There’s nothing like the feeling the wind in your hair as you race through wooded trails on your ATV, right? It’s a fun sport that everyone in the family can enjoy. ATVs are easy for young children to start out on because they have four wheels, as opposed to the two found on a motorcycle. But it’s important that these little folks stay safe during their ride. While adults do well on nearly any size of ATV, it’s dangerous to take little ones on adult-sized ATVs.
Research has proven that children who are involved in sports do better in other areas of life. Sports participation improves coordination and balance, increases strength and stamina, and fosters a greater sense of self-confidence. Kids who play sports are also in better physical shape and are leaner than those who don’t. Having a healthy, fit body can help ward off sickness and diseases like Type 2 diabetes. Exercise also helps soften emotional outbursts from little ones who are just learning to control their emotions.
It’s nice to share your favorite sport with your kids, but you can’t just turn a little kid loose on an adult-sized ATV. It’s important to practice good safety habits. Aside from the physical benefits, participating with kids in sports helps strengthen family relationships and creates memories that last a lifetime. But in order to have a positive experience on the ATV, it’s essential that young folks ride ATVs that are appropriate for their smaller size.
To make sure your family gets the most from your ATV-riding experience, here are some tips on choosing a junior ATV and making the most of your family time with your little one.
#1. Decide on how and where you plan to use the ATV.
Where will you be riding most often? What kind of terrain will you encounter? Are you planning on having your child ride the ATV for chores or for fun? Most people use ATVs for trail riding, hunting, chores around the yard, or motocross racing. Decide upfront what kind of riding you want your child to do. Also take into consideration the type of riding that you can stand to watch them participate in. There’s nothing like seeing your little tyke on their own ATV to give you a gray hair or two.
#2. Consider the engine size.
Engine size is one of the areas that can get ATV riders into trouble the quickest. Many adult riders tend to ride any available ATV, regardless of engine size. Often the engine is too powerful for the rider, especially if the rider is a newbie who has just rented the ATV while on vacation. The following guidelines will help you determine the engine size that’s appropriate for your child. Ensuring that you have the proper amount of power ahead of time can help decrease the possibility of accidents caused by an inexperienced rider on a machine with too much get-up-and-go.
#3. Choose a mini ATV with added safety features.
Many manufacturers build small ATVs for children. These junior ATVs usually come with standard safety equipment like a youth helmet and safety tether. Many of them also include an instructional DVD to show riders how to be safe on the ATV. Better models include features like an electric starter and a parent-adjustable speed-limiting feature that lets parents set the top speed for their little ones. This holds them to speeds they can handle until they become more confident riders.
Many manufacturers have a full line-up of mini ATVs with age ratings on them. If you’re considering an ATV for your little one, check with the manufacturer to find the models that are suitable for youngsters.
#4. Always supervise child riders.
Although a mini ATV is smaller than an adult ATV, that doesn’t automatically mean you can turn your child loose and walk away. It’s important that you always supervise kids when they’re on ATVs. Ride along with them, and don’t let them get too far ahead or fall too far behind. If you sense something is wrong, stop and check it out. Better safe than sorry!
#5. Consider used ATVs versus new ATVs.
Used ATVs make a lot of sense when you’re talking about a vehicle that your child will quickly grow out of. Unless you have more than one child and can pass the ATV down as the oldest grows out of it, you’ll be spending a lot of money unnecessarily by buying new every time they outgrow the previous model. Used ATVs are a great option for junior riders because they cost less. They also have the “new” ridden off them, so you won’t feel as bad if your young rider puts a new scratch on it during the learning phase.
MotoMax is North Carolina’s number one ATV, motorcycle, and powersports dealer. Located in Raleigh, MotoMax serves customers throughout the area, including those in Youngsville, Henderson, Wake Forest, Oxford, Knightdale, Garner, Durham, Chapel Hill, and Cary. The owners of MotoMax are motorcycle enthusiasts themselves, and they love sharing the fun of motorsports with little ones.
MotoMax has a wide selection of used and new ATVs to choose from for all members of the family. They also have the means to keep your ATV running smoothly all year long. MotoMax has a service department with factory-certified trained technicians who can help diagnose issues and keep your ATVs purring like kittens. If you’re looking for a junior ATV for your little rider – or for yourself – visit MotoMax today. They’re happy to offer advice and help you pick out an ATV that’s safe, sized right, and affordable!
