For those who have had the pleasure of discovering my weekly column on weird electric vehicles from China (or for those with a less robust sense of humor who have had the displeasure of finding it), you’ll know I love trawling through Alibaba’s long list of wacky electric vehicles. I often find some real nuggets of treasure, and sometimes I even go as far as buying and importing them to the US.
Make no mistake: It’s a terrible idea that is fraught with problems. That’s why I always advise against my readers following my lead. But sometimes, just sometimes, some of you foolhardy folks will climb up and over all of my disclaimers to try your own hands at getting the weirdest wheeled vehicles that China can muster.
That’s the case with one Kentucky man who was inspired by my own ill-advised shenanigans and decided to try his hand at a bad idea that ultimately worked out quite well.
I’ll call him Hector, because that’s his name, and he said I could use it. Hector liked the standing electric ATV that I covered in an article last year and fancied the idea of one day having his own. But instead of leaving it at that, he was bitten by the same Alibaba bug as me and sought out a way to make it happen.
And I don’t blame him. This thing looks pretty awesome on paper. It’s an all-wheel-drive design with 6,000 watts of power, full-suspension, and the ability to add a pile of accessories. The top speed of 60 km/h (37 mph) is likely fast enough for most riders, as I’m not sure many people want to involuntarily dismount going any fast than that, in the unlikely event that something goes wrong on a ride.
The design is so cool because it’s not exactly original. In fact, it’s pretty much a rip-off of the Israeli-designed off-road vehicle known as the DSRaider. It’s not quite as rugged, but it’s much cheaper.
Priced at $4,000, the Chinese version is significantly more affordable than the original, which is often used by military and police units in various parts of the world.
Hector messaged the vendor, Zhejiang LVDU Industry & Trade corporation, and resisted their attempts to receive payment for the ATV by wire transfer, which can be problematic if there’s ever an issue with the vehicle or its delivery.
“I contacted them to get the vehicle specs, and they suggested a wire transfer payment that I declined,” explained Hector. “They returned and offered to do it through Alibaba, and I accepted.”
Alibaba’s internal payment platform is safer than a wire transfer since Alibaba offers some marginal buyer protections, though many vendors won’t use it because it delays their ability to receive the funds.
The vendor’s video shows that it seems to handle off-road terrain quite wellFrom there, Hector began choosing his desired accessories. “I added some accessories for the vehicle, such as bigger tires, a basket, a beacon light post, and a vertical rack for cargo,” he continued.
The accessories added up to US $322, and the factory threw in a seat for free.
The seller offered Hector a shipping option under terms known as DDP, or Delivered Duty Paid. This is one of many forms of international freight agreements, and it means that the seller is responsible for everything required to get the product to the customer’s door. That means importing, customs clearance, customs fees, trucking to final destination, etc. The charge for DDP was US $1,295. After the added taxes (yes, Alibaba is required by law to collect US sales tax on purchases from Americans), the total that Hector paid came out to US $6,094.29. In theory, the DDP terms mean that this should be the final payment, and everything else should be handled by the shipper.
Hector submitted the payment through Alibaba’s payment platform, which provides some level of buyer protection through escrow (though I’ve still been screwed in the past anyway). That payment started the production of Hector’s new electric ATV, and the factory came back to him with the proof-of-life pictures below.
So far, so good.
The next step was local shipping. The electric ATV had to be packaged up for its journey and sent to a freight forwarder.
The factory took care of these steps, updating Hector along the way.
Hector then received the images below, showing how the ATV was packaged and loaded into a truck to be taken to a freight forwarder for containerization.
The factory created a steel shipping cage for the vehicle and then covered it in a cardboard exterior. This is fairly common, though I try to ask for a wooden crate to ensure better protection, especially when I know my product will be placed in a container with many other customers’ one-off shipments.
It took around six weeks for the ship to make its way from China to California, where it off-loaded the container and Hector’s shipment was stripped and prepared for land transport.
The factory’s freight forwarder handled the customs clearance process and booked the ATV with a trucking service to send it inland on the long journey to Kentucky.
Another week and a half later, a lift-gate truck rolled up to Hector’s driveway and off-loaded the package.
There it was, in all its standing electric ATV glory.
Somehow it had travelled from the factory in China to a Kentucky driveway for a mere $1,295. As someone who has imported more than his fair share of weird vehicles from China, believe me when I tell you how extraordinarily rare that is.
Just trucking alone could easily cost that much for a trip from California to Kentucky. Just the customs charges on this type of vehicle should have cost that much, especially considering this should have been subject to 25% tariffs for Chinese goods imported to the US (and it isn’t on the exclusion list).
