Star Law ranger wannabe Baul Plart was huffing and puffing as he ran after the pickpocket who had snatched his wallet.

Damn those Vrusk can move fast, he thought as he bounded past some shoppers who were entering the mall entrance. Exiting into the daylight, Plart saw a young Yazarian female was just getting ready to lock up a bicycle nearby.

“Sorry, ma’am, I have an emergency,” Plart declared as he yanked the bicycle away from the bike rack.

“Hey! That’s mine!”

“Mall security.” Plart pointed at his uniform, hoping that would get the point home. Hopping on the seat, he took off pedaling after the fleeing Vrusk, who was already running down an aisle of parked vehicles,

He felt a slight jerk, as the Yazarian tried to stop him, but he broke free from her grasp.

“This is Plart,” he spoke loudly enough so the chronocom microphone on his chest would pick up his voice. “The suspect is outside of the southeast entrance. Where are those security bots?”

With a car just pulling out in front of him, Plart swerved into a parallel parking aisle while still chasing the suspect on the bike. Even as he drew closer, pedaling as fast as he could, the pickpocket clambered into a waiting ground car, which was driven by another Vrusk.

Getting within three meters of the car, his gaze meeting the compound eyes of the thief. The tattooed Vrusk was laughing at him. The car’s wheels squealed as the vehicle suddenly backed up toward him.

Jumping away, Plart just managed to avoid getting as the car ran over the bicycle, mangling its wheels. The criminals sped off.

Dusting himself off, Plart was about to make another report to the security office when Yazarian female came up behind him.

“You wrecked it,” she snarled, grasping his arm…

Sometimes while adventuring on the worlds of the Frontier, player characters and their band of NPCs won’t have a hover bike or an Explorer at their beck and call. They won’t be wearing exoskeletons or will be decked out in powered armor, nor is the glijet fueled up and ready to go.

Sometimes, they may need to make do with some more mundane modes of urban transportation. This story will look at some of these alternative ways to get around the city – or even down a country lane or bike path.

In keeping with the vehicle construction rules that were created by writer Larry Moore in issue 15 of Star Frontiersman Magazine (the predecessor publication to Frontier Explorer, which can still be found online), small vehicle such as bicycles, mopeds, golf/utility carts, ATVs (all-terrain vehicles) and the like will have a vehicle size and stamina or structure points.

Bicycles

Characters on a bicycle can typically travel much faster than on foot. Usually only minor maintenance is needed and the only “fuel” required is the food that a character needs to eat. On flat ground, a bicyclist can travel at a leisurely pace of 15 kilometers per hour while only expending one-third of the energy of walking.

Typically, bicycles have a movement advantage on clear and highway terrain. The average Frontier bicycle is made of a plasti-steel composite frame and have airless-tires, meaning that they do not “go flat.”

They can be outfitted with various accessories including a small basket to help carry items or chemical- or battery-powered motor. Motorized bikes are basically light mopeds.

Purchase Cost: 500 Credits. Rental: 5 Cr. plus 5 Cr. per day

Cruise Speed: Three times walking speed. Top Speed: Three times running speed.

Accel./Decel.: NA/50 m/t. Turn Speed: Running speed

Passengers: 1. Cargo Limit: NA.

Bicycle Variants

Mountain Bike.  Generally built to be more sturdy with wider tires and shock absorbers, mountain bikes can be used off road in more rough terrain (with limits). They are not as swift on paved roads as normal bicycles and are more expensive.

Tandem Bicycle. An unusual bicycle variant that allows two characters to travel together. While they may not be able to go faster, the tandem riders can expend 50 percent less energy while riding.

Tricycle. Another bike variant is the trike. It sacrifices speed and off road capability for stability and permits the cyclist to carry more cargo in any optional baskets.

Tandem Trike. This unusual tricycle allows two users to sit next to each other instead of one behind the other. One character is the driver, who can also operate the brakes, while both users can pedal. Tandem trikes suffer when it comes to off-road capabilities along with being wider than a normal bicycle or tricycle.

Quadracycle. Also called a surrey – a term which can also refer to  horse-drawn carriage – the quadricycle is a four-wheel bicycle that can come in two-, four- or even six-person configurations. These conveyances are more common at resorts or other entertainment venues but are rarely seen elsewhere.

Antique Bicycles. These can range from ancient wooden hobby horses – bicycles without pedals – to velocipedes or high wheelers (also called “penny-farthing” or “bone-shaker”) bicycles. Velocipedes generally have a slightly larger wheel in front where the pedals are located, with a slightly smaller wheel in back.

High wheel bicycles have a very large front wheel (generally between 90-132 centimeters tall) and a tiny wheel in back. Since antique bicycles did not have gears, the big wheel allowed the bicyclist to move faster. Another benefit was that the wheels allowed them to travel somewhat easier over rough roads. These conveyances could be pedaled fast and were used in early bicycle races.

Bicycle Accessories

Bells/Horns. These are simple warning devices that can be attached to the handlebars of a bicycle. Bells are typically manually operated. Horns can include the classic bulb horn, where the bicyclist squeezes a rubber bulb that forces air through a reed located at the throat of the horn. Other bicycle horns might be battery powered or even use a canister of compressed air for a louder sound. 

