Best ATV Accessories

The CPSC recommends that children under 6 should not ride ATVs, children 6–11 should ride ATVs with engine sizes under 70cc, riders 12–15 should ride ATVs under 90cc, and only riders 16 and older should operate adult-sized ATVs (over 90cc). Many states have adopted similar restrictions into law. Helmets are legally required for youth riders in most states and strongly recommended for all riders. Always check your state's specific regulations before putting a young rider on any ATV.

If you ride in mud, deep snow, or technical trail terrain, a winch is one of the best safety tools you can add. Being stuck without a winch in remote terrain means waiting for help—with one, you can self-recover from most situations. A 2,500–3,000 lb capacity winch is appropriate for most ATVs up to 800cc. Warn is the gold standard for reliability; Smittybilt and Tusk offer solid value. Mount a synthetic rope winch (rather than steel cable) for lighter weight and safer handling if the rope breaks under load.

For mud: deep-lug tires with wide spacing between lugs—ITP Mud Lite AT, Maxxis Mudzilla, and Kenda Bear Claw EX are popular choices. The wide spacing allows mud to clear from the tread under power. For hard-pack and rock: tighter tread patterns with harder compounds grip better without as much self-cleaning needed—Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 and ITP Holeshot are well-rounded choices. All-terrain tires like the Maxxis Bighorn AT work reasonably well across both conditions and are the best choice if you ride mixed terrain.

ATV plow systems require a front mount that bolts to your frame (vehicle-specific—verify compatibility before purchasing) and a push tube assembly that connects the mount to the plow blade. Warn, Cycle Country, and Moose Utility are the leading plow brands. Most systems use a quick-attach mechanism that lets you add or remove the blade in minutes. Choose blade width based on your ATV's width plus a few inches for clearance—60- to 72-inch blades are most common. Poly blades are lighter and won't rust; steel blades handle heavier, wetter snow.

Full protective gear includes: a DOT-certified helmet (full-face recommended for trail riding), goggles or a helmet visor, a chest and back protector, elbow and knee guards, gloves with knuckle protection, and boots that cover the ankle with a rigid toe box. For youth riders, neck rolls and chest protectors are especially important given their developing bones. Avalanche airbag vests are recommended for deep backcountry riding in steep terrain where slide risk exists.