Either the factory’s freight forwarder did some shady magic to slip this ATV through for so cheap, or they didn’t realize how much transit charges, arrival charges, customs charges, broker fees and cross-country trucking would cost in the end.
But whatever the reason, Hector managed to land this thing for a total of just under US $6,100.
Unpacking the cage showed very minimal damage to the vehicle from shipping. “The shipping package received some damage on the metal housing, but only the skin of the brake line was damaged,” Hector explained to me. “There was also an issue with the turn signal lights. I communicated with the seller, and they have shipped the rear and front turn lights with the wire assembly and the brake line. They also sent me videos on how to fix it.”
So far, Hector seems quite satisfied with the electric standing ATV. “The vehicle is well made, and I’m happy with my transaction.”
And by the look of his dog, the pup doesn’t seem to mind, either.
I enjoy sharing these stories because it’s fun to see what kinds of things people can find and bring home. Alibaba is full of weird electric vehicles, largely because China leads the world in electric vehicle design and manufacturing. I’ve bought electric mini-trucks, e-ATVs, e-boats, electric construction equipment, e-bikes, e-motorcycles, and more. And with enough experience (and enough mistakes made in the past), it usually goes pretty well for me now.
But I always advise against anyone actually following my lead. Hector was surprisingly successful here, but it doesn’t always go this well. I’ve heard from multiple people who tried to buy electric mini-trucks similar to mine, only to have the shipment stopped by Customs and Border Patrol for one reason or another and not allowed into the country.
I’ve seen batteries shoot sparks and let out smoke the first time I turn the product on.
I’ve had vendors simply ghost me, nowhere to be found anymore.
I’ve had Alibaba auto-approve delivery of my products while they’re still in the middle of the Atlantic ocean, releasing my funds in escrow to the vendor.
It’s a dangerous game fraught with risk and pitfalls. So while it can be fun to live vicariously through people like Hector and myself, I don’t recommend trying this at home. At least not unless you’re willing to lay down $6,000 with the understanding that you might never see it again.
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Kids quad bikes are a great way to get kids out of the house and having fun.
They're also a great way for parents to bond with their children and spend time together.
However, as you may know, there are many different types of quad bikes on the market to choose from.
If you don't know what type of quad bike is best for your family, don't worry, we've put together this handy buyer's guide that will help lead you in the right direction.
Before you read the rest of this article, don’t forget we have a choice of really cool quad bikes here.
Choosing the Right Quad Bike
Driving a quad bike off the beaten path is exhilarating and something your kids will absolutely love!!
But, with so many different options of quad bikes to choose from, it can be difficult to find the right one.
There are so many factors to consider such as age, weight, and terrain that it can be hard to know where to start.
The first thing you need to do is figure out the type of quad bike you want your child to ride.
Also, despite having four chunky wheels, quads aren't as easy to steer and navigate as you might think.
So, getting the right one for your family is a must!
Similar in size and feel to a dirt bike, quad bikes allow beginners of all ages the opportunity for fun outdoor recreation across varied terrain.
Beginners should consider their own body shape before choosing what type of vehicle they would like because this will impact how comfortable their ride is going to be and also the following factors:
Photo: Kenjonbro
Electric or Petrol
The first thing to think about is if you are looking for an electric or petrol-powered vehicle.
An electric quad will typically be safer and easier to control than a petrol-powered one because they don't have gears, which can sometimes be confusing for beginners.
As well as being safe, some people prefer the simplicity of an electric quad because there are no exhaust fumes and they are much easier to maintain.
They're ideal if you're looking for something to use in a park or an area with no motor vehicles.
Petrol-powered quads are more versatile and have the added bonus of speed so they would be great if you plan on using them off-road such as over bumpy ground, through water crossings, or even up hills, although they can be difficult to control.
Petrol quads are better suited to teenagers and adults who have the strength to maneuver a heavier vehicle and are confident with using gears.
As you look through the description of each quad, you will see the manufacturer's recommended age.
Take note of this because some quads are not designed for children and there is a danger of injury if they use them and they're not the right size.
If you've ever struggled to start a quad bike, then this article should be helpful.
Safety Gear
Before your kid goes out on their new quad bike, they should be wearing at a minimum a helmet, goggles, and gloves.
Helmet - The helmet should be worn at all times when operating a quad bike. You can avoid serious injury by wearing one.
Goggles - Goggles should also be worn to protect their eyes from dust, dirt, and debris that can cause damage or injury such as scratches on the cornea.
