It can be challenging to find a quality ATV for kids these days.
A kid’s ATV should be durable enough to withstand rough terrain and hours of usage. It should have a battery that outlasts your kiddo’s excitement. It should support even the heaviest riders. But above all, it should have many safety features to ensure your little riders avoid injury.
The market is saturated with these mini-vehicles, but many are not up to par.
That’s why we’ve done our homework, searching for the best ATVs for kids. We’ve researched, tested, and compared dozens of options, studying hundreds of reviews and ruling out units that don’t meet our strict criteria. We’ll save you time and money by narrowing down the selection to only the top models, so you can purchase with confidence, knowing your child will be safe and their ride will last.
- Sturdy construction
- Suitable for any terrain
- Hand-controlled throttle
- Foot-controlled throttle
- Multiple speeds
- Traction tires
Product Reviews
After spending countless hours scouring user reviews and expert sites, we’ve found the best ATVs for kids.
Here are our top seven picks:
Peg Perego Polaris Outlaw ATV
Best ATV for Small Children
If you’re looking for an ATV for your 3- to 7-year-old, Peg Perego’s Polaris Outlaw is a great candidate. It’s eye-catching and fun-looking while also having essential safety features.
With a low top speed and parental speed control, you can set it to suit your child’s experience level. For smaller children, the ATV can go as slow as 2.5 miles per hour.
It has all the fun components children look for, giving it an authentic quad look. Parents praise the wheels, saying how smoothly they go over various terrains.
With a rechargeable battery and reverse mode, your little one should love their ride.
What We Like
Low Speed
For small children, you don’t want anything that can go too fast by accidentally pushing the throttle too hard. This Peg Perego unit will help keep your little one safe. The Polaris Outlaw has a top speed of 5 miles per hour — perfect for small kiddos.
It also allows parents to lock the gears. This will prevent the rider from shifting into second gear, keeping them at a speed of 2.5 miles per hour.
All-Terrain Tires
Your little one can follow alongside you on the dirt roads or through the grass in the backyard. The ATV is suited with four all-terrain knobby tires, providing outstanding grip on various surfaces.
With a thorough suspension system, the ride becomes smooth and comfortable. It helps the driver keep focused on driving, too.
Great Look
In addition to its slow speeds, the Polaris sports a child-friendly look. It has a popping citrus color with stickers all around. Still, Peg Perego included some realistic details like fenders and shocks, among others.
Reverse Mode
When it’s time to back up, your child can put the vehicle into reverse mode. It’s fairly straightforward but will require some practice for young riders.
What We Don't Like
Long Charging Time
The charging time is long. Peg Perego doesn’t state anywhere how long it should take, but a few parents noted it took over ten hours. The manufacturer does offer another charger capable of charging the ATV in two hours.
Product Specs
| Recommended age | 3 to 7 years |
| Maximum weight | 85 pounds |
| ATV weight | 41.5 pounds |
| Motor | 12-volt battery motor |
| Top speed | 5 miles per hour |
Our Ratings
Razor Dirt Quad Off-Road ATV
Best ATV for Children Over 10
For children 10 years and older who have more experience, we recommend this ATV from Razor. The Dirt Quad is built for tough environments. The sturdy construction and all-terrain tires make it perfect for off-roading — on any surface.
Your child should have a great time riding this. Everything is controlled from the handles. However, there’s no reverse mode.
This four-wheeler is excellent for taking on trips. It’s relatively compact and easy to store. Your child can also choose from three attractive colors for girls or boys.
What We Like
Sturdy Construction
The Dirt Quad ATV from Razor is built to conquer challenging roads and trails. It has a front brush bar and adjustable riser handlebars. The coil shock suspension ensures a smooth ride over bumps.
Suitable for Any Terrain
Your youngster can ride it across an assortment of terrains. The ATV is suited with four 13-inch pneumatic knobby tires. They grip the surface, keeping the vehicle steady even at high speeds.
