One of the best family activities is off-road riding.
Not only is it a chance for young people to learn new skills and boost their self-confidence, but it is also an exciting way to explore the great outdoors while spending quality time with your children.
Off-roading does, however, involve special responsibilities along with all the fun and adventure, and parents need to be aware of safety precautions during these activities.
Even the smallest ATV is still quite heavy and should be respected and never treated like a toy.
If you’re wondering whether or not your kid is ready to ride, the truth is only you can decide that as a parent because you know your kids best.
Riding readiness varies widely from one child to another, so there is no sure way to determine whether your child is ready except to use parental discretion.
There are various ATVs available on the market in different price ranges and with different sets of features and advantages. So let’s take a closer look at some of the best ATVs on the market and why you should be investing in them.
Best Kids ATVs – Reviews & Buying guide for 2020
Overall Winner: Best Choice Products Electric ATV
The Best Choice Products Electric ATV is not just safe but exciting as well.
The ride-on has exciting decals and top speed of 2 mph power for a safe ride that you can have fun with whenever and wherever you want.
It also has a list of cool features for your little one will love, such as engine sounds, music, a built-in horn, and bright LED headlights that will make your child feel like the coolest person in the world.
The design is also functional, and it consists of treaded tires that make it easy to reverse and turn effortlessly. The wheel also ensures that kids can ride through dirt and grass easily.
The ride-on also conveniently changes directions thanks to the integrated forward and backards switch.
Pros
- 2 speed options
- Realistic sounds
- 12v rechargeable battery
Cons
- Not suitable for kids older than 2 or 3
Runner Up: X-PRO Quad Kids ATV
The X-PRO Quad Kids ATV has an automatic transmission that ensures smooth shifting and allows beginner riders to focus on the trail by removing the hand-operated clutch.
The reverse feature also lets you move your ATV backward with ease without having actually to get out of the ATV.
Thanks to the electric start, kids have more control and handling over the quad and also more confidence in the event of a stall.
The air-cooled ATV engine is designed to deter overheating. So you no longer need to worry about overheating or extra engine maintenance when you purchase this ATV. Assembly is required for this one 107cc kid ATV.
Pros
- 12v battery
- Air-cooled engine
- Automatic transmission
Cons
- Priced high
Alternative: Best Choice Products 4-wheeler ATV
The Best Choice Products Kids quad has a good and stylish design. This ATV is built tough and equipped with lots of realistic features that will enhance your kids’ sense of imagination and adventure.
It also has a realistic functionality and drives like the real thing.
Thanks to the foot pedal accelerator, forward and backward function, as well as the two speeds with a thrilling 3.7 miles per hour maximum speed, this quad will make your kid feel like the coolest person in town.
As a bonus, it has a built-in aux outlet, so your kids can connect their media devices and music to jam to while they’re driving.
The large treaded wheels with four-wheel suspension ensure that they can conquer any terrain, including driveways, sidewalks, and dirt as well.
The LED headlights make for a fun and exciting ATV experience, while the horn simply adds the adventure. The 12 V battery comes equipped with a charger that enables your child to enjoy hours of fun after each charge.
Pros
- Rugged design
- Realistic functionality
- Built-in aux outlet
Cons
- Build quality is poor
Alternative: FamilyGoKarts Youth Electric ATV
The FamilyGoKarts Youth Electric ATV is an all-terrain quad that lets your kids ride where other electric quads cannot go.
This ATV quad has great features such as gas-powered 4 wheel tires, a full suspension, chain drive, reverse, disc brakes, and a rugged high-strength steel chassis.
The battery charges in as little as six hours and gives you two hours of full use after each charge. Ultimately, the 12-volt battery that charges in six hours and 350-watt motor pushes the ATV to 10 miles power.
The quad has several great safety features such as a keyed switch that allows parents to choose from two different speed settings, as well as other settings, and limits the bike to 5 miles per hour and high settings that allows it to go at full speed which is approximately 10 miles power depending on the terrain and the weight of the rider.
It also has a padded handlebar, LED headlights, and solid platform footwells.
