Youth ATV Safety Guide

Seeing your child riding an ATV doing a little bit of farm work or enjoying trail rides makes you a proud parent. But before letting your youngster hop on an ATV, there are many safety concerns you should be aware of and precaution measures that should be adhered to. Otherwise, what should have been a fun ride for your child can result in some serious injuries.

Keep reading for some youth safety riding tips, then come to East Bay Motorsports whenever you need help selecting the appropriate ATV for your children. Safety is our number one priority, so we ensure our customers are matched with a model according to their experience and skill level. You’ll find us conveniently located in Hayward, CA. 

The Size of the Engine

Youths vary in age, height, and skills. Therefore, the right size of ATV must be given to them. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, children under 6 years of age should never be on an ATV. As for the rest, the right model should be given to them according to the recommended age. 

Operator Age and ATV Engine Size:

• Children under 6 years: No model is recommended
• Children between 6-11 years: engines under 70cc
• Children between 12-15 years: engines between 70cc - 90cc
• Children older than16 years: engines over 90cc

Some states have specific rules regarding allowable age for the operation of ATVs, so it is important to check your state for rules and regulations.

Skills and Abilities

Although those are the generally recommended size of engines for each age, that should not be the only factor taken into account. Every child has a different rate of physical and cognitive development. Therefore, this can be considered one of the most important factors when deciding if your child is ready to safely operate an ATV. 

Analyze your youth’s reasoning ability, memory, discipline, focus, and decision-making skills. Never overestimate your child’s abilities when it comes to making a decision that relates to safety. No matter how skilled and ready your child is, it is highly recommended to stick to four-wheeled ATVs. They are more stable and are less prone to overturning compared to a three-wheeled model.

Protective Gear

Of course, protective gear is a must. The helmet should be the correct size and comfortably fit the rider. Wearing a loose helmet should always be avoided. In addition, don’t forget that the youngster should also wear gloves, boots, a long-sleeved shirt, and long pants.

The ATV’s Operation

Your youth should have a clear understanding of the following parts and their functions:

• Parking brakes
• Throttle
• Engine-stop switch
• Shift lever

Remember that it takes practice and plenty of adult supervision for your youth to master the skills and be confident when riding. You must explain the importance of riding safely and the effects that a bad decision can have. If you think it’s best to enroll your child in an ATV riding course, then, by all means, do so.

We hope this guide will help you create a safe riding experience for your youth. Remember that at East Bay Motorsports we have the best deals on ATVs, including youth models. We also can help you with parts, service, and finance, so stop by at our location in Hayward, CA, where we also serve the Bay Area. Let us serve you today!