Rear Carry Handle
Although this isn’t exactly pocket-sized, Razor included a carry handle at the back of the ATV. This allows you to store it vertically over winter if needed or to fit it into a trailer on a road trip.
Hand-Controlled Throttle
The Dirt Quad is no toy. It has a high-torque motor and gearing. Your child operates it all from the twist-grip and twist-throttle control, allowing them to shift gears and speed up. On the other handle, you’ll find the hand brake, which activates the rear disc brake.
What We Don't Like
Short Battery Life
This ATV uses up a lot of power and will go through a battery every 40 minutes. Some parents said they paired it with an additional battery to make it last longer, but we don’t recommend doing this.
No Reverse
We would love this quad even more if it included a reverse mode. It is quite heavy, so every time the rider gets stuck, they must jump off and drag it backward.
Product Specs
| Recommended age | 8 years and up |
| Maximum weight | 120 pounds |
| ATV weight | N/A |
| Motor | 24-volt battery motor |
| Top speed | 8 miles per hour |
Our Ratings
Kid Trax Spider-Man Battery-Powered ATV
Best ATV for Boys
For all the Spider-Man lovers, this ATV is a good choice. It features all the bells and whistles a Spideymobile should have, including the famous chest piece. It’s suitable for children aged 3 to 7 years.
Your little one will love riding this quad, chasing evildoers and saving the day. The 4-wheeler has two speeds and a reverse mode for getting out of tight spaces. The rider controls the pace from the foot-powered throttle.
Going over different surfaces won’t be an issue. The tires are sturdy and capable of gripping onto slippery grounds, ensuring a safe ride.
What We Like
Fun Theme
It’s decked out from front to back with the famous web-crawler’s colors and details. The whole front represents Spider-Man’s chest piece, and there are blue details on the seat, handlebar, and throttle area.
Foot-Controlled Throttle
Your little superhero can control the speed using the foot-controlled throttle. It’s easy and gives a realistic feel to the experience. It’s straightforward to press, steadily increasing the speed.
Multiple Speeds
Your child can ride reasonably fast, as the ATV can reach a top speed of 5 miles per hour. The lowest speed is 2.5 miles per hour, which is best for beginners or for doing tight turns. Your little one can also reverse on this quad at a maximum speed of 2.5 miles per hour.
Traction Tires
The tires are capable of going over different surfaces. The wheels are made of durable plastic but have a Power Trax rubber traction strip running around the center of each wheel. This prevents them from slipping and enables smooth travel.
What We Don't Like
Not Good Uphill
The battery isn’t powerful enough to handle hills. Parents noted that the ATV slowed down significantly when traveling uphill.
Battery Isn’t Removable
The battery isn’t as convenient as we’d like. You can’t remove it from the four-wheeler, meaning that when it’s charging, you’d have to situate the whole machine close to the outlet.
It’s also not ideal for winter storage, as cold temperatures tend to ruin batteries. If you don’t have extra indoor space, you might need a replacement battery in the spring.
Product Specs
| Recommended age | 3 to 7 years |
| Maximum weight | 95 pounds |
| ATV weight | 42 pounds |
| Motor | 12-volt battery motor |
| Top speed | 5 miles per hour |
Our Ratings
Uenjoy Kid Electric Ride-On ATV
Best ATV for Beginners
For beginners, we highly recommend this ATV from Uenjoy. It’s a solid option for little riders who aren’t confident with motorized vehicles.
You can control the ATV by using the remote, or your child can ride it by themselves. Either way, it’s slow, which is good for newbies.
It’s a fun ride regardless of who controls the vehicle. Your little one can listen to their favorite music via Bluetooth connectivity, and it can also make realistic engine noises. The rider can go over an assortment of surfaces thanks to the suspension. However, this quad is not meant for extreme off-roading.
What We Like
Three-Speed Motor
We appreciate the slower speed of this ATV for young kids who are learning how to ride, use a throttle, and turn. You can switch between three slow-paced speeds to suit your little one’s needs.