Pros
- All-terrain quad
- High speed of up to 10 mph
- Keed switch for added safety
Cons
- Poor build
Alternative: Costzon Kids Ride On ATV
The Costzon Kids Ride On ATV has a realistic and stylish appearance. Designed with bright headlights and music, this ride-on toy provides your children with hours of fun and adventure.
The quad shape undoubtedly makes it cool and something that every kid will want. However, it does also have a safe design and spring suspension system.
The spring suspension minimizes vibration so that your kids can have a smooth and more comfortable ride. The four wheels made of PE materials leave no possibility of overheating and tire bursting accidents. Therefore it is ideal for various terrains.
It also has some pretty cool and attractive functions, so kids will gain confidence. It also goes at a surprising 2.6 miles per hour at maximum speed.
As a bonus, you will find an mp3 player, USB port, and TF card slot. This allows kids to play their choice of music while there are on their road to adventure.
It is also quite easy to operate with a foot pedal for acceleration. You can also change direction with the handle. Toddlers and young children will have loads of fun thanks to this flexible and feature-packed quad.
It makes the ideal birthday and Christmas present for kids aged 3 to 8. Children will enhance their independence and coordination in play.
Pros
- Spring suspension system
- LED lights
- Forward and reverse functions
Cons
- Some units may be defective
Kids ATVs FAQ
What age is a 50cc ATV for?
Today, more children under the age of 12 years old are riding all-terrain vehicles than at any point in time.
All-terrain vehicles are exciting and versatile, and as a bonus, it can be enjoyed by the entire family. This is mainly why it has become such a popular activity in recent years.
There’s also an increasing number of manufacturers building ATV models designed specifically for children that contain bigger brakes, smaller motors and are packed full of safety features to make them suitable for young children.
So what is the ideal age for a child to start riding an ATV?
Well, six years old is an appropriate age for your child to start. Lots of models are designed and intended for use by children six years old and above.
If you’re planning on teaching a child to ride an ATV, it’s advisable that you start them out early on. However, children under the age of six may not have the strength to handle and manoeuvre these vehicles safely.
There are however lots of all-terrain vehicles available for children and some are incredibly light and powered by batteries or a 50cc gas engine.
50cc All-Terrain Vehicles for Kids
Your child can move up to a 50cc ATV once they’ve mastered the basic skills required to drive an all-terrain vehicle. A 50cc vehicle is light and small and normally without a suspension.
It is still imperative to stay slow when your kid first rides an ATV. As he or she becomes more confident in riding, you can turn up the speed as you need.
Some 50cc all-terrain vehicles contain a security kill switch and link to a harness that a grown-up can hold while strolling behind the all-terrain vehicle. You can pull the harness and stop the engine immediately by using this kill switch.
Some people think that for children that are already skilled, 50cc ATVs may be too small even if they are under six years old. However, the truth is that a 50cc ATV is suitable for children six years and under irrespective of skill level.
This is because skill and experience are not the only factors involved in riding an all-terrain vehicle safely. It’s also a matter of size and strength.
So as responsible parents, you should keep your children on 50cc vehicles until they are expert riders or at least six years old or the physical equivalent of a six-year-old child.
Another fact is that 50cc all-terrain vehicles have the ability to travel at more than 30 mph and whoever is behind the wheel needs to have the physical power to handle those speeds.
What is a good size ATV for a 10-year-old?
The ideal ATV for a 10-year-old will be relevant to the child’s readiness and also riding experience. Ideally, it should not be too heavy or large to operate adequately. So basically it should have just enough power so that they can control it.
When it comes to all-terrain vehicles, the ideal size for your child is going to depend on their age and other factors such as the weight as well.
It is recommended that you allow your child to sit on the ATV you are planning to purchase and ask them how they feel. Your child should be at ease when sitting.
They should also be able to get to the handlebar without stretching out their arms. All-terrain vehicles should also be user-friendly and quite easy to maneuver and manage.
Lots of all-terrain vehicles have an engine size of 50cc, which is the smallest size in most manufacturer lines. This size is ideally suited to kids between the ages of 6 to 10.
