Side-by-side (vehicle)

Definition and standards

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) publishes two standards for side-by-sides. ANSI/OPEI B71.9-2016 sets standards for multipurpose off-highway utility vehicles (MOHUV) specifically intended for utility use which are intended to transport persons and cargo, have a non-straddle seat, are designed to travel on four or more wheels, use a steering wheel and pedals for controls, have a top speed of at least 25 mph (40.2 km/h), are 2030 mm (80 in) or less in overall width, have a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of no more than 1814 kg (4000 lb), and with a minimum cargo capacity of 159 kg (350 lb). ANSI/ROHVA 1-2016 sets standards for recreational off-highway vehicles as having speed capability greater than 30 MPH (48 km/h), GVWR no greater than 1700 kg (3750 lbs), and engine displacement equal to or less than 1,000cc (61 cubic inches) for gasoline fueled engines.

Safety

In 2009, the U.S. CPSC warned: "The vehicles may exhibit inadequate lateral stability, undesirable steering characteristics, and inadequate occupant protection during a rollover crash." According to the CPSC, between 2003 and August 2009, 116 deaths occurred in ROV/UTV accidents.

Use and application

Motorsports

Since the 2017 Dakar Rally, the SSV category vehicles have competed in a separate class, which is defined as four-wheel side-by-side vehicles with 1000 cc maximum displacement. Previously, they were classified in the Cars T3.3 subclass. In 2021 Dakar Rally organizers and the FIA introduced common categories - Group T3 for light prototypes and Group T4 for production based side by side vehicles. The trucks were reclassified to Group T5.

Other off-road racing series include side-by-side classes, such as the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series, TORC: The Off-Road Championship, SCORE International, Best in the Desert, and Grand National Cross Country.

Agriculture

Overlanding

In combat

Ukrainian forces have used UTVs during the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, using a crew of two, fitted with Stugna-P missiles, some with machine guns, to destroy Russian tanks and positions. They have been referred to as "Mad Max" buggies. The US Marines are amongst other military forces to utilise forms of side-by-sides such as Polaris RZR.

Road and street use

Side-by-sides are allowed to be street legal in various U.S states however the vehicle requirements and the types of road allowed for use vary.

References

References

1. Stewart, Alistair. "What is SXS Racing?".
2. "ATV vs SxS UTV".
3. Polaris. (2022). "Explore Types of Off-Road Vehicles".
4. (4 May 2011). "Recreational Off-Highway Vehicles". U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
5. (2021-02-09). "What is a Side-by-Side Vehicle? A beginner's guide • Axiom Side by Side".
6. "All-terrain vehicles (ATVs), Quad bikes and side-by-side utility vehicles – Agriculture – HSE".
7. "American National Standard for Multipurpose Off-Highway Utility Vehicles". ANSI.
8. "ANSI/ROHVA 1-2016".
9. Trottman, Melanie. (2009-10-09). "CPSC Staff Calls for Mandatory ROV Standards". Wall Street Journal.
10. "2017 Stage 1 Live Feed". The Dakar.
11. "Farmer tested, farmer approved UTVs".
12. Roberson, William. "Side By Side With Comfort: Polaris Debuts New 'Xpedition' Overlanding UTV Lineup".
13. Davis, Katie. (2022-05-02). "Russia-Ukraine conflict: Ukraine's Mad Max style buggies used to destroy Russian tanks and planes". The Sun.
14. "Marine Corps Utility Task Vehicles receiving multiple upgrades".
15. "Street Legal UTVs: Support and Opposition".