What are ATVs and Side-by-Side (SbS)

ATV (All Terrain Vehicle)

The statutes of ATVEA define an ATV (All Terrain Vehicle) to mean:

any motorised vehicle designed to travel on four low pressure tires on unpaved surfaces, having a seat designed to be straddled by the operator and handlebars for steering control.

ATV_characteristics

ATVs are subdivided into two types as designed by the manufacturer:

Type I – A Type I ATV is intended for use by a single operator and no passenger

Outlander_Recreational_BRP_2

Type II – A Type II ATV is intended for use by an operator and a passenger. It is equipped with a designated seating position behind the operator designed to be straddled by no more than one passenger

Polaris_Type_II_ATV_2

Some ATV manufacturers produce vehicles whose construction, while similar in apperance to ATVs as defined above, does not fall under the scope of ATVEA. ATVEA recognises and monitors developments in this area.

ATVs are used for both utility purposes such as in the agricultural and forestry sectors as well as for recreational purposes. ATVs are designed to cope with a wide variety of terrain types.

ATV Recreational Use

ATV Utility Use

Side-By-Side (SbS)

ATVEA defines “Side-by-Side” (SbS) as “small motorized vehicles, with at least four wheels, with two or more seating positions intended for a variety of primarily off-road uses, including leisure and utility/work tasks, including for agriculture and forestry, and equipped with a steering wheel”.