5 Do’s & Don’ts For Kids On ATVs

So, you have decided that your son or daughter is finally old enough to join you on your weekly ATV rides, and you are looking to make their day by investing in their very own ATV. When choosing a machine, there’s a lot to take into account, and with that in mind, here are a few do’s and don’ts for children and quads.

1. Do Seek Out A Professional Opinion – When you are looking at ATV machines, the dealer has a wealth of experience and can advise you on the best model for your child, while also selling you the accessories that go with ATV riding. A short test ride would be in order, to check that he or she can reach the foot pegs, which is essential, and with a little tuition from you, they will learn how to use their bodyweight when riding.
2. Do Some Online Research – Somewhere on the Internet there’s a great article about choosing the right type of quad for a child, and Google will help you to find it, which will help you understand the power and control issues. If your son or daughter is in their early teens, they would be best suited to a 50cc engine model, which is governed down to a maximum speed of 30mph, although you can remove that later, which gives another 7-8mph, something you can do after a couple of years. There are durable junior quad bikes for sale at an online dealer’s website, and they have a range of new and used ATVs for kids with attractive finance options.
3. Don’t Forget Protective Gear – Just because your child is riding a slow machine, doesn’t mean they don’t need protective clothing and equipment. A good crash helmet is a must, as are a pair of gloves, which will keep their fingers warm and that enables good grip and brake application. It is easy to get scratched when riding through the forest, so they should wear denim jeans and a protective jacket. Good ankle support is also essential. Eye goggles are recommended, as insects can easily cause an accident if one hits you in the eye.
4. Don’t Allow Solo Trips – At least not until your child is competent, and even then, they would always have to be reasonably close to you. If something should happen and you didn’t see it, your child could be injured, so you should always be near each other when on your ATVs.
5. Do Encourage Your Child – As with everything positive, you should always encourage your child to overcome obstacles and learn practical skills that will pay dividends in the future. If they experience a little discomfort, for example, help them to get through this and laugh about it later, which will build character, yet do be realistic about your child’s capabilities, for obvious reasons.

It is important to spend the time helping your child to better understand what makes a good ATV rider, and with some guided practice, your child will soon be ready for a powerful upgrade.