You’ve been dreaming about it for years. You have a vision of yourself riding through the woods or up a rocky mountain trail on your very own ATV. And now, you’ve finally made the decision to buy one.
What should you do first?
The answer is simple: make sure you know what type of vehicle will best suit your needs before parting with any money at all!
It might be tempting to just go out and buy the first four-wheeler that catches your eye, but this could lead to disappointment down the line if it doesn’t meet all of your expectations and requirements.
To help make things easier for anyone, I have compiled this electric ATV buying guide to give you some important information about the differences between battery and gas-powered quads. I will also guide you on what features to look out for when looking to purchase the best electric ATV for your needs.
Electric ATV Buying Guide: Are electric quads Real?
If there are certified electric aircraft, yes, there are electric ATVs. This might be hard for some to grasp since all-terrain vehicles are generally classified as heavy-duty vehicles.
Well, I’ll have you know that the Tesla Model S’ 70-pound(35kg) motor generates up to 270 kW (27000W/362 hp) of power. If you still think electric motors are never going to be as powerful as gas engines, wait until engineers crack the code to invent the first all-electric passenger plane.
Differences between electric and gasoline-powered ATVs
1) Gas-powered ATVs are noisier than electric ATV’s
Unlike gas-powered automobiles, electric vehicles — including electric quads — do not require internal combustion engines (ICE) to generate energy. They store energy from power grids in rechargeable batteries and then use that energy to propel the vehicle, completely eliminating sounds associated with combustion engines.
Electric vehicles are so quiet they are considered unsafe for other road users. However, new laws in the E.U and U.S require that EV manufacturers install artificial sounds in their vehicles to alert pedestrians and lower-powered vehicles of their presence, especially when traveling at low speeds.
2) In the long run, an electric ATV will turn out to be a more cost-efficient all-purpose vehicle than a gas-engine ATV.
ATVs with gas engines are more likely to develop mechanical faults than electric ATVs. This is because they are made up of more “complicated” moving components (inside moving components are moving components) than battery-powered ATVs.
Electric variants on the other hand are less-complicated vehicles with fewer moving parts. If taken care of properly, electric ATVs won’t be saving you costs on just fuel and oil changes only, they’ll also be saving you on maintenance costs.
3) Electric ATVs are generally lighter than gas-powered ATVs
This is because they (electric ATVs) constitute fewer moving parts that aid in propulsion than ATVs with internal combustion engines.
Unlike a gasoline-powered ATV that requires a gas tank, an engine, a pump, a carburetor, an alternator, etc. to push its payload forward (or backward), electric quad bikes only require batteries, controllers, and motors to achieve propulsion.
Electric ATV Buying Guide: How fast can an electric ATV Go?
This depends on a lot of factors. There are modified electric quads that travel at speeds exceeding 100mph.
The top speed of an electric ATV depends on the demographic it was designed for. For instance, electric ATVs for kids are usually restricted to speeds below 20mph.
For adults, bigger, higher-powered electric ATVs can average about 60mph at peak performance.
How much does an electric ATV ( electric four-wheeler) cost
Prices of electric quads for kids typically range between $200 and $500. Electric four-wheelers for adults are more expensive. Some are even costlier than electric cars.
Low-powered electric quads for adults could cost $1000-$2000. However, if you’re looking for an absolute all-terrain beast that can generate up to 5KW (5000W) of nominal power, you might have to fork out as much as $30,000 for
What is the best electric ATV
A better question would be “What is the best electric ATV for me”. While ATVs are generally regarded as heavy-duty vehicles, the truth is they are one of the most versatile machines and can be used in almost all applications where transportation is involved.
From maximum weight capacity to peak power output, electric quads come with distinct features and functionalities that make them appeal to different categories of riders.
The best electric ATV for kids
Riding an ATV is a great form of recreation for people of all ages. However, it’s worth noting that these machines can pack insane amounts of torque making them unsuitable for younger riders.
When in the market for the best electric four-wheelers for kids, a good rule of thumb would be to narrow your search down to low-power machines.
This class of electric ATVs are usually lightweight, Their low-performance motors ensure they are unable to attain speeds beyond 20mph (on average, electric ATVs for kids reach between 5 mph and 20mph top speeds).
Selecting the best electric ATV for your child is pretty straightforward. You just have to make sure you put their safety first – the last thing you want is a 150-pound ATV falling on top of your 30-pound preschooler.
Best electric ATV for adults
If you’re an adult searching for the best electric ATV, chances are you’re looking for a machine powerful enough to overcome any bump you might encounter while riding off-road.
Not every rider fits into this category though. Some people want quad bikes that can go very fast very fast. This is why you have to pay extra attention to an electric quad bike’s specifications before throwing your cash in the manufacturer’s — or distributor’s — face.
Listed below are a few things to keep in mind when searching for the best electric ATV for adults.
1) Power (Wattage)
Whether you choose to call it power or torque, an electric ATV’s overall performance is largely dependent on its Wattage. How well an ATV performs under certain conditions is dependent on how much power its motor(s) can generate.
ATVs aren’t created equal. Identifying your needs as an adult rider will help you in selecting an ATV powerful enough to meet your demands. If you’re looking to hit 30+ degree inclines and speed through muddy terrain, a high-performance (high-powered) ATV might just be the right fit for you. However, if your recreational riding is restricted to urban, paved roads, you might want to consider lighter, street-legal ATVs.
2) Water resistance
Electric ATVs are made up of electronic components that may get damaged or develop faults when exposed to liquids. In order to ensure the longevity of these components — and the safety of the rider — manufacturers carefully enclose them in materials that lock liquids out to the surface.
If you’re looking to purchase a low-powered quad bike you can ride around town, paying extra attention to the vehicle’s IP rating might not be necessary as most ATVs in this category come with an IP54 waterproof rating.
However, if you’re looking for something that can bear being 50 percent immersed in liquid (mud) without sustaining any damages to its electronic components, an ATV with an IP rating above IP67 might just meet up to your needFrom parents who wish to buy low-powered four-wheelers for their children, to experienced off-road riders looking to purchase powerful, eco-friendly quad bikes, electric ATVs offer some of the most versatile riding options to users.
While most people are immediately sold on the environmental benefits of electric ATVs, one question that keeps getting raised by experienced riders is; “Can battery-powered ATVs compete with gas-powered ATVs in terms of performance”?
