Types of 4-Wheelers

Four-wheelers -- also known as all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and quads -- come in three general categories: utility, sport and youth. The right kind of four-wheeler for you depends on how you want to use it. Utility quads are better fit for fun, sport quads are better for speed and youth quads are better for children and beginners. All four-wheelers come in multiple colors and brands. No matter the type, color or brand, however, you must follow safety precautions just as you would for any motor vehicle.

  1. Utility ATV

    • Utility all-terrain vehicles were designed for users to work and have leisurely riding experiences. With bigger and more rugged builds, utility ATVs can handle larger and rougher terrains. These quads have rear suspensions and ground clearance designed for hills and larger tires for handling wet, muddy terrains. Utility ATVs are able to carry cargo on the front and back of it, making towing less of a hassle. Utility ATVs were designed to be more comfortable and less racy than other quads.

    Sport ATV

    • Sport all-terrain vehicles received their name because they were designed for sport. They accelerate the quickest of all quads and reach higher speeds, making them more dangerous. With easy handling and better suspension than other quads, sport ATVs were designed for light trails, motocross tracks, sand dunes or any place where maneuvering can be done quickly. Sport ATVs can be tuned for more power and better handling for the extremist.

    Youth ATV

    • Designed for children and beginners, youth all-terrain vehicles open the door for quad riders. The core component in youth ATVs is safety because they give riders peace of mind while understanding the dynamics of quad riding. Most youth quads come with a tether strap that acts as a seat belt and controls the engine. If a person falls out of the ATV or the tether strap is removed, the engine will automatically turn off. Overall, youth ATVs are more affordable because they have smaller engines and are more lightweight than utility and sport quads.

    Safety

    • Like all motor vehicles, precautions should be taken to ensure the safety of the rider. Riders should always wear a helmet and goggles for protection. Riding in the terrains will splash mud and rocks everywhere, so riders should wear long-sleeves, long pants, ankle-high boots and gloves to prevent exposing skin. Quads are designed for off-road operation and, to prevent accidents, should never be ridden on the road. Never exceed the passenger limit -- if it is a single-rider ATV, only one rider should be on it during operation.