What Age is a 125cc ATV For? How to Pick Kid-Friendly ATVs


Are you planning to get an ATV for your kid and don’t know what age is suitable for a 125cc ATV? Knowing how to pick the right engine size is essential if you want to buy an ATV, either for yourself or for kids.

125CC ATVs are designed for older teens and adults. ATVs that use 125cc engines are easy to control and reach a top speed of 40 MPH. This makes them ideal for beginners, whether you are a teenager or an adult. It’s also important to mention that the 125cc engine is powerful enough to handle the most challenging terrains. Despite being smaller, 125cc ATVs don’t make any compromises on power and torque.

If you are new to four-wheelers and don’t know with what engine size to get started, I highly recommend 125cc ATVs, especially for teenagers who might find it difficult to control bigger ATVs on challenging trails.

infographic showing what age is a 125cc ATV for

What Age is a 125CC ATV for?

ATV on grass

125cc ATVs are ideal for beginners 14 years or older. The speed and power 125cc four-wheelers offer is good enough for dirt roads, but not too powerful so that they are difficult to handle. If you have yet to master steering an ATV, you will find out that any four-wheeler bigger than 125cc will be problematic in tight corners. This is why I recommend beginning with an 125cc ATV even if you are an adult. Safety is always the top priority and believe me, going 40 MPH on a 125cc ATV is fun!

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What I recommend to everyone new to four-wheelers is to first get a rental. This way, you will be able to tell if a 125cc ATV feels scary or too slow. Keep in mind that no matter if you are 14 or 25 years old, learning how to handle an ATV takes time. So, don’t be discouraged if it feels scary the first time that you have to rev the engine to the max while going up a slope. You will get used to it!

If you are looking for a small ATV that is easy to handle but still offers fast speeds, then you should check out my top 7 compact ATVs list.

How Fast Does a 125cc ATV Go?

The reason why picking the right engine size is so important is because it determines the power and top speed of the four-wheeler. The 125cc size falls right into the mid-range category because it reaches a top speed of 40MPH and offers enough traction to help you go through mud without any problems. However, the ATV doesn’t reach a super-fast speed which makes it difficult to control.

The top speed of a premium ATV in this range, like the Coolster 125cc for example,  is 40MPH. This is more than a beginner will ever need. While 40MPH might not seem fast when you think about it, you should trust me when I say that reaching this top speed on a bumpy road will give you the adrenaline-fueled adventure you are looking for.

How much weight can a 125cc ATV hold?

The 125cc ATV weight limit is 250 pounds. The X-Pro 125cc ATV for teenagers and adults is the best example of this. The four-wheeler supports up to 250 pounds. There is also the popular Coolster 125cc model that supports 260 pounds, which is a bit more. I should also mention that 125cc ATVs have a cargo capacity of around 125lbs. Since this type of ATV is quite small, you need to make sure that the weight distribution is equally placed on the front and rear racks.

Wrapping It Up

As you embark on your off-road adventure, starting with a 125cc ATV could be the perfect choice for both teenagers and adults. With a top speed of around 40MPH and a weight limit of around 250 pounds, this type of ATV is powerful yet manageable, striking a balance between fun and safety. So whether you are 14 or 25, don’t shy away from the thrill; start small, rent a 125cc ATV, and give it a whirl – you might find it’s just the adrenaline rush you’ve been looking for.

Bob Kelly

Hey there, my name is Bob and I've been riding ATVs, dirt bikes, and UTVs for most of my life. Going on outdoor adventures has always been my passion. I love sharing tips and tricks with beginners who are getting ready to join the world of outdoor enthusiasts. You can reach me at bobtheatvguy@gmail.com if you want to get in touch.

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