Children love the great outdoors and in this day and age of childhood obesity growing at an alarming rate, getting your kids outdoors is more important than ever and riding a 4-wheeler with your kids is a great way to enjoy nature and most of all enjoy time with your kids. A child who rides a 4-wheeler first and foremost, should ride a machine that fits them. Children who are hurt on 4-wheelers are all too often on machines that are way too big for them to control. Children six years and under should ride a machine no bigger than 70 cc. Children twelve and under may ride machines in the 70 to 90 cc range. Children sixteen and older can ride machines over 90 cc safely. Matching the machine to the rider ensures the rider will be able to control and properly steer the 4-wheeler.
Children who ride a 4-wheeler should always wear a helmet. There are various kinds of helmets available. Some helmets provide full or partial face protection. A helmet that protects against head injury as well as guards eyes and face from braches or leaves can protect the rider in case of spill or fall. Children who ride a 4-wheeler should not ride on public roads. 4-wheelers are not street legal, but children who ride 4-wheelers can get permits to ride on country and dirt roads, as well as make full use of tracks and paths.
Make sure your children are ready for the responsibility of riding a 4-wheeler, if your child can follow instructions, be responsible enough to watch out for not only themselves but other riders on the trails, then your child is probably ready for the fun of riding their own 4-wheeler. If your child wants to clown around and not take the safety issues or riding rules seriously, then your child is not ready for the responsibility of riding 4-wheelers and you could be endangering your child or other people.
A 4-wheeler is a big investment and will give your child a good sense of confidence and responsibility. Now that you know the benefits, take your child 4-wheeling this weekend.
