How old do you think a child should start riding at? I see quads out there that are 40cc and are about 2 feet tall. It looks like a baby could ride it? What do you guys think? I can't wait for my nephew to start to ride...

 

I started my son at 2 1/2 yrs. old. Check out the links in my signature to see him recently (he's 3 yrs 4 mo. now) He rides the smallest quad made, the E-ton Rascal 40. he started with 4 blocks on the floor boards now down to two (see pic).

The Rascal has a training tether in the back and a throttle restricter which I used to train him doing small figure eights in our back yard. Now he rides with no tether or restricter and is doing great. One tip, spend the money and get the gear (full face Helmet, chest protector, boots).

My son has rolled his Rascal already with it landing on top of him (too high around a berm) but was completely unhurt and got right back on (didn't take the berms that high on the next lap)

Good luck and above all have patience, you will be sacrificing alot of your own riding time to coach them.

 

I would love to see the pictures but they don't seem to load?

 

I know they can start racing at 4 years old. But some places like forest service and BLM Land they are supposed to be eight years old before they can operate their own machine. Just check with your state ATV regulations on age restrictions.
Personally you start them out whenever they show an interest in riding. I started mine out at 5 years old. They are still learning but doing fine.
I agree spend the money and get them the full riding gear!!!! My kids have wrecked and other than being a little scared they weren't hurt.
Patience is the main key.

 

boxcar4,

Aparently Yahoo changed thier terms of service and I can no longer link directly to pictures. However my link to my photo album page should work, just look under "Croom Feb 16 '01" for the latest pics of my son and his Rascal.

Let me know if it loads.

 

At late 4 to early 5 years, my son outgrew the Rascal. He's on a throttle limited 90 right now. More ground clearance and easier to drive.

 

That's when I figure he will outgrowe it. He's yet to reach the floorboards so he has growing room.

By then I will get him on a two-wheeler, keep one of my TBlazers and get a KLX300 for me and a KDX200 for the wife (the woods here are much more friendy for the lighter and thinner two-wheelers) The quads are great (had a Blaster, and 250R) but am partial to the bikes

 

Checked out the photos, looks like a very happy camper there. I will probably show them to my next door neighbor. I have been taking his 5yr old daughter for occasional laps around my yard on the Big Bear. Now she is reminding him her birthday is coming........ Gotta do something to help the guy out....
TL

 

My 5 & 7 year olds do love to ride. BUT, if they screw around (too much), off the machine their butts come. And, they respect that. Get 'em riding, but keep 'em safe guys.

 

Amen to that! I set the throttle limiter so that even I can't surprise either of us as well as have her wear her bike helmet. Top speed on our laps is only 5-10mph but thats still enough for something to go wrong. She came over last time with all of her in-line skate gear on and asked if we could go faster. I have ceated a monster.