Safety Equipment You Need for Your ATV

ATVs are popular among thrill seekers for their impressive off-roading abilities and agility. However, before you hop on one of these vehicles you’ll need to make sure you’ve got the right safety equipment! Read our guide for a comprehensive list and, if you’re in the market for a new ATV, come visit us in Amsterdam, New York.

Helmet

A helmet is one of the most important pieces of safety gear you will purchase and it’s a law in most states that ATV riders wear them at all times. When buying a helmet we encourage you to be very selective. You’ll want it to be well fitting and include eye protection. Many states require that helmets be approved by the Department of Transportation, commonly referred to as the DOT, but this is not the case across the entire United States. Considering how important helmets are to a rider's safety, it’s not a bad idea to purchase an approved helmet even if it’s not a requirement in your state.

Shoes

You’ll never see an ATV rider driving in sandals or open-toed shoes. Without protective footwear, their feet would be torn to shreds from flying debris and other obstacles present on rough terrain. However, this doesn’t mean that all closed-toed shoes are created equal. We encourage you to look for durable shoes that rise above the ankle and are both flexible and supportive. While some sneakers may fit this description we advise you to watch out for laces, as they can get caught in the moving parts of your ATV. Overall, the best shoe you can buy for ATV riding is a boot.

Clothes

If you’re not wearing the right clothing it’s not unlikely that you’ll end up with a few cuts and bruises after a long day of riding. Thankfully, wearing protective clothes is pretty simple! All you need are pants and a long sleeve shirt or jacket. If you plan on performing jumps or tricks, or you ride competitively, we encourage you to look into padded clothing. These clothing sets come with various pads on the knees, shoulders, and even shins. You can also purchase back and chest plates for added protection. While this level of safety is optional and completely up to your preference, we do encourage purchasing a pair of gloves with knuckle pads to protect you as you steer your vehicle.

Now that you know what you need we’re sure you’re excited to start driving. If you’re still needing an ATV or powersport vehicle we hope you’ll stop by Outdoor Motor Sports. We proudly serve the cities of Schenectady and Albany, New York, and offer an amazing inventory at amazing prices!