What Are ATVs?

ATVs or All Terrain Vehicles have many names of which the most popular are 'Three Wheelers', or 'Quad Bikes'. They appear to be similar to motor bikes as they are controlled by handlebars, but some have three wheels while others have four or even more. They are designed to handle a wider variety of terrain than most vehicles but are not 'road legal' in the US, UK, Canada and most parts of Australia owing to their lack of safety equipment, lights etc. They are however used in agriculture because of their speed and light footprint, they are also regarded as 'fun' vehicles.

Although most ATV's are meant for use by a single rider, some, called 'tandems' have been developed for a driver and 1 passenger. The extra wheels provide stability; six wheeled models do exist and are used for more specialist applications.

The first ATVs were made as far back as the 1970s and can be seen in the film, 'Diamonds are Forever'; they were also featured on TV in 'Hart to Hart' and 'Magnum P.I.' where they were used purely for leisure, however the ability to go literally anywhere made them popular with US and Canadian hunters as well as with those just looking for a good trail ride. Unfortunately accidents, when they occurred, tended to be severe and owing to safety concerns, in the late 1980s, their production was stopped and manufacturers switched to the 'Four Wheelers'.

At this time the development of the 'utility' ATVs was escalating and the introduction of the 4x4 began the era of the 'Four Wheel Drive' ATVs and these have remained the most popular to this day with Ranchers, Farmers and Hunters. Today they are divided into two types for the, 'sport' and 'utility' markets. Sports models are generally smaller and lighter than their utility counterparts and are two wheel driven vehicles that can accelerate quickly, run up to speeds of 80 mph and have manual transmission. Utilities are bigger four wheel vehicles with a maximum speed of about 72mph. They have the ability to haul small loads on attached racks and can also tow small trailers. Due to their different weights each has advantages on different types of terrain.

Six Wheel models often have a small dump bed with an extra set of wheels at the back to increase the payload capacity. They can be either four or six wheel drive.

The US government has a website about the safety of ATVs where safety tips are provided; these include not driving with a passenger as this makes it difficult (if not impossible) for the driver to shift his body as is required when driving an ATV.

According to the New York Times in September 2007, 44000 children under 16 were injured while riding ATVs, 150 fatally. A commission looking into this was asked by ER doctors and pediatricians to ban adult sized ATVs for the use of children under 16 but so far no such ban is in place

Many common injuries can be prevented with the use of proper protective equipment. Most manufacturers recommend at least a suitable DOT approved helmet, suitable riding boots, gloves and protective eye wear. Sports or aggressive riders who frequently go hill climbing or rock crawling can opt for motocross style shin and knee guards plus chest protectors for further protection. Anyone who goes to wilderness areas would be wise to take along some reliable form of communications, such as CB radio in case help is required.

If proper precautions are taken ATV's are a useful and fun way to get around.