If you enjoy the high speeds, jumps, and boundary-pushing riding that comes with off-roading, chances are your children will want to learn to ride and experience these thrills, too. Since driving an ATV or UTV requires skill, quick thinking, fast reflexes, and strength, you should start teaching them the basics as soon as you can with a vehicle they can handle and appropriate riding gear. ATV Trader is sharing our top eight safety tips for teaching your kids to ride ATVs and UTVs when it’s time for that rite of passage.
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1. Vehicle Size and Power
Fortunately, there are pint-sized off-road vehicles that are made specifically for children. The great thing about these smaller quads is that your children can safely reach the throttle and brakes while in a fully seated position. The other good thing is smaller engine sizes make sure that you’re not putting too much power in the hands of a beginner. There are 50cc (cubic centimeter) engine models that are safe for children 12 and under. For those up to 16 years of age, you probably don’t want to go any higher than a 125-cc model. As your kids start to get older and progress with their skills, you can probably get them up into the 200 or 400cc ranges. Anything 450cc and up should be reserved for skilled adults only.
2. Know The Controls
Before even turning the motor on, your child should be familiar with all of the controls on the quad. This includes the throttle, the hand brakes, the foot brakes, the instrument cluster, how to turn the lights on, how to set the parking brake, and any other features unique to their off-roader. Once they learn what each item is and when it should be used, then the actual riding can begin.
3. Safety Gear
One of the things that your youngster should learn from the very beginning is the importance of wearing proper safety gear. Make sure they have an approved helmet that fits properly. If the helmet doesn’t have a visor, you’ll also want riding goggles. Eventually, you may want to get them gloves, riding boots, a chest protector, and elbow and knee pads, too. Remember that children mimic their parents. Set an example, and teach them safety by using the proper safety gear yourself.
4. Test Run
To test their knowledge from the “controls” phase of the lesson, ask them to start the engine and wait for your commands. Run them through a series of very short sessions at first, perhaps starting with, “Engine on. Throttle. Hand brake. Throttle. Foot brake. Parking brake. Engine off.” Be sure to do this in a wide-open space without hazards, such as an empty parking lot. As they progress, you can let them throttle longer to get used to the speed and the stopping power of the brakes.
5. Master The Basics
Be sure to introduce one new skill at a time. Once they have learned accelerating and braking to your satisfaction, relax for a bit before moving on. In the next session, make sure they can do the skills from the previous session, then teach them something new. Lesson two might cover turns with their quad. Lesson three may be moving off the parking lot and onto a straight, flat trail so they can get the feel for the bumps and learn how to absorb them. Lesson four may be about how to ride over something, like a small bump or jump.
6. Be Patient
You want the learning process to be enjoyable so your child’s love of the sport grows with their skill. Be firm with your commands and make sure they are doing everything correctly, but don’t chastise them if they are repeatedly getting something wrong. If you need to go back a step so they have full understanding, be patient and positive. If the child is getting frustrated, take a break.
7. Ride Together
Once you are comfortable with your child’s basic skill sets, find a nice, easy trail and go for a ride together. Let your youngster lead so you can observe from behind in your ATV. If you have helmets with headsets, you can give commands along the way. Start off with a course you’re familiar with that’s easier to learn on. As they learn, you can plan fun trips together to the top family-friendly off-road riding destinations.
8. Hydrate Thoroughly
Your child is undoubtedly going to be excited about learning new skills and the ability to ride with the family. Just be sure to make sure they are getting plenty of fluids along the way, especially if it’s hot outside. You might want to steer away from drinks with caffeine and/or lots of sugar so they don’t get too hyped up. Water or drinks with electrolytes are probably your best bet.
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As your child grows and develops their riding skills, you’ll probably want to move up in the size of their ATV or UTV. We have you covered with a huge selection of new and used off-roaders to choose from. See all the listings on the nation’s largest marketplace at ATVTrader.com.
