QUAD BIKES - FAQ'S
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Whether you're just starting out, or a seasoned pro, there's always room for a bit of help and advice.
Below you'll find some of the most popular Quad Bike Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). If you don't find the answer to your questions, please let us know! |
Q. Can Quad bikes be used legally on the road?
A. There are some circumstances which permit the use of quads on the road. These are generally to do with the use the quad bike is being put to at the time. i.e. (Agricultural, horticultural or forestry.) However, recent court determinations have decreed that if a quad is used on a road and that a reasonable man would say that the purpose of it thus being there was as a road user, then the quad is considered to be a motor vehicle and therefore needs all those things required by such. i.e licence, insurance and compliance with the construction and use regulations.
In a lot of cases, the Quad will also need certain modifications to be road legal to use at all, so our recommendation is NO, do not use any Quad bike on the road unless you have the necessary road legal modifications and a real reason to be on the road (in any case the top legal speed limit for a quad will be 20mph, so don't expect any major thrills!). Stick to off-road, thats what they are intended for and where you'll get the most enjoyment (and no danger of a pull from the police!)
Q. Can higher octane fuel make an ATV (Quad Bike) more powerful?
A.Absolutely not. Octane has nothing to do with power. This is a myth. Octane is added to gasoline to prevent pre-detonation in a high compression engine. Use the fuel recommended in your owner's manual. The use of a higher octane fuel than required is not only a waste of money but can actually do harm.
Q. I've heard people talking abotu ATVs, are these Quad Bikes?
A.ATV (All Terrain Vehicle) is a standard way to describe any vehicle which goes off road. This covers any type of off road vehicle and can include things like 4x4's (Landrovers etc), but also Quad Bikes.
Quad bikes are best described as 4 wheeled bikes, with handle bars. You may have heard them called an ATV (usually by farmers!), people who work for forestry agencies may call them ATCs (all terrain cycles) and people who ride them for leisure purposes usually call them Quad Bikes - don't worry, whatever we call them we are talking about the same thing!
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| QUAD BIKES - FAQ'S
Q. Do I need any special training or a licence to ride a Quad Bike?
A. While not techically required (unless you riding one as an employee during the course of your job), we would recommend some training even if you are riding it for pleasure.
There are several companies offering training courses, and the relatively small investment in time and money are well worth it as you'll make sure you get the absolute best out of your utility or sports ATV and the full enjoyment (in safety!).
Q. Helmets and other safety gear, what do i need?
A. Well, a helmet is absolutely vital. In the event you fall off your quad bike (and chances are you will at some point), this is the only protection you will have. Technically, there is no law to say you must wear a helmet if you are riding your own quad bike on your own land, but not doing so would be a totally unneccesary risk.
A British Standards approved (BS6658: 1985) helmet is recommended, but other BSI approved helmets can be used as long as they have a chin strap.
Other safety gear is optional and really depends on what you are doing. Boots and gloves are a very good idea, and if you are into sports quad we would also recommend some body armour of some sort - and definitely goggles to protect your eyes from flying dirt.
Q. Where can I ride my quad bike (ATV?)
A. By law you can ride your quad on any private land, but only with permission of the land owner.
Q. Are quad bikes suitable for Children?
A. There are a variety of different quad bikes available, so there isnt a simple yes or no answer.
Most manufacturers recommend that adult quad bikes are only ridden by children over the age of 16. This is due to the physical strength required to handle the power and the size of the adult sports quads.
A rule of thumb could probably be
that quads under 70cc are suitable for children 6 years and older, 70cc to 90cc for 12 years and older, and ATVs over 90cc are only for 16 year olds and older.
At the end of the day, the final decision will have to lie with the parent of guardian. Quads for children are also restricted to 10mph for 6 to 12 year olds, 15mph for 12 to 16 year olds, and all quads have a maximum speed of 30mph unrestricted.
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