How to size an atv for kid


What Size ATV Should You Get for Your Kid?

All-terrain vehicles are great for adventures through the woods and on trails. Some are even designed for work on farms. Though ATVs can be fun, they can also be dangerous. Four-wheelers can be more hazardous to kids than adults, but with the right equipment, you can keep your children safe as they ride their very own machine.

Here are some guidelines you should keep in mind when choosing an ATV for kids and other beginners. 

When is a child ready to use an ATV?

WATCH: ATV safety course for kids taught in Wilbarger Co.https://t.co/YotsT7DTaf pic.twitter.com/Mt4rtGywmj

— Newschannel 6 (@Newschannel6Now) July 19, 2018

A good rule of thumb is not to let children under 6 operate an ATV, Penn State Extension reports. Though some children aged 6 to 10 can handle a smaller unit, not everyone is ready at such a young age. Physical and emotional development are important traits that kids should have before they can drive a four-wheeler.  

The first thing to look for is height. If your child can stand with both feet on the ATV’s footrests and their bottom at least three inches above the seat, they might be good to ride. Also, check to see if they can stand while turning the wheels to the right and left (while the vehicle is turned off) with no problems. If so, they should be ready physically. 

Their emotional development would include how disciplined they are. If your child has proven they can follow the rules without giving you too much grief, they should be OK with learning how to operate an ATV. For those who are apt to get into trouble and push the envelope, they probably should wait.

What ATV models should you consider for your kid?

Warmer weather in Alberta means an increase in injuries due to all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). The @CanPaedSociety recommends children under 16 should never ride ATVs, even as a passenger, including ATVs marketed as “child-sized. ” pic.twitter.com/rpl6DYw4Bw

— Alberta Health Services (@AHS_media) June 26, 2020

A few models are good for kids aged 6 to 11. At this age, they should drive an ATV with an engine size that’s less than 70cc. For kids in the 12-to-15-year range, they should operate four-wheelers with motors ranging from 70cc to 90cc. Sixteen-year-olds can ride adult-sized units around 90cc or up, Dirt Wheels Magazine reports. 

One of the best models for 6-to-11-year-olds is Apex Pro MXR. It comes in several engine sizes ranging from 49cc to 99cc. Weighing 248 pounds, this model has a continuously variable transmission (CVT), a 1.5-gallon fuel tank, and 5.3 inches of ground clearance. Expect to pay around $4,200. 

For kids aged 12 to 15, one model stands out — the Can-Am DS. This 250-pound ATV offers a 70cc or a 90cc displacement engine. It also comes with an electric start, a CVT with reverse, 1.6-gallon fuel capacity, and 4.5-inch ground clearance. Prices average around $2,349 for the 70cc and $2,849 for the 90cc.  

For 16-year-olds and up, there’s the Polaris Outlaw 110, packing a 112cc motor. It has a CVT with reverse, 1.6-gallon fuel capacity, 4.0-inch ground clearance, and a wet weight of 278 pounds. This model costs around $4,000. 

Safety guidelines for 4-wheelers

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Whether you’re a kid or an adult, following safety guidelines will keep you safe on an ATV. This is especially true for children because they’re smaller and haven’t developed good evaluating skills yet. 

It’s good practice to dress safely whenever you ride an ATV. That includes full face-shield helmets, long-sleeve shirts and pants, gloves, and over-the-ankle shoes or boots. Be sure none of the clothing is loose to prevent garments from getting snagged in the ATV’s wheels or other parts.  

Additional rules to keep in mind include adding lights, reflectors, and possibly even flags on smaller units to increase visibility so that others are aware of its presence. You should also discourage your children from giving rides to others on ATVs. That’s because these vehicles are built for one person only. 

Keeping kids safe on ATVs doesn’t have to be difficult. Most can safely operate one with the right equipment, such as a helmet and a smaller vehicle. Teach them how to operate one safely — or ensure they take a training course — and they can ride along with you on your next trail adventure.

Parents Guide: What Size ATV Should I Buy My Child?

