If you are considering purchasing an ATV, you should be aware that they are a big investment. Aside form the initial cost that can run from a few hundred dollars for an older used model to $5,000 or more, you also have top maintain your ATV just like your car. They require oil, gas, and eventually you will have to replace broken parts.
Buying an ATV is not a decision to be taken lightly, and you must consider your needs to determine which ATV is right for you. If you are a beginner, you should start with an inexpensive simple model that will give you practice riding. After you are comfortable, you can upgrade to a more advanced model. You will also need safety gear such as a helmet, gloves, and goggles. Some accessories are not necessary for the casual rider such as winches, unless you plan on using your ATV for work purposes.
Before you buy your ATV, think about what you want out of your ATV experience. You may want to ride for fun, to experience the outdoors and be a part of the excitement. You may want to use your ATV to haul things or help with other work such as plowing snow. You may find that your ATV can be both fun and useful. The reason you are purchasing your ATV should be the deciding factor in which type you buy. If you want it for fun, a light model without all the accessories will be fine. If you want it for work purposes, you should look into getting the accessories you need such as a winch, plow, and hitch. You will also be better off going with a heavier model that is designed for work.
The type of engine you want in your ATV is also decided by your purpose. A 2-stroke engine takes a mix of oil and gas and is better fit for riding for fun. A 4-stroke engine is better suited as a work horse. You will also have to decide which type of transmission you want, an automatic or manual. ATV’s with an automatic transmission are easier to drive just like automatic cars.
If you have experience driving a manual transmission, you may prefer the control that a manual transmission offers. You can also get a semi-automatic transmission, which is a cross between the two. You can get advice on which type is best for you from your ATV dealership or online.
You will also have to decide which type of starter you want. Some ATV’s have an electric start, some have a kick start, and some have a pill start. While this is not the most important factor in choosing an ATV, it can make a difference. If you prefer ease of use, an electric push button start is best for you. With a kick start you have to push a lever with your foot located on the bottom of your ATV.
A pull start operates the same way as a lawnmower where you pull a cord to start you ATV. You should do plenty of research before deciding and be sure to get an ATV that fits your needs.

ATV’s were developed for use in agriculture, for hauling equipment and traveling around farm property. They have since evolved into a hobby for many people and are now even used for racing. People love the excitement that ATV’s provide and the vast array of terrain that ATV’s open up for exploring. ATV’s can provide a lot of enjoyment for riders and be a worthwhile activity.
ATV’s can also be dangerous, especially for children. Adults are often injured when they loose control of an AT and children have even less skill and experience than adults. This is not to say that children should not be allowed to ride an ATV, but they must follow strict safety rules in order to avoid injury.
Children should be taught that an ATV is not a toy and should be operated with care and with safety in mind. They should be made aware of all the safety rules and never allowed to ride without supervision. If children realize how dangerous ATV’s can be and what they must do to stay safe, they will be at a much lower risk of injury.
The best thing you can do for your child before they are allowed to ride is send them to an approved ATV training course. Many places require riders under 16 to take a training course before they can legally ride which is a good idea anyway even if your area does not require it. You should attend the training course with your child so that you are also familiar with ATV safety and can enforce the safety rules your child learned.
Another important safety practice for you and your child is riding the correct sized ATV. Children should never ride an adult sized ATV, as they are usually too large for them to comfortably operate and increase the likely hood of injury. If you are going to purchase your child an ATV make sure you get a youth sized ATV that is not too large for your child. You should also consider the engine size as a more powerful engine means a faster ATV. Children should only drive an ATV that they can handle.
Wearing appropriate safety gear is also an important part of ATV safety. Children should always wear helmets, gloves, goggles, long pants and a long sleeved shirt. Most places require helmet use by law but even if they do not a helmet should always be worn. Using safety gear will prevent many injuries that can occur when riders fall. Make sure that the safety equipment you purchase for your child fits properly and is of high quality. You should make sure that the safety gear your child uses is rated for ATV use.
The last thing you should always do to keep your child safe, is to inspect their ATV before each use. Teach your child how to inspect their ATV as well and you can then both make sure it stays in good working condition and will not break or malfunction during use. If you and your child follow these safety tips, your child will have a safe and enjoyable time with their ATV.