Quad bike riding will only be enjoyed if safety is guaranteed. Therefore, it is crucial that one understands the difference between off road quads and road legal quads. Here are some facts and information to help you identify the use and purpose of each quad bike.

Off Road Quads

Generally, quad bikes are meant for off-road use. They were first utilized as farm utility vehicles for agriculture and are also used in transporting goods. These were designed specifically for traversing rough terrains. These ATV quads are also ideal for fun weekend adventures like camping. Countryside trips will be more enjoyable with a quad bike as this vehicle can go to areas where conventional vehicles cannot go. Those living in remote settings can greatly benefit from owning an off road quad bike.

Off road quads are now also being used for recreation as there are venues that offer off-road quad bike activities. But owning a road legal quad bike gives double benefits as you can use it for off-road purposes as well as public highway driving. You can now ride to a trail, compete for a race, drive to work, and even go shopping using just one vehicle type.

The Road Legal Quad Bike

On-road or road legal quad bikes are registered quads that are properly homologated for public road use. In UK, a road legal quad must be constructed in compliance with the country’s Road Traffic Act of 1988. It must be built according to the standards required by law before it can be legally driven on public highways. It should have a valid certificate, insurance, and tax documentation and must also have a registered number plate.

A road legal quad bike must have lights, indicators, mirrors, warning horn, speedometer, and road legal tires. Other specifications may be required depending on the state or country’s road management rules. On-road quads are to be driven by riders 17 years old and above with full driving license.

Then again, be aware that road legal tires usually do not provide enough traction necessary for true off-road driving. You may want to change tires when using your road legal quad bike for off-road activities. Moreover, do not forget that proper caution is required for quad driving. While special or formal training is not required, some training may be helpful so you can fully experience the best out of your vehicle.

And whether you go for on-road or off-road quad biking, ensure that you have the necessary gear. A helmet is essential while boots, gloves, and goggles are optional safety gear.

It is becoming more and more popular to own a road legal quad bike. It is now being considered as an alternative to the usual motorcycle or scooter. These vehicles were basically intended for off-road use and were once three-wheeled vehicles used in agriculture and countryside working. The quad bikes popular today actually evolved from the farm quad bikes or ATV quads used in forestry, general farming, herding animals and in crossing rough terrains.

These four-wheeled vehicles became well-liked because of their robust and powerful structure. They were also used for recreation purposes. And because of the growing popularity and market interest, manufacturers also introduced the use of quad bikes on the road thus the introduction of road legal quad bikes. Now, you can tour around the city, go shopping, and drive around public roads using your ATV.

A street legal quad is a vehicle that can be legally driven on public highways and must have mirrors, front and rear indicators, lights, road legal tires, warning horn, parking brake, speedometer, number plate and other features necessary for public highway driving.

Some states may require radial tires and windshield and these parts have to be installed by the owner as such may not available from the ATV manufacturer. But basically, quad bikes will be considered road legal if it is equipped with lights, street legal tires, the standard braking system, standard exhaust system and complete body work. The fuel tank construction should also be in accordance to the country’s road regulations.

Any road legal quad bike should be built according to the standard required by law and must be registered, taxed, and insured. Remember that these are legal requirements that must be firmly observed. A quad bike will only be road legal if its construction is suitable for road driving and is supported by the required legal documents. Several standards are set by different countries and these must be strictly followed before one travels with a quad bike.

Road legal quad bike drivers must hold a valid driving license and must at least be 17 years of age. Driving without the proper license will give penalty points to your license which can affect future vehicle insurance transactions.

In other countries, certain documentations may be deemed necessary especially if the quad bike exceeded the vehicle weight restriction set by the country’s motor division. Proper clothing such as helmet, gloves, and boots are recommended to be worn when driving road legal quads.