Gloves - Gloves will help them grip the handles while riding and will also protect the surface of their hands.
Other safety items include:
* A first aid kit - to deal with emergencies, such as cuts from the handlebar or any other part of the bike.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of oil does an ATV/Quad bike take?
A quad bike takes oil based on its engine size.
If it is an 80cc, 100cc or 125cc quad bike then you will need a two-stroke oil.
If your quad is 250cc or 350cc in size then they will require a four-stroke oil that is heavier.
If you're into pit bikes, you might be interested in how fast a 125cc one can go.
How many seats?
This all depends on the size of the quad bike and what you need it for. For example, if the main purpose of the quad is to use it off road then a single seat is more than sufficient.
However, if you have more than one kid then you may want to look at a quad bike with two seats.
What is the max speed?
The maximum speed for an ATV/Quad bike varies depending on your engine size, but there are some models that can go as fast as 55mph. If this is too fast then it may be worth considering looking for a different model.
How do you service a quad?
They are relatively easy to service if you have the right tools. There are many YouTube videos and websites that can show you how much servicing needs done on your quad, and help you with any questions or issues along the way.
Here's a list of what you need to inspect:
* Engine Oil - Changing the engine oil is one of the most important things that you need to do, especially if your quad bike is not being used regularly.
* Air filter or Air Box - These are usually located under the seat with a rubber tube connecting them to the engine intake valve. If it is full of dirt or dust, a new air filter should be installed.
* Battery - Replace the Battery if it is old or has been kept for too long without charging (sulfation can create issues).
* Clutch cables and gears - are usually easy to inspect by removing them from their holders. This will allow you to see if there is any dirt or rust.
* Tyres and Tubes - check to see if there are any cuts, holes in the tires, seams that have popped open (usually indicated by bubbles), make sure your tubes are inflated to the correct pressure.
* Nuts and bolts - The more you use your quad bike, the more likely it is that nuts and bolts may come loose or break. Check for any looseness in your parts as well as any signs of corrosion (rusty bolts).
* Fuses - Quad bikes usually have two fuse boxes with separate fuses for each part of the engine. When checking these make sure none are burnt out.
* Visual inspection - check the bodywork, for any cracks or dents in the paintwork. If you do notice some damage we recommend having a professional repair it.
* Brakes - if you have hydraulic brakes, check to see that there is plenty of fluid in the master cylinder and that your brake lines are not leaking or ruptured. If you have drum brakes then make sure your drums aren't worn out or excessively rusty (if they're made from steel).
* Drive belt - If your quad has a drive belt, check to see if it needs replacing or has any damage.
* Suspension - Check the suspension for signs of wear and tear, make sure there are no leaks in the seals as this could be a sign that they need changing.
* Spark plugs - when you have finished these checks on your quad bike we recommend checking the spark plugs. They won't need changing as often as the other components on your quad but over time they can start to wear out.
* Carburetor - Another thing you should check is your carburetor. If it's running rich, then that will need adjusting with a screwdriver or by getting an expert in to do it for you. If it's running lean then you will need to adjust the air-fuel mixture with a screwdriver and add some fuel.
The drive belt may be made from steel or rubber, depending on what your quad bike uses. If it has a drive belt then you should check for any damage that needs replacing.
* Checking the manual: Check if your quad bike requires any special tools or equipment to assemble it."
You should always inspect a component before installing it and after removing it from installation.
Make sure all of these things meet safety guidelines for usage on a public road (if you're taking it on the road).
Quad bike frames
You have a choice of four different types - rigid, semi-rigid, dual suspension or full suspension.
Which one you choose is down to personal preference and your budget because they all offer advantages and disadvantages depending on what you need them for.
We recommend an electric quad for younger riders who need a safe vehicle to learn on and petrol quads for older teens or adults looking for more speed and control.
Electric quads are more economical and easier to maintain than petrol models and the rider can control speed.
Petrol quads offer more power, a higher top speed, better acceleration and grip so they're perfect for adults or teenagers with experience of quad bikes wanting something fast but still being able to control it.
Configuration Options
Short Wheel Base (SWB) - This style will give your child more stability; it's recommended if they're a beginner.
Long Wheel Base (LWB) - If they're an experienced quad rider, this style will give your child more of a challenge and make them work harder to stay upright.
The next thing you want to think about is the configuration of your quad. There are two types:
Off-road and street legal
The type you choose will depend on where you live, what terrain is nearby, how much money you want to spend or if your child has an interest in motocross racing.
