ATV Adventures: Protecting young UTV drivers with technology
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- The Polaris RZR 200 and the Ranger 150 with new safety technology. I opted out of a demo ride because I wasn’t sure I would fit.
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- Lynn Blamires
The pleasure of riding off-highway vehicles (OHVs) and enjoying Utah’s amazing backcountry has been the subject of this column for 18 years. My first article appeared Dec. 1, 2004.
I have 31 years’ experience on trails in this great state. Some of the safe handling skills have been learned the hard way, but not so hard as to prevent further learning. Passing these skills on to young riders in the next generations in a safe way has been a concern of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), manufacturers and other outdoor recreation agencies.
I remember bringing my first ATV home. It was like I was in a parade pulling that brand-new shiny machine through the streets of town. I hadn’t had it off the trailer more than 20 minutes when my 16-year-old son ran it into a wooden power pole in our yard. He wasn’t hurt, which was the first thing I checked, but I had to replace the front rack.
The CSPC’s first attempt at protecting young riders was to restrict engine sizes. For 10 years, the largest power plant in an ATV was 400 cubic centimeters. When the 10 years ended, horsepower shot up until now the Polaris Pro R offers a four-cylinder engine with 225 horsepower. The focus in protecting young drivers has shifted to teaching them how to ride safely.
Utah requires riders under the age of 16 to take an approved ATV safety course. It is offered online at https://www.offroad-ed.com. Fees are $34.95 and upon completing the class, the student will be awarded an OHV safety certificate. The certificate is required to be carried like a driver’s license to ride or drive an OHV.
While this is an approved course, there are other agencies that include more in-depth training. The ATV Safety Institute conducts very comprehensive hands-on training courses. ASI suggests that parents take the class with their children to show by example safe ATV riding skills. For more information, see https://atvsafety.org.
Polaris has raised the bar in bringing a safer riding experience for young OHV drivers. Beginning with the 2019 Polaris Ranger 150 side-by-side, Polaris introduced geofencing, variable speed limiting, passcode protection, Youth Ride Command and helmet safety features.
This Ranger will not excite many adults; it is a two-wheel drive 150 cc powered UTV, but it is designed with parents in mind. Let’s break down these features:
Geofencing
This feature allows you to use your smartphone to set a grid with boundaries on an area safe for your child to ride. If a boundary is crossed, the vehicle will go into a limp mode that will take the fun out of riding. The driver will want to stay in the fun zone within the boundaries you have set. Those boundaries can be changed as a relationship of trust is developed and skills increase.
Variable speed limiting
Again, using your smartphone, the speed can be regulated by a governor remotely. The speed can be increased as driver skills improve.
Passcode protection
A four-digit passcode is needed to drive the Ranger. While it can be started, it won’t go above a slow speed without it. It can be unlocked from the smart phone and set to stay unlocked to allow the driver to stop for brief periods during the ride.
Helmet safety features
The Ranger comes with two helmets, but helmets are not one-size-fits-all so this safety feature is adaptable. The Ranger comes with Bluetooth beacons that attach to any helmet. While the OHV can be started, it will be no fun to drive without the helmet.
These safety features give a measure of freedom to the young driver, but with parental safety concerns addressed. Because the Ranger allows for a passenger, the ride is twice the fun.
Youth Ride Command
This feature allows you to ride with your young one, and by using your smartphone while driving your own OHV you can track their position. It also allows you to see where they are within the geofence you have set up at any time they are riding.
This year, Polaris added a 200 RZR to the youth ATV lineup. It has more power and, but it includes all of the safety features of the Ranger 150 covered in this article.
I applaud Polaris for these safety developments. It will bring a measure of peace to parents. When you go, take plenty of water, keep the rubber side down and learn more about this technology at a Polaris dealer near you.
Contact Lynn R. Blamires at quadmanone@gmail.com.