Consumer Product Safety Commission Age Guidelines.

Just over ten years ago the CPSC crippled the ATV industry in response to three wheeled ATV’s being marketed to children and the resulting injuries and litigations. Production of three wheelers ceased and the development of new models of 4-wheelers put on hold. The major manufacturers agreed to these controversial rulings as well as the CPSC Age Guidelines in an effort to diffuse the legal assault being mounted against them.
These CPSC Age guidelines, agreed to by the manufacturers trying to avoid litigation, enforced by the threat of termination of franchise to their dealers, has proven disastrous. The resulting quads, mismatched to their intended age groups, has children riding quads that are too small for them, with inadequate suspension and handling. Good handling and suspension are undeniably the very best safety features. Matching a child’s weight, size, and experience to the right machine are as important as engine size. What is being marketed are minis that are inappropriate for any size or age child, with inadequate suspension and dangerous handling.

In the 50cc to 70cc, 6 to 11 year old category, children are expected to ride narrow, tippy little machines, with little or no suspension, most with automatic transmissions that exceed safe speeds even with throttle limiters. Ill-suited for children of any age.

In the 70cc to 90cc, 12 to 15 year old category, teenagers are also expected to ride narrow, tippy little machines with inadequate suspension and handling. Because most 12 year olds weigh 100 lbs and more, and a 15 year old may easily weigh 150+ lbs, suspension is very stiff with inadequate travel. Most young teens simply do not fit these little minis. The quads that are appropriate are “off-limits”. The result is a teenager with a toy quad too small, or a larger quad, appropriate or not, obtained by going around the guidelines. Young riders over 5 ft. tall should not start off on minis.

In both categories the “Thrill” factor of a too small machine with not enough chassis and plenty of pep, assures the manufacturers an enthusiastic response from unknowing children at risk.

There are many good machines rated for 16 year olds that are completely appropriate for riders with some experience as young as 10 years of age. The Honda 250 EX is an excellent example, as is the Kasea Skyhawk 150.
The Yamaha Blaster is a fine machine for riders age 12 & up, as is the Polaris TrailBoss. Many other models from all the major manufacturers are appropriate for this age group. This is widely known, and explains the lack of compliance with the ridiculous CPSC’s age guidelines.
However, it is the machines aimed at the youth quad market that are the real problem. Despite costing nearly as much as the aforementioned 16 year old age category quads, they lack features and basic characteristics like stability and adequate suspension.
This is why the CPSC Age Guidelines are considered an oppressive joke. Stupid rules are routinely ignored and broken in all walks of life, legitimacy and respect for these offending agencies is lost. Born of misinformation, and creating an atmosphere that has lead the manufacturers to market mini-quads that are inappropriate for any age group, but within the CPSC guidelines, children are now riding quads that are too small and inadequate, thereby unnecessarily putting them at risk. The CPSC was acting in response to children riding 3-wheelers and 4-wheelers that were too big for them. Instead they have created a new problem, making children ride quads that are too small and dangerous for them. Death and injury statistics reflect the failure of the CPSC’s Age Guidelines.
New Guidelines need to be adopted that will encourage Manufacturers to make truly age-appropriate quads, with lower centers of gravity, less prone to roll over, with adequate suspension and good handling properties.
It may be necessary to rate these machines more specifically, with categories set up according to age, height, weight, and experience. Lumping these categories into ages 6, 12, and 16 has been a poorly thought out obstacle to just “get around” for anyone with any knowledge of these machines.
“Wider is Better”. Wider quads are more stabile and less prone to roll-over. Just like some SUV’s, these mini-quads have a dangerous combination of being too narrow, with too high a center of gravity, contributing to a high injury and roll-over rate. There is no reason why any quad sold in America should be less than 40” wide, yet some are under 30”. All these minis are about as narrow as they can be. Thrill Factor?
It’s hard to figure out why the designs of these minis are so vastly inferior to their 16 age group counterparts. Single A-arm front suspensions with 2”of travel predominate the class, while the 16 age group quads have full double A-arm suspension with at least 6” of travel.
Many of the minis are based on scooter powertrains, with their motors attached to the rear suspension, making true long travel off-road suspension difficult if not impossible. NO ATV sold in America should have less than 6” suspension travel.

The flood of cheap Taiwanese Minis, guilty of all of the above, are flooding the market under a wide variety of names including major ATV manufacturers like Polaris and Bombardier.

