Electric All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) are a type of Off-Road Vehicles (ORVs) that are becoming more and more popular thanks to the improvements in batteries and other electric and electronic components.
Electric ATVs range in size from toy vehicles for small children to large and powerful vehicles with performances comparable to gas-powered ATVs. Electric 4-wheelers are commonly used for recreational riding, hunting, utility work, eco-tourism, military and police work, etc.
Updated: October 17, 2023.
Electric ATVs are 4-wheel vehicles powered by an electric motor (or motors) and an onboard battery (or battery pack).
Unlike gas-operated ATVs, electric ATVs feature zero carbon emissions, are ECO-friendly, and are very quiet. Also, they are much simpler to maintain.
Note: If You are an ATV beginner, it is highly recommended to look for a beginner's ATV driving course, even if it is not required by local laws. Also, always have protective gear on (helmet, goggles, gloves...) - better safe than sorry.
When looking for an ATV, there are a few things to consider first, including:
Electric ATVs for kids are practically toys that kids drive around in the parks and similar flat surfaces under supervision by adults. Such electric ATVs are mostly powered by cheap but reliable general-purpose (deep cycle) lead-acid batteries.
Entry-level ATVs for adults are mostly powered by larger lead-acid batteries, keeping the price at an acceptable level.
Most electric ATVs being powered by lead-acid batteries are 12V, 24V, and 36V systems, although some manufacturers offer even 48V-72V lead-acid battery-powered electric ATVs.
However, such models are rare, thanks to technological advances and the availability of affordable ultra-light lithium batteries, mostly based on the Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) chemistry.
Lithium-ion batteries increase the price of electric ATVs and electric vehicles in general. Still, they also store much more energy at a lower weight, support a much larger number of charging/discharging cycles, can be recharged faster, etc.
Lithium-ion batteries are commonly found in larger, more expensive units, with performances often matching the performances of gas-powered ATVs.
Lithium-ion batteries can be found in 12V, 24V, 36V, 48V, 56V, etc., systems, with more expensive units featuring battery packs that can store up to or even more than 8-12 kWh of energy.
With the advancements in technology, lithium batteries are starting to appear in entry-level electric ATVs for adults and even children, but such electric ATVs tend to be more expensive than lead-acid battery-powered electric ATVs.
Regardless of the battery type, batteries for ATVs must be able to provide strong currents, ensuring high starting torque, respectable top speed, and long-range, suitable for various adventures or maybe "just" for everyday commuting.
Electric ATVs are equipped with brushed (not so good) and brushless (good) electric motors ranging in power:
Of course, motor power and terrain difficulty relation depends on the total ATV mass and load, tire type, transmission, suspension, etc.
Since electric ATVs are still very similar to gas-powered ATVs, most electric ATVs still have only one electric motor and use a transmission similar to the gas-powered transmission.
Speed depends on the ATV's intended use, motor power, total unit weight, road/trail condition, and similar.
Small electric ATVs intended for children usually have an adjustable speed limit, allowing the parents to set the maximum speed limit, mostly between 2-10 mph (3-16 km/h).
Entry-level electric ATVs for adults usually have a maximum speed in the 8-15 mph (~13-24 km/h) range.
Large and powerful units powered by lithium batteries may have a maximum speed in excess of 40 mph (>64 km/h) over flat terrain.
Note: depending on the local/state/federal or country laws, some electric ATVs can be road driven, but they must have a license plate, insurance, and everything that goes with it - which is beyond the scope of this article.
Personally, ATVs are not suitable for fast rides for many reasons - a high center of gravity, lack of roll bar, etc. So, take your ATV outdoors and enjoy the ride safely!
The range of electric ATVs differs from 30-60 minutes for children ATVs, 40-90 minutes for entry-level ATVs for adults, to 30-40 miles (or even more) for large off-road lithium battery-powered electric ATVs.
The range or operating time on a single battery charge also depends on the total ATV load, type of tires, battery condition, speed, road/trail condition, etc.
