These days, kids tend to spend more time playing on their computers or smartphones than going outside and having fun the old-fashioned way. Given how immersive apps and video games are to children, it’s hard to get them excited about a traditional toy — that is, until they unbox their sparkly new 4-wheeler.
Kid quads are so much fun that even the most sensational video games pale in comparison. In this article, we’ve compiled the very best kids 4-wheelers available on the market and discussed everything you need to know to find the perfect one.
- Choosing the Best Kids 4-Wheeler
- Top 10 Best 4-Wheelers for Kids 2023
- 1. Best Overall Kids 4-Wheeler: Fisher-Price Power Wheels Dune Racer
- 2. Best Off-Road Kids 4-Wheeler: Razor Dirt Quad
- 3. Coolest Kids 4-Wheeler: Kid Trax Electric Kids Ride-On Toy
- 4. Best Racing-Style Kids 4-Wheeler: Power Wheels Racing ATV
- 5. Best Premium Kids 4-Wheeler: Pulse Performance ATV Quad
- 6. Safest Kids 4-Wheeler: Kid Motorz Kiddie Quad
- 7. Best Classic Kids 4-Wheeler: Kid Motorz Xtreme Quad
- 8. Best 4-Wheeler for Toddlers: Kid Trax Ride-On Quad
- 9. Best Kids 4-Wheel Monster Truck: Kid Motorz Monster Quad
- 10. Best Budget Kids 4-Wheeler: Yamaha Kids Ride-On Quad
- Hitting the Road
- Final Words
Choosing the Best Kids 4-Wheeler
Although it’s a relatively straightforward purchase, there are still a few important things to keep in mind when choosing a kids 4-wheeler. Not all vehicles are made to suit every child’s needs, and choosing the right model for your little rider is key. After all, you don’t want to dampen the occasion by getting a quad that’s too small or big for your child, or one that’s too simple or difficult to operate. Here are some key aspects to keep in mind as you read on.
Age
All kids 4-wheelers are made with an intended age bracket in mind. Those aimed at kids under 3 years old tend to feature forward motion as their sole function, and they won’t likely run at a higher speed than 3 mph. Likewise, 4-wheelers intended for the 8+ age bracket come with added functionality and faster motion. For maximum enjoyment and safety, choosing the right vehicle for your child’s age bracket is key.
Weight Capacity
Choosing a 4-wheeler that can adequately support the weight of your child is critical in order to avoid risk of injury. Some 4-wheelers even let passengers tag along, so if you’ve got more than one kid make sure that their brand new toy has a high enough weight capacity so that you don’t have to leave one of them sitting on the side of the road.
Top Speed
This is another key safety aspect to keep in mind. Older kids will appreciate a bit of extra kick to their quad, while toddlers won’t be able to handle high speeds. Finding the sweet spot between those extremes is key. Take your child’s age and aptitude into account when choosing a model, and remember to constantly supervise the little rider as they learn the ropes of their new vehicle.
Safety
The companies that manufacture kids 4-wheelers go to great lengths to ensure the safety of their young riders. Still, there’s a constant risk of something going wrong whenever your child uses their little vehicle. While kids 4-wheelers don’t come close to possessing the power of an actual quad, it’s important to remember that children’s bodies are especially sensitive, and they can get seriously hurt if they take the wrong kind of tumble. All of the 4-wheelers we recommend meet a high standard of safety, but we’ll also point out any extra safety features that provide added peace of mind.
We should also state here that children under the age of 16 should never ride an adult-sized ATV, regardless of how adept they are at riding their toy model.
Additional Features
Many of the 4-wheeler models we’ve listed feature bare-bones functionality, while some of the high-end options come with added comforts. These can range from cushioned seats, themed decals, storage sections and more. Of course, additional features tend to add additional value to the product’s price tag, so keep that in mind before you get swept by a certain model’s bells and whistles.
With all that out of the way, you and your little rider are ready to take a look at some of these 4-wheelers and hit the open road.
