these numbers are enough to frighten any caretaker out of getting an ATV for their kid, but a greater focus on the details actually provides us with some clues about why kids are getting hurt, and consequently, how we can prevent it.
Most ATV Injuries fall into 2 Predictable Categories
While there are endless possible recipes for poor-decision-making involving children and powerful machines, ATV injuries tend to fall into two predictable categories.
1. Head Trauma
Head injuries make up a vast majority of injuries when it comes to ATV for kids.
Failure to wear an ATV helmet is one of the most preventable causes of injury.
Improper helmet use can be equally dangerous. Many parents snap the same helmet on their child that they would wear while riding a bicycle.
But ATV riding requires DOT approved headgear.
Even with DOT approved headgear, children tend to approach helmets with a “one size fits all” mentality. Helmets that are too loose, as well as ones that are not fastened properly, can become hazards in and of themselves.
2. More than One Rider
What is the first thing a kid does with new toys after their birthday party? Show them off!
Ownership and the ability to operate an ATV is a source of great pride for many youngsters.
They will show them to their friends, who will almost always ask for a ride.
This is where it gets problematic. More than one rider on an ATV multiplies the number of risks exponentially.
Most ATVs for children are built to accommodate one rider. There is simply no way to safely seat a passenger.
Displaced weight from multiple passengers can throw off the vehicle’s balance.
Passengers are at greater risk of being thrown from the ATV, and a new risk of injury is introduced when two riders knock into each other while riding over bumpy terrain.
Lastly, a child’s judgment can be significantly impaired whenever another person is introduced to the equation. Children love to try to impress one another and are more willing to attempt stunts with each other that they’d never dream of doing in front of you!
Paying attention to what doesn’t work, can lead us directly to what does.
These two categories give us the foresight to make the ATV experience safer for everyone involved.
Proper Precaution Planning
1. Consider Your Options
There are plenty of options available to you when you’re in the market to buy a new or used ATV for kids.
Make sure the make matches the maturity of the child riding it.
If you’ve ever taken a kid to a horse-ranch, the guides start by putting them on the smallest and gentlest of ponies. The wilder stallions may look strong and beautiful, but one experience flying through briers at a full trot on one of those puppies will make you grateful your child is on the docile, Barbie-sized mare.
Moral of the story?
Don’t be afraid to start small.
You wouldn’t want to give a beginner the option of going 50mph over rolling hills.
Be sure to shop around and ask lots of questions when matching a child with the right ATV.
2. Get Proper Headgear
Make sure any headgear you buy meets these criteria:
- DOT-approved helmet
- Proper fit
- Fasten Correctly
- Wear at all times
3. No Passengers
Avoid adding passengers or any load that throws off the weight of the vehicle.
4. Regular Maintenance
Because ATVs are tools as much as they are toys, they require regular maintenance.
A good sign that kids and ATVs are ready for each other is if the child can describe the basics of how the machine works and some maintenance fundamentals.
Oil, tires, lights, brakes… the sooner your kids learn how to care for these essential features, the greater care and appreciation they’ll have when operating their own ATV.
5. Consider the Terrain
Lastly, the quality of your child’s ride is determined by the type of terrain they will encounter.
The riding surface should be a nice balance between not too smooth and not too rough.
If your yard or trail is full of steep hills and potholes, you are asking for trouble.
Similarly, if your driving surface includes patches of wet grass and loose gravel, slipping and skidding become more likely.
The bottom line is…
Your Child is not Ready Until You Are
ATVs and kids are safest when it is a family affair.
Do you dream of your kids riding a big Yamaha Grizzly 700 or Polaris ATV one day?
We want your family to have the most fun with your ATV for kids while remaining as safe as possible, that means not deciding until you are sure it’s the right one. Let us help! Contact us with your questions, and we won’t rest until your inquiries are satisfied. We also have some great ATV financing options available if you want to turn the surprise into an affordable payment.