All-terrain vehicles, commonly known as ATVs, are used for exploring the outdoors, racing, hauling and more in off-road environments. These vehicles can bring power and speed, but also carry risks for children and riders who fail to follow the proper precautions.
The average weight of an ATV can vary from below 300 pounds for an entry-level youth ATV to more than 800 pounds for larger utility vehicles designed for adults.
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ATV weights generally increase along with the size of the engine, with engines smaller than 125 cubic centimeters (cc) typically meant for children.
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Each year, there are more than 700 deaths and 100,000 injuries in the U.S. involving off-highway vehicles, specifically ATVs.
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ATVs vary in weight depending on their recreational or practical purpose, with sports ATVs typically weighing less than utility ATVs.
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ATV statistics
Originally promoted as recreational vehicles, riders have come to use ATVs for a wide range of purposes, including hunting, agricultural field inspections and hauling supplies.
As they’ve become more popular, ATVs have been the subject of safety concerns and are vulnerable to overturns and rollovers. The U.S. sees more than 100,000 injuries involving off-highway vehicles (OHVs) annually, and the vast majority stem from ATVs.From 2017 to 2019, more than 1,500 people died in incidents involving ATVs.
These safety concerns have led to product changes for the industry, including in 1987, when the Justice Department and top off-road vehicle producers agreed to end the sale of three-wheel ATVs associated with hundreds of fatalities.
Safety groups now generally recommend that young children avoid riding ATVs entirely and that teens be limited to vehicles with smaller engine sizes.
ATV sizes and weights overview
Adult-size ATVs can range from under 400 pounds to more than 800 pounds, with larger vehicles typically associated with lower maximum speeds but greater power.
Youth-size ATVs are more likely to weigh fewer than 300 pounds, with some weighing even less than 200 pounds, while the largest can weigh close to 400 pounds.
A typical standard-size ATV can range from 70 to 85 inches long and 43 to 45 inches wide.
Types of ATV weight
ATVs are measured by their dry weight and curb weight. Dry weight refers to the ATV’s weight when it is entirely empty of fluids like gas and coolant.The curb weight, the measure more commonly specified by manufacturers, represents the vehicle’s weight when fully fueled, filled with the proper fluids and supplied with standard equipment.
These weight measurements do not include the addition of cargo or passengers, though product specifications may include the payload capacity, a measure of the maximum weight a vehicle can carry.
ATV weight by engine size
Starting with the smallest engine size of about 50cc, ATV weights generally go upward from about 200 pounds. The following displays how ATV weights vary by approximate engine size:
The weights of available ATVs may vary significantly in each category of engine size. ATVs with engines in the range of 450cc, for example, are designed for sporting and recreation and typically record lower weights, with some less than 400 pounds. Utility ATVs with similarly sized engines, however, can weigh between 500 and 700 pounds.
ATV weight by type
There are a few different primary types of ATVs, including youth, sport and utility ATVs. Details of each are as follows:
- Youth ATVs are the smallest, with smaller engines, lower speeds and smaller payload limits. They are meant for teens or children.
- Sport ATVs are lighter in weight, with greater suspension to handle speed, jumps and turns.
- Utility ATVs are often used in ranching, agriculture and other industries. They usually have shorter suspension, a large motor and add-ons, such as special tires or racks, designed for working with a higher payload.
When comparing top models from the biggest ATV brands, utility ATVs typically weigh significantly more than sport ATVs of a similar engine class.
For example, Honda’s TRX250X, a sport ATV with a 229cc engine, has a curb weight of 385 pounds, while Honda’s FOURTRAX RECON, a utility ATV with a 229cc engine, has a curb weight of 437 pounds.
Similarly, Yamaha has produced a sport ATV weighing 405 pounds with a 449cc engine and a utility ATV weighing 606 pounds — despite the latter having a smaller 421cc engine.
FAQ
How much do ATVs weigh?
The typical vehicle can weigh from less than 300 pounds for entry-level youth ATVs to more than 800 pounds for bigger utility vehicles with large engines designed for heavy payloads.
What are the biggest ATVs?
Utility ATVs with engines larger than 800cc are the heaviest available, with weights upward of 800 pounds or more.
Are ATVs safe for kids?
Annually, there are more than 700 deaths and 100,000 injuries in the U.S. involving OHVs, with ATVs accounting for the vast majority, and an alarming share of these involve children.
How do utility ATVs compare to sport ATVs?
Sport ATVs used for racing and recreation are typically lighter and smaller than utility ATVs designed to carry larger payloads and serve more commercial purposes, such as agriculture.
References
- Herron, R. “How Much Does An ATV Weigh? 2023 Comprehensive Guide With CC.” FOD Sports. Evaluated April 22, 2024.Link Here
- “ATV Safety.” United States Consumer Product Safety Commission. Evaluated April 22, 2024.Link Here
- Murphy, D., & Harshman, W. “The Safe Use of ATVs in Agriculture.” The Penn State University College of Agricultural Sciences. Evaluated April 22, 2024.Link Here
- Zhang, C. “2022 Report of Deaths and Injuries Involving Off-Highway Vehicles with More than Two Wheels.” United States Consumer Product Safety Commission. Evaluated April 22, 2024.Link Here
- Roth, E. “Government, industry agree on ban of new three-wheel ATVs.” United Press International. Evaluated April 22, 2024.Link Here
- Jennissen, C. “ATVs Are Not Safe for Children: AAP Policy Explained.” American Academy of Pediatrics. Evaluated April 22, 2024.Link Here
- Heydinger, G. “Vehicle Characteristics Measurements Of All-Terrain Vehicles.” United States Consumer Product Safety Commission. Evaluated April 22, 2024.Link Here
- Randall, M. “What Size Atv Do You Need?” Super ATV. Evaluated April 22, 2024.Link Here
- “TRX250X Specifications.” Honda. Evaluated April 22, 2024.Link Here
- “FOURTRAX RECON Specifications.”Link Here
- “2024 YFZ450R SPECIFICATIONS.”Link Here
- “2014 YAMAHA GRIZZLY® 450 AUTO. 4X4 EPS.” Dealer Spike. Evaluated April 22, 2024.Link Here