Most electric ATVs are chain-driven, with the power transferred to the rear wheels only (4x2 vehicles). Such vehicles are good for flat terrain and easy trails.
More advanced vehicles use a transmission shaft that transfers the power to the wheels via a differential (just like a car).
Such systems ensure 4x2, differential lock, and sometimes 4x4 transmission.
Of course, for the hardest trails, 4x4 is a must-have.
Tires must ensure good grip on the surface, increasing the safety of the rider.
In most cases, general off-road tires are "good enough," but for special trails, one has to go for the tires optimized for such trails - rocky trails, marsh trails, and similar.
Also, pneumatic tires ensure a comfortable ride, but run-flat tires ensure that the vehicle can continue even when the tire is punctured - at a slower speed, of course.
The suspension must ensure that all the wheels are in contact with the ground all the time, or at least most of the time.
Also, the suspension must ensure as comfortable a ride as possible, regardless of the road/trail condition.
Too soft or too stiff suspension may cause the ride to become uncomfortable and even dangerous - if possible, go for the electric ATV with adjustable suspension/shock absorbers, which allow the user to adjust the suspension according to the riding conditions.
Of course, such a feature increases the price of the unit.
Personally, in most cases, the manufacturers do a good job in setting their ATVs, especially larger and more expensive ATVs.
The load capacity of the electric ATVs varies depending on the ATVs' intended use:
Don't overload your ATV or any other vehicle - its response will be sluggish and slow, it will not last as long as it should, speed and range will be decreased, etc.
It can simply be dangerous for many reasons.
Note: Over time, people tend to add more weight when going for a ride. If you plan long-term, go for a stronger and more robust model with some extra power and extra load capacity - it will last longer in many ways.
If You weigh, for example, 150 pounds and You like a unit that features a load capacity of, for example, 180 pounds, perhaps the one with the load capacity of 220 pounds will be a better choice - this is just a very simplified example, but ...
Many people, especially beginners, buy the most expensive model they can get within a certain budget.
However, before buying an ATV, it is a good idea to think a little bit about ATV's purpose.
If the ATV is going to be driven over mostly flat terrain, a 4x2 vehicle with lithium batteries can be more suitable than a 4x4 vehicle also with lithium batteries.
Why?
Well, 4x2 transmission is cheaper than 4x4 transmission, and the money difference (assuming that both ATVs are of a similar price) can get You much better batteries and suspension.
Novice riders will enjoy their rides even with cheaper ATVs, while stronger, faster, heavier, and thus more expensive vehicles are harder to handle and can be even dangerous for beginners.
So, when buying a new ATV, don't forget the rider's skill level.
The price of electric ATVs differs from a hundred US$/euros for entry-level models to thousands and even tens of thousands US$/Euros for large and powerful off-road ATVs.
This price range sounds huge, and it is, but one can't compare the price of an ATV for children that features a 12V 10Ah lead-acid battery and the price of an ATV with, for example, a lithium 72V 100Ah+ battery with a 4x4 drive.
So, what You pay is what You get. As usual :)
Here are some of the most common Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about electric ATVs and ATVs in general.
Yes, thanks to the advances in chemistry and technology in general, all-electric ATVs are being offered by many companies. Their performances differ significantly, so be sure to find the one that fits your needs and requirements.
They are excellent for the tasks they are intended for. But don't expect the $500 electric ATV to be comparable with the $ 5,000 or $25k unit.
Each electric ATV comes with a battery charger that is optimized for the built-in battery pack.
Some ATVs even have a battery charger built-in, allowing the users just to plug their vehicles into a wall power socket, while other models require the user to plug the charger into the battery pack and then into the wall power socket.
It all depends on the features and specifications of the electric ATV - the most important are battery type, voltage and capacity, motor power, load capacity, maximum speed and range, and similar.
