Family ATV Riding in Texas Can Be Fun and Affordable

If you are looking for a great way to spend family time together outside, it’s tough to beat 4-wheeling for combining fun, fabulous weather and family!   ATV Discounter knows ATVs, and all the different sizes that your family members need.  It's especially important to get the right fit for a growing young person, so that their enthusiasm never stops, and neither does the fun! 

When it comes to kids and ATVs, they can start riding as soon as they learn the main operating functions of the ATV. By keeping safety the number one priority, kids can operate their own ATV and cruise alongside Mom and Dad down the trails and into the off-road fun. One of the first ways to create a safe riding atmosphere for your kids is to make sure they are riding an ATV that fits them properly. If a child is using a full sized ATV that is intended for adults, they will not be able to reach the throttle and brake with the correct grip and strength that ensures a safe ride.

When trying an ATV, check that your child has enough room between himself and the seat of the ATV when he is standing on the foot pegs.  He needs three to six inches of clearance to be able to use his legs to absorb the shocks of the road when he is riding rough terrain. The ATV Safety Institute recommends the following engine sizes to provide proper clearance:

•    Ages 6 to 12     70 CCs
•    Ages 12 to 16      90 CCs
•    Ages 16 and older      90CCs and up

Look at the direction of your child’s thigh when he is sitting on the seat. It should be nearly horizontal and he needs to be able to turn the handlebars in both directions without coming into contact with her knees or her legs.

Next, check the foot length by having your young rider lock their heel against the foot peg or in the proper place on the running board. He should be able to press the brake pedal or the gearshift with one smooth downward motion

For proper reach and grip on the handlebars, their elbows should be bent when holding onto the handlebars. If the elbows are fully extended and straight when gripping the handlebars, he won’t be able to turn properly. Check the thumb reach for the throttle and check again while fully turning the handlebars in each direction. For proper handbrake reach, the middle finger should extend beyond the brake level. The thumb needs to be able reach the engine stop switch. This is not the time to take any chances by overestimating your child’s dexterity. In order to have safe riding, your child must be driving an ATV that fits him well.

It can be expensive to outfit your family with ATVs. It’s especially difficult to upgrade to larger sizes as your kids grow. Instead of forking over big money for brand name ATVs, consider turning to ATV Discounter for an inventory of off-brands like Armor, SunL and Tao Tao. These brands may not be household names, but that is all they are missing. These little units are high quality; fully warranteed, fully assembled youth sized ATVs.  ATV Discounter has locations across Texas, so if you prefer to pick up your newest family fun toy and hit the trails today, you can do that conveniently or you can go to their website at www.atvdiscounter.com to order one, and your new ATV will be delivered straight to your door within 10 days.  As long as safety remains a priority, four-wheeling is great family fun, and with ATV Discounter it can be affordable too.