Quad bikes are often associated with flexibility and freedom. It invokes images of riding over the dusty hills and through those muddy patches for hours upon hours of fun. But quad bikes are also unstable vehicles that require skill and experience.

Based on the road legal quad bikes UK riders get from Quadbikes R Us, here is your safety guide to riding your new quad bike.

1. Get the right bike for your needs

If you’re new to quad biking, make sure you choose a bike that matches your experience and strength. Quad biking is very physical, so you want the weight and power of the vehicle to be something you can handle.

2. Do the maintenance checks

Quad bikes that have been in use for over three years should pass an MOT if you’re going to use them on a public road. So, you need functioning safety features such as brake lights, hazard warning lights and a speedometer. You may also need a full car licenses or motorcycle license along with insurance for the vehicle.

Even if your plan is merely to ride off-road, you should carry out basic safety checks before each and every ride. Be sure to check:

• Front and back brakes
• Type pressure
• Steering
• Oil level
• Fuel level

3. The tyres

An important element of quad bike safety is making sure your bike has the right tyres. Quad bike tyres fall into categories with three numbers.

The first two numbers on the tyre are the width and height, while the third number is the size of the rim.

4. Safety gear

Quad bikes don’t have seatbelts, weather coverings or even roll cages. That means wearing the right safety gear is important.

• Helmets – the greatest injury risk is to your head. That’s why you need to choose a helmet that fits well and allows you to see clearly. You’ll need a tinted visor to protect you from the sun and if you don’t want a full-face helmet, be sure to wear goggles to protect your eyes.
• Clothing – wear practical gear, like trousers and long sleeves to prevent grazes and cuts.
• Gloves – there are plenty of quad bike-specific gloves on the market that offer padding for a comfortable grip. There are also fingerless gloves for keeping cool. Handlebar mitts are great in the winter.
• Footwear – make sure your boots are at least ankle-high, so they don’t slip off when you’re riding. If you’re only going to ride for short times, make sure you wear closed shoes that cover your entire foot.

5. Drive Safely!

Quad bikes are different from cars. Most have a solid rear axle, so you need to adjust your position in order to turn. The key is to shift your weight to the outside footrest when you want to take a corner at a low speed, and then lean into the turn.

If you’re going at a higher speed, momentum tends to pull the weight to the outside of your turn, so you need to lean in and keep your weight inside your turn.

Here are a few more safety tips:

• Don’t carry equipment or passengers unless the bike is designed to do so
• If you park on a slope, face sideways
• Always ride with care!

Remember that falls can and do happen all the time. If you fall, roll in the same direction as your bike. Never take risks and always make sure you have enough training before you head out.

*PC: Unsplash