Some premium models cost up to $25k-$30k but offer 10-15 kWh lithium batteries, 7-10 kW electric motors, selectable 2/4 WD, high load capacity, adjustable suspension, excellent acceleration even under load, high maximum speed (30+ mph, 50+ km/h), etc.
Most electric ATVs cost between $500 and $ 5,000, a large enough range for most people, especially beginners, to find what they need.
Small electric ATVs intended for 3-7 year-old children may go up to 5-10 mph, but they also usually have maximum speed adjustable, allowing the parents to limit the maximum speed.
Large, off-road electric ATVs with lithium-ion batteries can go up to 30-40 mph (or even more) on flat terrain.
Without discussing if it is a smart or safe thing to do, an electric ATV can be made faster by:
ATVs can be ordered from online shops, for example, Amazon, or they can be ordered from their manufacturers, local dealerships, and similar.
The best electric ATV is the one that safely gets You outside and safely gets You back home.
People differ, and so do their requirements and preferences - hence, one really can't find "the best" electric quad that would fit anyone's needs.
ATV stands for All-Terrain Vehicle, UTV stands for Utility Task Vehicle, RTV stands for Rough Terrain Vehicle, and ORV stands for Off-Road Vehicle.
Some of these abbreviations may be used interchangeably, but ...
ATV - All-Terrain Vehicle is a classic quad vehicle intended for one or two persons (the second person behind the first one!) and features motorbike-style handlebars.
UTV - Utility Task Vehicle features side-by-side seats (often abbreviated as "SxS"), a classic steering wheel, and very often a roll-bar or even a cabin. UTVs usually can carry a much larger load than ATVs.
RTV - Rough Terrain Vehicles are typically UTVs intended for rough terrain. RTV and ORV (Off-Road Vehicles) are very often used interchangeably, although these vehicles may differ significantly.
While it is possible to convert a gas ATV into an electric one, it requires a lot of work and some money.
In order to convert a gas ATV into an electric ATV, one must remove the gas tank, gas engine, cooling system (if present), exhaust pipes, and everything else that is required by a gas engine and then mount an electric motor, batteries, motor controller, etc.
If the brakes are mechanical, leave them as they are. If they are hydraulic, check how to connect them. Also, be sure that your new ATV has a regenerative braking system - it can recover some energy and increase the range and runtime between battery charges.
One also must connect the headlights and other lights to the new electric system, etc.
In short, yes, it is possible to convert a gas ATV to an electric one, but it requires plenty of work, time, and money.
IMHO, sell an old gas-powered ATV and buy yourself a new, electric one - simpler, faster, cleaner...
Whether an electric 4-wheeler (ATV or quad) can be made street-legal depends on the jurisdiction, as regulations vary widely from one place to another.
In general, electric ATVs are designed for off-road use and do not meet the safety and equipment standards required for on-road vehicles.
However, some jurisdictions may allow ATVs to be modified and registered for on-road use under certain conditions.
If you're considering making a 4-wheeler street-legal, here are some common requirements you might encounter:
If you're considering converting an electric ATV for on-road use, it's essential to check the specific regulations in your jurisdiction.
Some places might not allow ATVs on public roads under any circumstances. In places where it's permitted, failing to comply with all regulations can result in fines, penalties, and potentially dangerous situations on the road.
Personally, if you intend to use your electric ATV on the road, consider buying one that is street-legal since modifying older electric ATVs to be street-legal may cost more.
Remember, safety first!
Long Story Short: When looking for an ATV, consider an electric one - they are less noisy, environmentally more friendly vehicles that are easier to maintain than gas-powered ATVs.
Always choose electric ATVs according to your own personal needs and preferences - there is no "the best" one since electric ATVs differ significantly in both performance and in price.
Note: when riding ATVs and similar vehicles, safety first - learn how to ride them properly and always wear protective gear ...
For more information about electric ATVs and up-to-date offers and prices, feel free to check the Electric ATV Amazon link (the link opens in the new window).
If you have any questions on Electric Quads for Adults. We will give the professional answers to your questions.