It’s never too early to get started on a snowmobile. If you have kids and want them to develop a love for the winter, there aren’t many better ways than letting them rip through the snow on their own machine.
I’m a lifelong snowmobiler, and I’ve been riding since I was about eight years old. My parents got me started young, and I’m thankful they decided to do this. I pay close attention to new models of kids’ snowmobiles, and I know what to look for in the best options.
This post will take a look at the best snowmobile for kids. I’ll provide you with some of the best machines built for kids and some other information that will help you understand what makes these sleds built for younger riders.
Let’s fire up the engines and get started.
Table of Contents
Do They Have Snowmobiles for Kids?
Yes, they do make snowmobiles that are specifically built for kids. These machines are much smaller in size and feature less powerful engines. That makes them ideal for younger riders who are just learning how to operate them.
Kids’ snowmobiles are typically called Youth snowmobiles or sometimes Minis. While some kids can handle a regular-size machine, you should make sure it has a less powerful engine, so they don’t get overwhelmed and lose control.
Youth Snowmobile Comparison Chart
| Polaris 120 Indy | Yamaha Snoscoot ES | Ski-Doo MXZ 200 | Arctic Cat ZR 120 | |
| CCs | 121 | 192 | 200 | 123 |
| Engine | 4-stroke | 4-stroke | 4-stroke | 4-stroke |
| Weight | 147.5 lbs | 207 lbs | 217 lbs | 167 lbs |
| Length | 75 inches | 84 inches | 84 inches | 84 |
How to Choose the Best Snowmobile for Your Kid
It’s important to choose a snowmobile that will work well for your kid. In order to do that, you want to keep a few critical factors in mind.
Dimensions
The smaller the rider, the smaller the snowmobile you’ll want to get. If you have a really young rider, look for sleds under 200 pounds and about 75 inches in length. Smaller machines are easier to handle and ride.
If you have a bigger kid, you can go with a sled that weighs over 200 pounds and is 80 or more inches in length. These can be a good option for pre-teens who aren’t quite big enough for a normal-sized machine.
Engine Size
In the same vein as dimensions, a smaller engine size will also be better suited to younger riders. Generally, youth sleds are all 1-cylinder and in the 120-200cc range. This is enough power for them to ride and stay in control.
If your child is experienced or you want them to learn how to handle a larger engine, you can always go bigger. But I don’t recommend going much higher than 450cc for kids. Much bigger than that, and the added power quickly becomes unsafe.
4 Best Kids Snowmobiles Reviewed
Here are all of my top picks for the best kids’ snowmobiles this year. These models are built specifically for younger riders and deliver a safe and reliable experience.
1. Polaris 120 Indy
- 120cc 4-stroke engine
- Safety tether feature
- Reliable and fun to ride
- Starts at $3,699
The Polaris 120 Indy is a great youth model to get your kids started with learning how to ride through the snow. It’s a well-built and reliable machine with everything you want your kids to learn about proper riding safety and technique.
The 120cc engine is powerful enough to let the little ones zip around safely while still having fun. There is also a safety tether feature that automatically shuts down the engine if the rider gets separated from the sled.
Well, I don’t think there is much of a downside to mention with this awesome little snow machine.
2. Yamaha Snoscoot ES
- Easy to Ride
- 200cc good for more experienced kids
- Fan-cooled 4-stroke engine
- Starts at $5,049
If your kids are starting when they are a little bigger or have some experience with snowmobiles already, the Yamaha Snoscoot ES is a solid option. This model features a 200cc engine that provides a bit more power than 120-class youth sleds.
The Snoscoot comes with a lightweight plastic ski that works really well with the smaller chassis. It gives the machine solid handling and control, which is ideal for situations when the little rippers really want to rip.
The larger engine size here does increase the price, and this is one of the more expensive youth snowmobiles on the market.
3. Ski-Doo MXZ 200
- Excellent youth-sized model
- 200cc 4-stroke
- Slide rail adjustable spring suspension
- Starts at $4,999
The Ski-Doo MXZ 200 is another solid youth model, and I think this one will give your kids the feel and function of a full-sized Ski-Doo on a more approachable scale. It has a 200cc 4-stroke, giving more experienced riders plenty of power to zip around the trails.
It also features a slide rail rear suspension with adjustable torsion springs and hydraulic twin tube arms up front. This results in a very responsive ride that handles well and will provide plenty of control when riding.
The MXZ is also available in a 120cc option if you want to give your children less power than the 200.
4. Arctic Cat ZR 120
- Compact frame
- 123cc 4-stroke engine
- Handwarmers and safety flag
- Starts at $3,305
On the more affordable end of things is the Arctic Cat ZR 120. This is another small shredder that will give your kids a safe and fun way to enjoy the winter. The 123cc 4-stroke engine will have them cruising around the trails learning the proper skills and technique.
This comfortable and reliable machine will keep your kids in good hands. It has a compact frame designed for smaller riders and also includes handwarmers and a safety flag to keep them cozy and out of harm’s way.
However, I think this model is somewhat limited in how fast it can go, so it might not be the best choice for more experienced or larger riders, in my opinion.
Are Used Snowmobiles Good Options for Kids?
Used snowmobiles can be a good option for kids. And they can also be a good option for parents because you will pay significantly less money than what a brand-new one costs. You just want to make sure that the sled is in good working order when buying.
How much does it cost to buy used youth snowmobiles?
The price range for a used youth snowmobile can vary from anywhere between $500 to $2000 or more, depending on the model and what condition it’s in. You can always try to haggle on the price to make it more affordable as well.
Where to find used youth snowmobile deals?
If you are looking for a deal on a used youth snowmobile, it’s a good idea to check out resale sites and snowmobile forums. These will typically have some good options, and you can get an idea of how much they’ll cost in your area.
FAQs
Here are some other questions related to youth snowmobiles that I think you should check out as well.
Does Ski-Doo make a youth snowmobile?
Yes, Ski-Doo does make a youth snowmobile. The MXZ 120/200 is their current youth model, and it’s a solid option for younger riders. It comes with two different engine sizes to match that to the skills or size of your kid.
Does Polaris make a kids’ snowmobile?
Yes, Polaris does make a kids’ snowmobile. The 120 Indy is one of the best youth machines out there, and it has a smaller size and engine that is perfect for beginners who are just learning how to control a machine.
Can a 2-year-old snowmobile?
Two is pretty young to start teaching a kid how to snowmobile. I think that is too young and not safe. They aren’t big enough at this age to safely sit on a sled and operate all of the controls. I think 5 or 6 is an acceptable age to get started, but that is still pretty young.
How to teach kids to drive a snowmobile safely?
Leading by example is a great way to teach kids how to drive a snowmobile safely. If you ride with your child, you can give them basic safety pointers that they can use once they are driving on their own. But starting slow and always playing it safe is highly recommended.
Final Thoughts
I have fond memories of riding on a snowmobile as a child. And I’m very grateful my parents allowed me to learn how to ride at an early age. If you have kids and love to snowmobile, get them out there as soon as you feel comfortable!
All of the machines listed here are excellent youth models and will provide your kids with everything they need to learn how to ride safely. They might outgrow these smaller sleds someday, but they will never outgrow their love of the snow.
About Chaz Wyland