The term "all-terrain vehicle" is used in a general sense to describe any of a number ofsmall open motorised buggies and tricycles designed for off-road use. However, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) defines an ATV as a vehicle that travels on low pressuretires, with a seat that is straddled by the operator, and with handlebars for steering control. By the ANSI definition, it is intended for use by a single operator. The 4-wheeled versions are most commonly called "quads," "four-wheelers" or "ATVs" in the United States and Canada, and "quad bikes" or "quad cycles" in other English-speaking countries. Models with 3 wheels are typically known as ATCs (though this is a Honda trademark) and "three-wheelers," and less commonly "all-terrain cycles" and "trikes." 6- and 8-wheel models exist for specialized applications. The rider sits on these models just like on a motorcycle, but the extra wheels make them more stable at slow speeds. ATVs can also be considered Off Highway Vehicles (OHV) or Off Road Vehicles (ORV), along with motorcycles, Jeeps and other off-road capable machines. Engine sizes of ATVs currently for sale in the United States (as of 2006) range from 50cc to 800cc. They range in price from about $2000 to nearly $8000.
Safety Issues
Since the expiration of the consent decrees between the major manufacturers and CPSC in April of 1998, the manufacturers have entered into "voluntary action plans" that mimic the previously mandatory consent decrees. However, despite the move from 3-wheel to 4-wheel models and the action plans, some deaths and injuries still occur. Statistics released by CPSC show that in 2004, there were an estimated 136,100 injuries associated with ATVs treated in US hospital emergency rooms -- more than double the number of injuries treated in the last year of the consent decrees. In 2003, the latest year for which estimates are available, 740 people died in ATV-associated incidents.
The action plans in place with CPSC cover only certain manufacturers of ATVs. Other manufacturers that have entered the market since the expiration of the consent decrees are not covered by the action plans and so are not bound by the rules governing things such as labelling and safe marketing practices, and what ages a distributor may recommend a particular sized ATV for. These manufacturers and distributors, most of whom originate from Asia and Italy, are completely exempt of government oversight.
Focus has shifted since the consent decrees ended to attention to machine size balanced with rider age. Many states have enacted legislation specifically governing the usage of ATVs on state run land categorized by age ranges and engine displacements - in line with the consent decrees. ATVs are mandated to be labelled from the manufacturer that the use of machines greater than 90cc by riders under the age of 16 is prohibited. Critics point out that blanket policies concerning age are not sufficient and often use as example that early teen male children are physically larger and stronger than many adult women riders. Some localities have either banned minors (typically those under 16 years of age) from using ATVs or are considering such legislation. Advocates of ATVs argue that starting younger improves safety. They recommend that children can develop the necessary expertise by starting as young as 6 years of age instead of waiting until age 16. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission approved the sale of sub-50cc ATVs for use by youngsters as young as age 6.
In 1988, the All-terrain Vehicle Safety Institute (ASI) was formed to provide training and education for ATV riders. The cost of attending the training is minimal and is free for purchasers of new machines. Successful completion of training such as provided here is in many states a minimum requirement for minor-age children to be granted permission to ride on state lands.
EPA Concerns
Emissions
Due to the lack of emission controlling hardware and software, for year 2000 all recreational spark ignited (SI) non-road vehicles (of which ATVs are a subset) contributed 8% of HC, .16% of NOx, 5% of CO and .8% of PM emissions for the entire non-road EPA family.
The entire range of non-road emissions accounted for 49% of engine produced emissions of all types. (Source: EPA 1) While recreational SI vehicles (of which ATVs are a subset) produce an aggregate of <4% of all HC emissions in the US, based on the relatively small population of ATVs (<1.2M) and small annual usage (<350 hrs), EPA emission regulations now include such engines starting with model year 2006.
Fuel Economy
The EPA estimates that each ATV consumes less than 59 gallons of fuel per year and obtains between 40 and 50 mpg, making them not likely to fall under future fuel economy regulations.
Land Usage
Some ATV riders cross privately owned property in rural areas and travel overland where their use is explicitly limitied to trails. Further, environmentalists criticize ATV riders for excessive use in areas they consider biologically sensitive, especially wetlands and sand dunes. While the deep treads on some ATV tires are effective for navigating rocky, muddy, and root covered terrain, these treads also dig channels that may drain boggy areas,increase sedimentation in streams at crossings and damage groomed snowmobile trails. Studies have also shown that ATVs may help in the spread of invasive species such as knapweed. While there is much scientific evidence regarding the impact of ATVs, its credibility often comes under great scrutiny from ATV users who believe them to be overtly biased against ATVs.
To address these land usage concerns, well funded ATV advocacy groups have been organized to purchase property and/or obtain permission of landowners, build and maintain trails suitable for ATV riding and educate ATV riders about responsible riding. Many states have also formed separate governing bodies that license ATVs separately than other ORVs. The monies from these registrations are used to secure trails to ride and perform grooming and maintenance.
Unfortunately, the image of the great majority of responsible riders is often tainted by the actions of some who ride off designated trails, on private land without permission, and under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Additionally, self regulation has proven particularly difficult considering that the main public complaint against ATVs is excessive noise. Although the majority of ATVs comply with noise regulations, there are those whose intentional violation can disturb the activities of other recreational users for miles across open landscapes. Tampering with an ATVs exhaust silencer and spark arrestor is illegal on all federal lands and most state lands, however enforcement is spotty. It is also
possible to install aftermarket exhaust systems that do not have silencers and spark arrestors.
Fellow outdoor recreationists who have expressed concern about irresponsible ATV use are snowmobile users who resent improper use of exclusive snowmobile trails, ATV trail riders whose trails have been damaged by improper use and hunters whose game has been driven off by those riding during prime hunting times.Nationally, the US Forest Service considers managed ATV use to be a legitmate activity in national forests, yet it also lists their unregulated use as one of the four greatest threats to long term forest management. The US Forest Service recently released a national travel management plan designed to minimize the negative environmental impacts of ATVs while providing a safe, sustainable and enjoyable opportunity for ATV users.
