| A quad bike (or ATV) is a motorcycle with four | | | | In order for a quad bike to be suitable for road |
| wheels. They became popular from the 1970's | | | | usage, the vehicle must go through the ministry |
| and have shown an increased demand since then. | | | | test for homologation and SVA certification. Once |
| Quad bike riding has typically been done off road, | | | | tested it must be retested every three years by |
| offering the rider an exciting and thrilling | | | | a certified member of transport. |
| experience which can be compared to motocross | | | | Using an ATV on the road will require the rider to |
| riding. A new type of bike has emerged on the | | | | hold a full UK car licence or a motorcycle licence |
| market over recent years and this is the road | | | | prior 2001. Although a full UK driving licence is |
| legal quad, a bike which conforms to all safety | | | | suitable to ride a road legal quad on British roads, |
| requirements so that it can be used on public | | | | the user may not have previous quad experience |
| roads. Why would anyone want to use an ATV | | | | and this is not actually required. It is strongly |
| on the road when they could use a car or | | | | advised prior to using a quad bike on the road |
| motorbike? | | | | that you practice in a quiet area with no people |
| They offer a completely different riding | | | | around such as a private piece of land or an |
| experience which is fun, convenient and easy to | | | | empty car park (if you seek permission). |
| learn. An ATV is very cheap to run. On average it | | | | Please be aware that quad bikes are a dangerous |
| costs only £12 to fill up the tank (unleaded) and | | | | piece of equipment and require a patient |
| this can last for many miles. Quad bikes can reach | | | | mannerism to learn the basics of riding one. It is |
| high speeds just like motorcycles. A 250cc to | | | | important to be safe when riding a quad bike is |
| 300cc model will do around 65MPH, more with | | | | this is a dangerous vehicle just like any other. |
| performance upgrades. A quad bike has fast | | | | There is no law which states the rider must wear |
| acceleration, is easy to get through tight spaces | | | | a helmet although it is strongly recommended for |
| and insurance is cheap, depending on your age. | | | | safety reasons. There are mixed views on |
| Most road bikes being produced today can | | | | whether helmets should be worn, what do you |
| transport two people although you should check | | | | think? Do you think it should be the law or down |
| with the manufacturer prior to purchasing for | | | | to a personal choice? Whatever your answer, the |
| specifics. | | | | helmet is a useful safety article. A helmet |
| So you may be thinking what makes an off road | | | | approved to United Nations standard ECE 22.05 is |
| quad different to a road legal quad? | | | | suggested for use in the EU. Many people wear |
| Road legal ATVs must be registered with the | | | | eye protection, boots and suitable clothing on their |
| DVLA, taxed, insured and have an MOT just like | | | | quad bikes. This is important as you only get one |
| a car must have. The quad bike must comply | | | | life, so protect it as much as you can! |
| with strict construction and lighting requirement, | | | | To conclude, ATV's are becoming increasingly |
| have mirrors, and display registration plates on the | | | | popular particularly road legal quads. If you are |
| front and the rear. By law no person under the | | | | planning on riding your quad on the road it is |
| age of seventeen is permitted to use a quad bike | | | | advisable to purchase a road legal quad. If you |
| on public highways. | | | | already have an off road quad it is possible to |
| Many people ask can I convert my off road ATV | | | | convert it into a road legal vehicle but you need |
| into a fully road legal quad bike? Well in reality yes | | | | to make sure you do this correctly and legally and |
| you can, however this can be a very costly affair. | | | | it can cost a considerable amount of money. |
| It is not unusual for it to cost in excess of £500. | | | | |