Bluetooth Connectivity
The rider can listen to their favorite tunes while driving around the backyard since this ATV includes Bluetooth connectivity. Additionally, there’s a shift lever and electric pedal for a realistic ride-on experience.
Good Suspension
Although this ATV isn’t for heavy-duty off-roading, it does have a decent suspension system. It works well on grass and dirt roads. The suspension will work to minimize vibrations, helping your little one feel more comfortable and confident.
Parent Controller
If your child is still too little to ride by themselves, the package includes a remote control. If needed, connect it to the ATV, and you can operate the vehicle while your little one sits back and enjoys the ride. Keep in mind it requires two AAA batteries, which aren’t included.
What We Don't Like
Vague Instructions
The manuals do not include enough information.
Product Specs
| Recommended age | 4 to 8 years (1 kid) 1 to 3 years (2 kids) |
| Maximum weight | 88 pounds |
| ATV weight | 48.5 pounds |
| Motor | 12-volt battery motor |
| Top speed | 3 km/h to 5 km/h |
Our Ratings
Dynacraft Baby Shark 6V Quad Bike ATV
Best Themed ATV for Kids
Is your child obsessed with Baby Shark? Can’t stop singing the song? Then they will love this Dynacraft Baby Shark quad bike. It’ll be a dream come true for them to finally feel part of the song in a whole new way!
The bike even sings a part of the song with the push button on the handlebars. Okay, it might drive parents up the wall, but it’ll make your little one happy, so why not?
Parents love this cute little ride for kids between 18 months and 4 years old. Parents also love how easy it is to assemble. If you buy this as a present for your little one, it’ll be up and running in no time after arrival.
What We Like
Cool Decal
The custom decal on this quad makes it extra exciting. Kids will love pointing out the different characters. It keeps them occupied even if the bike is charging! Plus, the Baby Shark song coming from the speakers ties everything together to make this the number-one choice for fans of the Baby Shark movement!
Easy Accelerator
This bike is very easy to use. It is suitable for kids as young as 18 months and easy to operate for even the youngest rider. In fact, most kids who own this use it daily — as it’s just that much fun! To accelerate, all kids need to do is push the button at the front, and off they go! To brake, simply release the button.
2.5 Miles Per Hour
This bike goes at a nice pace of 2.5 miles per hour. It’s not as slow as some other options, so it’s perfect for more adventurous children. At the same time, it’s good for parents, as they don’t need to worry about their little ones going too fast.
What We Don't Like
For Certain Terrains
This quad isn’t suitable for all terrains. It works well on carpets and concrete but not so great on other indoor flooring. It does not work for grass, so if you want a bike you can take to the backyard, consider a different option.
Product Specs
| Recommended age | 18 months to 4 years |
| Maximum weight | 60 pounds |
| ATV weight | 17.3 pounds |
| Motor | 6-volt battery motor |
| Top speed | 2.5 miles per hour |
Our Ratings
Costzon Kids Ride On ATV
Best Onboard Features
If you’re searching for an ATV with some fun features, this one is worth a look. Costzon includes many unique features many other quads leave out, such as a USB port, MP3 player, working headlights, and — our favorite feature — volume control. (Thank you, Costzon!) These allow you to customize your little one’s ride with something they love.
In addition to the fun features, the vehicle is soundly constructed. It has puncture-proof tires and an outstanding suspension system, allowing your little one to ride almost anywhere. It also looks fantastic — resembling a real, full-sized ATV.
The machine is suitable for children aged 3 to 6 years. It’s an excellent vehicle to start out on, as it doesn’t go extremely fast.
What We Like
Fun Features
Costzon’s ATV has a fully functioning MP3 player, AUX input, and USB port. You can insert your child’s favorite music or connect it to a personal device to play stories while your child is riding. Additionally, this ATV can honk and has working headlights.
Safe Design
To ensure a smooth and safe ride, the quad features a spring suspension system, which minimizes vibrations. Its four rugged wheels are made of high-quality PE materials, with zero chance of bursting or leaking. They can go safely over various terrains like grass and gravel.
