For a first quad bike ride, a child should wear a well-fitting kids’ helmet, with the chin strap snug and the buckle done up, because a helmet is sensible protective gear on a quad bike. Quad bikes are fun, but they can be bumpy and unpredictable, especially off-road, and a child who is new to riding needs head protection from the start.
A child’s first quad bike ride usually takes place on a farm track, a field, or a supervised activity centre, with an adult close by. The quad will be a small, child-sized machine, and the speeds will be low, but the ground can be rough, and the bike can jolt or tip on uneven ground. A helmet protects the head when that happens.
What type of helmet suits a quad bike ride?
A full-face kids’ helmet is a good choice for quad biking, because it protects the whole head and face, including the chin and jaw. Off-road riding can throw up mud, dust, and small stones, and a full-face helmet keeps those away from the face as well as protecting the head.
An off-road or motocross-style helmet is another good option, because it is made for dirt riding and has a peak that helps with sun and mud. These helmets are usually worn with goggles, which protect the eyes from dust and flying debris.
A standard kids’ bike helmet is better than no helmet at all, although it does not protect the face in the same way. If a full-face or off-road helmet is available, use that one for quad biking, and keep the bike helmet for cycling.
How should a kids’ helmet fit?
A kids’ helmet should sit level on the head, covering the forehead down to about two finger-widths above the eyebrows. It should not tilt back, which leaves the forehead exposed, or tilt forward, which blocks the child’s view of the track ahead.
The helmet should feel snug but not tight. When the child shakes their head gently, the helmet should stay in place, with only a small amount of movement. If it slides around easily, it is too loose, and if it leaves red marks or the child complains that it hurts, it is too tight.
For a full-face helmet, check that the child can see clearly out of the visor or the goggles, and that the helmet does not press on their nose or chin. Most off-road helmets have pads inside that can be swapped to adjust the fit, so ask for help if the fit is not right.
How do you adjust the straps and buckle?
The chin strap should be snug enough that only one or two fingers fit between the strap and the chin. If you can fit more fingers than that, the strap is too loose, and the helmet could come off in a fall or a tip-over.
Always do the buckle up before the child gets on the quad, and check that it clicks shut properly. A helmet that is not buckled is of little use in a crash, because it can fly off on impact. Make buckling up part of the routine, every time, without exception.
If the child wears goggles, fit the helmet first, then the goggles, and check that the goggles sit snugly against the face without gaps. The goggle strap should go over the back of the helmet, and the goggles should not push the helmet out of position.
What should a child wear for quad biking?
Alongside a helmet, a child should wear sturdy clothes that cover the arms and legs, and closed shoes or boots that cover the whole foot. Long sleeves and trousers protect against scrapes, mud, and hot parts of the quad.
Gloves are a good idea, because they improve grip on the handlebars and protect the hands. Eye protection, such as goggles, is also worth using, because dust and small stones are common on dirt tracks.
Tie back long hair before the helmet goes on, so it does not get caught in the strap. Avoid loose scarves, hoods, or dangling drawstrings, which can catch on the quad or on branches if the child is riding near trees.
How do you help a child enjoy their first quad bike ride?
Start on flat, open ground, and let the child get used to the controls at a slow speed before they try anything harder. Most first rides are about learning to steer, brake, and balance, not about going fast or tackling rough ground.
Stay close and supervise the child at all times, and walk or ride alongside them if you can. A child should be supervised on their first quad bike ride, and an encouraging adult nearby makes the whole experience feel safer and more fun.
Keep the first ride short, and stop while the child is still enjoying it. Praise them for following the rules and wearing their helmet, and talk about what they enjoyed afterwards, so they look forward to the next ride.
How do you check the quad bike and helmet before riding?
Before the first ride, check that the quad bike is the right size for the child, with the seat, handlebars, and controls all within easy reach. The child should be able to reach the brakes and the throttle comfortably, and their feet should rest flat on the footrests.
Check the tyres, the brakes, and the throttle, and make sure nothing is loose or leaking. If the quad is hired or borrowed, ask the owner or the centre staff to walk you through the controls, and do not let the child ride until you are happy the bike is in good working order.
Check the helmet at the same time: make sure it sits level, the straps are snug, and the buckle clicks shut. A helmet and a bike that are both checked before the ride give the child the best start to a safe and enjoyable first session.
Does my child have to wear a helmet on a quad bike?
In general terms, yes. A helmet is sensible protective gear for quad biking, because falls and tip-overs can happen even at low speed on rough ground. Many activity centres and farms require helmets, and it is wise to wear one even where it is not required.
Can my child use their own bike helmet for quad biking?
It is better than no helmet, although a full-face or off-road helmet protects the face as well as the head. If a full-face helmet is available, use that one, and check the fit before the ride.
What if my child’s helmet gets muddy?
Wipe the outside with a damp cloth and let it dry, and remove the liner if it comes out, so it can be washed. If your child’s helmet has a MIPS liner, wipe it gently and let it dry before the next ride.
Olivia
Writer at Helmet Today, covering helmet reviews, fit and riding safety.
