More and more children under the age of 12 are discovering the fun and excitement of riding a quad. Whether dad, mom, or both are riding down sand dunes or rough terrain, kids will be so enamored with the activity that they can’t wait until they’re old enough to ride an ATV. As a parent, you too are excited for the day your children are old enough and mature enough to handle the quad. However, if that day is almost in the offing, learn how to introduce your kids to ATVs here.
get the right size
First of all, you need to think about the size of your child. If you’re an avid biker, you know all too well that bigger quads are heavier, faster, and harder to maneuver. So small, skinny kids will have a lot of trouble handling the larger youth ATVs.
Practice using safety equipment
Seeing the vehicle, your children would be so excited that they could get on the vehicle without any equipment. Don’t let them ride off into the sunset just yet. Teach them the importance of wearing safety gear. Before starting the engine, make sure your children wear a helmet, bulletproof vest, gloves, pants, and a long-sleeved shirt. There are never enough precautions when it comes to your children.
Get an early start with electric quads
If you are really passionate about riding bikes outdoors and want to get your kids started as soon as possible, electric quad bikes are available in the market to help your kids build confidence. These quads are battery powered, super light and incredibly slow. The idea is not to give your children the adrenaline rush that you enjoy as an adult. By playing with a slow and steady toy, kids will learn essential skills for riding larger quads, like steering and braking.
Gain Experience with Youth Quads
If your youngsters have experience riding quads, they are ready to handle a 50cc gas-powered ATV. This ultralight youth quad is small with minimal to no suspension. More importantly, the vehicle is equipped with a governor to control the top speed of the quad. Taking baby steps is important to avoid any accident. After a few weeks of driving and you can see the development of your children, you have the option to increase the maximum speed.
As an added precaution, strap-connected safety kill switches are available for small quads. An adult can hold the leash while walking behind the vehicle, and should the unexpected happen, a quick tug will kill the quad’s engine.
Prepare them for larger ATVs
Once your kids have shown enough skill and awareness, the next step is to move up to a 70cc quad. The recommended age for an ATV this size is 13, and the recommendation doesn’t change until your kids turn 16.
At this level, age and skill matter a lot because these vehicles are heavier and faster, which means they are dangerous for the unskilled. Again, make sure your children are always wearing safety gear before going for a ride. Lastly, if you are traveling as a family or in a group, don’t make the mistake of going too fast. Children will try to catch up, and when they do, they could make mistakes that could lead to accidents.