Easy to Ride
It’s effortless for even the smallest rider to operate. Your little one controls the throttle and brake from the foot pedals, leaving their hands unoccupied to operate the steering.
What We Don't Like
Poor Instructions
The ATV requires some assembly before you can use it, but the instructions are poorly written.
Product Specs
| Recommended age | 3 to 6 years |
| Maximum weight | 55 pounds |
| ATV weight | 11 pounds |
| Motor | 6-volt battery motor |
| Top speed | 2 miles per hour |
Our Ratings
Kid Motorz Kiddie Quad Pink ATV
Best ATV for Girls
For little girls, we found this ATV from Kid Motorz. It’s bright and colorful, perfect for girls between the ages of 3 and 6.
The fun decals are always a hit.
The Kiddie Quad is quite sturdy to ride and will resist flipping over. It has a maximum speed of 1 mile per hour, which is nice for those who are learning.
Young kids love this ride, which is paced — and priced — just right for the age group.
What We Like
Super Fun
The Kiddie Quad comes in pink or red with decorative decals. Down the sides are dashboard details, and even the wheels are decked out to suit the rest of the ATV.
Sturdy Construction
The four wheels rest on strong front and rear structures to ensure a steady ride. The manufacturer claims that thanks to this, it’s difficult to flip the vehicle over during turns.
Long Riding Time
The ATV comes with a 6-volt battery and charger. Once fully charged, your little one gets up to 60 minutes of riding time before needing a recharge. It’s a considerable amount compared to others that only last 40 minutes or less.
Controlled Speed
You don’t have to worry that your child will go too fast. The Kiddie Quad isn’t extreme when it comes to speed. Its maximum speed is 1 mile per hour, keeping young riders safe.
What We Don't Like
Poor Steering
The quad doesn’t steer easily, which can frustrate young riders who are still working on hand-eye coordination.
Best for Indoors
It’s not the best for outdoor use. The wheels don’t do well on uneven surfaces, and due to the slow speed, it stops when going onto grass.
Product Specs
| Recommended age | 3 to 6 years |
| Maximum weight | 55 pounds |
| ATV weight | 10.14 pounds |
| Motor | 6-volt battery motor |
| Top speed | 1 mile per hour |
Our Ratings
| Product | Best | Recommended age | Maximum weight | ATV weight | Motor | Top speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peg Perego Polaris Outlaw | For Small Children | 3 – 7 yrs | 85 lbs | 41.5 lbs | 12 V | 5 mph |
| Razor Dirt Quad Off-Road ATV | For Children Over 10 | 8 yrs and up | 120 lbs | 75 lbs | 24 V | 8 mph |
| Kid Trax Spiderman Battery-Powered ATV | For Boys | 3 – 7 yrs | 95 lbs | 42 lbs | 12 V | 5 mph |
| Uenjoy Kid Electric Ride-On ATV | For Beginners | 4 to 8 yrs (1 kid) 1 to 3 yrs (2 kids) |
88 lbs | 48.5 lbs | 12 V | 3 – 5 km/h |
| Dynacraft Baby Shark Quad Bike | Themed ATV | 18 months – 4 yrs | 60 lbs | 17.3 lbs | 6 V | 2.5 mph |
| Costzon Kids Ride On ATV | Onboard Features | 3 – 6 yrs | 55 lbs | 11 lbs | 6 V | 2 mph |
| Kid Motorz Quad Pink | For Girls | 3 – 6 yrs | 55 lbs | 10.14 lbs | 6 V | 1 mph |
How to Choose an ATV for Kids
Age Range
It’s essential to buy an age-appropriate vehicle for your kids. ATVs are big machines, even the smallest, and buying one that’s too large will make your child unsafe.
ATVs for older children are heavy. It’s not unusual for some to weigh more than 100 pounds. If a 5-year-old were to drive such a heavy machine and crash, it could result in serious injuries.
To prevent this, ATVs are available that are sized for children as young as 3 years old. These are a cross between a four-wheeler and a toy. They weigh much less and have a lower weight limit.
