I am thinking of buying my son an ATV, used Polaris Scrambler 90 or something similar, is this a good size and can he handle it? I have looked for the smallest cc engine to make my decision. What is you opinions and advice? By the way, he has never driven a motorized vehicle before, he is 6 going on 7 this summer.

Thanks,

Kevin

 

There was a thread about young children about a month ago. You might try to find it.

This is the hardest topic to discuss. Very young children between 5 and 9 are hard to categorize. It is very dependent on the child's maturity, strength, and eye-hand co-ordination. Every child is different. You need to decide what his capabilities are. I saw a 7 year old roll a 90 cc atv because she was not watching where she was going and drove it into a construction rock pile. I saw a 6 year old boy who didn't understand to let his thumb off the accelerator when he wanted to stop. I had to reach out a pull him off the atv when he went by me. He just froze and kept going into circles. On the good side, I have seen some kids handle 90 cc atv's OK. Instruction and supervision helps a lot.

If you buy one, make sure it has the option of limiting the throttle travel with a screw. Start with the throttle limited to a slow crawl and as he gains experience, then you slowly increase the speed.

 

BINGO! Have my 6 year old on a modded 100. Would I trust her by herself? Heck no! But she does pretty good with guidance.

 

thats all your decision, bu manufacturers are making it easy these days.... kids atvs come manual and auto, have remote kill switches and tether kill switchs, you may want to buy something like a raptor 80 or similar atv with one of those three speed trannies, until they can shift there only goin so fast.
-russ

 

There are many issues to consider -some have already been posted here. I know you came here looking for suggestions and its more likely our suggestions are more in the form of questions for you -

First - kids love riding these things. Who doesnt?

Is your child mature enough to handle a motorized machine?
Is the child of proper fit and size for the quad?
Can the child grasp the hand brake and have the strength to apply it? When seated does their feet sit firmly on the foot boards?
Children subject to 'temper tantrums' may not be ready for un-tethered riding.
Is there an approrpiete and safe riding area. (sounds dumb but I had one mother ask if they can ride it in the house)
Are the parents ready to assume the responisbility of supervising the child. And not just for the first 30 minutes - but at all times (I wont go into the fatality stories)
What are the laws in your state? Some states ban youth under 12 from riding anywhere - on private or public land.
The Federal guiedlines reflect keeping youth that age on 50cc quads. ( I know not everyone here agrees - move on)
Do you know the risks?
Do you have health insurance on the child? (children under 16 are responsible for a large % of ATV injuries - no one is immune)
Are you going to provide the proper safety equipment? Helmet gloves boots googles chest protector etc.
Are you going to lock the ATV up to prevent 'unauthorized use" when no one is looking?
What will your policy be for friends neighbors and relatives who just want to try it?

I work with the DNR here in to certify youth 12-15 years old to ride over 90cc quads after comprehensive study, written tests and demonstrated riding ability tests. Two of the 130 some youth in my classes this year are now dead from ATV accidents ( Accident - An unforeseen, unintended, and unexpected event, which occurs suddenly and produces injury death or damage)

Immeadiate and attentive supervision is the key factor in most youth ATV accidents.

Once you write the check for the new ATV - being responsible to supervise the youth will be your biggest commitment and have a direct impact to whether your decision was right - or wrong.

 

That a staggering figure.

Everything whodatindamud listed is something to consider when letting a kid ride...

 

Bravo Whodat...You have been listening... (inside thread)

Just a brief comment. everything that WHodat has said is important things to consider. We can't tell what your child's maturity level is from this forum. So it is hard to determine what is right and wrong. You have to be the judge there. We can state that statistically speaking, many parents have started their children at this age... some even younger. Again, their decisions.

The Consumer Products Safety Council (CPSC) in conjuction with the major manufacturers have established voluntary guidelines on age versus size of ATV... Many states have used them to draft their own legislation regarding local laws. You really must find out your local rules. Don't be surprised if a dealer who sells ATV's from a manufacturer who subscibes to the CPSC guidelines refuses to sell you anything larger than a 50 cc machine. According to the guidelines, the child will be limited to a 50 until they are 12 years of age.

Safety gear is very important. If you cannot afford to purchase it, or cannot obtain gear from a child who has outgrown it or something, then find another sport... period. I know that sounds harsh, but it is my personal goal to make sure kids have every opportunity to survive a spill... in other words, when a kid gets hurt, It makes me die a little inside..and at my age, I can't afford too many more "lives". Every kid crashes.

Helmets, gloves, eye protection, over the ankle boots, long pants, and long sleeve shirts are mandatory by the guidelines. Many of us advocate riding pants and jerseys, along with a neck roll, and chest protector. They are all cheap insurance....

As for machine.. assuming you will be getting a 50 cc machine, they all have some sort of throttle limiter. Most have what they call a remote kill switch. A lanyard you can pull to kill the machine if you feel the child is getting over their head. LEARN HOW TO USE IT. If you can afford it, get one of the radio headsets that allows you to talk to your child while they ride.. so you don't have to scream in their ear.

The biggest gift you can give your child is your time. YOU MUST BE PRESENT when they ride. In many states, it is mandatory that the child have PARENTAL supervision. Not thier 15 year old older brother. Get the child enrolled in a riding course, and attend with them, so you both learn the right and wrong way to do something.. that lets you oversee their continued instruction.

Lastly, do not think of an ATV as a baby sitter, and do not assume they are safe. YOU can make them that way, but it takes commitment on your part, as well as the child's ability to concentrate and discipline themselves. If they fall short.. make them wait.

If you can get past all the negative stuff, you will find that you are entering a wonderful world of discovery. A world designed for you to share with the child, not just observe them havinhg all the fun. Get involved... become a child again... most importantly, have fun with them.

Welcome aboard!

 

My hats off to Whodat and DB! Well said guys! [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

For those wondering.. whodat is the professional here... I am just an old fart who has been riding in circles all my life.... and someone who has been through many of these issues before. Questions such as this pop up almost weekly... the answers are pretty much the same.

Think about what you are contemplating doing, analyze the child's abilities both physical and mental, make your decision based on research and in confidence, commit to supporting your child's learning experience, and promise yourself that you are going to enjoy the sport with them.

I know the accident numbers appear staggering, expecially when you view them from a parent's perspective, but research has shown that when compared to bicycles, ATV's are safer, result in less injuries, and deaths as well. The negative results are sensationalized by a press eager to tug your fears... but the reality is that children that are capable of learning right from wrong, who exibit self control and confidence that this sport requires, will have these positive traits bleed over into other activities.

ATV riding can be used as a great motivator, you can explore nature first hand on them, and spend quality fun time with your children. Something that sports such as baseball, hockey, soccer etc cannot offer. You as the parent can and are encouraged to get involved. Buy one for yourself, so you can follow them down the trail... You just might find that special something that has been missing from your already too hectic lives...

ATV riding can be addictive. It can cost way more than a health club membership... but I guarantee you this... you won't find a better bunch of people to hang out with, who care more for each other, and are willing to help out at the drop of a hat. In short, this sport can be fun for the entire family. It can be combined with fishing, hunting, camping, exploring you name it. ATV's can also help out with many of the chores we have to accomplish around the house. There are no limits to your imagination... and to how you can use one.. well except they don't cook your lunch.. but you can ride one and discover a nice little coffee house along the trail somewhere... So get out there and ride.... you owe it to yourself.

Dragginbutt
Wise old sage and ATV evangelist...