A True industry-wide, Age Guideline, should be of a sliding scale, to accommodate the experience, size, height and weight of the child, as well as age. Experience could account for as much as two years for example, as could the size and weight of the child. Maximum size should be determined by the weight of the machine in relation to the weight of the child. A good rule of thumb here is that the weight of the machine should absolutely not exceed the weight of the child by a factor of five. For example, a 50 lb rider should not be riding a machine which weighs more than 250 lbs. A 100 lb rider should not be riding a machine which weighs more than 500 lbs. A target weight of 4 lbs of machine per pound of rider or lighter is much more favorable. Lighter is better, and Lighter is safer. Size and fit of the machine to the child, as well as weight, have to play into the equation. A young overweight child should not be considered for a higher level quad merely on account of his weight. A smaller quad with higher rate springs might be a better choice. But riders much over 5’ tall should not be on minis.
“You must be This Tall to go on This Ride”

Class 6 mini
Let’s re-define this entry level class, suitable for 6 to 9 years of age, 45 to 75 lb rider. Under 5 ft. tall. (3’ 6” to 4’ 6” recommended)
40” minimum width,
40” minimum wheelbase
225 lb maximum dry weight
6” minimum suspension travel
50 cc two stroke, or 90 cc four stroke
Manual shift with auto clutch or automatic transmission with limiting
device to keep transmission from upshifting automatically until
the parent decides the child is ready
Tether kill switch or radio controlled kill switch
Throttle limiter

Class 8 mini
The current crop of age 12 minis should be redesigned, widened, given real suspension etc. and made suitable for ages 8 to 12, 60 to 100 lb rider, 4 to 5 feet tall.
40” minimum width,
40” minimum wheelbase
250 lbs maximum dry weight
6” minimum suspension travel
90 cc two stroke or 150cc four stroke
Auto clutch transmission or automatic transmission with limiter
Optional Radio Control Kill Switch
Throttle limiter

These first two classes represent the current mini classes, for riders under 5’ tall, and could be built on the same platforms with larger engines and tires on the category 8 models. There are no good current production examples in these categories.

Please refer to “Raptorette 80, the real Mini-Solution” at the end of this paper for details.

Many current 16 age category quads, like the aforementioned models, should be considered for riders as young as 10 and 12, depending on weight and displacement of the machine, size and experience of the rider. There are some good examples in the next two categories.

Light sport class,
Suitable for 10-12 year olds and up, 75+lb. rider, 4’ 6” minimum height. Experience and/or size would allow a 10 year old into this category. This class is currently well represented by the Honda 250 EX, Kasea Skyhawk 150, Yamaha Blaster, the Warrior just slips in on the heavy end, and would be a good choice for a talented 12 year old graduating from a class 8 mini, Blaster, 250 EX, or Light Utility for example.
Light sport class
42” minimum width
44” minimum wheelbase
400 lb maximum weight.
Under 200 cc two stroke, 350 cc four stroke

Light Utility Class, suitable for 10-12 year olds and up, 75+ lb rider, 4’ 6” minimum height. Experience and/or size would allow a 10 year old into this category. This category is well –represented by all the manufacturers with models such as the Recon and Beartracker at the small end, Wolverine and Rancher 4x4’s, Big Bear and Polaris Trail Boss, The Kodiak just qualifies at the heavy end, and would be a good choice for an over 5’, over 100 lb, over 12 year old into hunting or just getting outdoors and riding with friends and family, and doing a few chores.
42” minimum width
46” minimum wheelbase
550 lb. Maximum weight,
Under 300 cc two-stroke, 425 cc four stroke

All current 16 age category quads exceeding these specifications should be made available to 14 year olds with a minimum of two years riding experience and/or previous quad ownership.

The biggest threat of injury while riding a quad comes from inexperience. Beginners of any age face more risk than any specific age group. For this reason, proper instruction, training and supervision are the most important first steps in the quad experience.

Throttle limiters are a given, as they can help even adult beginners “get the hang of it”. But it is critical that the automatic transmissions on these minis be equipped with limiters also, so that parents can keep them in “low” till the child is ready to advance to the next level, avoiding dangerous speeds for beginners.

Radio controlled kill switches allow parents to ride with their children, keeping one element of control while supervising the learning process.
Helmets and proper safety apparel are obvious necessities that should never be left out of any ride.

