Quad bikes guide

About quad bikes

A quad bike is also called an all-terrain vehicle or ATV. It’s an off-road motorised vehicle that travels on 4 wheels. It has:

a seat designed to be straddled by the operator
handlebars for steering control
a combustion engine or an electric engine.

Quad bikes come in many different shapes and sizes and, depending on the design, can be used in the workplace or for recreational purposes. Common designs include:

general use models. These are commonly marketed as a work vehicle, but are also used for adventure and tourism purposes. They are designed for adults only and typically have front and rear cargo racks.
youth models, which are also marketed as fun or kids’ quad bikes. They are smaller than general use quad bikes and come in different sizes and power to suit different ages.
sports models, are suitable for adults only and generally used for sports activities.

Quad bikes in the general use group typically have:

front and rear cargo racks
a hitch for towing
one or two seats (type Ⅰ or type Ⅱ quad bikes).

Risks and injuries from the product

Quad bike accidents are common and can happen very easily. Always take the necessary precautions to protect yourself and children.

There have been over 200 recorded fatalities in Australia associated with quad bikes since 2011. Around 12% of deaths involve children.

Quad bikes are one of the leading causes of death and serious injury on Australian farms.

More than half of all quad bike deaths are because of rollovers. The main causes of death from rollovers are asphyxiation, crushing and head injuries.

The risk of a rollover increases if the quad bike is:

travelling on uneven ground or slopes
travelling at high speed
towing something
carrying a heavy or unstable load.

Risks of a serious incident are also increased when operators:

are inexperienced
carry passengers
don’t have the physical strength to ride properly
are under the influence of alcohol or drugs
aren’t wearing suitable personal protective equipment such as a helmet.

Children are at greater risk of serious injury and death while riding quad bikes. Adult sized quad bikes are not suitable for children. Even the smaller youth quad bikes have been involved in fatal incidents in Australia.

Watch our video on quad bike risks to children

Quad bikes can be useful and a lot of fun. However, riding a quad bike can also be very dangerous. This video highlights the risk quad bikes pose to children.

Show transcript

Video transcript

VISION: A father and child run along the beach near a quad bike.

CHILD: Daddy, Daddy, can I ride it?

VISION: The father dangles the keys above the child's head, who then reaches for them. Cut to a shot of the child dangling from a rope off the side of a tall building.

TEXT: Would you risk it?

Never let children ride quad bikes meant for adults

1 in 7 quad bikes deaths have involved children under the age of 14*

*2011-2017

There were 114 quad bike related deaths between 2011 - 2017

Would you risk it?

VISION: ACCC logo appears on screen.

TEXT: Prepare safe | Wear safe | Ride safe

www.productsafety.gov.au/quadbikes

Things to look for when buying the product

Death and serious injuries have happened to people riding quad bikes. For this reason, there’s a mandatory standard that suppliers and retailers must comply with.

Only buy and use a quad bike that complies with the quad bikes mandatory standard.

Design and construction

Decide if a quad bike is the right vehicle for the activity.
The quad bike is supplied with an owner's manual and instructions.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions and safety warnings for using the vehicle.
Use the hang tag to compare the stability of different models. The higher the angle, the more stable the quad bike is.
Make sure that the quad bike is fitted with an operator protection device (OPD). This device helps prevent a fatality if there’s a quad bike rollover by holding the vehicle off the ground to provide a crawl out space for the rider.

Retro-fitting an operator protection device (OPD)

If you have an older quad bike without an operator protection device (OPD), you can get a Quadbar or ATV Lifeguard fitted.

Marks and labels

Quad bike hang tag

Quad bikes must be sold with a hang tag that has the stability testing result.

A hang tag with the stability testing result, showing the minimum angle the quad bike tipped sideways onto 2 wheels.

Use it to compare the stability of different models of quad bikes.

The higher the number the more stable the bike is.

Warning label

Quad bikes must be sold with a warning label.

This image is a warning label warning users of the risk of rollover.

This label must comply with the requirements of the mandatory standard.

Watch a quad bike rollover demonstration

This video shows what happens when a quad bike with an operator protection device (OPD) fitted rolls over. The quad bike does not roll on top of the rider.

Compare this with other video demonstrations of rollovers when a quad bike has no operator protection device (OPD) or a different protection.

How to use the product safely

Follow these safety steps when using quad bikes to help you, your loved ones, friends and work colleagues stay safe.

Prepare safe

Make sure you are properly trained before you ride a quad bike.
Maintain the bike so it’s in a safe condition.
Before you leave for a quad bike ride, always tell someone where you plan to go and when you expect to return.

Wear safe

Always wear a helmet.
Wear protective clothing and gear. This includes goggles, long sleeves, long pants, boots and gloves or hand protection.

Ride safe

Don’t leave children unsupervised near quad bike activity.
Never let children ride quad bikes that are meant for adults — even as passengers.
Don’t carry any passengers on quad bikes that are meant for one person.
Avoid riding on rough terrain or steep slopes. Quad bikes can’t travel safely on all types of terrain.
Never ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Always carry a mobile phone or radio device so you can get help in case of an emergency.