Top 10 Best 4-Wheelers for Kids 2023
1. Best Overall Kids 4-Wheeler: Fisher-Price Power Wheels Dune Racer
Editor’s Rating:
At a Glance
- Age Bracket: 3+
- Weight Capacity: 130 lbs
- Top Speed: 5 mph
- Additional Features: Passenger seat, chrome accents, two forward drive speeds and pretend seatbelts
Given their reputation for producing classic kid’s toys, it’s no surprise that the Fisher-Price Power Wheels Dune Racer takes the top spot on our list. Aside from featuring an array of bells and whistles, this is the only well-made kids 4-wheeler to come with a passenger seat, so your child is free to bring a friend along for the ride.
With the roomy, open design of the cockpit, your little driver and their passenger will have ample elbow room as they navigate their surroundings in their new vehicle. The design is realistic from top to bottom, with rugged tires, flashy chrome accents and pretend seatbelts. Overall, the build quality ensures years of regular use. There’s even a small storage section under the head, which is as practical as it is adorable.
We’re impressed by the speed range of the vehicle, which runs between 2.5 and 5 mph forward and 2.5 mph reverse. That’s fast enough to keep little riders engaged for a long time while not being too fast so as to introduce a risk of injury.
Our only gripe is that the tires tend to lose traction when going over hard, sloped surfaces, though that’s a common downside in almost all ATV toys. Ultimately, this is the best pick for most young riders, especially if they’re looking to journey with a friend or sibling in the passenger seat.
Pros
- Passenger seat allows your child to ride with a friend
- Roomy cockpit makes for a comfortable driving experience
- Realistic design
- Storage section under the head
- Flexible speed range
Cons
- Tires may lose traction over certain surfaces
2. Best Off-Road Kids 4-Wheeler: Razor Dirt Quad
Editor’s Rating:
At a Glance
- Age Bracket: 5+
- Weight Capacity: 120 lbs
- Top Speed: 8 mph
- Additional Features: Speed limiter, droop-travel rear suspension with coil shock and adjustable handlebars
At a certain point in their 4-wheeling journey, your child might grow tired of riding through the same backyards and sidewalks. Eventually — once they get a little older — they might seek more foreign terrain. If that sounds like a certain rider you know, Razor’s dirt quad is sure to be the perfect gift.
This 4-wheeler features an optimal design for safety, allowing kids to go through big bumps and unfinished terrain with ease. This is an important feature since Razor’s dirt quad is considerably more powerful than the average kid’s 4-wheeler. Its max speed of 8 mph demands the rider be of appropriate age.
With a throttle, brake and no speed limiter, there’s quite a bit to get used to. You’ll definitely want to accompany your child closely for the first few rides until they become familiar with their new toy, especially when used off-road. Of course, you’ll also want to ensure that they wear a helmet at all times.
Once they learn the ropes, your kid will definitely love this dirt quad. It’s as comfortable as it is thrilling to take on the road, with adjustable riser handlebars they can customize as they grow. The riding experience is also quite smooth thanks to the machine’s droop-travel rear suspension with coil shock.
All in all, this is a great pick for kids with an innate desire to explore unfinished roads. As an alternative option that offers a similar level of freedom, check out the Pulse Performance ATV Quad.
Pros
- Handles rugged terrain
- 8 mph max speed for a thrilling ride
- Smooth driving experience
- Designed for safety
Cons
- Greater need for supervision
- Steeper learning curve
3. Coolest Kids 4-Wheeler: Kid Trax Electric Kids Ride-On Toy
Editor’s Rating:
At a Glance
- Age Bracket: 3-5
- Weight Capacity: 60 lbs
- Top Speed: 2.5 mph
- Additional Features: Themed design, working LED headlights, horn and engine sound effects
Receiving a toy 4-wheeler as a gift is bound to be a memorable experience regardless of the brand. However, emblazoning the toy with a bit of fandom tends to make the moment a bit more special. Kid Trax Electric Kids Ride-on Toy comes in a number of themes that your child is sure to love. These range from Spider-Man, Hulk Green and CAT Yellow, along with the standard red and blue.
Aside from a design that features some beloved superheroes (and equally beloved construction brands), we’re impressed by this 4-wheeler’s additional features. The working LED headlights paired with horn and engine sound effects help simulate a real riding experience. The functionality is also optimal for its 3-5 age bracket, with foot pedal acceleration that provides forward and reverse motion at 2.5 mph. There’s even a 12 volt battery option for added drive-time, though that only applies to the Spider-Man design — definitely the coolest one, in our humble opinion.