In Conclusion, the CPSC age guidelines are not the law, just an industry guideline, and a very poor guideline at that. Guidelines are there to inform and guide the consumer into an informed decision. The current guidelines are misguided, leading the manufacturers into making the wrong product and the public into either making the wrong decision or having to go around the system to get their kids on the right and sometimes the wrong quads. The guidelines that I have just sketched out are an attempt at a system of guidelines that would improve the product and inform the consumer. A set of guidelines the consumer can use to make an informed decision. A set of guidelines the consumer can respect. How can the CPSC offer anything less?

Raptorette 80, the Real Mini-Solution.

The Formula for a safe, fun Mini seemed so obvious, but what was the best way to go about it? Though no production mini was even close, there were possibilities. Yamaha’s new Raptor 80 was chosen as the starting point for several reasons. On the plus side were the rear swingarm with driveshaft, the durable 80cc 4-stroke engine with auto-clutch and 3-speed foot-shift transmission. With the shift lever removed the Raptor 80 could be started by pulling in the brake and hitting the electric start button. Leaving the mini in first gear with the throttle limiter set gave the Raptor 80 a controlled learning “top speed” of 7 mph. First lessons involved avoiding obstacles and learning about “BRAKES”. This was gradually increased to 10 mph as “throttle control” became the focus along with staying on the trail, and controlling his own speed with throttle and brakes.
Though the powertrain and styling were superb, The Raptor 80 had the worst of the worst in the suspension department. This is where drastic measures were taken. Using parts off Yamaha’s own parts shelf, the front A-arms and hubs from a Yamaha Blaster were accommodated by completely scrapping the front suspension and re- building the front portion of the frame to accommodate the Blaster suspension. Likewise in the rear, the rear frame struts were replaced and the shock relocated from the vertical position over the rear axle to the tried and true location running from the middle of the swing arm to the main frame tube. The result was increased suspension travel from 2.2” to 7”, using the existing driveshaft swing arm without moving the battery or cutting any of the “plastic”.
Works shocks with springs and valving tuned to the weights of the machine and the rider finished off the suspension. The new Blaster A-arms and hubs increased width from 32” to 42”, along with the new Douglas aluminum wheels. Wheel spacers and wider Douglas wheels were used in the rear to bring that width out to 42” from 32” as well.
Modifications cost over $1,500 in materials and 45+ hours labor.
The result is a spectacular look at what minis are supposed to be. With great handling and suspension, (It jumps! It powerslides! It does whoops! A 4 year old can ride it!) The Raptorette 80 has been featured in the Spotlight on the Yamaha Bluetrax Forum, and will be in an upcoming feature article in 4-Wheel ATV Action Magazine.

Raptorette 80 Pictures of the construction process and the finished product are online at: http://www.imagestation.com/album/?id=4292182195
Thanks for listening,
Alex Ocheltree, P.O. Box 202, Gila, N.M. 88038, AlexRobin@starband.net

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Well done, Alex! I agree! What can we do to change the guidelines? Ideas ...? Boycott these inferior products? Write to your congressman?

 

i personly dont give a flyin !@#$ about the guidelines in place
cause im 14 5'10 and 120 pounds and yesterday i just bought a 250r
and since i was 11 i drove a 86 200sx
my way of protesting this subject is tottaly ignoring the guidelines

 

I agree completely and one way we can protest is not buy these crappy little minis. I plan on buying my nephew a blaster this year (he is 11 and weighs well over 100 lbs., he also has a kx80). There is no way he would fit comfortably on a mini and he would laugh at the lack of power and crappy suspension and handling. The guidelines should definitely be changed to fit size and experience rather than age, and they should also make minis that are safe and fun to get the youngsters involved in this great sport of ours.

 

And Arsonist, believe me, I don't give a flyin' #@*% about the guidelines either, well, I guess I care enough to blatently violate them. I bought my 13 year old a 660 Raptor, when he was 12, and the Raptorette, rated age 12, is for my 4 year old. The upcoming article on the Raptorette will have my 13 year old riding it. He is quite small, only 90 lbs, 5'0". So he looks right on the Raptorette, but he looks great on his 660 Raptor.
.......But the guidelines are just so stupid. And the best way to call someone stupid is to do it right, and show them just how stupid they really are. The Raptorette is the right idea, and my guidelines at least make sense.

........Under my guidelines you would be able to ride anything due to your age, experience and height. Under my guidelines I would still be in violation for both my boys rides. After all, they are just guidelines, some rules were made to be broken. But for parents trying to do the right thing the first time out, guidelines are valuable. The ones in place are just stupid. Their only point is to try to keep the manufacturers out of court.

