Recreational use of off-road vehicles, such as ATVs, has increased recently. Teenagers and older children do not need a license to ride in most states. However, there are significant risks involved in addition to the excitement. Whether you are an adult or a teenager exploring ATVs, taking extra precautions for safety is vital.
If you decide to give your kid an ATV, be sure they know how to use it properly and adhere to all safety rules. While this is an improvement, the best way to ensure the safety of children is to forbid them from riding ATVs altogether.
What are ATVs?
ATVs are a practical outdoor transportation option. They work exceptionally well on narrow roads, tight turns, and off-road paths.
ATVs typically have a straddle driving position, which is usually similar to bicycle riding, with one placing one leg on either side of the seat. It also comes with handlebar steerings like a motorbike or a bicycle.
However, its wheels are not like those of a truck or a car. Besides, they offer the capacity to move across various circumstances and terrain. Except for water, all ATVs share three essential characteristics—handlebar position, all-terrain use, and sitting position.
ATVs are frequently utilized for transportation and leisure activities like racing and trail riding. ATVs, which weigh over 600 pounds, have sizable, potent engines that enable them to travel at 65 mph or higher speeds.
ATVs can easily knock passengers off balance and riders, tip over, or even roll over on top of riders because they lack roll bars, seatbelts, or safety cages and have a high center of gravity. Brain injuries can result in severe death or injury. Other frequent injuries include scratches, cuts, broken arms, broken legs, and broken collarbones.
Who Can Ride ATVs?
ATV use is not subject to any government restrictions or age restrictions. As an alternative, every state has its own rules and laws. ATV riders in some states must be 16 years or older and possess a safety license. In other states, children as young as ten are permitted to operate an ATV under the supervision of an adult with a current driver’s license.
It is not advisable to use an ATV for kids and teens who are 16 years old or younger. Even if they are allowed to ride them, ATVs can be too big for children to handle safely. To operate an ATV safely, the operator must react quickly to environmental changes by adjusting weight, accelerating or decelerating, or both.
It is improbable that children under 16 can make these decisions or possess the necessary abilities. If your children ride an ATV, be sure you are aware of and abide by state regulations.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission offers further ATV information which could be helpful based on your specific state of residence. Even though your child will not be controlling the ATV, remember this. In several states, passengers are only permitted if the ATV explicitly accommodates two persons.
ATVs for Kids
Young motorcyclists with little to no riding experience should use youth ATVs. They are more compact than other ATV varieties and typically have 50 to 110-cc engines. These ATVs come with little to no power, either no gears or automatic transmission, and little to no suspension. For junior riders learning to operate an ATV, all these characteristics make it easier and safer to do so.
The Cost of ATVs
ATVs are significantly less expensive than UTVs as a transportation option. New ATVs can cost anywhere between a few thousand and over fifteen thousand dollars. Used ATVs could be more economical for some clients.
Used ATVs can be purchased for as little as a few hundred dollars. However, most well-kept ATVs will cost you more than two thousand dollars. Do not forget other fees like ATV parts you might need to replace when buying a used vehicle. Also, you may need a budget for insurance and safety equipment when making a purchase!
Conclusion
It takes constant practice to become an expert in any skill, and riding an ATV is no different. With time, you will develop the coordination and self-assurance required to operate an ATV like an expert. Ensure to adhere to safety precautions as you ride because it could be risky.
