The first quad bike ride can be both an exciting adventure and a generator of anxiety and uncertainty. Before getting on the quad, many people wonder how to ride a quad bike and whether it is safe. It all depends on the driving technique, and when we master the braking and steering of the quad, the new experience can become a lifelong passion.

Quad, also known as a quadricycle or ATV, is a vehicle designed for recreational off-road driving. However, the quad bike is not only a vehicle designed for sports. This equipment is also used in mountain rescue, military and agriculture. There are two most important factors behind the popularity of ATVs: the quad driving technique is quite simple, and the equipment is multifunctional and resistant to the most difficult terrain conditions.

Do you want to know the secrets of this four-wheeled vehicle? Read our article and you will find out, among other things, whether the ATVs are safe, how to ride and brake the ATV, and learn more about the vehicle's driving technique.

Contents:

  1. Your first quad ride - what to remember
  2. Steering and braking - quad driving technique
  3. Who can ride a quad bike?
  4. Where can you drive a quad - can you drive a quad on the street?
  5. Quads for kids - a good idea?
  6. Are the ATVs safe?

Your first quad ride - what to remember

Riding a quad bike is relatively simple, but when we get on this equipment for the first time, we have to be especially careful and pay attention to several important matters.

1. Watch out for steep sections of the route. The quad has great strength and can overcome really difficult sections of the route, but due to the fact that it is a heavy and massive vehicle, it has a tendency to subversive during all types of steep and sudden drops of the route.
To prevent overturning, when entering corners, we should use the drive to the rear axle of the vehicle. To safely pass the corner, we should lean forward and in.

2. Watch your feet. Riding a quad bike, we cannot have motorcycling reflexes, i.e. put our foot down to slow down the turn. This could break it or run over it.

3. Explore the area carefully. Carefully judge whether an obstacle can be overcome, stop in front of it, or a littleslow down. If you are not careful, you risk a serious accident before the machine overturns.

4. Watch the road at the exits. Be especially careful of all kinds of holes and obstacles that can knock the quad off the track.

5. Reduce gears when climbing. Remember not to climb too fast, because you may jump too quickly after you climb the hill. To make the driveway safer, you can lie on the steering wheel - lean forward.

6. Control the balance. When you come across a traverse, i.e. a slope on the crest of a hill, you must remember to keep the quad's balance right: lean sideways against the direction of the turn.

7. Take precautionary measures! Always wear a helmet and fasten your seat belts.

8. Only drive on roads that are designed for quad driving.

Steering and braking - quad driving technique

Controlling the quad bike is really simple. The steering wheel is equipped with two most important buttons: gas and brake. The brake is on the front of the handlebar, just like on a bicycle, and the throttle is under your thumb.

When it comes to the correct body posture while driving a quad bike, you should stand while standing with your knees slightly bent. This contributes to better shock absorption and control of the vehicle. Keep your hands firmly on the handlebars and keep your elbows slightly bent and pointing outwards. Of course, you should remember about good body balance when overcoming any obstacles on the way.

However, in the sitting position, we must remember, first of all, that our legs rest on the places marked on the side. Attempting to pull them to the sides or brake them with them may end in a serious injury for us.

Who can ride a quad bike?

By law, a quad is a quadricycle, which is divided into two types: light and regular. The first type consists of light and small quads, the weight of which does not exceed 350 kg and the maximum speed is less than 45 km / h. The second type of ATVs are vehicles with a weight exceeding 400 kg (transporting people) or 550 kg (transporting goods).

To be eligible to drive a light quad bike, you must have an AM driving license. You can develop such a category when we are over 14 years old. However, there is an important detail when it comes to quad driving privileges. People who turned 18 years old before January 19, 2013 are not allowed to drive light ATVs with an AM driving license, only mopeds.

When we dream of driving a quad bike heavier than 350 kg (belonging to regular quads), we must have a B1 driving license, which can be obtained after the age of 16.

Polish law emphasizes that each quad must have a guaranteed approval, license plate and third party liability insurance policy. The quad cannot enter the road without meeting the above guidelines.

It is worth remembering, because failure to comply with the regulations may result in a high financial pen alty. For example, for the lack of a driving license, you can receive a fine of PLN 500, and for the lack of the required category, PLN 300.

Where can you drive a quad - can you drive a quad on the street?

You can move with the quad in the forest, but only on marked roads. We can pay a fine of up to PLN 1,000 for breaking the law. The quad bike is also not allowed to ride in landscape parks, national parks and beaches.

Many people trying to get a quad, ask themselves, is it possible to drive a quad on the street? If a four-wheeled vehicle meets all legal requirements, then of course, we can drive it on any public road, traffic zone or residential area. The exception applies to motorways and expressways, where quad driving is prohibited.

How to recognize if a quad driver is driving a vehicle legally on a public road? Such a vehicle must have a registration plate. On the other hand, drivers who do not want to register their vehicles can only use a quad on private areas, specially designed for this type of driving.

Quads for kids - a good idea?

Quad as a gift for a child is an increasingly popular idea, but is it safe? Certainly, this four-wheeled vehicle can bring your toddler a lot of fun and a lot of fun. In addition, if he rides with his parent, he will have a lot of positive experiences and memories.

After all, the quad is quite dangerous equipment for a child. While driving a quad, a child is certainly not aware of all the dangers of driving. It must be remembered that the eight-year-old does not yet have the ability to assess the risks and experience needed to drive such a powerful machine. Children do not have as developed imaginations as adults and may not be aware of potential dangers. All this makes the quad a potential threat both for them and for people on the road.

Riding a quad bike will be safe for children when the child drives the vehicle together with an adult or under his watchful eye. Otherwise, a quad bike in the hands of a child without adult control may turn out to be a great threat to his life.

Are the ATVs safe?

It is difficult to unequivocally answer the question whether driving a quad bike is safe. Potentially everythingcan be dangerous if it falls into the wrong hands. However, if we follow the safety rules of quad driving, nothing bad should happen.

More extreme sports can be practiced for years without any he alth damage. Common sense is most important when getting on the quad bike.

To make the quad bike ride really safe, we must remember to wear elbow and knee pads, a helmet, appropriate safety shoes and goggles. Such preparation is to protect us in the event of an accident.

Category:

Summer sports