Toddler a Passenger on a 4-wheeler........Would You?

Updated on October 01, 2011
M.M. asks from Elcho, WI
16 answers

I say NO WAY!!!! But today after looking for a used car seat (previous question) my dad told me he wants to find my great nephew a helmet for when he takes him on the 4 wheeler. The kid is only 18 mo old. My dad lets him sit in front of him. My dad is 69 years old and not in the best of health. So if he had another heart attack and lost control....? Well? What do you think? Would you let your kid ride with their great grandpa? Granted he isn't going very fast with him but still there's always that safety concern.

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

Featured Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

☆.A.

answers from Pittsburgh on

NO....WAY!!!
4 wheelers are notoriously dangerous even for fit adults.

P.S. I heard of a man doing this on a riding mower...you can guess the result.

3 moms found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

N.0.

answers from Mobile on

NO NO NO When I was 2yrs old, I was riding on a 3wheeler(long time ago) with my dad. I was sitting in front of him. He came upon a barbed wired fence to quick and he barely ducked under. I was not lucky enough to miss it. It caught me right in the throat and snatched me off. It had literally cut my throat. I almost died. I was in the hospital for 2weeks. Accidents happen, I get that. But I would never put my child in a situation that I could have prevented by being smart about it. So no, my child will not be riding an atv until older!

2 moms found this helpful

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.K.

answers from Pittsburgh on

NEVER. OK, when he is 18 he can decide for himself.

3 moms found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

T.M.

answers from Tampa on

No way in hell...they are not made for small children. Break your dads heart if you must but safety comes first...

3 moms found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.W.

answers from Los Angeles on

Absolutely not.
My sons' grandfather was recently in a very serious 4 wheeler accident, so obviously I'll never let them go with him.
My friend is in ER doctor and, seriously, his only piece of advise on health/safety that he gives is "never let your kids ride an ATV".

2 moms found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.C.

answers from Cincinnati on

No way. Would never even consider it.

2 moms found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.P.

answers from Seattle on

Hell no! There would be absolutely no way. I am so against that because like you said you never know, and I wouldnt trust anyone with my kid on those things. They are dangerous. Not too long ago, someone I knew had their kids on one of those and he fell off and got hurt. And another person in the same group had one fall on her and she had to go get checked out.

Those things are just unpredictable, and dangerous.

2 moms found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

T.F.

answers from San Diego on

I wouldnt let my son at 18mo old. He just turned four and will be riding with Dad around camp with helmet and gear on this desert season. Actually he will probably have his own bike by end of season or start of next season. We go to the desert to ride. We camp with other families that have kids that ride. There is a special dirt track that is for only kids under 12. So in the right situation I have no problem letting my son ride.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.B.

answers from Atlanta on

My 2 and 5 year olds ride with their 74 year old grandfather! I do want them to wear helmets though. The last time we were there I forgot them, and they want to go a lot faster now. My dad used to just barely move with my oldest on it, but now they both want to take it up a notch. I still caution him not to go crazy -and he's careful. It's a great experience for him, them and wonderful bonding! I don't think it's that dangerous unless someone is racing around.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M..

answers from Youngstown on

Many years ago, I had a friend who died on a 4 wheeler. Hell no would I let my toddler anywhere near one.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.H.

answers from Honolulu on

No.
That is finite enough.

18 months old.
Grandpa not in the best of health.
No.
18 months old, have no solid sense of balance or self control over their motor movements. Either.

My friend's son (who is 6 years old), while riding a training wheels bike, with a helmet, once fell off his bike. On a plain ol' flat road. Why? Well who knows. It was an accident. That is what an accident is. You cannot predict that.
He fell, ON his head. The temple area. Oh and his body got scrapes too.
And his head still hurt. Although he had a helmet on.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

T.H.

answers from Kansas City on

Well probably not, but honestly, I'd have to see the whole thing in action before I could say for certain. It seems like a bad idea, but maybe if he was going really slow and had on a helmet?! I'd probably wait another year or two at least, personally, but if the mom is okay with it, then I'd let it go!

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.L.

answers from New Orleans on

I freak out when my husband wants to have our two year old ride with him on the lawn mower. Luckily for me, our son is afraid of the sound. I'd say no way.

1 mom found this helpful

G.T.

answers from Redding on

Your mom instincts are kicking in for good reason, I think it would be a no no, sorry Gramps he's too little yet.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.S.

answers from Omaha on

It's hard to tell a family member that you're uncomfortable with something they've asked. But in this case - I would not hesitate to say NO! And it's not just a nervous mother thing, it's a responsibility thing. I just don't think that children that age (18 mo or 4 y/o) should be on vehicles like that, even if the driver is younger and in good health. Think of the accidents that experienced, healthy young adults get involved in on these vehicles. No way! You're right to say NO!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.D.

answers from Fort Walton Beach on

When my middle kiddo was just that age she rode one with her dad. Extremely slow around an arena grating it so in that situation I have no issues. With someone who isn't in great health (not just *might* have a heart attack...heck any of us might have one at anytime) then I probably wouldn't.
Sure, there might be an accident but the likelihood is pretty slim & I refuse to live my life or force my children to live theirs by what might happen.
That's just me though so whatever works for you & your family is great for you guys!

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions