A quad bike or 'quad' is basically a motorbike with four wheels. The rider straddles the seat and controls the vehicle with handlebars. Quad bikes are also known as "all-terrain vehicles, or ATVs", though that description has been criticised, given the high incidence of quad bike accidents on rugged or sloping terrain.
Quad bikes are commonly used on private property, though they can be ridden on public roads. A quad can be used recreationally and as a work vehicle on a farm or in rural workplaces.
Unfortunately, these vehicles are well known for rolling over while being ridden, particularly on a slope, resulting in serious or life-threatening injury or death. Quad bike safety is therefore paramount, and measures such as rollover protection, wearing a helmet, training and using the right bike for the land being ridden on are essential to managing the risk associated with using this type of vehicle. Safety recommendations are also extremely clear that children should not be allowed to ride a quad designed for an adult.
Someone who has been injured, or the family of someone killed, in a quad bike accident may be entitled to seek compensation.
Find out more about making a motor vehicle compensation claim.