ATV Safety and Children: Why Even Child-Sized ATVs Can Be Dangerous — And What to Do If You’re Injured

June 30, 2025, Kitchener, Ontario

Posted by: Robert Deutschmann, Personal Injury Lawyer

With the arrival of summer weather in Ontario, families are increasingly turning to outdoor activities like all-terrain vehicle (ATV) riding. While ATVs can be a fun way to explore trails and rural properties, they pose serious safety risks—especially for children. Many parents assume that smaller, “child-sized” ATVs are safer and easier for kids to control. Unfortunately, this is a dangerous misconception.

At Deutschmann de Koning Personal Injury Law, we have seen firsthand the severe injuries that can result from ATV accidents involving children, even when all safety guidelines are followed. This blog post explores why even child-sized ATVs are hazardous, what Ontario law says about children operating these vehicles, and what steps to take if you or a family member is seriously injured.

Why Child-Sized ATVs Aren’t Necessarily Safe

Manufacturers often market youth ATVs as safer alternatives, designed with speed restrictions and lighter frames. While they may appear more manageable, these vehicles still carry significant risk for young riders:

• Speed and Weight: Many child-sized ATVs can still travel at speeds of up to 30–40 km/h and weigh several hundred pounds. This is more than enough force to cause serious harm in a rollover or collision.

• Instability: ATVs—regardless of size—have a high centre of gravity and are prone to tipping, especially on uneven terrain or sharp turns.

• Lack of Protective Structure: Unlike passenger vehicles, ATVs offer no enclosure or seatbelts. In a crash or rollover, children can be ejected or pinned beneath the vehicle.

• Underdeveloped Skills: Even when age-appropriate, many children lack the physical strength, coordination, or judgment required to safely operate an ATV.

According to the Canadian Paediatric Society, children under the age of 16 should not operate ATVs of any size, due to the high risk of injury. This position is echoed by many safety advocacy groups and medical professionals across the country.

What Ontario Law Says About Children and ATVs

Ontario has specific laws in place to limit ATV use by children:

• Children under 12 may only operate an ATV on private property owned by their family and under adult supervision.

• All riders must wear an approved helmet when operating or riding an ATV.

• Licensing and trail access: Operating an ATV on public roads or trails requires a valid G2 or M2 driver’s licence.

• Vehicle registration and insurance are mandatory for off-property use.

Even if your child is riding a smaller ATV in what seems like a safe environment, they may still be operating in violation of the law—and at serious risk of injury.

Steps to Prevent ATV Accidents Involving Children

If you choose to allow your child to use an ATV, take the following precautions:

• Only allow use on private property with direct supervision.

• Choose ATVs that match the rider’s size and ability, but be aware that no ATV is entirely “safe” for children.

• Enforce helmet use and encourage other protective gear like gloves, boots, and chest protection.

• Enrol your child in an ATV safety course.

• Educate your child about the risks and responsibilities associated with off-road vehicles.

What to Do After a Serious ATV Injury

If your child or another family member is seriously injured in an ATV accident—whether on your property or someone else’s—it’s important to act quickly and protect your legal rights:

1. Seek immediate medical care and document the injuries.

2. Report the accident to the police or appropriate authorities, especially if others were involved.

3. Gather evidence, including photographs of the ATV, the location, and any visible hazards.

4. Contact a personal injury lawyer with experience in ATV and off-road vehicle claims.

At Deutschmann de Koning Personal Injury Law, we are dedicated to helping families recover after serious accidents. We understand the emotional and financial toll these injuries can take and will advocate on your behalf to secure fair compensation for medical treatment, lost income, rehabilitation, and more.

Talk to an Experienced Lawyer Today

If your child has been injured in an ATV accident—whether on a child-sized ATV or otherwise—don’t wait to get the legal guidance you need. Contact Deutschmann de Koning Personal Injury Law for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our team is here to provide support, clarity, and expert legal advice during this difficult time.

Call us or visit ddkpi.law to connect with one of our personal injury lawyers today.

Stay safe—and always ride with caution and awareness.

About Deutschmann de Koning Law

Deutschmann de Koning Law serves South-Western Ontario with offices in Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, Woodstock, Brantford, Stratford and Ayr. The law practice of Robert Deutschmann and Nick de Koning focuses almost exclusively in personal injury and disability insurance matters. For more information, please visit www.ddinjurylaw.com or call us at 1-519-742-7774.