To not want a 7yo to get a proper quad bike?

[Dramatic]

My dd turns 7 in a couple of weeks and my ex (her dad) has just informed me that he is getting her a quad bike, not a childs one that goes 3mph but a proper one that can go up to 45(!)mph. AIBU to think it's dangerous and to say no? If he buys it anyway what can I do? By the way he is not planning on taking her to a proper track to use it but "down the field" :/.

[lilrascal]

oh I'd freak but perhaps because I presume dd visits with him you will have to compromise. insist on safety gear - helmet the works. tbh a childs one is no good for a 7 yr old. I don't know what kind of relationship you have with your ex but he did tell you, say your concerned for her safety. does he have one himself? is he familiar with them or is he just getting it on a whim?

[Ohwhatfuckeryisthis]

Is the term Disney dad? I think the word there is no.

[Dramatic]

He's getting it on a whim. I am freaking at the thought of her whizzing round the field :/ I have said no but he will probably just ignore me and get it anyway, I wonder if there's any way to restrict the speed or something.

[Fenton]

I would want to know a bit more, but they are good fun and safe if used properly. Also i would insist on correct wear, body armour and a proper helmet with the facial/jaw protection.

Does he have one to ride also? Or is this gift for her really a toy for him which he'll take her on?

Six is quiet small to be in control of an adult size quad, not impossible but still.

[lilrascal]

do your research ... there seems to be an inbetween like this ...

www.funbikes.co.uk/Red_Electric_Mini_Quad_Fun_Bike_Ride_On_Toy(3626).aspx

3 modes: 5mph / 8mph / 13mph
6 - 12 years

[Sandthorn]

Your ex is a moron: www.brake.org.uk/info-resources/info-research/road-safety-factsheets/15-facts-a-resources/facts/479-quad-bikes-and-mini-motos

[Fenton]

Yes you can limit them.

[Merrylegs]

God this is bonkers. Seriously mad. Will he listen if you say no? The first time DS2 rode a proper quad bike he was about 9 and ended up in a lake. This was on farmland with proper supervision. My 16 year old, who rides a moped, also shot backwards on a quad and fell off.

[JoandMax]

You can limit them but as he seems to just be getting this on a whim I would really try and persuade him against it. They can be lots of fun but only with very careful management by someone who knows what they are doing.

My DH is a huge motocross fan, has ridden bikes for 25 years - our DSs got a quad and motocross bike for christmas (aged 3.9 and 5.7). However they have full safety gear and the younger one only goes on with DH too. We have strict rules that they absolutely never ever go on or touch the bikes unless DH is there, always wear full safety gear and DH takes them through the controls every time before they get on. DS1 he limits the quad speed but to be honest he's never tried to go above a fast walk speed anyway.

[lilrascal]

does ur dd even want one? can you put it off til xmas and perhaps take her to a track to try on out or something?

as well as safety its a lot of money for a "whim"? sounds like its more for him that anything else. I really wouldn't like it but if he is insisting on it and even if he gets himself one he could easily let her ride it when he has her. need to stay calm a bit and insist on talking this out reaching a mutual decision with safety gear etc

[sashh]

He is either an idiot or insane. No way should she be riding one of these.

I say that as someone with a motorbike licence and someone who thinks the Imps motorcycle display team (team of children) are fantastic.

I see no reason a child should not learn to ride a bike, quad bike or even a horse, but they need to be taught, to learn how to do so safely. If you wouldn't put your child on a motorbike or a horse then you should not put them on a quad.

www.impsonline.com/join-the-team/

[Dramatic]

Oh god sandthorn that is scary :(. He doesn't have a quaf bike and as far as I know he doesn't know how to ride one. She hasn't asked for one so I really see no need for it. I am in careful negotiations with him to try and persuade him against it. It's just so unsafe, especially with where he's planning on letting her ride it, in a field with uneven ground in some places and with a river running through it.

Them in between ones that go a max of 13mph would be much better.

[IDontDoIroning]

Does she want one - if not perhaps she should say so - or ask for another Disneyesque present instead.

[lizzzyyliveson]

Does the field belong to him? Will he transport it to the field by trailer or by riding it on the public road? The police in our area will attend and remove quad bikes being ridden on public land so you could ring crimestoppers and report it anonymously when he buys it if you think he is breaking the law.

[specialsubject]

two words: Rik Mayall.

[Sandthorn]

He could pay for some quad bike lessons instead (or maybe horse-riding), if your daughter actually wants to do it: proper instruction, using age-appropriate equipment and in a suitable place. If he's not up for that, I think we can safely say that this is actually a present to himself.

[SistersOfPercy]

Dd had a little Harley Davidson at seven. It was petrol and bloody quick. I went into full on meltdown over it but she strapped on her helmet and shot off quite happily.
She rode it regularly until she outgrew it and amazingly never came off it despite being the most accident prone child in the world.

[Sparrowlegs248]

She surely won't be big enough to use it. To go 45mph it will have gears won't it?

[Sparrowlegs248]

I would actually suggest he take her with him to buy it. No sane salesperson will sell it to him. He will be steered towards something suitable and safe.