Tips for Riding a UTV with Your Kid

Utility terrain vehicles or UTVs, also known as side-by-sides, are popular among solo thrill-seekers and adventure enthusiast families searching for unique ways to explore the great outdoors. That’s why you can often see parents and kids embarking on UTV adventures. If you plan to hit the trails with the children but are unsure where to begin, you have arrived at the right place.

Sky Powersports Lakeland is your preferred motorsports vehicle dealership in Florida, and we know a thing or two about riding a UTV. Our experts have created this guide to discuss a few things to consider when riding a side-by-side with the kids, so keep reading to learn more.

Gear Them Up

You want to prioritize safety when riding your UTV with the kids. Wear safety gear and get your children to wear protective clothing.

Get a well-fitting DOT-approved helmet for each family member, and make your younger kids wear a chest plate for extra safety on the trails. You also want to make everyone wear long-sleeved shirts and pants, close-toed boots, goggles, and gloves with a firm grip.

Keep Kids Under Supervision

Another safety tip to consider when riding a UTV with the kids is to keep them under supervision. Children should never operate a side-by-side on their own—an adult should control the vehicle and monitor kids constantly. You also want to follow all local laws and regulations regarding UTV operation and adhere to age restrictions and speed limits. Finally, you want to stick to designated areas and avoid taking risky maneuvers or traversing dangerous terrains.

Educate Kids on Rules

More importantly, you want to reiterate safety rules and guidelines with your children before leaving home.

Ideally, emphasize the importance of listening to instructions and always following safety precautions. You also want to help the kids familiarize themselves with clear communication signals and ensure everyone on board understands each other. You should discourage the kids from sticking any body parts out of the vehicle and tell them about the risks.

We hope this guide helps you stay safe and have fun with the kids on your next outdoor trip. If you need more advice or want to upgrade your UTV to the latest model before your next outing, visit Sky Powersports Lakeland. We are in Lakeland, FL, and proud to serve Tampa and Orlando.