A quad bike, or an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) in other markets, can be a fun avenue to pursue when trekking outdoors. This is probably double for seniors who want a challenge. Turning the ignition on one, requires some manoeuvring through a reverse mortgage of the kind offered by ASAG.
Breakdown
Quad bikes are usually categorised into three:
- General use. General-use quads are units designed for everyday work activities, such as farming and utility. Most of them have longer wheelbases, a safety cage, tow hitch, and front/rear cargo racks. Many general-use quads are single seat but others offer side-by-side seats.
- Youth. Youth quads are smaller than regular quads, and are primarily designed for children.
- Sport. Sport quads will be engineered towards extreme outdoor engagements. They are not usually recommended for general use due to the lack of important features.
Choosing a quad bike
In deciding the best specifications for your ideal quad, there are several issues to be addressed.
Power and size
The quad’s engine capacity and dimensions should be appropriate to the size of the operator. For instance, the smallest of the bunch, a 50cc quad, measuring 48 to 60 inches in length by 30 to 35 inches wide. On the far end, a 1,000cc unit is 84 to 94 inches long by 46-48in wide.
4WD/2WD
Quad bikes come in either two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. However, a four-wheel drive can work best in all-terrain conditions.
Safety tags
The ACCC and Product Safety Australia released mandatory standards for quad bikes that were first published in October 2020 and later expanded in October 2021. These are primarily centred on the units being compliant with US standard ANSI/SVIA 1/2017, European standards EN 15997:2011, and Australian standard AS 1019‑2000. The tags are warning stickers attached to the vehicle stating the injury/death risks of rollover and what not to do when operating the vehicle. A separate stability test result sticker, or yellow hang tag, would detail up to how many degrees can the quad be firm before it risks rolling over both on lateral and longitudinal stability.
Protective devices
A quad must have adequate protective devices installed to minimise the risk of injury or fatality to the rider. The unit must have foot plates integrated into the design to protect the feet and lower legs. A crush protective device is placed in the rear of the vehicle to prevent it from fully rolling over to the side or flip backwards/forwards.
Quads with side-by-side seating must have seatbelts and with an integrated roll cage.
At the same time, the operator should wear protective gear just like riding a motorcycle. Some may even suggest bringing along emergency supplies and to let other people know where they are going.
In fact, investing in a quad with the above protective devices installed can be wonderful. Each state and territory already has implemented a programme where certifying the safety of your general-use quad may entail a rebate. NSW, for example, offers farmers up to $2,000 for side-by-side vehicles with the appropriate safety upgrades – even more if farmers underwent a SafeWork training course.
Purpose
You have to define the rationale and purpose for acquiring a quad, even more if you’re leaning towards a general-use unit. If you are working on a large property like a farm, do you need flexibility to traverse the place? Does it need some towing capacity?
Passengers?
Quads are mostly single-place or two-seater affairs, but if an operator needs to bring more people anywhere, consider using a larger vehicle like a car or ute instead. This prevents undue strain on the quad’s engine.
No kids on the quad bike
For safety reasons, it is not advisable to bring along children, say your grandkids, to ride in a quad, much less buy one for them. Some experts stated that children under 16 years old are still in the developmental stage of their lives and may not be fully capable of operating any motor vehicle, despite some private instruction. This has sadly resulted in accidents involving children operating quads.
As such, limit any operation of the quad to competent adults at least 16-18 years old.
Benefits
Buying yourself a quad can have some health benefits.
- Sunshine. Aside from rapid mobility outdoors, travelling by quad helps the elderly have their daily dose of Vitamin D for the immune system and for cognitive functions.
- Exercise. Riding a quad is by itself a form of exercise. Driving and navigating the quad enables the body to burn calories and increase the heart rate to possibly the same level as foot exercises like jogging. A quad run may also keep the mental awareness at high levels, due to intense concentration on the trail while avoiding obstacles or the danger of rollover.
- Social. It can be better for a senior quad rider to make the run with companions like loved ones. This enables the body to release serotonin to enable happy feelings and adrenaline to improve blood flow.
The ASAG Reverse Mortgage: Enjoy retirement on your quad bike
Seniorhood can just be the best time of your life, laden with adventure. Saddle up and ride away. With the ASAG Reverse Mortgage, you can use the equity in your home and use the funds for your Vehicle Finance needs without any ongoing repayments and get a quad bike to enjoy.
We’re happy to assist with further info about how our reverse mortgage works. Our lines are open on 1300 002 724 and at info@asagfirst.com.au so feel free to call us or send your enquiries about our equity release solutions.
You can also get started by using our tool below to assess your available equity.