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Discover what this means

Quad biking

Switch to off-road mode and bring the mud as we hit the bumps and mounds of a quad bike course.

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What to expect

Quad bikes are small, all-terrain vehicles with four wheels, typically powered by a small motor engine. They have handlebars like a bicycle, with break and throttle controls attached. You’ll need to wear protective equipment during this activity, including a full-face, off-road helmet, which looks a bit like a motorbike helmet. Quads are mostly driven on specialised, off-road tracks.

What you’ll learn

Quad biking gives you the opportunity to practice your balance and coordination whilst driving around the track. It helps you learn to look around you for other people, while also looking where you’re going to make sure you get around the corners. Being in charge of your own motor vehicle gives you independence and the freedom to make your own decisions during the drive. It also helps you understand the importance of driving safely around the track, making sure you’re moving in a controlled manner around the corners and giving your friends enough space so that they can drive safely and confidently.

Fun facts

The first quad bike was made in Louisiana, USA in 1980 and were seen as being a lot more stable than their three-wheeled predecessors. They’re very popular across the world and are used for many different things, such as crossing sand-dunes and helping move people and materials across farms.

Handy hints

  • Bring some hair bobbles. Some places will ask anyone with long hair to tie it back, so bring some spares along just in case.
  • Bring your camera with you. Get lots of pictures for everyone to look back on later.
  • Bring some gloves. Everyone’s hands can get cold while doing this, so encourage everyone to bring gloves along, and carry some spares just in case.
  • Something to drink. All that driving can be tiring work, so encourage everyone to bring a drink with them, and bring some extra too.

Safety

You must always:
Be safe outdoors:
  • Check the weather forecast
Motor Sports:
This activity can be led by you or someone else in Scouts
You can go to a centre or use an activity leader who is not part of Scouting:
You must find a suitable provider who meets the following requirements:
  • The provider must have public liability insurance.

Guidance

Motor Sports

Activity Helmets

Reflection

Learning to ride a quad bike can be a very different experience for everyone. Some people will be excited and will want to go fast, while some will prefer to take it slow. It doesn’t matter how you drove the quad; it’s about whether you had fun and enjoyed the experience.

Quad biking will have helped you develop some new skills. You had to use skills like coordination and balance to stay upright on the bumpy bits. What was the best part of the experience for you? Think about the parts you enjoyed: whether you liked going round the corners, overtaking people, liked going fast or liked getting muddy! What would you do differently if you had the opportunity to go out on the track again? Think about taking corners differently, going faster on the straights or going slower around the course.

Quad biking can often be adapted so more people can give it a go. Many centres have facilities that cater for people with additional needs and experienced instructors to help everyone achieve their goals. Get in touch with your local provider to chat through the needs of people in your group - make sure you give them plenty of notice.

All Scout activities should be inclusive and accessible.

If anyone enjoyed this adventure, have a look at similar pursuits like go-karts and other motor sports.