The Can-Am DS 90 is a gentle, approachable first quad for young riders. Light, low and simple, it keeps power modest and gives parents the controls to manage how fast a child can go, which is exactly what a first ATV should do. Here is what it offers and what parents should know. (Shopping for a young rider? Our best beginner ATVs guide covers the whole youth field.)
Built for beginners
The DS 90 runs a 90cc air-cooled single making about 6 horsepower through an automatic transmission, so there is nothing to shift and a young rider can concentrate on the basics. At 271 lb and 37 inches wide, with a low seat, it is genuinely sized for a child, which makes it far less intimidating than an oversized machine. The gentle power delivery is forgiving of the small mistakes every new rider makes.
Safety and parental control
Can-Am gives parents real oversight. A removable speed limiter key lets an adult cap the top speed and raise it as the child gains confidence, and a safety tether stops the engine instantly if the rider comes off. These controls are the heart of responsible youth riding, but they work only alongside a properly fitted helmet, constant adult supervision, and ideally a certified ATV RiderCourse. Can-Am labels the DS 90 for ages 10 and up, and that limit is there to keep young riders safe.
How it compares
At $3,349 the DS 90 competes with the other entry youth quads. The Honda TRX90X ($3,349) is a bulletproof first-ATV benchmark, the Kawasaki KFX90 ($3,199) is another simple automatic, and the sportier Yamaha Raptor 110 ($3,199) has a bit more power. Compare the DS 90 and TRX90X → and the DS 90 and KFX90 → The DS 90 is among the smaller and gentler of the group, which suits a younger or first-time rider.
The verdict
The 2025 Can-Am DS 90 is a friendly, well-sized first quad for a rider age 10 and up. Its low seat, light weight and gentle 6 hp power make it approachable, and the speed limiter key and tether give parents the control they need. It is a simple machine by design, which is the point at this stage. Buy the right size for the child, insist on a helmet and supervision, and it is a solid place for a young rider to start.
Want to see it head to head with something specific? Drop it into the side-by-side comparison tool, or browse the full database to filter by age class, power and price.
