atv

An all-terrain vehicle (ATV) is a motorized vehicle designed for off-road travel on rough terrain. Typical ATVs have a straddle seat, handlebars for steering, and four low-pressure tires powered by an internal combustion engine. Engines are usually four-stroke and range from small youth models to large adult machines, commonly from about 50 cc to over 1,000 cc. ATVs are commonly categorized into utility, sport, and youth models. Utility ATVs emphasize payload, towing, and traction, often with racks and stronger suspensions; sport ATVs prioritize speed and handling; youth ATVs are scaled for smaller riders and include built-in restrictions.

Uses include recreation, farming and land management, hunting and fishing support, forestry work, and emergency or search-and-rescue tasks. These vehicles are designed for off-pavement travel across trails, fields, and rough terrain, and may feature two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, depending on model and purpose.

ATVs were developed in the late 20th century by several manufacturers, with the term all-terrain vehicle used to describe this class of vehicle. Over time, four-wheeled ATVs became the dominant format, while a related category of side-by-side utility vehicles (UTVs or SxS) emerged for different applications.

Safety and regulation emphasize operator training, protective gear such as helmets and eye protection, and adherence to local laws. Common safety practices include avoiding paved roads, riding at appropriate speeds for terrain, and performing regular maintenance like brake and tire checks. Availability of registrations, licenses, and age restrictions varies by country or region.