Off-Road Basics—Youth on Wheels

Note to Parents: Is Your Child Ready to Ride?

If your child meets the age requirement, it’s your job to assess whether he or she is truly ready to ride.

To make an informed decision, you must consider several factors.

• Physical Development: Can your youngster sit comfortably on the ORV and reach the controls easily?
• Motor Skills: Is your child’s coordination adequate for the challenge of riding an ORV?
• Visual Perception: Does your child have good depth perception, peripheral vision, and the ability to judge distances?
• Social/Emotional Maturity: Will your youngster under­stand the risks involved in riding an ORV, make good decisions to avoid accidents, and operate responsibly?

Choose an Appropriate ORV

For your child’s safety and comfort, it is recommended that you match your child with an ORV of a size, type, and engine size that is appropriate for his or her age group. Please see Summary of Young Operator Regulations.

Your Role

You will be your child’s teacher and safety advisor, so you must be familiar with your youngster’s ORV. You will need to know the controls, handling characteristics, maintenance requirements, and proper riding techniques.