It's Christmas time and my child only put one thing on his Christmas list -- as a parent all you want to do is to make your kids Christmas wishes come true. For me this was a daunting task because, as with any large purchase, you have to do a fair amount of research before buying something.

After hours of scouring the internet I found that it was incredibly hard to find the right size quad to purchase for my 10 year old. I was certain that I wanted to buy from an online dealership but most of the websites I was looking at had vague information in relation to the size of 4 wheeler I needed to buy to best fit my child's age.

So, I write this "guide" for parents like me. My hope is to help answer some of the questions others parents ask themselves about finding a perfect ATV to fit their child. 

I ended up finding my ATV that I bought from Tribal Motorsports because I liked the reputation of this online dealership, as well as the incredible sales team that help me find the perfect ATV for my son. 

 

Understanding Engine Sizes

Before selecting an ATV to buy, it's important to understand the different sizes that are typically available to your new rider.

110cc ATVs : 3 - 7 year olds

This engine is typically the smallest engine size that is reliable on the market right now. There are smaller company's that manufacture 60cc ATVs, but the quality of the build is largely unreliable and has many mechanical issues. Most parents don't feel comfortable (myself included) with starting their 3-7 year old child on a 110cc ATV, but never fear, I learned that all 110cc - 150cc Chinese ATVs actually have parental controls built in such as:

  • Speed Limiter Screw (can be found on the throttle)
  • Engine Kill Remote (kills the engine remotely if your child is being too much of a dare devil)

The benefit of the parental controls? Parents can slow the speed of the four wheeler to speeds as low as 5 miles per hour. This is a great feature because it makes starting your child on a 50cc-60cc quad unnecessary, because the frame size of most 60cc ATVs is identical to most 110cc frame sizes. Additionally, you will find that the price points of 50cc-60cc ATVs are very similar to the price points of 110cc ATVs. 

In summary, for the same price of a 50cc - 60cc ATV, you can get more power and versatility from a 110cc. 

Popular 110cc ATV Models

From my research, the most popular 110cc ATVs are the following makes and models:

Coolster 3050c 110cc

 

 

 

Tao Motor Boulder B1 110cc

 

 

The last bit of detail that is important to note: the Coolster 3050c and Tao Boulder B1 do not have reverse. This is the primary reason why these two ATVs are so much more affordable than other styles of 110cc ATVs.

 

125cc ATVs: 8 - 15 year olds

125cc ATVs are extremely versatile for many reasons. Because it's so hard to predict how fast your child will grow, most parents choose to buy 125cc ATVs because the offer the most room for grow without paying much extra. 

All 125cc ATVs have a top speed of 25 MPH, but still come with all the awesome parental controls that 110cc ATVs provide. 

Here are some perks & information that will be helpful for parents to know about most 125cc ATVs:

  • Equipped with Speed Limiter
  • Equipped with Remote Engine Kill Switch
  • 27 inch seat height
  • Comes with reverse gear 
  • 8 inch rims with 19 inch tires

I personally love the 125cc because, even at my 5 foot and 10 inch height I didn't feel too incredible cramped... meaning this ATV will have a ton of room for your child to grow into.  

There are also two different style options of 125cc ATVs -- Sport ATV or Utility ATV. For parents looking for an ATV for hunting or navigating large tracks of land, I would recommend the utility style. For parents interested in a racing ATV, there are several sport styles available that will meet your needs.

 

Popular 125cc ATV Models

Below are the two most popular 125cc ATVs:

Tao Motor Raptor 125cc Semi-Automatic Quad

 

 

 

Tao Motor Cheetah Sport 125cc Semi-Automatic Quad

 

Important Note: The sport ATVs, for the most part are semi-automatic. There is a foot shifter (no clutch) that will shift into reverse, neutral, and three different drive gears. Also, all of the ATVs available are only 2 wheel drive.

150cc ATVs: 15 + year olds

150cc - 200cc are perfect for teen riders, as well as adults. These ATVs are similar in frame size to a "standard" ATV (e. g. Honda and Polaris adult four wheelers). The Coolster and Tao Tao 150cc - 200cc quads typically have a top speed of 35 MPH to 40 MPH.