 

A long time ago, I was riding a machine that was definatly to small for me and that is the only time that I have ever roled a quad. The reason I was on it in the first place was do to an over protective uncle that was convinced that I was to small for the bigger quads. I cant remember what I was riding now, but with my bulk being so high on the machine, it made it very top heavy. Went up a small hill and boom I roled over backwards. I stuck my arms and legs streight out and flipped the quad over the top of me. Simular to doing a rolling flip in martial arts. I was unharmed and the quad landed on it's tires so no damage was done. I went back and told them what happened. My uncle said," See I told you, it is even to big." I argued and finaly convinced my grandpa to let me take his bigger quad, a Suz 250 Quad Runner. I not only made it up the hill but actualy caught a tad of air then proceeded to throw it into some great donuts. The point was to show that the 250 was the quad I needed to be on and that I could easily handle it without wrecking. The little quad was actualy harder, and more dangerous, for me to ride.

Now I am a parent and still remember that day very well. I have a 2 year old daughter and got her a Warrior Princess by PegPerego for christmas(battery type). I will let her ride and develop some riding skills on it till she has out growed it. Then I will move onto a real quad of some sort. I only hope by then they will have a real option in the mini class that I would want to ride myself if I was her size.

I think that one of the reasons that the manufacturers dont build more complete mini's is the cost to the consumer. It is kinda hard to justify spending 3-4000 dollars on a 80 or 100 quad. I love to ride and dream of the day of having a complete family and taking trips of any distance to go riding and exploring the country on our quads. If that developes for me then I would spend any amount to know my daughter and the rest of my family are riding the appropriate, safe quads. I have to be honest and look even at my quad. After the addition of NOS, It will be capable of alot more than what I or anyone can truly say they can handle if an accidental NOS shot, going on a wooded trail or something, was to occur. But that is part of the thrill, pushing the limits a bit and expanding your skills as a rider. Thats is why I have no doubt my family will have machines that well exceed the standards set right now.

I really like the idea of a radio kill switch and now my mind is swimming trying to figure out a way to put one on the Pricess to help keep her safe. One problem I see with your standerds is the riders height. 5'6" is to tall. Heck my mom is only 5'3" 115 and handles her Polaris 400 no problem. True she cant ride it like I can at 6'3" 220 but it is by far appropriate for her. I personaly think 4'10" is about right. I know alot of adults that are even that small. Thanks Fourlix for putting your thoughts on this sight. I agree with you 200%

 

I agree that my heights aren't worked out very well, after all my son is only 5' and riding a 660 Raptor. It fits him perfectly. I think what I was trying to say is that height is as important as weight, and has more to do with "fit". I appreciate the feedback, as it is a rather complex set of guidelines, and unfortunately, I think, needs to be. As such it should only be a guideline and not a hard and fast set of rules. My son has a Raptor because he is a very good, and pretty experienced rider.
Even though he is very small for his age we felt he could handle a full size quad better than making the switch to dirtbikes, where his size would put him on a YZ 80 or a TT-100. He's getting a lot better bang for his buck on 660 Raptor.
I think what we need to say is Weight or Height or Experience Or age.
Without the experience my son has there is no way he should be on a Raptor. However, if he were 5'8" and 160 lbs, and 13 years old, but with little experience, a 250 EX or a Blaster might be not enough quad to last more than a year, and he should start out with maybe a 300EX or 400EX.
Height may be more an indicator of what you shouldn't ride, like if you are over 5 feet tall you are too tall for a mini. Yeah, I like that.
.....More comments please! Let's pick this apart, get it really good and polished. I consider it a good starting point, this is something we know more about than anybody, especially a bunch of pencil-pushing beurocrats.

 

I revised a bunch of numbers, included examples and used my kid's height chart, which has about every kid we've ever known on it, and the dates of the measurements. Rounding off the rider heights to 3'6" to 4'6" for class 6 mini, 4' to 5' for class 8 mini, With a minimum rider height for a light sport like a Honda 250 EX, or a light utility like a Recon to 4'6". With a recommended maximum height on a mini of 5 feet tall, 100 lbs.

 

I think you have hit the nail on the head with that one. Those are some very good guidelines. I dont see at any point where safety could be questioned.

By the way, the Raptorette is way sweet. It could be done for alot less and still be very well done. I mean you wouldn't have to use Works but hey if your gonna do something do it right. You did a very nice job on the rebuild and that is pretty much the exact quad I would want my daughter on.