Teaching Children How to Ride ATVs

Since ATVs have continued to become increasingly popular since the 1980s, adults and children alike have enjoyed riding them for hours on end. However, they’re highly powerful vehicles that can hit high speeds, which means they can be dangerous if not handled properly. This is especially true when kids are involved. As excited as your youngsters might be to hop onto their quad and take off, it’s important to take some time to teach them the ropes to ensure safety. Peak Powersports LLC has gathered all the information you need. Keep reading to learn more!

If you’re still shopping for a youth ATV for your child, be sure to visit our dealership and browse our inventory after you’ve read our guide. You’ll find us conveniently located in Sheridan WY, near Buffalo.

Use the Right Safety Gear

Safety gear is crucial for all participants, but even moreso with children. Make sure you obtain all the safety equipment your kid is going to need to prevent injuries. Examples include well-fitting helmets as well as a good pair of goggles or a face shield. The helmet is required for protection in an impact event like a fall or crash. Goggles or a face shield will protect their eyes from flying debris. 

While adults might not always opt for a chest plate when riding a four-wheeler, it would be a wise investment for your child to have that extra layer of protection. They should also wear long sleeves, pants, and a pair of sturdy boots and gloves.

Choose a Child-Sized ATV

You may want to save some money by teaching your child to ride whatever powersports vehicle you have handy, but that’s not a good idea. Children aren’t going to be able to reach the controls on an adult-sized ATV. Not to mention, they won’t be able to handle the level of power these vehicles are packing.

There’s a wide range of quads that are specifically designed for children and teenagers. These aren’t as fast or as powerful as the machines that are built for adults. Go shopping with your child to find the right 4-wheeler for their height and weight. When they outgrow it, you have the option of selling it or giving it to a friend or neighbor whose children might enjoy it.

Don’t Give Them An Audience

When they’re practicing their riding skills, you should avoid giving your children an audience to observe them. It’s a commonly known fact that kids will try to show off in front of their friends, which could lead to them taking unnecessary risks to impress their audience. You should only teach them to ride their ATV when you’re present and can guide them on how to accelerate, turn, brake, and reverse. This will ensure that they’re fully focused on the task at hand, rather than on the people around them.

Inspect the Quad

It’s good to get in the habit of inspecting the four-wheeler before you ride it, but you should never skip this step when it comes to your child’s machine. Check and confirm that the tires are correctly inflated, the throttle doesn’t stick, the fluids are topped off, and the brakes are working. If you allow your kid to ride an ATV that hasn’t been inspected, you could leave them vulnerable to malfunctions.

Ride Together

You should make an effort to ride with your children so they’re not unattended. At the very least, watch them as they ride so you can give them tips and make sure they’re being safe. Why not gear up and ride alongside them and encourage them as you enjoy the adventure together? You can help them become more aware of the obstacles and teach them how to navigate them. Keep their first few rides short and easy on flat, even terrain. You can conquer mud and hills as their skills improve with enough time and practice.

Ready to find the right youth ATV for your child? Stop by Peak Powersports LLC today! We’re locatedin Sheridan WY, near Buffalo.