I want to buy my 9 year old his own atv. It's an expensive toy and I don't want him to grow out of it right away. I think a 90cc would be a good size for him, he looks too big for a 50cc, and I think I can limit the speed on the 90 anyway. We will ride mostly on our own place, but would also like to ride at atv parks and trails. I understand there are laws governing atv size and rider age. I don't want to limit where we can ride if we buy the wrong size. Are the age appropriate laws strictly enforced?

Thanks,
Gordon

 

Where I live (Alabama) I have never seen the gov. age guidelines enforced. I think it is somewhat of a joke to expect a 16 yr old to be riding a 90 cc quad and I believe the 50cc to be a waste of money for any child above 6 yr old. I would definately visit your planned local riding area to check out if there is any enforcement going on though before purchasing an inappropriate sized atv. I plan on getting my 8 yr. old girl a 90 cc quad. I have a friend who had the 50cc kawasaki and he admitted it was basically useless. But I do have to say he didn't ever remove the restrictor (exhaust washer) on it.

 

The CPSC guidelines are just that, Guidelines. Dealers cannot sell you a quad if the rider does not fit into those "guidelines".
So, don't tell them how old the child is you are buying the ATV for.

There are some states that have adopted those "guidelines" as "laws".
I'm not to familar with what states have done what.
<u>So the first thing you need to do before purchasing at ATV is find out what the "laws" are in your state of Virginia.</u>

The topic of the "guidelines" has been hotly debated, and probably will continue to be until they are changed to be a little more appropriate. There are folks on both sides of the fence on this issue.

Good Luck

 

I would check state laws first. I honestly believe a stock 50 is to weak for most nine year old. Be prepared to modify an atv if you go that route.


state regs

 

According to that link you can't ride any atv until 12 years of age.

 

unless you are gunna take him in mud and watter over 6 inches get him 80 cc dirtbike or somthing, they are easy to ride, lite so it wont crush him if he falls, they teach him how to clutch and shift, how to use body english, and it will keep him exited longer then a mini atv, i started on a 1980 xr80, and road that thing as much as posible! then i went to ride with one of my freinds and he had a 90 atv of some sort?, he let me ride it, after 10 minuts i was bord with it, slow,under powerd, and hevy wen i turned. i liked the bike alot better!
i raced a rancher 350 wen i was 11 and won! just wanting to let you know children get bord on the little atv's and i never got bord on that little red winged vehicle! the only reson i stoped riding was cuz i was getting to hevy for it, maximum was like 114lb or somthing, i am well past that now!

 

I'd double check. Under 70cc's may not be regulated.