Best Kids ATVs in 2026 — Gas & Electric Buyer's Guide

Quick Comparison: All Kids ATVs

ATV Engine/Motor Best For Top Speed Weight Limit Price
MotoTec E-Bully 36V 1000W Electric Kids 6-12 15+ mph 120 lbs $$
MotoTec Renegade 40cc Gas 4-stroke Kids 6-12 ~15 mph 110 lbs $$
MotoTec Rex 110cc Gas 4-stroke Kids 10+ ~30 mph 150 lbs $$$
MotoTec Bull 125cc Gas 4-stroke Teens 12+ ~35 mph 175 lbs $$$$

Best Electric ATV for Kids

MotoTec E-Bully 36V 1000W Electric ATV

The E-Bully is the electric alternative to gas quads — instant torque, zero noise, and zero maintenance. Perfect for neighborhoods where a gas engine would cause problems.

Key features:

  • 1000W motor — 15+ mph top speed
  • 36V battery — 30-45 minutes ride time
  • Forward and reverse
  • 3-speed selector
  • Speed limiter for beginners
  • Zero noise — ride without disturbing neighbors
  • Available in 5 colors (Blue, Orange, Pink, Red, White)

Why choose electric: No gas, no oil, no pull-starting, no noise complaints. Charge overnight, ride the next day. The speed limiter means you control how fast your child goes.

Best for: Kids ages 6-12, up to 120 lbs. Suburban neighborhoods, backyards, and light off-road.

Shop the E-Bully →


Best Starter Gas ATV for Kids

MotoTec Renegade 40cc 4-Stroke Kids Gas ATV

The Renegade is the classic starter quad — a 40cc 4-stroke engine that's quiet, reliable, and runs on straight gasoline. The remote kill switch gives parents ultimate control.

What sets it apart:

  • Remote kill switch — shut it off from a distance if your child gets in trouble
  • 40cc 4-stroke engine — quiet, no oil mixing
  • Adjustable speed governor
  • Automatic clutch — twist and go
  • Wide stance for stability
  • Throttle limiter screw

Why the remote kill switch matters: You're standing 50 feet away and your kid is heading toward the road. Press the button. Engine stops. That peace of mind is worth everything.

Best for: Kids ages 6-12, up to 110 lbs. First ATV experience.

Shop the Renegade 40cc →


Best Mid-Size ATV for Kids & Teens

MotoTec Rex 110cc 4-Stroke Kids Gas ATV

The Rex is the step-up from the Renegade — a 110cc engine with 7 horsepower, semi-automatic transmission with reverse, and a frame big enough for growing teens.

Upgrades over the 40cc Renegade:

  • 110cc engine — 7 HP (vs 2.5 HP)
  • Semi-automatic transmission with reverse
  • Electric start + pull-start backup
  • Larger frame and wider stance
  • Front AND rear disc brakes
  • Front and rear suspension
  • Speed governor still included

The progression: Renegade 40cc → Rex 110cc → Bull 125cc. The Rex is the middle step for kids who've outgrown the starter quad but aren't ready for the full-power Bull.

Best for: Kids/teens ages 10+, up to 150 lbs. Trail riding and moderate off-road.

Shop the Rex 110cc →


Best Full-Power Youth ATV

MotoTec Bull 125cc 4-Stroke Kids Gas ATV

The Bull is the most powerful youth ATV we carry — a 125cc engine with serious torque, reverse gear, and suspension that handles real off-road terrain. Built for teens who ride hard.

Full-featured quad:

  • 125cc 4-stroke engine — strong torque for hills and mud
  • Semi-automatic with reverse
  • Electric start
  • Front and rear hydraulic disc brakes
  • Front dual A-arm suspension + rear mono-shock
  • 8" wheels with aggressive ATV tires
  • Speed governor for parents
  • Chain guard and full fenders

Best for: Teens ages 12+, up to 175 lbs. Serious trail riding, hills, and mud.

Shop the Bull 125cc →


How to Choose the Right ATV Size

By Age and Weight:

Age Weight Recommended Engine Our Pick
6-8 50-80 lbs 40cc gas or 36V electric Renegade or E-Bully
8-10 70-110 lbs 40cc gas or 36V electric Renegade or E-Bully
10-12 90-130 lbs 110cc gas Rex 110cc
12-14 110-150 lbs 110-125cc gas Rex or Bull
14+ 130-175 lbs 125cc gas Bull 125cc

The Seat Test:

Your child should be able to:

  • Reach the handlebars comfortably without stretching
  • Plant both feet flat on the footrests
  • Reach the brake lever easily
  • See over the handlebars clearly

ATV Safety Essentials

Required Gear:

  • Helmet (DOT-approved) — non-negotiable
  • Goggles — dirt and debris protection
  • Gloves — grip and hand protection
  • Boots — over-the-ankle, closed-toe
  • Long pants and long sleeves — minimum skin protection

Safety Features on Our ATVs:

  • Speed governors on all models
  • Remote kill switch (Renegade 40cc)
  • Throttle limiters
  • Wide stance for stability
  • Disc brakes for reliable stopping

Rules for Young Riders:

  1. Always wear a helmet — no exceptions
  2. Never ride on paved roads
  3. No passengers on single-rider ATVs
  4. Stay within sight of a supervising adult
  5. Start slow — use the speed governor

Gas vs Electric ATV — Quick Decision Guide

Choose the E-Bully (electric) if:

  • You live in a neighborhood with noise restrictions
  • Your kid is 6-10 and this is their first powersports vehicle
  • You want zero maintenance
  • Rides are 30-45 minutes or less

Choose the Renegade (gas) if:

  • You want longer ride sessions (1-2 hours)
  • You want the remote kill switch safety feature
  • Your kid wants the "real" gas-powered experience
  • You ride far from electrical outlets

FAQ

What age can a kid ride an ATV?

Our smallest models (Renegade 40cc, E-Bully) work for kids as young as 6, provided they meet the weight minimum and can reach all controls comfortably.

Do kids need a license to ride an ATV?

Not on private property in most U.S. states. Public trails and roads have varying regulations — check your local laws.

How fast do kids ATVs go?

15-35 mph depending on the model. All our ATVs include speed governors that parents can adjust.

Are ATVs safer than dirt bikes for kids?

For beginners, yes — four wheels eliminate the balance requirement and reduce tip-over risk. However, ATVs can still roll if turned too sharply at speed. Proper training and speed governors mitigate this.

Can I get a pink ATV for my daughter?

Yes! The MotoTec E-Bully comes in pink (plus blue, orange, red, and white).


Browse All ATVs

Free U.S. shipping. 30-day parts warranty. Expert support from an authorized MotoTec dealer.

Back to blog