ATV Florida Forum

My older daughter would definately get hurt on a 90 cause its too small. I think when the japanese companys tested these things they must of used their people to determine ages for quads. Actualy after re-reading this article they want to limit the speeds to 10 - 15 mph for kids uner 16. i think this will cause more crashes due to slower riders not being able to get out of the way of faster riders. So basicaly we as parents have no say so in the matter. This is just another way they are trying to destoy the sport for familys >:D

http://www.atvaonline.com/News/06/cpsc2.asp (http://www.atvaonline.com/News/06/cpsc2.asp)

I'm the father of boys, ages 10 & 15, who've been safely operating ATVs for more than 4 years. I'd like to recommend that manufacturers be required to build ATVs incorporating a digital encoded safety system(DESS), such as that used by BRP's SeaDoo line of personal watercrafts. The DESS is not only a security key, but, a speed governor. Two keys are issued to adult buyers, one key if for experienced adults and the second is for learners or children. The learner's key limits speed. Regulations could be imposed so as to only allow children under 15(same age as boats/PWCs) to use the learner's key. The learner's key could be brightly-colored so that law enforcement/parents could identify it from afar. Besides, people are simply going to remove mechanical "speed governors", anyway. Govern the speed at 15mph so they can keep up with adults on the trails. Require kids' ATVs to use CVTs(vs. chains) which act as engine brakes when the throttle is released.

Exactly what I propsed to this group. But we need to make them wider and require a helmet be give to a sale of any child size ATV. Also 90cc is not enough power to get a child out of danger if they are to big for it. Speed can also save. If you read the article you can send in your recomendations. Put more burdon on the manufacturers to make them safer like better front bumpers and included helmet. Also a tether to cut off the engine if they fall off. Most important is for states to provide more accessable riding areas with one way trails and open areas. this will reduce crashes.

The DESS system is a "tether".

SWF - thank you so much for this information.  I see whereas the deadline for any and all comments is October 24.  IT IS IMPERATIVE that all parents have the opinions heard.  Speed and size is not always issue.  It is the safety aspects incorporated into the ATV.  I did email and point this out.  I also advised how a slower speed can do more harm than good, gave examples of riding through soft sand and going up hills, where as the ATV needs the power.  I listed all of the saftey items that I thought was critically, and used my KAwi-360, stating that this ATV although too large, had more safety features than my son's Polaris 90.  One key important factor was the brakes on my Kawi-they drum-sealed and whereas the Polaris constanly needs brake repair.

Well anyway, thank you for the information, hopefully others will comment.  I can't see a 16 year kid riding a ATV that only has enough power for 15 mph.  It is not that I want them going 15-20mph, they just need the power to maneuver the ATV.  Perhaps, some of our younger riders here can make appropriate comments too.  After all, this will affect them.

ALL atvs need to come with a helmet! ALL people need to wear them! not just kids.

anyway that is kinda slow. i would be pissed off if i had to ride 10 or 15 mph all day. i like to go fast. but beside that point im sure manufactures can make a way to govern a atv at 15 mph while allowing enough power to climb a hill or go through soft sand. a car with cruise control will speed the engine up to go over a bridge and then slow down. if it just stays at 15 mph the whole time and just uses enough power to get up a hill and slows down when it needs to. it could stay at 15 mph the whole time but engine speed could increase.

another thing is you go from a 90 to a 250 when you change (at least i dont know of any 125 or 150). that is kinda big difference. i started out on dirt bikes so i dont know how much of a jump it is but it looks like a lot. it is almost better for kids to start on bikes i think. o well that is my $.02.
 

Chero, I agree that we should not govern/limit torque for the kids. That's why I'm suggesting the DESS learner's key idea. Each ATV gets two electronic keys, one with no limits and a second(orange or yellow) key programmed to limit speed, not power/torque. So, when the kid's in soft sand or mud, all the power would be available to the wheel until the speedometer exceeded 15mph. 

exactly. let them use all the torque necessary but only go a certain mph. i know it can be done. if a car can do it a atv can do it.

i cant see me at 6'1'' and 15 years old getting on a 90 and riding that all day. like fox 17 said, going from a 90 to a 250 is a big difference. 16 is way to high for the age limit. like everybody has been saying, two keys, one for no limits and one with, i think is a good idea. and when you turn 16 most people turn 16 they will start driving a vehicle, so they go from a 90atv to a 200+hp car or truck. just my .02 worth.

Ok, somebody asked for a kids oppion on this and they've got mine. A 16yr old kid on a 90cc atv is unreal. Even if they can keep their knees from hitting the handle bars, a 90 wont give enough thrust to move them around all day and through sand and hills. Espically when they're trying to limit the speed down to 15mph. But I do like the DESS idea. Its works on jet ski's and would be great on small atv's FOR KIDS THAT SHOULD BE RIDING THEM >:(. But still the regulations are stuipid. Im 14 and ride a 250. I have rode it for 3 years know and i love it. I could take it almost anywhere and it goes up almost any hill. Unless you hit that hill in 3rd gear...But thats another story..... ANYWAY, it boils down to the riders skill level and size. I could probably handle a 700 but I dont ride one because if I really needed to do something quick or wrestle it out of an off camber situation, I probably wouldnt be able to do it or would really screw up. Just because my physical size wont allow it. Sure I would know what to do but allot of situations require body movement rather it be a racetrack or a mud hole or anything in between. So bottom line is, there should be no age restrictions on atv's. It should be up to the parents of the child or the buyer. If you want to go put a 6yrold on a 800 then go ahead. Just dont come crying to me when he hits a ditch at 50 with no helmet and kills himself or severly injures himself. Dont blame the atv either. Thats my .2 cent.