ATVs offer the perfect blend of excitement and utility for those who relish off-roading adventures and trail exploration. The appeal of these versatile vehicles extends beyond experienced adult riders, as teens and children can also enjoy the exhilaration of the trails. In this article, we’ll delve into the differences between youth and adult Polaris ATVs to help you make informed decisions for your family’s off-roading escapades.
Youth Polaris ATVs are a perfect way to let your little ones explore the trails on their own while they develop basic knowledge about riding safety and controls.
One of the questions we’ll answer here is what is the best youth ATV? There are several factors to consider before you purchase an ATV for your children. Polaris ATVs are an investment so choosing the right one is important. However, if you are buying a Polaris ATV for youth, then your child might outgrow the ATV within a few years, so picking the right size is important.
The following are the criteria for choosing ATVs. We have simplified the methods to pick the right ATV for children in multiple steps so you can confidently purchase.
What age is appropriate for an ATV?
In some states, children below the age of 6 are not allowed to operate an ATV. Yes, you can take your child as a co-rider while exploring the trails, but they must be 6 before they can operate an ATV independently. Children from the age of 6 to 10 need ATVs with specific safety features and equipped with ATV youth riding gear to protect the rider in multiple ways.
For children aged 11 to 15, ATVs are different from those used by younger children. The engine will have a little more power and the machine will be larger. However, the biggest determining factor regarding the ATV size is your child’s height and weight.
Youth and Adult Polaris ATV: does size matter?
Size is an important factor you must consider before purchasing an ATV. Yes, size matters. Machine size determines how well you or your children can manage and operate it and if it suits your purposes.
Here is a quick size guide based on common ATV dimensions.
- ATVs for youth: 30-40” wide and 50-60” in length
- Small size ATVs: 41-43” wide and 60-70” in length
- Standard ATVs: 43-45” wide and 70-85” in length
- Large size ATVs: 45-48” wide and 85-95” in length
ATVs have multiple uses whether for recreation or jobs. If you are still wondering what size ATV to purchase, below are a few factors to consider:
- Purpose of the ATV
- Place and type of riding
- How many people will ride the ATV?
- Age and body type of rider
Purpose of the ATV
Whether you’re looking for a youth or adult Polaris, the purpose of an ATV plays a significant role in determining the ideal choice for riders of all ages. Whether it’s trail riding, hunting, racing, or even performing chores such as snow plowing and landscaping, ATVs offer versatility and adaptability. When selecting an ATV for comfortable trail riding, consider the Polaris General, a model designed with general off-roading and utility in mind. For more adventurous souls, the Polaris Sportsman and RZR is an excellent option, boasting a high-power engine and robust build to tackle challenging terrains.
For young riders, it’s essential to keep their interests and capabilities in mind. Youth ATVs are often designed to accommodate various activities while maintaining the necessary safety features. Polaris offers a range of ATVs suitable for children, which cater to their interests and provide opportunities to develop their riding skills. Whether they’re exploring trails, learning to assist in outdoor chores, or embarking on more thrilling adventures, there’s an ATV to match their needs and ensure a safe, enjoyable experience.
Place and type of riding
Consider where and how you’ll use the ATV first. Newer and younger riders with little to no experience riding ATVs will need a Polaris ATV in the 200-450cc range with an automatic transmission.
The second category of riders is those who use it as a utility vehicle. For instance, farmers and ranchers will look for ATVs that offer a comfortable ride and also have the power to carry out heavy chores. Polaris ATVs/UTVs with engine power ranging from 450 to 750CC are suitable for such jobs. These ATVs offer smooth ride and are powerful enough to carry out groundwork and maintenance jobs easily. Some Polaris models serve both purposes offering the fun of general trail riding while also doubling up as a utility vehicle.
The third group of riders loves the fun and excitement of riding ATVs. They want to explore the mountains, the dunes, and mud pits. For them, a high-power engine ranging from 700-1000cc or above will be perfect. The higher the CC, the more powerful the engine. These ATVs are great for thrill-seekers.
How many people will ride the ATV?
If you are planning to ride the ATV alone, then picking the one that is easier to control and balances well with your body type is all you need. However, if you are riding with someone like your spouse, friends, or your child, then you also have to consider their capability and experience level.
If your co-rider is inexperienced, then choosing an ATV with engine power between 400 and 550cc will work well. Automatic transmission and power steering make riding easier for beginners. For experienced co-riders looking for some real fun and thrills on rough terrains, ATVs with engine power ranging from 550-700cc are a good choice.
Age and body type of the rider
Youth and Adult Polaris ATVs will have major differences, not only in size but also in engine power, transmission, and other safety features. A small size ATV for an adult may restrict body movement and can make the ride uncomfortable. Likewise, if a teen or child is riding a large ATV, then handling the vehicle can be challenging and create safety issues.
For instance, a 5’10” rider will be comfortable in a 400cc ATV. Riders above 6′ might need ATVs of 500cc or above. It is important to note that different Polaris models will vary in capacity according to their engine size.
What size ATV is good for youth/teens/adults?
