A Brief History of 2-Up ATVs

If you’re fairly new on the scene, it’s easy to take for granted the fact that 2-up ATVs exist. In fact, we live in a time where a wide variety of side-by-sides and UTVs make off-roading with passengers a fact of life. This wasn’t always the case, however.

In fact, before the popularity of side-by-sides gained traction in the mid 2000s, there really wasn’t such a thing as a passenger-equipped ATV either.

This all changed in 2002 when Can-Am became the first to offer a manufacturer-approved ATV for two people.

It didn’t take long for the concept to spread like wildfire. These days many leading manufacturers offer a 2-Up package on their utility ATV line.

Almost immediately manufacturers began to discover the potential for storage and cargo-carrying capacity in the area surrounding the high backed rear seat. Additionally, and taking a cue from our touring street-bike cousins, specifically designed saddles for a single occupant could easily be swapped into place for those solo adventures.

ATVing is one of those unique experiences that absolutely begs to be shared with others and thanks to as something as simple as the addition of a rear seat, that prospect has been a fact of life for many these past 14-years and counting.