As an unfortunate aside, these popular themes come with a lofty price tag compared to the average kid’s 4-wheeler. You can find another model of reasonable build quality for about half the cost of this one. However, the thrill that a Spider-Man or Hulk fan experiences when seeing their hero splayed on their new toy tends to validate the cost. The extra bells and whistles and sleek overall composition of the 4-wheeler also help make this a good investment.
If you’re looking for an option that offers a fun riding experience at a much lower cost, check out Yamaha Kids Ride-On Quad.
Pros
- Great themed design options
- Features LED headlights, horn and engine sounds
- Impressive functionality
- 12 volt battery option provides added playtime
Cons
- Expensive
4. Best Racing-Style Kids 4-Wheeler: Power Wheels Racing ATV
Editor’s Rating:
At a Glance
- Age Bracket: 3-7
- Weight Capacity: 65 lbs
- Top Speed: 6 mph
- Additional Features: Power-lock brakes, two forward speeds and one reverse
Designed in a realistic racing style, this 4-wheeler by Power Wheels is perfect for young thrill seekers looking to get their ride on. The recommended age bracket is quite wide — from 36 months to 7 years — making this a versatile pick whether your child is new to the quad world, or if you’re looking to upgrade their starting set of wheels.
Power Wheels have tested the vehicle extensively for safety, battery life and performance. Speeds range from 3 mph to 6 mph, which is tame enough to give parents peace of mind while still allowing kids to get some thrill out of their ride. It might be years before your child can get an actual driver’s license, but that doesn’t stop them from hitting the road early — with proper parental supervision, of course.
This 4-wheeler provides great speed and traction when used on flat, hard surfaces like concrete. Unfortunately, it doesn’t tend to handle as well on grass, providing a less than ideal feel when driven in the backyard or on the lawn. This knocks Power Wheels’ Racing ATV down a notch or two in our list, though it’s still a worthy option to consider thanks to its solid battery life, quality composition and realistic racing ATV design. If you plan on taking your child to bumpier roads, we recommend Razor Dirt Quad. They’ve specifically aimed their 4-wheeler for use on unfinished terrain.
Pros
- Wide age bracket
- Flexible speed range
- Great battery life
- Tested for safety
Cons
- Loses traction when used on grass
Editor’s Rating:
At a Glance
- Age Bracket: 8+
- Weight Capacity: 120 lbs
- Top Speed: 7 mph
- Additional Features: Cushioned seats and variable speed throttle
For parents willing to invest a little more into their child’s 4-wheeling dreams, the Pulse Performance ATV Quad provides young riders with some of the bells and whistles not normally found in a kids 4-wheeler. This model is recommended for ages 8 and up, and its impressive weight capacity of up to 120 lbs allows it to accommodate your child as they reach their teens.
Although it requires a hefty investment, Pulse Performance’s quad offers considerable bang for your buck in return. Your child will love the overall feel of the vehicle, from the upright riding position, foot rest and cushioned seats to the variable speed throttle and pneumatic knobby tires that provide added traction. The 250 W chain-driven motor grants the vehicle even more traction, allowing it to handle very comfortably at its max speed of 7 mph.
For intermediate riders, this quad offers the opportunity for endless on and off road adventures. As a premium pick, we would have appreciated some additional inclusions like suspension, differential drive and reverse — especially when this product comes at such a high cost.
That aside, Power Wheels still managed to craft a comfortable, thrilling experience into their 4-wheeler, making it our best pick for parents looking to spoil their little riders. If you’d rather invest in a model with a passenger seat, check out our best overall pick.
Pros
- Suitable for older kids
- Handles very well on a variety of terrains
- Comfortable feel
Cons
- Expensive
- Does not come with suspension, differential drive and reverse features
6. Safest Kids 4-Wheeler: Kid Motorz Kiddie Quad
Editor’s Rating:
At a Glance
- Age Bracket: 18 months+
- Weight Capacity: 55 lbs
- Top Speed: 1 mph
- Additional Features: Easy steering mechanism
Despite how much fun kids have with 4-wheelers, it’s hard for parents to neglect the concerns that come with this type of toy. Even at very low speeds, children are at risk of injury if they get thrown off the vehicle in the midst of their fun. If concern for your child’s safety is the only thing stopping you from giving them a 4-wheeler, consider Kid Motorz 6V Kiddie Quad.