These ATVs are for more experienced riders who have ridden a four wheeler before. 

 

Popular 150cc - 200cc ATV Models

Below I have listed the most popular 150cc - 200cc four wheeler models:

Tao Motor Raptor 200cc Quad

 

Coolster 150cc Sport 3150CXC Quad

 

Tao Motor 169cc Bull 200 Quad

 

So, which ATV should I choose?

If you read through this article and are still asking yourself, "OK, how do I choose one for my kid specifically?", this next part is for you.

When selecting an ATV it is important to look at not only the recommended age for the model you are interested in, but also look at the dimensions and seat height compare those dimensions to the length of your child inseam on their jeans.

Sounds funny right? I promise if you measure your child's inseam and then compare that to the seat height of the ATV, you will find a suitable size for them! That's exactly what I did and the quad fits perfectly.

 

What ATV should you choose?

I landed on the Coolster R2 from Tribal Motorsports. My kid is a bit shorter for a 10 year old so I felt that a 125cc ATV would give him the most room to grow. 

I hope this guide was helpful for you! Thanks to Tribal Motorsports for asking me to do a guest post on their blog. If you have any questions for me about this article, please feel free to give me a shout to my e-mail: [email protected]

Happy Riding!

- Jon

How to choose the right children's ATV

Modern children are immersed in the world of phones, smartphones, set-top boxes, tablets and other gadgets, the name of which is not always familiar even to an adult. Outdoor games and walks have indeed become a rarity, and family trips even more so. You ask the children why? .. Boredom - they will answer. We propose to solve this difficult problem.

Buying an ATV for a child is not an easy task, perhaps, it is much more difficult than buying a loved one for yourself. The rule does not work here more and more powerful - it means better. In the buying process, there are many factors that must be taken into account influencing your final choice. nine0003

The first thing to decide before you even consider buying is whether you and your child are really ready to own an ATV. If you, as a parent, are mentally and emotionally prepared for the fact that any vehicle, be it a bicycle, a scooter, and even more so an ATV, is inherently an additional source of danger and possible injuries, and your child is aware of the risks associated with riding an ATV - then let's go...

Power, size and type of ATV for children from 3 to 16 years old

Children who are interested in four-wheelers range in age from three to ten and older. Of course, three years is very little, nevertheless, even for this age group there are excellent, high-quality, affordable four-wheeled units, something between a car on the control panel and a full-fledged ATV. Driving at such a young age is very beneficial for your child's development. Motor skills, reflexes, and quick decision-making skills are improved. Therefore, if you solve safety problems and purchase the necessary equipment, which we will discuss below, then buying an ATV for children is a great solution. nine0003

For the youngest pilots from 3 to 6 years old we recommend purchasing only electric quad bikes for safe operation and never petrol ones. A single 12V battery for a 3 year old will suffice, and as they get older and get closer to 6 years old, look into ATVs with 24V batteries.

In addition, when buying, you must take into account the recommendations of specific manufacturers for age, which they give depending on the characteristics of a particular model they produce. Do not forget about the individual physical development of your child, as well as previously acquired skills and experience in driving a bicycle, scooter and other “vehicles”. nine0003

Also read: How to choose a children's electric car - advice for parents

The purchase of a gasoline ATV should be considered as an alternative to an electric one for an older child aged 6 to 10 years. At the same time, do not forget that he is still a child, so choose vehicles with an engine capacity of 50 cm3, a maximum of 70 cm3, if the child had a positive driving experience and everything worked out fine for him.

Pilot age 12-15 70-90 cm3. ATVs with an engine capacity over 90cc are intended for young people 16 years of age and older and are not recommended for purchase before this age.