Youth and Adult Polaris ATVs are different in several aspects. Apart from size and engine power, there are so many things to consider. Children and teens are inexperienced riders so exploring the roughest terrains will be risky for them. Adults ride ATVs for multiple purposes in addition to adventure and recreation. So, the ‘one ATV fits all’ concept doesn’t work here. We have broken down the purpose of ATVs for every age group to help you understand which will be worth the investment.
A quick guide to Youth and Adult Polaris ATV
This is a quick recap of everything we discussed above. We have not prepared this list per any legal guideline but as general recommendations from pro-ATV riders. Take a look:
- 50-70cc: kids from 6 to 10
- 70- 90 cc: kids from 11 to 16
- 90 to 150cc: Inexperienced teens, youth, and new riders
- 150 to 400 cc: Experienced riders, or adult beginners for comfortable trail riding
- 400-500cc: Easy trail riding, light work
- 500-700cc: Hard trail riding, larger adults, heavy workloads
- 700-1000cc: Racing, deep mud, hill climbing
ATV for Adults
Adults need ATVs for multiple uses, and no single model can suit all requirements. It is better to adhere to the requirement instead of the age group. This way we can simplify the selection method so you don’t end up investing in the wrong ATV.
For trail riding: You might want to cruise the trails of a nearby forest or the rough terrains of the Rocky Mountains. Choose ATVs with high engine power for these kinds of riding experiences.
For recreation: Recreational ATVs are usually the standard ATVs that offer a wide degree of versatility. You can take them for adventures like camping, mudding, or hunting and also perform small jobs.
For hunting: A few utility ATVs are specifically designed for hunting in forest areas. These can be distinguished by their camouflage color, larger engine size, additional features, and accessories. Hunting accessories usually include bumpers and rack extenders, gun scabbards, camo paint, and thumb warmers.
Utility ATVs: These are meant for hardcore jobs and usually have more power than standard ATVs. You can use them for farming, long towing, landscaping, etc.
ATV for Teens
What the best youth ATV is can be a tough question. Sometimes, children begin riding young, becoming skilled teen riders with improved control and handling.. This is where you have to prioritize their experience, requirement, and body type to pick the right ATV.
Young riders are always enthusiastic to try out new sports and the all-terrain vehicle can be exciting. This doesn’t mean the safety features can be compromised. Remember, experience may come from how early they started riding, but expertise is only gained with practice and age. ATVs for youth are packed with safety features to avoid major injury while riding.
ATV for Children
Parents are often confused about choosing the right ATV for their children. More than the joy they will experience in exploring the trails, parents are concerned about their safety. Minimum ATV riding age is 6, with some states restricting under 16s from riding over 90cc ATVs.
To keep your children safe, follow state and local laws, but never allow a child under 6 to operate an ATV. Children 6 to 11 years old should ride ATVs with engine power less than 70cc. This will offer decent speed to explore trails while keeping them safe. Children 12 to 15 can ride ATVs with engine sizes ranging from 70 to 90cc. This engine will allow beginners to gain experience while offering the fun on the trails.
There is one simple way to figure out your child’s riding capability. Monitor how well they can ride a bicycle, and assess their strengths and weaknesses in control and balance.
Which ATV for children is safer?
As parents, you will always want the best for your children, and choosing the right ATV is no exception. Apart from the engine power, there are a few other factors to ensure your child doesn’t suffer a serious injury while riding the trails. The first consideration is the type of ATV. There are 4-wheeled Polaris ATV models available for children. Four-wheeled models offer more stability compared to 3-wheeled ones. This is why some states have outlawed 3-wheeled models for riders below 15.
ATVs for children come with additional safety features. Compare these safety features closely before making a decision on which model to purchase. Also, ensure that your children ride the ATV only under the close supervision of an adult who is an experienced rider.
Additionally, it is important to consider your child’s height. Children of similar age groups can vary in height and so will their ATVs. The simple way to run a check is by noticing if your child can effortlessly grab the brakes, access all controls, and reach the gear shift while sitting in the rider’s seat. When your child stands in the ATV, there should be a 3” clearance between the seat and their pants.
Youth and Adult Polaris ATV Riding Gear
Once you’ve selected the ideal youth or adult Polaris ATV, it’s crucial to enhance their safety with appropriate safety gear and accessories such as ATV helmets. At GripPRO, we provide tie down anchors specifically designed for Polaris RZR and Ranger models that assist in fastening gear and tools to your ATV. Equipping your ATV with the right gear not only simplifies transportation but also bolsters confidence to tackle even the most challenging terrains. For further information on ATVs and accessories, explore our blog, where you’ll find comprehensive guides, tips, and news to help you make the most of your off-road adventures.
Final Thoughts
Selecting the right youth or adult Polaris ATV is an important factor before your children begin to explore trails and develop essential knowledge about riding safety and machine controls,. Aside from safety and suitability, keep in mind factors such as the appropriate age for ATV riding, the purpose of the ATV, the number of riders, and the age and body type of the rider when making your decision.
With a wide range of options available, including ATVs tailored for adults, teens, and children, finding the perfect fit is attainable. Don’t forget to consider the safety features of each ATV, as well as the appropriate riding gear for a secure and enjoyable off-roading experience. By carefully weighing these factors and consulting our comprehensive guide, you can make an informed decision and invest in a Polaris ATV that will provide endless fun and adventure for you and your family.