Off Road Vehicles

Injury Prevention & Safety

Children and youth under 16 do not have the strength, skill, or decision-making abilities to operate ATVs or snowmobiles safely.

Even “child-sized” and “youth-sized” ATVs are not safe. Because of this, Alberta Health Services takes the position that children younger than 16 years of age should not operate all-terrain vehicles.

Children under 16 years old have a higher risk for injury and death on ATVs. Even “child-sized” and “youth-sized” ATVs are not safe.

Research shows that even when driving child/youth sized ATVS – those with engines <= 90ccs – drivers under 16 years old are still 2 to 5 times more likely to be injured than adults drivers on any size of machine.

Key Messages

  • ATVs are for adults. Children under 16 shouldn't operate any size of ATV. (MyHealth.Alberta.ca)