5 Best ATVs to Buy for Your Kids This Holiday Season
Written by Jordan Stokes.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Get your kids off the screen and outside! Whether your kid is a top-notch daredevil or just loves to get out and ride, we have rounded up 5 of the best ATVs to buy your kids this holiday season.
We’ve covered everything from age ranges, engine sizes, price, safety tips, and gear to make it easy to let your little ones loose on their kid-friendly ATV adventure.
ATVs are great for kids because they require less balance and are easier than riding a bike! In fact, there are many manufacturers that make dozens of different four-wheelers that are specially designed for kids and loaded with safety features.
There are a few safety features you want to make sure the ATV has before you make your purchase. In addition to quality tires, lights to use in dim conditions and power lock brakes, you can also look for features like padded handlebars for comfort.
Youth ATVs for Kids: Safety Tips and Safety Gear
There is more to Powersports safety than just vehicle safety features, meaning there are a few more things you will need in order to ensure your child’s safety on their four-wheeler.
• Protective Gear. Everyone, no matter their age should wear long pants, long sleeves, gloves, and over-the-ankle boots while riding. This is especially important because ATVs have a high center of gravity and no safety cages, roll bars, or seatbelts, which means if they tip, your child can fall off. Long protective clothing will help prevent scrapes, cuts, and in some cases, cries while they are out there.
• Helmet. The best helmets for ATV use have a full face shield and meet Department of Transportation safety standards. Many helmets have flip-down visors for eye protection. You are going to want to measure the circumference of your child’s head in order to find the correct helmet size for them.
• Eye Protection. If their helmet doesn’t have a full face shield, you are going to want to get them some shatterproof goggles. Goggles protect against wind, debris and if there were to be an accident, against any eye damage.
• Supervision. All children and most teens should be supervised while riding an ATV of any kind. In fact, some states require teens to be at least 16 and have a safety certificate before they can ride an ATV without adult supervision.
Pro Tip: Even if it is a two-person ATV, kids should never carry a passenger for safety reasons.
Youth ATVs for Kids: Engine Sizes
ATVs are getting bigger and faster. ATVs can range up to 700cc and greater in engine size, weigh up to 600 pounds or more, and reach top speeds exceeding 70 miles per hour. All of these aspects are very difficult (and dangerous) for kids and teens to handle. Which is why it is important to do your homework and find an ATV that fits the needs and safety guidelines for kids.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CSPS) has previously issued an ATV Safety Alert regarding engine sizes for young riders. The CPSC considers that an adult size ATVs have an engine size of 90cc and greater. Teens must be at least 16 years old in order to safely operate an adult size ATV.
The CPSC also suggests the following for children of different ages:
• Children aged 6 to 11 should use an ATV with an engine under 70cc.
• Children 12 to 15 can operate an ATV with a 70 to a 90cc engine.
• Those who are 16+ can operate adult-sized ATVs, which range from 90 to 700cc.
Keep in mind that there is a reason for these sizing suggestions and safety alerts! Make sure to select an ATV that is designed for your child’s age group. These are typically shown on the manufacturer’s warning label on the vehicle.
Pro Tip: You’ll want to check out the appropriate age range recommended by the manufacturer of each ATV you are looking at. Consider your child’s height, weight, strength and more in order to get one that suits them best.
Youth ATVs for Kids: Electric vs. Gas
If your child is younger than 6, it is recommended that you stick with the electric powered ATVs because of safety reasons and ease of use. Electric four wheelers are low maintenance, and the battery will typically last up to 45 minutes, which is plenty of time to keep them entertained.
For older kids, gas is okay. Just remember to make sure the ATV is the correct size, and that they are only riding under adult supervision.
Best Youth ATVs for Kids this Holiday Season
Depending on your child’s age, size, weight, etc. one ATV might suit them more than another.
Questions to consider before you buy: Is this the right size ATV for your child? Does the ATV have the safety features it needs for you to feel comfortable letting them ride it? Let’s take a look.
All of the following youth ATVs are gas powered and sold and serviced by our dealers.
- Yamaha Raptor 50
Suggested Age: 6+
Featuring a low maintenance 49cc 4-stroke engine, engine limiters, a power cut-off tether switch, and a fully automatic CVT transmission and electric start with a back-up kickstart.
Priced at around $2,000. Available in Team Yamaha blue and white.
- Polaris Outlaw 110
Suggested Age: 10+
The Polaris Outlaw 110 has a 49cc air-cooled single engine with an electric start that your little ones can easily handle (with adult supervision).
Priced at around $3,000. Available in colors Gray/Lime Squeeze and Gray/Pink Power.
- Honda TRX 90
Suggested Age: 10+
The Honda TRX 90 is ideal for kids above 10 years of age. This ATV delivers smooth power, easy operation, and rugged reliability. Featuring an 86cc air-cooled SOHC single-cylinder four-stroke engine and no-clutch transmission, it’s perfect for beginner riders.
The Honda TRX 90 is priced at about $3,000. Available in the colors red and olive.
- Textron Alterra 150
Suggested Age: 14+
Featuring a 149cc 4-stroke engine provides a top speed of 20 mph, but can be adjusted to 30 mph when they’re ready, the Textron Alterra 150 is perfect for riders 14 years or older.
The ATV is priced at around $3,500. It comes exclusively in performance red, suitable for both boys and girls.
- Can-Am DS 90X
Suggested Age: 14+
If your kids are ready to hit the track, the 90X should be on their list this season. It features a double A-arm, a long travel suspension and it’s even race ready with nerf bars, number plates and more. Priced at almost $4,000, the Can-Am also has an easy-to-maintain 89.5 cc, 4-stroke engine and a max unrestricted top speed of 30 mph.
*Can be used by children aged 10 and up if they are tall enough and mature enough to handle and steer the quad on their own.
The best youth ATVs for kids don’t stop there! Other manufacturers who make great youth ATVs include Sonora, Rosso Motors, Honda, TAO TAO, HAWK, Yamaha, Kawasaki, and so much more.
Remember, ATVs are a great and exciting gift for any kid or young adult, but be sure to instill safety as the most important part of ATV-ing. Teach your kids how to safely and properly navigate different terrains and how to enjoy the thrill of ATV-ing with safety in mind.
If your child is 16 or older, check out our nationwide inventory of adult-sized ATVs to find one that suits them!