* Off-Road Quads - If the majority of your riding will be carried out on dirt trails, then an off-road quad is best for you. Off-road quads are designed to handle tough terrain and come with a variety of suspension systems depending on the type of rider you want to be.
* Road legal - If you're looking for something that'll be easier to ride on the street with less suspension, then a road-legal quad is for you.
Take care when purchasing a street-legal quad as they are not built to handle off-road terrain.
Also, think about the potential safety hazards of riding on the street.
Tyre Selection
Tyres are integral to the safety and control of your vehicle, so always make sure you have a well-fitting set before heading out.
If you're going off-road or riding on asphalt, then some different types may be required for optimal performance.
It's important to consider these factors when selecting new tyres because they can affect braking sensitivity as well!
The right tyres for your quad bike aren't just about safety and appearance. There are many factors to consider before you buy a used one, including the type of terrain it will be ridden on most often.
Universal off-road tires can deal with moderate outdoor paths in any condition while more advanced riders may want something like an Off-Road tyre that is only needed for experienced operators riding extreme terrains.
Engine size
Whether starting from scratch or upgrading to a new model, you should start small.
Larger is not always better when it comes to motorcycles because they might be too heavy for inexperienced riders and lack the handling necessary for tight turns on terrain with obstacles like hills and curves.
If power seems more important than control, then maybe a quad bike would suit your needs instead of risking having an over-powered motorcycle that can’t handle turning at all.
Two or four-wheel drive?
Two-wheel drive quads are a great option for those who want to take their driving skills up another level.
They offer the same kind of power, but with less weight and easier handling than four-wheel drives.
For first-time drivers or inexperienced ones, these will be best as it's more forgiving on tough terrain and when you're just learning how to handle your quad better in general.
Does the quad bike need to be road-legal?
Quad bikes are popular all-terrain vehicles that can be used for a variety of purposes, but they may not always have the same capabilities as ATVs and buggies.
While most quad bikes use Private Light Goods (PLG) license plates in order to travel on private property or public spaces such as sidewalks, if you're buying one with intentions of using it primarily on UK roads then make sure the model is road legal so you don't get caught up in any potential violation tickets.
Four-wheelers are great for getting through rough terrain and areas that vehicles can't go.
But if you want to take your quad bike out on the road, there's a few things you'll need before riding off into the sunset.
A full UK driving license, number plate, tax (yes! even quads have taxes), insurance coverage from an approved company in order to drive legally with it on public roads or otherwise risk penalty points against your license as well as fines of up £2500.
Finally, an MOT which is required every 12 months but must be carried out by someone who has experience working specifically with four-wheeler engines.
Third-party insurance is the minimum legal requirement to drive on UK roads but it's important for those who are riding quads as well.
Should You Buy New or Used?
It's not just tractors and harvesters that can be found in the second-hand quad market.
The durability of quads combined with a wide range makes them an ideal option for new riders who want to save some money on their purchase.
However, before you commit to buying any used vehicle it is always best to do your research beforehand - taking time out for test drives will help make sure this bike suits both you and what you need from it!
What to look for:
Tyres - Look out for cracks or worn treads. Once they develop cracks the tyres will not provide grip and can lead to a dangerous situation.
If only one of them has cracks but it has the same wear as the other three, it's a sign that they probably all need to be replaced.
Make sure the top of your tyre is not rubbing against the fender or chain guard
Look for any signs that they are touching. This will need a quick repair but it can be avoided by making sure it has enough clearance.
Check the bearings and ball joints - Get the seller to jack up one side of the bike and check to see that it doesn't droop on one side.
Also, rock the wheel back and forth. If the wheel is loose then it's not safe and they will need to be replaced.
Severely worn ball joints can make the bike feel wobbly and difficult to control, so it's best not to take any chances.
Shock absorbers - These are important for avoiding damage from bumps in the road or off-road terrain.
They will need to be replaced if they have lost their bounce back (even a little), which means that they're no longer absorbing the impact.
Look for moist crusted dirt in the shock's dampening hole. This means your tyres spend more time in the air than on the ground, which will lead to blown shock absorbers.
Check the constant velocity (CV) boots - This is a common problem with all-terrain vehicles, but it's important to check your CV boots for wear and tear.
If the rubber is cracked or torn in any way then you will need new ones before heading out on a ride.
Check all eight joints for looseness - These joints are there to hold the shock in place and if any one of them is loose then you will need new shocks.
Check your brake pads for wear - Braking often means heat build-up, which can result in cracks or warped rotors.