If your child is still young, a good idea is to buy a stepping-stone ATV. When they outgrow it, purchase an appropriate one with a higher weight limit to take them into their teens.
Safety Features
Effective safety features are crucial — you want your child to be safe when operating the ATV at all times. A neat function that most kid’s ATVs have is a speed limiter or lock, giving you control over how fast they can go.
Another vital feature to look for is quality brakes, especially if the ATV is capable of going fast. Disc brakes are always the safest to use. They’re durable and will successfully stop the vehicle in most circumstances.
The last feature is headlights. This might not be a huge point if your child only rides indoors. However, lights are a must if you plan on taking them outside.
The best to look for are LED lights that come pre-installed. These will be long-lasting and offer ample light, both to be seen and for visibility.
Top Speed
The top vehicle speed depends significantly on which ATV you choose. Those designed for small children usually have a top speed of 2.5 miles per hour.
Such models rarely go over 5 miles per hour. This is a perfect speed for children who are learning or feeling uneasy about driving.
Older children’s]
Older children’s ATVs can go faster — this is where you need to be careful. Some youth ATVs can reach speeds of up to 25 miles per hour, if not more. If your child is still learning, this is too fast.
Most ATVs for older children on our list have a top speed of 8 to 10 miles per hour. This is an excellent place to start.
Electric or Gas
The ATVs on our list are all powered by electricity, but the power choice is still worth considering. Both electricity and batteries have their pros and cons.
Batteries require frequent charging, and some won’t go for more than one to two hours. Gas-powered ATVs are ready to go anytime, as long as there’s fuel.
Depending on the cost of gas, it can become pricey, so gas isn’t economically or environmentally friendly.
Although they require a long time to charge, electric-powered ATVs are usually more cost-conscious.
The first charge is generally the longest. Some need to be plugged in for 18 hours. After this, it should only take a couple of hours to get a full charge.
Winter Storing
Outside or In?
You won’t find many ATVs, even those for children, made exclusively for indoor use. Many come with a warning, saying the wheels can ruin the flooring.
Still, those for small children work significantly better indoors because their battery isn’t as powerful. You may be able to get away with this, but we recommend you check user reviews for the model you’re most interested in. Parents often say where they used the ATV and where it worked best.
ATV Safety Tips
In most cases, preventing ATV injuries starts with the rider or, for young riders, the parents. Here are some safety tips and rules you can and should implement when your child begins to ride (1):
- Always wear DOT-compliant gear: This includes a helmet, a long-sleeved shirt, pants, goggles, gloves, and over-the-ankle boots.
- Keep off paved roads: Avoid riding on public paved roads except when crossing safely and legally. Riding on the road with other cars can lead to collisions. Remember, ATVs are for off-highway riding.
- Never exceed the ride-on limit: Never let your child carry a passenger unless the ATV is designed for two. This can interfere with steering and increase the chances of flipping over.
- Supervise: Children under 16 should never be allowed to ride unsupervised. ATVs aren’t toys, and accidents occur no matter their speed.
- Ride age-appropriate ATVs: Never let your child operate an ATV that’s too big. Always choose one for their age group.
- Teach safe speeds and appropriate places: Your child must know how fast they’re supposed to go and where they’re supposed to ride. Give them a speed limit that they should never cross.
ATV for Kids FAQs
Who Makes the Best ATV For Kids?
What is the Best Gas ATV For Kids?
The best gas ATV for kids often depends on the child’s experience and size, but models from Polaris and Honda are popular choices for their quality and durability.
Are ATVs Good For Kids?
ATVs can be good for kids if used responsibly under adult supervision, with appropriate safety gear and on suitable terrain for their skill level.
What Size ATV Should a 7-Year-Old Ride?
A seven-year-old should ride an ATV with an engine size around 50cc, as it offers enough power for fun but not so much as to be overwhelming.
How Do You Measure a Child For an ATV Helmet?
Start by measuring the circumference of your child’s head just above their brows and ears, then compare this measurement with the helmet manufacturer’s sizing chart.
