Factsheet - Quad Bike Safety
Every year 850 people are injured, on farms, riding quad bikes. Five die.
Quad bike injuries can be prevented - they aren't part of the job
- Riders must be trained/experienced enough to do the job
- Choose the right vehicle for the job
- Always wear a helmet
- Don’t let kids ride adult quad bikes
Farmers who don't follow these safety steps risk penalties under the Health and Safety in Employment Act if someone working on their farm is seriously injured or killed.
Quad bikes are not all terrain vehicles - they can't go everywhere, do everything. Respect their limits, and make sure everyone on your farm follows these safety steps.
Riders must be trained/experienced enough to do the job
Before anyone rides your quad bikes assess their skills. If they need training the best option is a skills course. For information on accredited training providers visit the NZQA website or call 0800 697 296. Or contact your local quad bike dealer and ask about courses in your area.
Always wear a helmet
Helmets can be the difference between walking away from an accident and suffering a permanent, life-changing brain injury.
Don’t let kids ride adult quad bikes
Quad bike manufacturers set minimum ages for using their bikes based on the age when young people have sufficient strength, body weight and mental ability to master the safe riding techniques. On all adult-sized quad bikes (over 90cc) sold in New Zealand that age is 16 or older.
Choose the right vehicle for the job
When choosing the right vehicle for the job pay close attention to what your quad bike owner’s manual says about carrying passengers. Most manufacturers’ manuals say passengers should not be carried. Also consider the maximum towed and carried load limits for your quad bike.
More safety tips
- Keep quad bikes maintained in a safe condition
- Take care on slopes and rough terrain – don’t exceed the capabilities of the bike
- Don’t do tasks that interfere with safe riding – keep both hands on the bike, eyes on the ground in front
For more help staying safe on quad bikes:
- If you’ve lost your owner’s manual look on the manufacturers’ website or call a local dealer to get another copy.
