Image Arctic Cat Alterra 90

The Arctic Cat Alterra 90: A Kid-Sized ATV with Adult-Level Fun

After watching my 12-year-old my nephew kid rip around on the trails on his new Arctic Cat Alterra 90 for the past few weekends, I figured it was time to share my thoughts on this youth ATV. If you’re a parent looking for a reliable first four-wheeler for your kid, this mini machine deserves your attention.

First Impressions

The first thing that struck me about the Alterra 90 is how it’s basically a mini-me version of Arctic Cat’s adult models. This isn’t some cheap, plastic toy – it’s a real ATV scaled down for younger riders. My nephew absolutely loves that it looks just like dad’s bigger machine, right down to the styling and rack systems.

Safety Features Parents Will Appreciate

As a parent (or uncle in my case), safety is the top priority, and Arctic Cat clearly gets that. The Alterra 90 comes packed with safety features:

• Removable key (so you control when it’s riding time)
• Speed governor limiting top speed to 15 mph
• Orange safety whip flag for visibility
• Full floorboards to protect little feet
• Padded handlebars
• Dual rear brake lights and headlights

I particularly like the adjustable speed governor. As your kid gets more comfortable and skilled, you can gradually increase their top speed – though it maxes out around 15 mph, which is plenty fast enough for beginners.

Power and Performance

The Alterra 90 packs a 90cc four-stroke engine that delivers about 6.5 horsepower. That might not sound like much, but it’s perfect for young riders – enough power to have fun without being overwhelming.

What really impressed me is the automatic CVT transmission with forward, neutral, and reverse. Yes, reverse! Anyone who’s ever had to push a stuck ATV backward will appreciate this feature, and it makes maneuvering much easier for kids who are still developing their spatial awareness.

The electric start works like a charm (though there’s a kick-start backup for emergencies), and the automatic choke means less fussing around before rides. Just turn the key and go!

Ride Quality

For a youth ATV, the ride quality is surprisingly good. The independent single A-arm front suspension and rear swing-arm give almost 3 inches of travel. That’s enough to absorb most of the small bumps kids will encounter on typical trails.

With about 4.3 inches of ground clearance, it can handle moderate terrain without scraping the undercarriage. The hand-operated front and rear brakes are easy for smaller hands to use and provide decent stopping power.

Hauling Capability (Yes, Really!)

One feature that got my nephew excited was the front and rear racks. They’re not just for show – they can actually carry small loads (10 pounds front, 15 pounds rear). Perfect for bringing along some trail snacks or hauling firewood for our campfire. It teaches kids responsibility while having fun.

The Downsides

No review would be complete without mentioning a few drawbacks:

• At around 280 pounds dry weight, it’s hefty for a youth model
• The suspension, while good, can be a bit stiff on rougher terrain
• Like most ATVs, regular maintenance is required
• The price point is higher than some competitors (but you get what you pay for)

Who Is It For?

The Alterra 90 is officially designed for riders 12 and up (Y-12 classification), and I’d say that’s about right. The controls are sized appropriately for pre-teens and young teens. The 175-pound weight capacity means even smaller adults can take it for a spin (I may have tested this theory myself when no one was looking).

Final Thoughts

After watching my nephew progress from nervous first-timer to confident trail rider in just a few weekends, I’m sold on the Arctic Cat Alterra 90. It strikes the perfect balance between performance, safety, and fun.

Is it the cheapest youth ATV on the market? No. But the quality construction, safety features, and “real ATV” feel make it worth the investment. Plus, these machines tend to hold their value well when it’s time to upgrade to something bigger.

If you’re looking for a youth ATV that will grow with your child’s skills (but not too quickly), the Arctic Cat Alterra 90 deserves a spot at the top of your list.