What Size ATV Should My 12 Year Old Ride?

So, you want to get your 12 year old an ATV to ride, but you aren't sure what size to get. A good recommendation comes from the Consumer Product Safety Commission and they state a child of average stature between the ages of 12 to 16 should ride ATVs hat are between 70 and 90 cubic centimeters (cc) - a measurement that correlates with engine size. If you child is smaller than average in stature, get them an ATV that correlates to their smaller size. Ditto if you child is on the big side. No one knows your child better than you. Problems can arise when you allow your children to ride unsupervised or purchase an ATV too big or too small for your child to handle. Many states have adopted laws that require any child between the ages of 12-14 must ride with a licensed adult over the age if 18, even if the kids have taken the recommended ATV safety course.

When you purchase an ATV, make sure you purchase the necessary safety equipment that is necessary for a good and safe ride. This includes gloves and goggles. Sign your child up for safety classes. In many areas it is the law that anyone under 18 must take an accredited safety course.

One such example is a father in New Hampshire that allows his twin 14-year-old sons and his 12-year-old son do ride machines that are bigger than the Consumer Product Safety Council recommends. "But", he adds, "They've been riding for at least four years and are too big and experienced for the recommended size ATVs. However, the biggest machine they'll ride is 250 cc". Another mother said she fought the idea of her children learning to ride ATVs. Her husband had been riding for more than 20 years and after learning to ride herself, the bug to ride ATVs bit her too. She now allows her 12 year old to ride a size appropriate ATV with all safety gear, and her child understand to never, ever ride alone.

Most riders will agree, it's not difficult to operate an ATV, but all riders should know the trails they are riding on and follow basic safety rules. Such as no passengers, never ride alone, always wear your safety gear and alway be alert to what other riders are doing. Now that you know the basics for choosing an ATV for your 12 year old, a fantastic, safe time can be had by all!