ATV for Kids: 6 Factors to Consider Before Buying One

You’ve been watching your kids ride around on their friends’ ATVs (all-terrain vehicles), and they’ve been begging you to get one for them. You’re not sure if it’s a good idea, but you do the research and figure out that many kids worldwide ride ATVs and enjoy the process. You’re now convinced but don’t know where to start.

There are several things to consider before buying an ATV for kids: the type of vehicle, how old your child needs to be before driving, how much power it has, and whether or not it has safety features. We’ll cover all these factors and more in this article, so read on.

Table of Contents

Type of Vehicle

There are different ATVs, so you must decide which is right for your child. The three main types are quads, four-wheelers, and side-by-sides.

Quads, or all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), have four low-pressure tires and are designed for off-road use only. They come in various sizes and shapes, from small 50cc models to large 700cc machines. On the other hand, four-wheelers are larger ATVs adapted for use on paved and unpaved roads. Side-by-sides are even larger than four-wheelers and have two seats side by side. The Kayo lineup could be your starting point.

How Old Does Your Child Need to Be?

Most kids will be able to ride an ATV by the time they’re six or seven years old, but this depends on the size and power of the vehicle. 50cc quads are usually recommended for kids aged six to 10, while larger machines like 400cc quads are better suited for older children.

Power

You’ll also need to decide how much power you want the ATV to have. The amount of power is measured in CCs (cubic centimeters) and varies from model to model. A 50cc ATV has about 2 horsepower, while a 700cc ATV can have up to 40 horsepower. More powerful ATVs are not necessarily more dangerous, but they can be more difficult to control.

Safety Features

Safety should be your top priority when looking for an ATV for kids. Look for a machine that has features like a speed governor (which limits the maximum speed), electric start (which is easier for kids to use), and parental controls (which let you limit the power and speed). You should also make sure that the ATV has working headlights and taillights.

Price

ATVs can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, so you’ll need to figure out how much you’re willing to spend. Note that cheaper ATVs are often less durable and have fewer safety features.

Keep these factors in mind before deciding on the price:

Type of vehicle – Quads are typically cheaper than four-wheelers and side-by-sides.
Size – Smaller ATVs are usually less expensive than larger ones.
Power – More powerful ATVs usually cost more than less powerful ones.
Features – ATVs with more features (like electric start and parental controls) tend to be more expensive.

Maintenance and Repair Costs

All ATVs require regular maintenance, such as oil changes and tire rotations. You should also factor in the cost of repairs, which can be expensive depending on the make and model of the vehicle.

Kids ATVs: Where to Buy?

Now that you know what to look for, it’s time to start shopping around. You can buy an ATV from a dealership, online, or from a private seller. Buying an ATV from reputed sellers online can be a great way to save money, but make sure you do your research.