At 1 mph, this model has the lowest top speed in our list, which helps grant your child more control over the vehicle, thus lowering the risk of a fall. Paired with the use of a helmet, this is the safest way for your child to learn to ride. The easy steering mechanism adds further control. Since there’s only one forward speed, it makes the training process all the more simple for your little driver.
The extra safety granted by this model does remove some of the fun from the riding experience. Young ATV enthusiasts tend to crave a bit of speed, and 1 mph isn’t likely to cut it for too long. This is a great option to help your child learn to ride without introducing a risk of injury, but keep in mind that you might have to upgrade the toy before long should your child wish to continue down their 4-wheeling path.
Pros
- 1 mph top speed to maximize safety
- Smooth steering mechanism
- Only moves forward, allowing for an easy learning experience
Cons
- Children will likely want a faster model before long
7. Best Classic Kids 4-Wheeler: Kid Motorz Xtreme Quad
Editor’s Rating:
At a Glance
- Age Bracket: 3+
- Weight Capacity: 66 lbs
- Top Speed: 1.5 mph
- Additional Features: Flashy decals and foot pedal-controlled movement
If you’re looking for a simple, classic design at a very reasonable price, the Xtreme Quad 6V by Kid Motorz is a solid pick. Aimed at the 3+ age bracket, this straightforward set of wheels will help get your little rider started on their 4-wheeler journey.
In addition to its classic design, flashy decals and foot pedal-controlled movement, we’re quite impressed by this 4-wheeler’s sturdy composition. It’s been put together quite well, its four wheels supported by a strong front and rear structure. Coupled with the vehicle’s restricted max speed, there’s very little risk of it flipping over, so you can relax as your little driver has their fun.
Considering the reasonable price on offer, we’re very happy with the vehicle’s overall quality. However, at a max speed of 1.5 mph, even younger riders are likely to crave some extra speed sooner rather than later. Additionally, many kids are likely to outgrow the vehicle well before the age of 5, since it’s really only made to accommodate shorter limbs. Definitely consider this option if you’re looking for a classic 4-wheeler for your rider in training, but expect your child to seek an upgrade before long.
Pros
- Classic, simple design
- Great decals
- Solid composition and low max speed make for a safe driving experience
Cons
- Low max speed
- RIders will outgrow it before long
8. Best 4-Wheeler for Toddlers: Kid Trax Ride-On Quad
Editor’s Rating:
At a Glance
- Age Bracket: 18-30 months
- Weight Capacity: 44 lbs
- Top Speed: 2 mph
- Additional Features: Push-button acceleration, rubber traction slip tires
Toddlers are only just learning how to express themselves, but parents can often tell when their little one first experiences the need for speed. This 6 V battery-powered quad by Kid Trax is the perfect gift for young riders between 18-30 months of age. The only operative feature is its push-button acceleration, making it intuitively simple for toddlers to learn. Within seconds, they’ll be zipping across your living room at a safe 2 mph.
Kid Trax features some great color and design options including Minnie Mouse Pink, Frozen 2 Blue and even a CAT Steamroller edition. Aside from its comfortable speed limit, the toy also features rubber traction strip tires as an added safety precaution. This allows your child to learn the early fundamentals of 4-wheeling without much risk of injury.
Take note that this quad has a maximum weight capacity of 44 lbs., so it’s important to update your child’s vehicle once they outgrow it. It’s likely that they’ll want some added functionality down the line, as this model does lack a reversible speed feature.
At any rate, this 4-wheeler is the best pick for its intended age bracket. Once they get a little older, they can consider something a bit bolder, like the Kid Motorz Monster Quad.
Pros
- Toddler proof speed limit
- Great color and design options
- Simple to operate
Cons
- No reverse speed feature
- Riders will quickly outgrow it
9. Best Kids 4-Wheel Monster Truck: Kid Motorz Monster Quad
Editor’s Rating:
At a Glance
- Age Bracket: 3+
- Weight Capacity: 66 lbs
- Top Speed: 3 mph
- Additional Features: Forward and reverse gears
Monster trucks and ATVs tend to go hand in hand, the former being the more gargantuan relative of the latter. If your child gets a hankering for a 4-wheeler at a young age, chances are that they’ll love the monster truck aesthetic of Kid Motorz Monster Quad. It comes in black, blue and pink color options, each decked out with a bold monster truck design.