Please note that if your child is small for their age, these recommendations will change slightly. Children must be able to reach all controls, be able to grab the brake with their hands, and touch the foot brake and gear shift (if you choose manual transmission)

The weight of a four-wheeled vehicle must be appropriate for the child's age and physical development. It is very important that he, without resorting to the help of adults, could himself maneuver it if necessary. Be careful with this setting, because if a child is too young to operate a heavy ATV on their own, this can lead to accidents and injuries. For reference, you can take the following weights of ATVs depending on age:

  • for children aged 3 to 7 years - 19 kg.
  • for children 8 years and older - 30 kg.

Petrol or electric?

In order to make the right choice of ATV, let's pay attention to the main differences, features and advantages of each of these types.

Two-stroke and four-stroke models are available on the gasoline ATV market. Two-stroke ATVs - suitable for children from 3 to 10 years old. These models are safe, ergonomic, have a small mass and develop a speed of no more than 25 km / h. The speed limiter allows parents to set the maximum threshold themselves. Four-stroke ATVs are more powerful models with extra controls and are designed for older kids. Petrol quads are usually equipped with a 4-5 liter fuel tank, which is enough for long trips over rough terrain, which is undoubtedly a huge plus. However, here lies the disadvantage of gasoline models - this is the presence of exhaust gases, which excludes the possibility of driving indoors. nine0003

Electric quads are cheaper than petrol quads and an electric quad is not designed for long walks, because there is a high probability that the battery will run out at the wrong time, and pushing it home is not the most pleasant entertainment.

Electric ATVs also have a huge plus - it is the ability to ride in any enclosed space, even around the apartment, if the area allows, and even when the grandmother is sleeping - after all, our electric friend is environmentally friendly and almost silent. nine0003

We hope the above differences and features will help you make the right decision whether to buy a petrol or electric ATV. We remind you once again that you must take into account the age of your child, and especially if he is from 3-6 years old. In this case, for safety reasons, we would recommend to pay attention to the electric model.

What to look for when buying?

So, we finally decided on the type of ATV, its size and power. Here he stands in front of us, a new, shiny handsome man, the right color, size, and we are ready to part with the money. Let's not rush and pay attention to some important little things and the equipment of the ATV we have chosen. A high-quality and safe product must be equipped with:

  • Reliable braking system. The presence of a system of safe braking, which automatically stops the car whenever your child takes his foot off the pedal.
  • Seat belt. A must have in a four wheeler.
  • Speed ​​control system. Buy an ATV with a speed controller that limits its speed to what is safe for your child and your nervous system.
  • Battery cover. The battery must be protected by a cap to protect both your child and the battery itself from your child and of course dirt. nine0034
  • Manual transmission or automatic transmission? For most kids, an automatic transmission will be the best choice and will allow your child to focus on the ride rather than shifting gears all the time.

Is your child ready to ride an ATV?

Before you allow your child to drive an ATV, you must assess the child's physical, mental and emotional state. Moreover, it is desirable to do this every time the ATV is used. nine0003

Physical condition. Is your child big and strong enough to ride an ATV? The child must be of sufficient height to stand on the floor and reach the controls while seated.

Mental state . Assess if the child knows the basic ATV safety rules and is mature enough to understand that safety matters.

Emotional state . Some children are very emotional, and this can lead to disastrous consequences. Strong emotions such as anger, excitement, or others can affect a child's ability to safely drive a four-wheeled friend, so do not let him drive if he is not calm and emotionally stable. nine0003

Precautions and equipment for children

Some will want to skip this section, they say, what's new can be said ... I already know everything, I remember, I can. You may know and remember and know how, but your child has no idea. Sit down and read together the last and probably the most important part of the article.

So, the most important part of the puzzle is choosing the right protective equipment. Equipment is necessary to reduce the risk of injury in the event of a fall or breakdown of the ATV. Properly selected equipment is the key to keeping your child safe. If you think that a helmet is optional just because your child rides on four wheels, then you are wrong. According to statistics, the main injuries associated with the use of ATVs are head injuries. nine0003

In addition to the helmet, you will need goggles, gloves, elbow and knee pads. And now more about each position.

Helmet

We recommend purchasing a full-face safety helmet with a visor. A bicycle helmet or any other helmet not designed for off-road use is not a complete replacement.

