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People think that once you outgrow your childhood Power Wheels, you can't relive that youthful joy unless you're driving around town in a car. This is far from the truth. Although cars get close, the next best thing to a Power Wheels is the ride-on offered by Can-Am!
Can-Am, which stands for Canadian-American, sells a vast selection of Off-Road vehicles (ATV, Side-by-Side) and 3-wheel motorcycles (Spyder or Ryker) that will match, if not exceed, that exhilarating feeling you had as a kid riding your Power Wheels. The best place to purchase these are at local motorsport stores, but make sure you pick the right one.
If you're ready to look for that next level ride-on, you'll want an off-road vehicle from Can-Am. I've dedicated this entire article to the Power Wheels-esque models created by this brand and covered where you can acquire them, which model is best for Power Wheels nostalgia, and everything you should know before purchasing a Can-Am vehicle.
Can-Am: Where to Get One of These Non-Power Wheels Ride Ons
Can-Am is a brand that has combined the ingenuity of both American and Canadian engineers and technicians to create exceptional off-and-on-roading vehicles. They have been consistently ranked as one of the top brands, alongside other renowned brands, such as Yamaha, Polaris Industries, Inc., and Honda. So, where can you find these unbeatable, non-Power Wheels ride on?
The best place to get all essential information on Can-Am vehicles is on their official website, especially if you want to see a complete list of their products, compare models, or intend to customize your purchase. Once you know what you want, I recommend using their dealer tool, so you can find a location near you that sells the exact Can-Am model you're looking for.
You'll typically find Can-Am vehicles at motorsport stores, but you can also find them at recreational sport stores and hunting or outdoor merchandise stores. Some might even be listed at ATV or SVS specialty stores in your area as well.
Regardless of what type of store you go to for your Can-Am vehicle, I highly recommend you use the company's website and dealer tool, so you are going to a reputable store to buy their products.
What Can-Am Models Closest to Power Wheels?
Looking at an ordinary Power Wheels vehicle, it might be hard to imagine there's an adult equivalent of these toys; but at Can-Am, you can find just that. However, due to Can-Am's wide selection of vehicles, not all will resemble a kid's Power Wheels toy as closely as others.
The Can-Am models that most closely resemble a Power Wheels vehicle are off-roading vehicles, namely their all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and their side-by-side (SXS) utility task vehicles.
Can-Am also offers on-roading vehicles, namely three-wheeled motorcycles offered in models such as Spyders and Rykers. However, these don't resemble Power Wheels vehicles as closely since most of these vehicles are based on real car models, tractors, or off-roading vehicles like the ATV.
The Trailster and Racing ATV are particularly popular models that take much of their design inspiration from ATVs and SXS like those offered by Can-AM.
What ATV and SXS Models Are Currently Available at Can-AM?
Now that you know which models are closest to Power Wheels, you're probably wondering what your options are for both Can-Am ATVs and SXS.
Can-Am has a limited but high-quality selection of both off-roading vehicle types, each boasting its unique features that are sure to fit all of your towing and riding needs.
| ATV Models | SXS Models |
| Outlander: Built for work and off-roading adventures.Outlander 450/570: Highly efficient but more affordable version of the original Outlander model.Renegade: Built for race-proven performance and overcoming all types of terrain.DS: High-quality kid's ATV for children six years and older. | Commander: Built for work and off-roading adventures.Defender: Built to handle heavy loads and exceptionally challenging work environments. Best for hunting, agribusiness, and worksites.Maverick X3: Design is more focused on overcoming the challenges of off-roading adventures with ease.Maverick Sport: Design is focused on off-roading speed.Maverick Trail: Boasts a narrower build and optimizes comfort and efficiency. |
The Can-Am off-roading vehicle type and model you choose are highly dependent on your intentions for the vehicle. If you're comparing them solely to a Power Wheels experience, you'll want the ATVs and SXS that are used more exclusively for off-roading rather than work.
However, before you start checking the availability of any of these models in stores near you, there are some things I think you should know first.
What to Know Before Purchasing a Can-Am ATV or SXS
There's no doubt that Can-Am makes exceptional off-roading vehicles that will leave you feeling like you're that kid in your old Power Wheels toy again. That being said, these vehicles aren't an investment to be taken lightly, which is why we'd like to point out a few things I think everyone should know before they purchase a Can-Am ATV or SXS.
