A Quick Guide to ATV Safety for Young Riders

ATVs are fun for both the young and the “young at heart,” and it’s never too early to start teaching your kids about safety. They need to spend plenty of time riding around with mom or dad before they begin driving on their own, and they need to prove that they have the maturity to ride responsibly. Here are a few easy tips to help you get the young riders in your life ready for a lifetime of fun in the mud! To learn more about ATV safety, come see us at Schnelker Marine & Powersports in New Haven, Indiana. We proudly serve riders in Fort Wayne and Auburn, Indiana.

Types of ATVs

All-terrain vehicle (ATV) is a general term for an off-road vehicle that travels on low pressure or non-pneumatic mud tires and features a seat straddled by the rider. ATVs can have three or four wheels, and are subdivided into two main types. Type I ATVs are designed for a solo rider, and  Type II ATVs include a seating position behind the operator for a passenger. ATVs come in different sizes and at several different price points.

Learn the Labels

There are five different categories of ATVs. Adult riders have their choice of either sport or utility ATVs, depending on their preferences and typical riding conditions. There are three different categories of ATVs designed for young riders with recommended minimum age limits of six, ten and twelve years old. Youth ATVs are designed for smaller hands and feet, and have smaller engines that travel at slower speeds.

Gear Up!

Young riders need to have their own helmet, and it needs to fit securely without being too tight. A growing child might need to go through several helmets over a short period of time. Be sure to check the fit and condition of the helmet frequently and replace it as often as necessary. A helmet is designed to absorb damage to protect the head inside and is no longer considered safe after it’s done its job in a crash. You don’t have to replace the helmet every time it gets a scratch or a little cosmetic damage, but you should always err on the side of caution when it comes to youth safety equipment. Be sure to be strict with your children when it comes to following safety precautions. Riding an ATV is a privilege that comes with a lot of responsibility, and you should never be afraid to revoke that privilege if your kids make bad decisions.

To see our current inventory of new and pre-owned UTVs for sale, visit Schnelker Marine & Powersports in New Haven, Indiana. We serve off-roaders in Fort Wayne and Auburn, Indiana.