Goggles

Goggles should always accompany a full face helmet for added protection. Glasses obviously protect your child's eyes. You should not buy glasses that are too tinted, as this will impair visibility in low light conditions or in cloudy weather. nine0003

Gloves

Gloves protect your child's hands from blisters, chafing from constant steering vibrations. Gloves are especially relevant if you prefer rough terrain for walking. They will also protect your fingers from being hit by tree branches and bushes when riding on narrow trails.

Knee pads and elbow pads

There is nothing special to write here, everyone understands why this equipment is needed. An excellent alternative to knee pads are special high boots with shin guards. In addition, we advise you to use tight trousers, of course, there are specially designed for athletes with leather inserts and other bells and whistles, but simple jeans will be enough for a child. They will protect from stones, sand, dust and other things. nine0003

Together with the elbow pads we recommend to wear a shirt with long sleeves, it will additionally protect against abrasions on your child's arms, and during long walks in the sweltering sun it will provide protection from damaging ultraviolet rays.

Phew.. Finally equipped..Almost off... Final checks: seatbelts must be fastened, speed limit set to safe. Well, in a good and safe way!

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What size and type of ATV to choose for children

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An ATV, four-wheeler or quad bike is an off-road all-terrain vehicle that takes you on fast-paced adventures beyond the reach of a conventional vehicle.

Kids ATV is an ATV designed with the shape and function of children in mind, with their safety as a top priority. A child should never ride an adult ATV until they meet the physical requirements and are mature enough to operate this type of vehicle. There are different sizes of quad bikes to make sure your child has a great fit, which we'll cover below. nine0003

Content

  1. 5 reasons to buy a children's ATV
  2. Electric ATVs
  3. Our Council

5 reasons to buy a children's ATV

Why do you need to buy your children ATV:

  • This removes them from the house - with endless distracting factors from -behind screens everywhere, game consoles, phones, iPads, YouTube, etc. It's really hard for parents today to get their kids outside. Kids quad bikes are perfect for this and are a lot of fun. nine0034
  • Character Building - Learning to ride an ATV is pretty easy for everyone. If the child began to ride an ATV, then you can notice that they become much more confident in their abilities. Joint trips can become longer and more difficult.
  • They study mechanics and physics — well, that means they are far from engineers and scientists! But learning how their ATV works and maintaining it yourself is a great skill. In addition, when they ride, they understand the distribution of weight when driving through rather wild terrain. nine0034
  • Family time - in general, you spend a lot more time with them. This is a great activity for the whole family! Makes them social - by that we mean they can join the local quad bike club, which is great because they spend time with other kids who are into sports. In addition, it allows parents to relax!

You can also learn more about children's electric ATVs, it's worth mentioning in this guide as you've no doubt seen both electric ATVs and gas ATVs. nine0003

Electric ATVs

These ATVs are great for small children - children under 6 can ride them as they are very slow. For kids under 8, there is a large selection of electric 4-wheelers that can reach speeds of up to 15 miles per hour.

Electric ATVs are great for beginners to learn how to drive and ride very safely. It has fewer moving parts, so they require less maintenance. In addition, they are very quiet and great for the environment. nine0003

When kids get a little older, they're more likely to outgrow them, as kids' petrol-powered ATVs are much more powerful and faster. Plus, petrol quad bikes for kids are a great way to learn about engine mechanics and maintenance.

Gasoline-powered four-wheeler for kids is inevitable as kids outgrow the limitations of electric ATVs. You can ditch the electric option altogether, as there are 50cc kids quad bikes. See intended for 6 year olds. nine0003

Our advice, if your child is a little nervous about riding an ATV but wants to do it, go electric. Now you know more about how to choose the size of an ATV for your child.

Our advice

You must have an ATV that your child can handle responsibly and physically. Never buy an ATV that they are not old enough for, and under no circumstances should they ride an adult ATV. The maximum weight of the ATV should be approximately 3-4 times the weight of the child. If possible, go to a test track or quad bike to have your little one compare sizes.


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