Ultimately, individuals interested in purchasing a Can-Am ATV or SXS should know:
- State laws
- The differences between and ATV and SXS
- What they're looking for in their off-roading vehicle
This will ensure they're making an informed decision and get everything they're looking for out of the Can-Am vehicle upon purchase.
State Laws on ATVs and SXS
This is something you should know regardless of where you purchase your ATV or SXS. Both of these vehicles are subject to a series of laws and regulations based on your state of residency.
Contrary to belief, there are no laws on the national level regarding these vehicles; they lie solely on a state level, and while there are several laws that most states share, they are not always consistent throughout the nation.
Therefore, it is important to know your state's specific laws regarding ATVs and SXS before purchasing one. Most require the owner to have a viable driver's license, but many will differ on points regarding:
- Where you can legally drive these vehicles (public roads, next to the road, etc.)
- Legal speed of operation depending on location
- DMV registration
- Number of riders on one vehicle
- Driver's age (particularly important for kid ATVs)
- Permits
Knowing these regulations will ensure you are safe and legally operating your ATV or SXS and that you can use it right away rather than waiting months or even years for the right paperwork and credentials.
Differences Between an ATV and SXS
The last thing you want to do is compare an ATV with an SXS, not knowing the key differences between the two. Knowing this information will making your shopping process much easier, as you'll have a better idea of what you're looking for and which off-roading vehicle will fit this best.
ATVs
An ATV (all-terrain vehicle), also referred to as a “quad” or “four-wheeler,” is an off-roading vehicle overtly designed for single riders.
As a result, they are typically smaller vehicles better equipped to make quick turns, fit through tight spaces, and travel at high speeds. Riders have to carefully maintain their balance to control their ATV efficiently, so these are often the sportier and more physically demanding options.
A perk of ATVs is that they tend to be significantly cheaper than UTVs or SXS as well due to their reduced size and single-rider build.
SXS
An SXS (side by side) is a type of utility task vehicle (UTV) built to carry one rider and one passenger but can be built to seat four individuals. These are larger and pricier vehicles that more closely resemble driving in a car than ATVs.
Because of their enclosed design, SXS are usually safer than ATVs because drivers are seated like a car and can wear safety harnesses or seatbelts. This prevents them from being ejected from the vehicle in the event of an accident (something that occurs far too easily on an ATV).
Most SXS are built for efficiency and comfort for a long day of off-roading, but they are also an exceptional choice for hauling heavy loads when hunting or in a work setting.
What You Want in Your Can-Am Off-Roading Vehicle
Once you have all of the information listed above, the last thing you need to know before purchasing a Can-Am ATV or SXS is what you ultimately want in an off-roading vehicle.
In addition to their many models for both ATVs and SXS, Can-Am has a vast selection of personalization options available to customers. This includes accessories, parts, and customization options for your vehicle, but you won't be able to fully take advantage of these services until you know what you want.
The first thing you need to decide is the purpose of your off-roading vehicle. Will this be intended for work, adventure/leisure, or both? The model of your vehicle will change depending on your answer to this question.
The next thing you need to consider is if you're driving alone or with companions. If you intend to drive alone, you'll want an ATV. But, if you want to give yourself the option of riding with others, choose an SXS.
Finally, check your budget. Regardless of which model you choose, an SXS will almost always be more expensive than an ATV. So, if you need a budget-friendly off-roading vehicle right now for fun or work, then purchase an ATV. Can-Am's priciest ATV is still $3,000 less than its cheapest SXS, so you'll save yourself a hefty sum here. If you have the funds to splurge, choose the SXS or ATV that best suits your other desires.
Final Thoughts
Your Power Wheels days might be over, but you can still relive that thrill of driving around your yard, driveway, or street by taking your own Can-Am ATV or SXS off-roading or to work. These vehicles are built to handle exceptional loads, tricky terrain, and various weather conditions with ease. As long as you choose the vehicle type and model that best suits you, I guarantee you won't be disappointed with your Can-Am purchase and the adventures that come with it.
