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Choosing the Right Youth ATV, UTV, or Dirt Bike: Age Requirements, Best Fit & Brand Options

Dec. 4 2025 Buying Guide By Dallas Withrow

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Getting your child into powersports is exciting but it also comes with a lot of questions. Between age requirements, engine sizes, riding styles, and brand options, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. This guide will walk you through everything you need to choose the perfect youth ATV, UTV, or dirt bike for your young rider.

Age Requirements: What Parents Need to Know.

While dirt bikes don’t have age requirements, youth ATVs and UTVs typically do. Manufacturers build these units with specific safety features, sizing, and power levels appropriate for different ages. It is important to note adult supervision is encouraged with the operation of youth units.

General Youth ATV Age Guidelines:

  • 50cc = 6+

  • 70cc = 6+

  • 90cc = 10+

  • 110cc = 10+

  • 200cc = 14+

Youth Side-by-Side (SXS) Age Guidelines:

  • 150cc–200cc = 10+ (with adult supervision)

These ages are set by manufacturers to ensure proper fit, motor control, and safety for young riders.

Brand-Specific Youth Models

We carry seven major brands and six of them offer youth units: Suzuki, Honda, KTM, Polaris, Kawasaki, and Yamaha.

Here’s a quick guide to what each brand offers:

Polaris (Youth ATVs + Youth UTVs)

The ONLY brand we carry that builds youth UTVs.

  • UTVs: RZR 200 (10+), Ranger 150 (10+)

  • ATVs: Outlaw 70 EFI (6+), Outlaw 110 EFI (10+), Sportsman 110 (10+), Phoenix 200 (14+)

Kawasaki

  • ATVs: KFX 50 (6+), KFX 90 (10+)

  • Dirt Bikes: KX 65/85/112; KLX 110R/140R

Suzuki

  • ATVs: Z50 (6+), Z90 (12+)

  • Bikes: DR-Z50, RM85, DR-Z125L

Honda

  • ATV: TRX 90X (10+)

  • Bikes: CRF 50F/110F/125F/150R

Yamaha

  • ATVs: Raptor 110, YFZ 250

  • Bikes: PW50, TTR 50E/110E/125LE, YZ 65/85/125

KTM

KTM’s youth lineup focuses on dirt bikes only, designed for young riders developing race-ready skills.

What Type of Unit Is Best for My Kid?

Choosing the right unit depends on a few key factors:

1. Riding Environment

  • Sand dunes: More power + paddle tire options.

  • Track riding: Motocross bikes (65cc–85cc+) or sport ATVs.

  • Trails: Smaller four-strokes and youth ATVs are perfect.

2. Skill Level

Start small enough for them to feel confident and in control. A child should be able to:

  • Touch the ground comfortably

  • Operate brakes and throttle easily

  • Handle the weight of the unit safely

3. Size/Height

This matters more than age for dirt bikes.
 Dirt bikes have no formal age requirement, so we size each young rider individually based on:

  • Inseam

  • Weight

  • Control comfort

  • Riding experience

My Child Is Between Sizes—What Should I Do?

This is extremely common! The best approach is:

Start small, build skill, and move up.

To make this easy, we offer:

  • A Trade-In, Trade-Up Program → perfect for kids who outgrow units quickly

  • Large selection of pre-loved youth ATVs and bikes → great budget-friendly options

Buying used or trading up helps keep your child on the right-size machine without overspending.

Final Thoughts

Youth powersports is an incredible way to build confidence, responsibility, and outdoor fun—but choosing the right ATV, UTV, or dirt bike matters. With the right size and appropriate age-rated unit, your child will have a safer, smoother start to their riding journey.

If you'd like help sizing or selecting the perfect model, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.