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All About Quad Bikes in Australia: Legality, Risks, Costs & More

Posted by seoaccount 11/08/2025 0 Comment(s) Quad Bike,

all about quad bikes

In Australia, quad bikes are a popular off-road vehicle used for adventure riding, recreational fun, and even farming. However, with popularity comes confusion:
Many Aussies ask: Are quad bikes legal? Are they safe? What size should I get? 
Be assured, we’ll answer the most frequently asked questions to help you understand if you can consider a quad bike as the right option for your needs.

Are Quad Bikes Legal in Australia?

Yes, quad bikes are legal in Australia; however, there are some limitations. They are not allowed for general people to use on roads unless specifically approved and registered for limited areas (like farms or private property). Most of the quad bikes can only be used off-road. 

Why Aren’t Quad Bikes Road Legal?

Quad bikes are not legal to use on the roads because:

  • They don’t have essential safety features such as airbags, crumple zones, and ABS.
  • Their design is not suitable for high speeds or on uneven/sloped terrain as they become unstable.
  • They have limited visibility and a wider turning radius compared to standard road vehicles.

What Quads Are Road Legal?

Some of the ATVs (quad bikes) are available, which are legal for road use, but they must be compliant with strict ADR (Australian Design Rules), registered, and modified with a range of options such as:

  • Headlights, indicators, mirrors
  • Speedometers and horns
  • Road-compliant tires

These are not commonly used and are usually operated in commercial or special use.

What Is the Difference Between a Quad Bike and an ATV?

These terms are used interchangeably, but there is a technical difference that can be understood as follows:

Feature

Quad Bike

ATV (All-Terrain Vehicle)

Definition

A four-wheeled off-road bike

A broader category that includes quads and UTVs

Purpose

Mainly for sport or recreation

Used for farming, work, sport, or utility

Design

Lightweight and compact

May include larger, utility-focused designs

Seating

Usually for one rider

Can seat one or more depending on the model

Usage

Personal or recreational use

Agricultural, commercial, or recreational

Example Types

Racing quads, youth quads

Quads, UTVs, side-by-sides

Is a Quad an ATV or UTV?

A quad bike is a type of ATV, not a UTV.

UTV (Utility Task Vehicle) is larger in size, has side-by-side seating, and is used for heavy-duty work or passenger transport.

What Are Quad Bikes Used For?

Quad bikes are used for:

  • Farming and agriculture
  • Recreational off-road riding
  • Tourism and adventure activities
  • Hunting, land surveillance, and beach patrol

What Are the Risks of Quad Bikes?

Riding quad bikes involves risks such as:

  • Rollover accidents, especially on slopes
  • Lack of protection in case of a crash
  • Injuries due to speed or improper handling
  • Children riding adult-sized bikes

Australia has seen a rise in quad-related injuries, which led to mandatory safety regulations, including roll bars and operator protection devices.

Do Quad Bikes Need Roll Bars?

Yes. The Australian government mandates that new quad bikes be equipped with operator protection devices (OPDs), commonly known as roll bars, to reduce fatalities in rollover events.

How Old Do You Have to Be to Ride a Quad Bike in Australia?

There is no national legal minimum age, but:

  • WorkSafe guidelines recommend 16+ for adult-sized bikes.
  • Children should ride only age-appropriate, smaller quad bikes.
  • Supervision and proper gear are essential.

What Size Quad Bike Do I Need?

It depends on your age and experience:

  • 50cc–110cc: Ideal for kids (6–11 years)
  • 125cc–250cc: Suitable for teens and beginners
  • 350cc+: For experienced adults and utility tasks

Are All Quad Bikes 4WD or 4x4?

No, not all quads are 4WD.

  • 2WD models are lighter and ideal for recreation.
  • 4WD (4x4) quads are better for rugged, muddy, or uphill terrain common in farm or utility use.

What Is Faster: A Quad Bike or a Dirt Bike?

Dirt bikes are generally faster and more agile on tracks and trails due to:

  • Lighter frame
  • Higher power-to-weight ratio

Quad bikes, however, offer more stability on uneven surfaces and are better for beginners.

How Fast Is a Quad Bike?

Top speed depends on their engine size and design:

  • Kids’ quads: ~20–50 km/h
  • Standard adult quads: 70–100 km/h
  • High-performance racing quads: 120+ km/h
  • How Much Do Quad Bikes Cost?
  • Kids’ quad bikes: $500–$1,500 AUD
  • Mid-range models: $2,000–$5,000 AUD
  • High-end or utility quads: $6,000–$15,000+ AUD

Are Quad Bikes Worth It?

Yes, if you:

  • Ride on rural land, farms, or trails
  • Need a versatile utility vehicle
  • Want an off-road recreational experience

However, they require ongoing maintenance and safe riding habits.

Are Motorbikes Safer Than Quad Bikes?

Motorbike crashes have statistically higher crash rates, but quad bikes can be deadlier in rollovers due to their heavier weight and lack of rider protection. Neither vehicle is safe, and the riders must have proper training, protective gear, and terrain awareness. 

Are ATVs 4-Stroke?

Most modern ATVs, including quad bikes, use 4-stroke engines. They:

  • Offer better fuel efficiency
  • Run cooler and cleaner
  • Require less frequent maintenance

Some performance models still use 2-stroke engines for speed and acceleration.

What Do Australians Call ATVs or Motorbikes?

ATVs/quads are referred to as “quad bikes” or “four-wheelers.”

  • Motorbikes are just called either “motorbikes” or “trail bikes” depending on their use.
  • Slingshots (3-wheelers) are rarely found and sometimes referred to by their brand.

Can I Import a Quad Bike to Australia?

Yes, but it must meet Australian safety standards. It involves:

  • Customs clearance
  • Compliance with ADR regulations
  • Registration if used commercially

What Is the Proper Name for a Quad Bike?

The technical term is ATV (All-Terrain Vehicle). “Quad bike” is the more commonly used term in Australia, especially for 4-wheeled variants.

Why Do They Call Them Quads?

“Quad” refers to four wheels.
ATVs with four wheels = Quad bikes.
There are also three-wheel (trikes) and six-wheel (6x6) ATVs.

What Is the Difference Between a Quad and a 4-Wheeler?

There is no difference at all. For example, in Australia and the U.S., "quad" and "4-wheeler" both refer to four-wheeled ATVs. Also, British riders may call them "quad bikes", while Americans often say "four-wheelers."

What Does UTV Stand For?

UTV stands for Utility Task Vehicle. It differs from a quad/ATV by:

  1. Having the seating side-by-side
  2. Usually used for heavy-duty hauling
  3. Features like roll cages, seat belts & steering wheels

In a Nutshell

Undoubtedly, quad bikes are extremely prevalent across Australia. They can be used for both adventurous riding and farming. However, quad bikes can be riskier to operate on roads, which is why the Australian government restricts their use on public roads. 

We understand that neither a motorbike nor a quad bike is entirely safe, and therefore, it is always advised to undergo proper training, wear protective equipment, and adhere to safety regulations.

Do you want to purchase a kids' quad bike, 4WD utility quad, or simply explore your options? Just make sure to buy from a trusted retailer like Go Easy Online for the best selection in Australia.

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