These models are between 25 to 35 inches tall, which is adequate for a six-year-old. All models of 50cc quads come with a throttle limiter that allows your child to control the highest speed limit.
This ensures that they don’t go hard on the thumb throttle. So if a child is aged between 6 to 10, then a 50cc should be ideal for them if they are not too short or too tall.
The next size is the 90cc model, and they are slightly more powerful and bigger than the 50cc. These are suitable for children aged 10 to 16. They are also equipped with essential features such as rev limiters that you can use to reduce the speed to an appropriate level.
Can kids drive an ATV?
All-terrain vehicles are also known as off-road vehicles and are most often used for recreation. In most states, it’s legal for kids and teens to ride them.
However, along with the thrills, come major safety risks as well. ATVs can be hard to control, especially at high speeds. Rollovers and collisions can occur, and some of these could be fatal.
While there are no federal regulations limiting the age of the child that can ride an ATV, parental discretion is advised. Each state also has its own guidelines and laws.
While some states may require a child to be 16 years older and have a safety certificate, other states may allow children as young as ten years old to ride an ATV with parents supervising and having a valid driver’s license.
However, with that said, no matter how many guidelines or laws exist, there is no substitute for parental discretion.
ATV injuries are common when parents fail to use common sense when putting their child on an ATV. The most common cause of injuries while riding ATVs is when the vehicles itself is far too large for the child.
There’s nothing magical about age or number that somehow makes an ATV safe for a child to ride. Just because your child is seven years old and is turning eight does not mean that they are suddenly capable of handling an ATV that’s labelled for eight-year-olds.
Each child is different, and parents should consider the child’s development, skills and fundamental abilities as individuals when allowing them to ride an ATV.
Several factors such as the physical size and strength of the child, athleticism and coordination as well as the mental maturity level of the child should be taken into consideration before placing a child in an ATV.
For example, some six-year-olds may be bigger in size than eight-year-olds. On the other hand, some children may be physically big enough to handle an ATV; however, may not have a mature attitude which makes them less capable than a much smaller child.
Where your child will be riding is another important factor to consider. The maximum speed and safety of the vehicle, as well as parental control features, are all important factors to consider before purchasing an ATV for your child.
It is recommended that if you don’t feel your child is ready for a gas-powered ATV that you should consider one of the newer electric-powered models that have recently come into the market.
This is a great transition from plastic ride-on toys, and most models feature some welded steel frames, pneumatic tires, full suspensions and braking systems.
You should also ensure that your child rides an ATV that is specifically designed for children. The ATV should also have security and safety features such as speed limits, controlled shut off and controlled access using a key ignition as well as brush seat harnesses.
What age is appropriate for an ATV?
If you’re like most parents, then you want to afford your children enjoyable and safe opportunities that provide hands-on learning.
But let’s face it; children want to go fast and have fun. Allowing your child the freedom to own an ATV teaches them responsibility and also gives them a way to enjoy adventurous activities.
ATVs for youths control their off-road experiences and allow them to learn on vehicles that are adequate for their age and size before advancing to full-sized vehicles.
As parents, you know better than anyone your child’s abilities and capabilities. Your child’s emotional development is also key in allowing them to operate an ATV.
An oversized ATV can be dangerous to your child, and it can also be dangerous if a child doesn’t understand how to adequately and appropriately operate an ATV.
The size of an ATV motor plays a huge role in allowing your child to travel at a pace they can handle while still being able to enjoy the experience.
From the age of six, a small engine ranging from 50cc would allow your child the best experience without giving them too much power. Coincidentally this is also the recommended age for a child to start riding an ATV.
The Verdict: Best Kids ATV’s On The Market
Aside from developing motor skills and improving comprehension, ATVs are an excellent way to keep your child occupied and proactive.
Kids who participate in activities such as riding ATVs are able to socialize better while experiencing fun and games.
However, it’s also imperative that parents provide adequate supervision and guidance for their children while riding these quads.
ATVs are a great solution to get your child outdoors and having some fun and adventure while improving hand and eye coordination.
