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Quads look cool, move incredibly dynamically - and can be quite dangerous at times.
The four-wheeled vehicles were originally designed for off-road use and as work equipment.
If you want to drive it on the road, you should know the tricky peculiarities and prepare accordingly.
Do you know what a quad is?
According to ADAC, the term quad is derived from the English word quadruplet ("four of a kind").
However, some are also referred to as ATV ("All Terrain Vehicle").
These are often more all-wheel drive tools - for forestry operations, for example.
The two-lane vehicles look a little like two off-road motorcycles mounted side by side.
However, the driver sits upright in the middle and the relatively small wheels often have balloon-like studded tires.
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Models with weaker engines can be driven with the AM driver's license class from 16 years of age.
However, quads are not considered a motorcycle - although many of their controls such as handlebars, foot controls and handbrake levers might suggest so.
For stronger quads and ATVs, class B (old class 3) and a minimum age of 18 years is required.
Neither like a car nor like a motorcycle
Quads don't drive like cars or motorcycles.
"That is exactly the difficulty for someone who is driving a quad for the first time," says André Lang from the Institute for Two-Wheeler Safety (ifz).
“Thanks to the high ground clearance, quads also have a high center of gravity.” Together with the often rather narrow lane, they tend to tip over when cornering than other vehicles.
As a driver, you have to work together.
Those who switch from the car are not used to that.
“By shifting your weight you move your upper body in curves to the inside,” says Lang.
However, all four wheels should remain on the ground.
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And it has to be turned in quite clearly.
“A steering impulse like that on a motorcycle is not enough, and I also cannot go into a corner in an inclined position,” says Lang.
Therefore, switching from a motorcycle to a car is not that easy.
Before newbies use a quad, special driver safety training is advisable
Source: dpa-tmn
In addition: cheap quads usually do not have a differential on the rear axle that makes the wheels turn at different speeds in curves.
Put simply, this results in a very tilted driving style with a strong tendency to drive straight ahead when accelerating.
In addition, the large-tread, balloon-like tires contribute to indirect steering behavior.
The steering movements are implemented with a slight delay, but then come vehemently, according to the ADAC.
It is better not to go on vacation spontaneously
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So cornering in particular needs a lot of practice to be able to master it safely.
This is especially true on slippery roads such as when it is wet.
"We therefore recommend regular driving safety training courses for quads, such as those offered by car clubs," says Lang.
The ADAC advises to spend at least one day on closed-off terrain to familiarize yourself with the special driving style and the technology before taking part in road traffic.
André Lang advises against a first trip directly in traffic - for example, spontaneously on vacation.
"The necessary protective clothing is usually missing if you don't take it with you or if you can borrow it on site to suit your needs."
And: Even experienced quad riders do not necessarily know the model that can be rented on site.
Some quads also meet high security requirements
According to ifz, many brand manufacturers have meanwhile reacted to the specifics of the driving physics.
They offer quads with assistants such as ABS, wider track, differentials and a lower center of gravity.
"In terms of safety, such models are very well adapted to the requirements of road traffic," says Lang.
If you search the Internet, you can usually find such models in the middle and upper four-digit range.
The entry-level prices for very simple models, on the other hand, start in the low four-digit range, and second-hand prices accordingly far below.
Quads with more than 50 cubic centimeters and a top speed of more than 45 km / h must be registered and given an official license plate.
An insurance license plate for mopeds is sufficient for less powerful models.
This, together with relatively low maintenance costs, can make quads particularly interesting for young people in rural areas, for example to commute to the apprenticeship place.
However, you should always keep an eye on the costs of driver safety training, insurance and, above all, good protective equipment.
A helmet is compulsory, but André Lang recommends comprehensive safety clothing with protectors, motorcycle boots and gloves.
The ifz explains what needs to be considered in a brochure on its website.
That's how dangerous the quads really are
For about ten years now, quads have also been making an appearance in Germany.
They are difficult to drive and are mostly driven by young drivers.
This also affects the number of accidents.
Source: Accident Research by Insurers / Die Welt