The modern ATV, or quad bike, can trace its history back to 1893 and the Royal Enfield motorcycle company. It built a four-wheeled vehicle with an engine out of bicycle components, and the handlebars and saddle are exactly the same as you’d see on a two-wheeler.
Enfield’s machine was meant to be used on the roads, and today’s quads can be road-legal too, so long as you meet safety standards and fit the right tyres, have a full driving licence, and are taxed and insured. Approved vehicles that can be ridden on the road straight away are available, and you can get a non-approved ATV adapted and approved by the DVLA. You don’t legally need to wear a helmet, but it can be a good idea as quads can be easy to roll over.
