In many places the law states that you must wear a helmet when riding an ATV. This is especially true for minors. Even if you are not required by law to wear a helmet, it is a good idea. Having a quality helmet is the best way to protect yourself from injury and while many consumers equate price and brand with quality these are not always the only indicators. There are other important factors to consider when purchasing an ATV helmet that will determine how safe and effective it will be for you.
While there aren’t many differences between a motorcycle helmet and an ATV helmet, there are a few and they may make a big difference. Likewise, there are differences between ATV helmets that are designed for different purposes such as off-roading and racing. ATV helmets generally have more ventilation and cover more of the face. While these features add some extra elements of safety, they add more to comfort which can make a big difference if you spend a lot of time on your ATV. ATV helmets are also generally made to be more secure as ATV riding can be more bumpy and aggressive than other types of vehicles that require helmets.
The amount of padding and how well a helmet fits are two of the most important aspects to picking the safest helmet for you. Price and brand often go hand in hand with these aspects of quality but this is not always the case. The primary purpose of padding is to give the helmet a snug fit that keeps it in place without moving. If the helmet that you purchase does not fit correctly, it will provide the best level of protection. Make sure the helmet sits on your head correctly and that it does not pinch at the neck. Whichever helmet you choose, make sure it is Dot certified. You can find plenty of safe helmets that fit correctly and are safe that are not name brand or exorbitantly expensive.
You should also try on helmets before you purchase one. You need to make sure that it has the correct amount of padding to make it fit snugly. Put the helmet on and move your head in all directions to make sure it will fit correctly no matter which way you move. A comfortable helmet is more effective because you will more likely to wear it and will not get tired of the uncomfortable feeling of an improper fit.
Most stores will have a return policy and it is a good idea to make sure you can return or exchange your helmet if you find that it is not comfortable for an extended period. It is also important to find a helmet that does not move around while wearing it and that is stays in the safest position no matter which way you move.
If you are purchasing a helmet for a child, make sure you choose one that is the right size and have your child try it on for comfort before you buy it. Choosing a helmet that fits correctly and that is DOT certified are the most important factors to consider when purchasing an ATV helmet.

There are many things to consider when buying an ATV for a child. You should first determine if the child is mature enough to ride alone and can follow safety precautions. If you think your child can handle the responsibility of an ATV, you must then pick the right one for them. The biggest and most obvious consideration when choosing an ATV for a child is size, although there are other important factors to consider as well.
The size of your child will determine the size of the ATV you purchase. You will want to get the largest ATV they can comfortably drive so that it will last them until they are an adult and they will not outgrow it. Most ATV manufacturers make smaller models for children so be sure to inquire when you visit the dealership.
Safety is probably parent’s biggest concern when purchasing an ATV for their child. While riding an ATV can be a great activity for a child, you need to make sure your child follows safety precautions and the ATV you purchase has all the necessary safety features. Most locals require riders under 18 to take a safety course before purchasing an ATV and this is always a good idea. You will want to consider how stable and powerful the ATV model you are considering to purchase is
The engine size goes along with safety, as children cannot control an ATV as well as adults. The more powerful an ATV is, the greater the chance for trouble. If you are unsure what engine type will be the most suitable for your child, most dealerships will have someone who can explain all the different engine specs to you. If you are purchasing an ATV somewhere besides a dealership, there is plenty of information online that will help you determine a safe engine type for your child.
Let’s face it, even the most mature child is still likely to put more wear and stress on their ATV than an adult because they do not have as advanced driving skills. You want to make sure that the ATV you purchase for your child is reliable and maintenance is not complicated. If you buy your ATV from a major company at a dealership, chances are you will get a warranty and the ATV will be reliable.
This is not to say that you cannot find a reliable ATV other places, but generally dealerships will have the best service and warranties after the sale. You should also take into account the cost of replacement parts for the ATV you buy.
The last thing you should consider when purchasing a youth ATV is cost. Just like any other major purchase, you should shop around for the best deal and make sure you stick to your budget. Depending on how long your child will likely use a youth ATV until they move up to an adult model, you may be better off buying a used ATV and saving for a bigger model when your child grows up.