Are you, or have you considered buying an ATV for your child or children as a present? Besides the fact that they would think you are the coolest parent on the planet, is a gift like this a good idea?

There has been some discussion about kids and ATVs, and annually there are always stories of accidents, injuries, and even deaths. If you are an ATV enthusiast, chances are you are well aware of safety issues and can educate your children properly. If you are not a rider, but are still interested in making your child’s face light up with the most awesome present ever—you need to become aware of safety issues. Most importantly, the negative things we hear about ATV accidents and kids are preventable in many cases. Of course accidents can happen anywhere and anytime, but we sure can reduce the chances of that through proper training, the use of safety equipment, and supervision.

First, if you decide you want to give your child an ATV as a present, you need to know what to get. Vehicles around 70-90cc are appropriate for youngsters between the ages of 12-16. For children younger than that, you should consider an ATV under 70cc.

Another thing to consider is that kids often have a hard time shifting gears, so think about buying an automatic ATV. This will allow them to learn how to ride without having to learn the nuances of shifting and changing gears on their own. With one less thing to worry about while they are driving, it may allow the children to focus more on the actual operation of the vehicle.

Proper riding gear is also very important, starting with a helmet. We strongly recommend purchasing a new helmet rather than a used one. There is no sense in trying to save a few bucks by buying a used helmet that may not be as safe. Other safety equipment includes chest protection, goggles, good riding boots, and long sleeves, or a riding jacket.

Another must is finding local riding classes. There are many available all over the country, a little online research, should give you a good idea of where to go. Again, this is such an important part of teaching children to ride safely, please include the classes with your ATV gift.

Let your child know that riding safety is never something that can be taken for granted. So in the end, is an ATV an appropriate gift? The answer is absolutely—as long as it comes with the appropriate attention to safety.