Recently the CPSC changed their recommendations regarding suggested limits based on age. This time they based it on the ATV's speed and the rider's age, instead of the ATVs size and the rider's age.

The new recommendations include speed ratings based on the riders age, with ages 6 through 9 restricted to 15 mph, 10 through 13 year olds restricted to 30 mph and 14 and 15 year olds restricted to 38 mph.

When a 15 year old is on the "recommended ATV", the size limits for big kids tends to mean it is too small to operate the ATV safely. Knees will interfere with steering and the excessive weight moves the center of gravity higher, making it unstable. An under-powered ATV makes it harder to ride and could increase the risk of an accident. Putting your big kid on a quad that's too small is dangerous, too.

My oldest boy has been riding solo since he was 4. Now at age 7 he's almost as big as his 11 year old cousin. By the time he's 12 or 13 he will be too big to safely ride the "recommended" sized ATV.

The CPSC needs to realize that they're headed in the wrong direction. They need to realize that the ability to ride an ATV safely boils down experience, safety equipment and the rider's ability to use their weight and strength to move the ATV without under-powering it.

But no matter what the CPSC recommends, a child's safety is up to the parent. They need to teach them how to be safe and it's up to the parents to make sure they get the proper youth ATV safety training and the right sized ATV for their needs and abilities.