Youth ATVs Recalled For Not Complying With Federal Safety Standards

Pictured: Representative image of an all-terrain vehicle (ATV).

A company has issued a recall of its youth all-terrain vehicles (ATV) because the units reportedly don't comply with "federal mandatory ATV safety standards."

The problem with the voluntarily recalled EGL and ACE branded ATVs is that children can actually operate them "above the maximum allowed speed," the recall alert posted on the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) website noted. This increases the risks for crashes that may lead to injuries. As the Nemours Foundation explained, ATVs can be unstable and difficult to control, especially at higher speeds.

"The handlebars pose a laceration hazard should the child rider's body or head impact the handlebars at a high rate of speed such as in a crash," the recall alert noted. "In addition, the parking brake does not prevent the movement of the vehicle at the minimum required steepness."

No injuries or incidents have been reported in connection with the recall, but ATVs that don't meet the mandatory safety standards may pose injury or even death risks to children, the agency noted. As such, consumers who have an affected unit should stop using it and instead contact EGL Motors to schedule a "no-cost" full repair.

The recall affects about 2,900 units of MADIX 125 and ACE D110 youth ATVs. These were sold nationwide as "Age 12+" or "Age 16+" products from July 21, 2020, to March 29, 2021. Photos of where the model number can be found on the units are available on the CPSC website.

ATV Safety

There are more than 700 deaths and 100,000 injuries involving ATVs each year, the CPSC noted, adding that many of these incidents are actually preventable.

"ATVs are not toys!" the CPSC noted. "They are powerful and potentially dangerous vehicles. Learn the hazards and how to be safe."

According to the Nemours Foundation, parents who decide to let their children use ATVs should ensure their kids are aware of and follow important safety precautions. Children should also know how to operate the vehicle safely.

Although there aren't actually any federal regulations or age limits on riding ATVs and each state has its own rules, the American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend ATVs to children under 16 because these vehicles require skill and quick thinking.

Anyone who rides an ATV is advised to take a training course so they can learn how to properly and safely operate the vehicle. Moreover, they should only ride one that's appropriate for their age.

"There are no guarantees that kids won't get hurt, even with precautions and protective laws in place," the Nemours Foundation explained. "But by making sure that riders follow safety rules and know how to use ATVs safely, parents can do their best to help protect them from being injured."