About the Industry Discover the All-Terrain Vehicle Industry
European Association (ATVEA) Discover the All-Terrain Vehicle Industry
European Association (ATVEA) About the Industry

About the Industry

Vehicles and Usage

All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV)

The statutes of ATVEA define an All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) to mean:

any motorised vehicle designed to travel on four low pressure tires on unpaved surfaces, having a seat designed to be straddled by the operator and handlebars for steering control.

ATVs fall into two categories, as defined by the manufacturer:

Designed for a single operator with no passenger.
Designed for an operator and one passenger, featuring a designated, straddle-style seating position located behind the driver

Some manufacturers produce vehicles that may look like these ATV categories but do not fall within ATVEA’s scope. ATVEA actively monitors developments in this area.

ATVs serve a wide range of purposes—from essential utility work in agriculture and forestry to recreational riding. They are built to handle diverse and challenging terrain types.

ATV Recreational Use

ATV Utility Use

Side-By-Side (SbS)

ATVEA defines “Side-by-Side” (SbS) as:

small motorized vehicles, with at least four wheels, with two or more seating positions intended for a variety of primarily off-road uses, including leisure and utility/work tasks, including for agriculture and forestry, and equipped with a steering wheel.

SbS Recreational Use

SbS Utility Use