A quad that looks spot-on in the shed can feel way too quick, tall or heavy once the rider is out on the track. If you’re asking what size quad bike to buy, don’t start and finish with engine capacity. The right machine needs to suit the rider’s size, confidence, throttle control and where they’ll actually ride.
Get the fit right and a new rider can build skills, have a proper blast and come back asking for another lap. Get it wrong and they may be wrestling the handlebars, unable to reach the controls properly or feeling intimidated before the fun starts.
What size quad bike should I get?
For most families and recreational riders, the best quad bike is the smallest size that still has enough room and performance for the rider to grow into. Bigger is not automatically better. A manageable machine is easier to steer, brake, turn and recover if the surface gets loose.
Engine size is a useful starting point. Youth quads commonly begin around 50cc, with 70cc, 90cc, 110cc and 125cc models creating a sensible progression. Adult recreational quads often start around 150cc and move into 200cc or 250cc territory depending on rider size, terrain and experience. Electric quads are another strong option for younger riders because their power delivery can be smooth and quiet, although they still need the same serious approach to fit, supervision and protective gear.
Those numbers alone do not tell the whole story. A compact 110cc quad with an automatic transmission may be a far better first ride for a cautious teenager than a larger, heavier machine with more punch. Likewise, a confident adult may find a 150cc recreational quad plenty of fun on a private property trail, while a larger rider tackling steeper ground may need extra capacity and torque.
Start with the rider, not the engine
Age can point you in the right direction, but height, weight and ability should make the final call. Two kids of the same age can have very different reach, balance and confidence. Put the rider in the saddle before you buy whenever possible.
They should be able to sit naturally with both feet supported on the footrests, not stretching their legs or sitting perched on the front edge of the seat. Their hands need to reach the grips, throttle and brake controls without locking out their elbows. They should also be able to turn the bars from lock to lock without their body being pulled off-centre.
Seat height matters because it affects control at low speed. A rider does not need to plant both feet flat on the ground like they would on a road bike, but they do need to feel stable when climbing on, stopping and shifting their weight. If the quad feels physically too big in the driveway, it will feel bigger again on ruts, grass and uneven ground.
Weight is just as important. A heavier quad can feel planted, but it is harder for a smaller rider to manoeuvre and harder to correct when a turn goes wrong. Young riders benefit from a machine they can steer with confidence, rather than one that asks them to muscle through every corner.
A practical quad bike size guide
There is no one-size chart that replaces common sense, but these ranges are a useful place to begin. Always check the manufacturer’s recommended age and rider limits for the exact model.
50cc to 70cc quads
This is generally entry-level territory for young beginners riding in a controlled private area. These smaller machines are built around lower speed, lighter weight and simple operation. They are suited to learning the basics: looking ahead, using smooth throttle inputs, turning wide and braking early.
A 50cc or 70cc quad makes sense for a smaller child who is brand new to off-road riding. It may feel too small for a tall or highly confident older child, but starting conservatively is usually the smarter move. A quad that is easy to control lets a young rider progress faster than one that scares them.
90cc to 110cc quads
These are popular sizes for growing kids and younger teens who have already developed basic control. The step up can bring more room, stronger acceleration and a machine that better suits longer legs, while still remaining manageable for recreational use.
This category is not a licence to ride unsupervised or flat-out. More power means throttle discipline matters even more. Look for features that help an adult manage the learning phase, such as adjustable speed limiting where available, dependable brakes and a layout that gives the rider a secure seated position.
125cc quads
A 125cc quad can suit a larger teenager or a rider who has outgrown the physical size and performance of a 110cc machine. It is often the bridge between youth riding and more serious recreational use. The right rider should already understand body position, controlled cornering and why rough terrain needs a slower, more deliberate approach.
At this point, the space you ride becomes a major part of the decision. A 125cc quad may be comfortable on a private acreage or purpose-built track, but it is unnecessary for a small backyard. Match the machine to the room available, not just the biggest number in the family’s budget.
150cc to 250cc quads
These sizes are aimed at adults and larger, experienced teens where permitted by the model guidance and the riding environment. A 150cc quad can be a fun recreational option for property trails and weekend riding, while 200cc and 250cc machines offer more pulling power for bigger riders and more demanding terrain.
More capacity can mean stronger acceleration, higher potential speeds and extra weight. That does not make it a better learner machine. If an adult is completely new to quads, choosing a controllable model and taking time to build technique is far more valuable than chasing maximum cc.
Consider power delivery, transmission and terrain
A quad’s character comes from more than displacement. Automatic models remove clutch work, allowing a beginner to focus on steering, body position and throttle control. That simplicity is ideal for many junior riders. A machine with predictable power is usually easier to enjoy than one that delivers a sharp hit as soon as the throttle moves.
Think honestly about the terrain too. Flat, open paddocks, hard-packed tracks, sand, hills and tight bush trails all put different demands on a rider. Tight trails reward a compact quad with a manageable turning feel. Loose or uneven ground calls for careful speed control and tyres suited to the surface. Steep or heavily rutted areas are not the place for a first lesson.
For electric models, check the battery range against the type of riding you have planned. Quiet running is brilliant around a private property, and instant torque can feel exciting, but a young rider still needs to roll on the throttle smoothly. Check local rules before using any electric vehicle on roads, footpaths, shared paths or public land.
Do not buy a quad they will “grow into” too far
Parents often want to avoid buying twice. Fair enough. But stepping up one sensible size is different from putting a novice on a quad that is clearly too powerful or too large today.
A rider can grow into a little extra legroom. They cannot safely grow into poor reach to the brakes, a machine they cannot manoeuvre or power they do not yet know how to manage. The best value comes from a quad that gets ridden often, not one that sits under a cover because it feels like too much.
If siblings will share the quad, size it for the least experienced regular rider and set clear rules about who can use it. An older rider may be bored for a while. A younger rider being out of their depth is the much bigger problem.
Safety gear and setup are part of the size decision
Even the right-sized quad needs the right gear. A correctly fitted motocross helmet, goggles, gloves, boots, long sleeves and durable pants help protect riders from branches, stones, dust and falls. Loose gear is not good enough. A helmet that moves around or boots that make it hard to feel the footrests can affect control.
Before every ride, check tyre condition and pressure, brakes, throttle return, chain or drive components, fasteners and fuel or battery charge. Set up a beginner area away from roads, dams, fences, vehicles and obstacles. Supervision should be active, especially when a rider is learning or moving up a size.
Apollo Motorcycles & ATV Australia offers youth through to recreational quad options, so it is easier to match the machine, riding gear and spare-part support to the rider rather than making a guess based on cc alone.
The best first lap is not the fastest one. Choose a quad that lets the rider sit comfortably, reach every control, learn without fear and finish the day keen to ride again. BE BRAVE, RIDE APOLLO!!!