Check that all four brakes are tight enough to stop without trembling
Brake pads should always be replaced when they are worn down (usually after 30% of their life span)
Replace the boot overflow pipe to prevent oil leaks - The boot overflow pipe is a metal tube that runs from your engine and sends excess lubrication back into the sump.
O-rings can become damaged over time and need replacing, which will help avoid an expensive rebuild of your quad bike's engine.
Engine Oil Levels - Ensure the engine oil level is at the right level by checking it before and after every ride. If the level is too low, top it up; if the level is too high, drain some oil from your quad bike.
Belts - It's always a good idea to replace belts in pairs (pairs instead of singles) so that you're not replacing them all at once.
Check for engine leaks - Oil leaks are a common problem on quad bikes and if they're not spotted early enough can cause major engine damage.
The most common places for oil leaks are at the gasket seal, head-gaskets, or valve cover seals
Check the fluids - Pull the engine transmission dipsticks and check the levels of engine oil, coolant, and transmission fluid.
Check your chain tension - Riding with an incorrectly adjusted chain will lead to premature wear of the gearbox sprockets.
The chain tension should be checked after every ride and adjusted accordingly to ensure a long life for your quad bike.
TIP: when replacing a chain or asking for it to be replaced, always use an approved supplier or original equipment manufacturer (OEM).
There is no point in investing money into the upkeep of your quad bike and then putting it all at risk by using a cheap one.
Pull the air cleaner cover - Replacing an air filter isn't expensive and it is one of the most crucial parts of your quad bike.
The reason why they should be replaced every 18 months is that they can become clogged with dust and dirt, which then restricts the airflow into the engine.
Check your spark plugs - Misfiring in a quad bike will cause misfiring in an engine. Before you purchase a secondhand quad, make sure you check the spark plugs to see if they are in good condition.
As you can see, there are quite a lot of different things you should be checking on your quad bike before you buy it.
All of these will help ensure that the engine runs at its best and never malfunctions, saving you money in the long run.
Sometimes you think you're saving money by buying a secondhand quad bike, but in the long-term, it could cost you more as replacing parts will eventually add up.
Also, there's normally a reason why the quad bike is for sale.
Take the time to consider whether it's worth buying or not, it's not just about the money, but it's also about the safety of your kids.
Quad Bike Reviews
Take a look at the reviews on a retailer's website before you buy a quad bike.
Customers who have bought the product will be able to tell you if it's worth your money or not!
They may also point out any design flaws that you might otherwise not notice, and point out any warning signs.
If you're stuck on what to buy, read customer reviews for a comprehensive list of pros and cons! It can help with your decision-making process.
Stay away from review websites as they are normally set up to direct you to buy a certain product (normally the one that offers the most affiliate commission to the website owner).
They may look genuine, but they're often biased reviews written by people who are being paid to promote that product.
Wrapping Up
In the end, it really comes down to personal preference.
If you like how electric bikes look but don’t want the hassle of charging them or if your budget is tight and petrol quad bikes are cheaper then maybe that will work for you.
However, if you're looking for speed and power with less maintenance on the go - we recommend an electric quad bike.
Remember to buy the right safety gear for your quad bike.
Think about what you'll be using it on and make sure that you're not compromising the quality of materials or features just because they cost more money.
You want to have a comfortable, safe ride so spend wisely when choosing your safety gear.
Don't make the mistake of buying a quad bike that's too small for your kid.
They'll be less comfortable and it will affect their performance in all kinds of situations, not just on the track.
With all the different engine sizes available, it can be tough to figure out which one is right for you.
You need to consider your terrain as well as what type of riding you plan on doing in order to make an informed decision about this purchase.
A great place to start is by getting a feel for how much power and torque you think would best suit your needs before looking at anything else.
The decision on whether to buy a new or used quad bike can be made easier by looking at what your needs are and how much you’re willing to invest.
If you don’t need the latest model, but want a reliable bike that will last for years, then going with an older model could save money in the long run.
On the other hand, if you have more cash available right now and want something cutting edge with all of the newest bells and whistles, buying new may make sense for you.
Lastly, If you are in the market for a new quad bike, make sure to do your research. Read reviews and testimonials from people who have purchased it before.
You want to be confident that this is the right purchase for what you need - not just because of how it looks or feels on paper but also because of how well it will work with your kid's lifestyle so that they can enjoy every minute of riding!
We hope our advice has helped!
If you're not sure which quad to purchase, feel free to get in touch with us by email or use the chat feature on our website (bottom right-hand corner) and we'll be happy to assist you.
Don’t forget we have a choice of really cool quad bikes here.