Rent vs Buy an ATV
Buying an ATV costs $6,000–15,000 upfront plus $800–2,000/year in insurance, storage, and maintenance. If you ride fewer than 15–20 days per year, renting on ThrottleShare is almost always cheaper. At $89–180/day per rental, you'd spend $1,300–3,600 for 15 days — less than annual ownership overhead alone.
True Cost of ATV Ownership
- •Purchase price: $6,000–$15,000 new; $3,000–$9,000 used
- •Insurance: $300–$800/year for recreational coverage
- •Storage: $600–$1,800/year if you don't have a garage
- •Maintenance: $200–$600/year (oil changes, tires, belts)
- •Trailer: $2,000–$8,000 if you need to haul it
- •Depreciation: 15–20% per year on new models
Rental Cost Comparison
Renting on ThrottleShare: $89–$180/day from private owners (owner keeps 100%; renter pays a 10% service fee on top). At 10 riding days per year, that's $979–$1,980 in total rental spend — less than the annual insurance + storage cost of ownership for many riders.
Renting also gives you access to different machines for different terrain without the commitment.
When Buying Makes Sense
Buy if: You ride 30+ days per year, have storage and a trailer, plan to ride the same trails repeatedly, and want to modify the machine to your specs.
Rent if: You ride 1–3 trips per year, want to try different machines, travel to different riding destinations, or don't have trailer/storage infrastructure.
The Hybrid Option: Own and List It
If you buy an ATV, list it on ThrottleShare when you're not using it. Owners keep 100% of their listed rate — even renting it out 5–8 weekends per year can offset most annual ownership costs. The machine pays for itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days per year makes renting cheaper than buying?
For most riders, fewer than 20 riding days per year makes renting significantly cheaper once you factor in insurance, storage, maintenance, and depreciation.
Can I list an ATV I own on ThrottleShare to offset costs?
Yes. List it free and keep 100% of your rental rate. Many owners cover their annual costs with just a few weekend rentals.
Rent an ATV Near You — No Ownership Required
Find ATVs from private owners on ThrottleShare. Try before you buy — or just keep renting and save the overhead.