Teaching Kids to Ride ATVs

Riding powersports vehicles is no longer the sole domain of adults. Recent innovations within the industry have resulted in the creation of smaller and easier-to-handle quads that are specifically designed for younger riders. But as you know, riding an ATV is not without its risks, even if it isn’t as bulky and powerful as an adult model, which is why rider education is so important.

Holzhauer Pro Motorsports, located in Nashville, is proud to be your Illinois ATV dealer, so we’ve drawn up some recommendations for teaching your kids to ride their quads safely and responsibly. If your kids have been champing at the bit to learn how to ride an ATV and you’re equipped with the experience and patience to teach them, then you’ll want to have a look at this guide.

Equip Your Kids With Safety Gear

First, you’ll want to get your kids the safety gear they need to be safe while riding a quad. This includes a well-fitting helmet in their size that doesn’t shift forwards or backwards or feel too tight on them. If the helmet doesn’t have a full face shield, then your child will need a pair of goggles for eye protection from flying debris. Long sleeves and pants in durable fabrics, child-sized riding gloves and sturdy ankle boots with good tread are also necessary. Younger kids should wear chest plates or other forms of padding and protection while they ride.

Acquire The Right ATV

Your child should never attempt to ride an adult-sized ATV. This vehicle will be far too powerful for them and they may not be able to reach or manipulate the controls easily. Fortunately, many companies now manufacture special child-sized ATVs that have less powerful engines and easier handling to give younger riders confidence. Make sure that you and your child try out several different quads while shopping to find the right fit. You can always sell or trade in a child’s ATV for a larger model as your kid grows, too.

Avoid an Audience

One of the biggest problems that many children have when learning anything is being distracted. They also are more inclined to show off if there are any other people around, especially their peers. Don’t teach your child to ride an ATV in front of their friends, siblings or cousins because the child is more likely to take risks and try to impress other kids. They may also just become distracted and unable to focus on what they need to learn. You and your child should ride alone at first so they can get comfortable with using the controls, and you can guide them and remind them of what to do while modeling responsible riding behavior yourself.

Inspect Their Vehicle

Before your child gets on their quad, make sure that the vehicle is in good working order. This means filling up the gas tank, testing the brakes, airing up the tires to the needed pressure and checking the oil. Address any issues you find and test the vehicle again before going out to make sure it’s okay. If you find any problems with your child’s quad that you can’t address yourself, contact the Holzhauer Pro Motorsports service department for assistance!

If you’re trying to find ATVs for sale near Nashville, visit our dealership to tour our full stock of new and used quads for sale. Our staff will be more than happy to help you find whatever you’re looking for, including kids’ ATVs. Holzhauer Pro Motorsports welcomes all of our customers coming from the greater St. Louis, Missouri, region, as well as those of you in nearby Carbondale, Illinois.