You have most likely heard about some of the child related ATV accidents that have occurred over the past couple years. It is certainly true that an ATVs can be dangerous when used by people who have no clue what proper operation and safety provisions are. Taking the proper safety measures will drastically decrease the chance of an ATV related injury. The majority of the tragic ATV accidents that have occurred in the past happened mainly because the proper safety measures were not enforced. If you are thinking about purchasing an ATV for your kid, you must be fully prepared to take all of the necessary safety precautions to ensure your kid's safety. It takes a lot of time, energy, and a bit of money, but it is well worth the effort.
For kids under the age of 12 the ATV you purchase should be under 70cc. ATVs that are in the range of 70cc to 90cc are most appropriate for children ages 12 to 16. Shifting is hard for many kids to get the hang of at first, so it is a good idea to get an automatic ATV for your kid to learn to ride, so they don't have bother with shifting gears when they're just beginning.
Never forget that safety is essential. If you are seriously thinking about buying an ATV for your kid, following all of the safety rules is simply a must. Enroll your child in some ATV riding classes, buy the correct safety gear, and always supervise your child while they are riding incase of an accident. The most crucial piece of safety gear is a helmet. You have to buy a helmet that has been authorized by the Department of Transportation (DOT). You have to make sure that it is just the right size for your child. Do not let your kid ride an ATV with a used helmet, because it may potentially be much less resistant to impact, and less likely to protect them in an accident. Also, other ATV safety gear should be purchased as well, such as chest protections, long sleeves to cover the arms, goggles, and tall boots for the legs. There is no reason not to buy an ATV for your kid, but remember to be safe!