This 4-wheeler is aimed at riders over 3 years of age, and features forward and reverse gears, so they’ll be able to back out of tight spots without assistance. One noteworthy feature of this model is its battery life, which offers up to 60 minutes of run time. This outdoes the run-time of the standard kids 4-wheeler, which offers around 40 minutes of riding. Those extra 20 minutes allow your child to get the most out of their hour of playtime without having to fill in the last portion with a less thrilling activity like tic-tac-toe.
We did find that the composition of this 4-wheeler limits its age bracket. While it’s comfortably designed for the average 3-year old, they might find themselves getting a little big for the vehicle soon into the 4s, with their knees beginning to approach the handlebars.
Additionally, the wheels tend to pick up quite a bit of speed on declining terrain, which introduces the risk of a tumble. Always monitor your little rider for safety, and — once again — always make sure they wear a helmet. To give you more peace of mind, consider our safest option, the Kid Motorz Kiddie Quad.
Pros
- Bold monster truck design
- Solid battery life
- Multiple color options
Cons
- Can be dangerous if used on sloped roads
- Riders will quickly outgrow it
10. Best Budget Kids 4-Wheeler: Yamaha Kids Ride-On Quad
Editor’s Rating:
At a Glance
- Age Bracket: 18-36 months
- Weight Capacity: 40 lbs
- Top Speed: 2 mph
- Additional Features: Powerful battery providing 4 hours of run time
If cost-efficiency is a top priority, look no further than Yamaha’s 6-volt battery ATV. Despite the shockingly low price, this product is backed by Yamaha’s reputation as a global brand, ensuring top bang for your buck.
This 4-wheeler is meant for young riders at their earliest stage — 18-36 months, with a maximum weight capacity of 40 lbs. Your child is sure to outgrow the vehicle before long, but they’ll have a blast during their time with it. The design is simple, bold and comes in a few color options: red, blue and white/pink. The full battery charge offers a whopping 4-hours of usage, which is several times more than the standard kid’s quad. This grants them hours of uninterrupted play time.
Since Yamaha’s 4-wheeler is aimed at the youngest of crowds, it does lack some key aspects of functionality. For example, it doesn’t do well on modest inclines or outdoor terrain, though it works perfectly fine on tile or hardwood flooring.
It’s also quite slow, which is an important safety feature in this age bracket — however, your child will have trouble keeping up with their fellow 4-wheeler enthusiasts. Still, Yamaha’s vehicle offers a fantastic experience for an extremely low price, making this the ideal budget pick.
Pros
- Incredibly low price
- Quality design and composition
- Multiple color options
- Great battery life
Cons
- Does not ride well on certain terrains
- A little on the slow side
Hitting the Road
Now that you have an understanding of what the kids 4-wheeler market looks like, you’re all set to take your time and pick the perfect model for your little thrillseeker.
As a large, expensive, potentially dangerous toy, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. Make sure that the 4-wheeler is aimed at your child’s age and weight bracket, and take note of the additional features and functionality.
Remember that safety is always a top priority when introducing any new toy that comes with a risk of injury. While kids ATVs are much tamer than their adult counterparts, they can still harm themselves if safety precautions are not respected. Aside from parental supervision, the best precaution you can take is having your child wear a helmet during their rides.
In order to minimize the risk of injury as much as possible, we always recommend that children wear a helmet when riding a 4-wheeler. Despite the low speed, there’s a constant risk of debilitating injury should a child tumble off their vehicle. Even when using the safest models, a helmet works wonders in helping to ensure a child’s well-being.
Having them wear a helmet at a young age also ingrains the habit, so they’re more likely to take a helmet with them later on, whether they’re bike riding, rollerblading or driving an adult-sized ATV. For more information on helmet safety tips for children, see this article on bike helmet safety, which also applies to the use of 4-wheelers.
Final Words
With that out of the way, you’re ready to pick the best 4-wheeler for your child! Our final recommendation is that you snap a picture as they unbox their new toy — there’s sure to be some magic in that moment, and you’ll want to capture it on camera.