Buying a quad bike

Please note that these guides do not constitute legal advice and any information provided in the guides should not be construed as legal advice or legal interpretation. We do not accept any liability for any loss caused by your reliance on this guide.

The DoneDeal guide to buying a quad bike

If you’re thinking of granting your child’s wish for a quad, there are a few things you need to know first.

  • It’s illegal to drive quads on the road
  • Quad bikes can only be used on private land with the owner’s permission
  • Quad biking is only for people aged 12 years and upwards
  • It’s an offence to sell a quad to persons under 16
  • Quads are designed for one person – not two (ie no passengers)

Tips for buying a quad

  • Try to buy a brand name: This will make replacing parts easier should you need to
  • Popular quad brands include Yamaha, Honda and Suzuki
  • Take it for a test drive, checking the indicators, brakes and engine
  • Inspect the vehicle for signs of rust and wear

Engine size

Different quads, and their engine sizes, suit different ages and levels of experience

  • Up to 70cc - children aged 11 and under
  • 70cc to 90cc - children 12 to 15 years of age
  • 125cc to 250cc - Beginner older teens and adults
  • 250cc and up - Intermediate to advanced riders

Safety

  • It is illegal to drive quads on the road.
  • They are designed for off-road use as they don’t conform to regulations in relation to tyres, lights and indicators.
  • They can only be used on private land if the owner allows it.
  • Always make sure you wear the right protective clothing, including helmet, gloves and eye protection.
  • Quads aren’t designed to carry passengers, so never let your child do so and don’t drive the quad and have your child as the passenger.
  • Don’t let very young children onto quads as they won’t be able to control such powerful machines.
  • Anyone who drives a quad should receive tuition from a qualified instructor before they get on the bike.

Licence

  • Quad biking should be run properly, and riders should go to specialised tracks that are supervised.
  • You must be 12 years or older to ride a quad under supervised conditions on private land.
  • In order to ride the quad in competitive races you must get a licence from Motor Cycling Ireland.

Selling a quad

The Road Safety Authority states that it is an offence to supply a mechanically propelled vehicle, including a quad, to a person under 16 years of age for use in a public place.

You could be liable to a fine of up to €3,000 or six months in prison if you do sell to underage children so check out the buyer and ask for identification before you make the sale.