Hey guys!
First of all, I'm new here and I've registered hoping to get sound advice from experienced riders/mechanics.

I'm looking for a first quad for my son who will be 4 in April. He does fine on all of the power wheels stuff and we were thinking about getting a 50cc. I hope to get a 50 b/c I'd like to start him off slowly.

Seeing that we'd spend $350+ on a power wheels (with little or no resale value) should we be looking at a cheaper chinese quad? Since it's his first, I'm hesitant to pick up a $1900 Outlaw or something like that.

I'm not mechanically inclined but am certainly willing to learn. Are there resources available to teach me how to work on these things? Also - would learning on the little one enable me to work on a full sized if we moved in this direction?

What do you think? I live just North of Philly and haven't been able to find any dealers with these small chinese versions in stock. Ideally, I'd get a 50cc and see it before ordering to size it up for him.

All and any advice is appreciated! It's a bit scary ordering these things online, sight unseen and untested!

 

i'm not a fan of the chinese quads, but this place Raceways Kids ATV, Kazuma ATV, Kids Quads, Youth ATV Helmets is in nj, not too far, maybe an hour north from philly

 

If you buy a Chinese quad you will be working on it pretty constantly. Try to find a used Honda or Yamaha. Much better quality.

 

First of all - thanks for everybody for your responses.

The Raceway Kids ATV phone numbers aren't working - bummer! No address on the site either!

I may go with the Power Wheels ATV since it would allow him to independently ride. May be a good learner as well.

It's just too hard to find spots selling these bad boys. Would love something from a reputable dealer like the Poloris but $1899 - come on. How about $999 or $899.

Have a bit of time before Christmas. If anybody else has ideas please let me know! I'll probably buy myself one at some point too.

 

thats weird, sorry, i just know OF them, and they are decently local to me, so i figured i'd throw it out there.

i found this place in metuchen nj, not too far

Kids Quads /Black Friday Warehouse SALE

and you REALLY CANT beat this one

Suzuki Quad sport 50 for kids

 

Thanks for the links! I have the Warehouse one on my radar for this weekend! I'll have to look into the sport 50 quad. Nervous that something like that may be a bit too much power. Guess safetly teaching him to ride is a big part of it.

 

how old is he? size?

they all have a throttle governer screw to limit the throttle, the chinese ones usually have a kill switch with a key fob

my kids have suzuki lt80's, my oldest is 8 and my other is 7, they handle them very well, but i have taught them at a snails pace, making them aware and semi fearful, and to respect it.

i would buy that suzuki over those chinese ones, but if your not sure if he is going to take to it well or stick with it, maybe go for the chinese ones and see how it goes. or try one of those electric ones, not the power wheel ones, like toys r us and pep boys sell's realistic ones, but no engine, just a battery and electric motor

 

oh and a bit of advise, i have a friend that has like 5 quads, all modified, like a 400ex and the new 450 ect, he bought his daughter one of those chinese ones, and it runs great and all, but he says he always has to tinker with it to keep it together and its wearing on him, taking riding time away from his daughter to fix things taht shouldnt be bad

 

He is 4 and not huge...probably average size. I'll talk to the lady and repost. She's actually pushing for a gas one (b/c the Power Wheels are like $300) and she said she feels like he can handle it. Would love the Suzuki for realiability etc... (but no kill switch remote). My neighbor across the street has been an auto mechanic for over 25 years. He works on my cars. He's offered to keep me up and running if I do go gas but he is pushing for the power wheels (just b/c my son will have independence with it).

When you mentioned electric ones that are more realistic, what are you referencing? Any links to some you might know of?

 

Again - Thanks for the advice!