Baskets. Baskets can be fitted to the front or even the back of a bicycle to increase carrying capacity while reducing encumbrance penalties. Tricycles typically can have a very large basket at the back.

Pouches. These are small, sidesaddle carrying pouches that a character can store small objects in. This increases the carrying capacity of the bicycle without encumbrance penalties.

Water Bottles. Typically this is a 650 milliliter (22 ounce) plastic water bottle with a holding rack that fits on the bicycle.

Nighttime Riding Lights. On many urbanized worlds, bicyclists are encouraged or even legally required to have some sort of lighting if a bike is to be used at night. Mopeds – see below – are required to have lights. For example, this could be simply a character using a normal flashlight attached to the bike with a clip. However, some communities may also require a back light along with reflectors.

Riding lights – a headlight for the front and a rear light for the back – can either be powered by a simple battery (less than 1 SEU) that could last for 20 hours of constant use. Or, the lights are powered by the rider using a dynamo (magento) system. Dynamo lighting does not require  battery, but they will not emit any light when the bicycle is stationary. 

Moped Conversion. For game purposes, a moped will be any motor-assisted bicycle (or tricycle or quadricycle) fitted with a chemical or electrical motor. This motor will propel the bicycle up to maximum speed of 50 kilometers per hour (kph). The bicyclist can rest while the motor is running or can also use the pedals to increase fuel mileage – i.e. range.

The chemical motor is basically  small, two-stroke, air-cooled internal combustion engine with 1.5 liter tank. Its maximum range without pedaling is 100 kilometers. ICE engines may be banned on some medium to high population worlds due to pollution concerns.

The electrical motor is powered by a rechargeable battery with the equivalent of 5 SEUs. Its maximum range, without pedaling, is 150 kilometers.

…It had taken some quick negotiating, but Baul Plart had convinced Llalaur – the yazarian – that he had not intentionally tried to damage her bicycle and that he vowed to replace it. For her part, Lalaur vowed that the vrusk criminals would be her life enemy.

The local cops had come in, taken his report and left several hours ago. The crooks had acted fast. They had siphoned off some 812 Credits from his account before the bank put it on hold. They were some kind of local gang – a vrusk-only gang. Very unusual, Plart contemplated as he walked out into parking lot, heading for his ground scooter.

Peaking up over the horizon in the nighttime sky was the crescent of Evergleem, Triad’s moon.

“Hey! Mall cop!” called out a voice behind him, breaking Plart’s reverie. He turned and saw Llalaur and another yazarian striding toward him.

“Yes? Is there something I can do?”

“Yeah, you can help me get revenge for my bike getting wrecked.” The two yazarians had reached him.

“How am I going to do that?”

“By tracking down the crooks,” the other yazarian, a shorter male, said.

Blinking, Plart ran a hand over his chin. “The police are handling all that.”

“Where’s your honor, human,” Llalaur said. “Some thieves steal from you and you want to leave it to the police?”

The male yazarian nodded. “We can find them and get payback.”

“I’m sorry, but who are you?”

“He’s Crank, my clan mate,” Llalaur said. “So, mall cop, are you going to join us?”

Pursing his lips, Plart said, “I guess we can at least find out where the tattooed vrusk are at. Then we can notify the police. But let's get some food first…”

Scooters

One of the minor commuter vehicles between a moped and a ground or hover cycle are scooters. Most of these vehicles are ground – i.e. wheeled – scooters though hover scooters are popular on some planets. The smallest scooters only can carry one adult-size passenger but the larger versions can carry two adults along with a moderate amount of cargo.  

As with most Frontier vehicles, scooter seats and controls can quickly be rearranged to meet the anatomical needs of any of the Core Four races at no extra cost. Most have what is called a “step through” chassis along with a footboard.

Small Ground Scooter. As like most ground scooters, the basic one-passenger model rides on 26-centimeter wheels. It has a lockable storage compartment under the seat.

Medium Ground Scooter. This scooter can sit one adult and one child-size passenger. It also has a larger storage compartment than the small scooter.

Large Ground Scooter. Capable of transporting two adult sized passengers, it has two sidesaddle storage compartments.

Small Hover Scooter. This is a hover version of the small ground scooter.

Medium Hover Scooter. This is a hover version of the medium ground scooter.

Large Hover Scooter. This is a hover version of the large ground scooter.

Scooter Accessories

Auto Rickshaw Conversion. Some medium and large scooters are converted to carrying not only the driver (which could be a robot) but also two adult-sized passengers and a moderate amount of cargo. The auto rickshaw has an enclosed or semi-enclosed cabin that offers passengers protection from the elements. The motors and suspension systems of these vehicles have been improved to handle the extra weight.

Auto rickshaws can pull a utility trailer and an additional luggage rack but cannot have  sidecar attached to them.

Basic Entertainment System. This is the Frontier equivalent of radio and speakers.

Basic Collision Warning System. This provides the scooter with various vehicle sensors which will provide the driver with a 10 percent bonus for any Reaction Speed checks to avoid colliding with other vehicles (including bumping maneuvers), pedestrians, animals, trees, lamp posts, roadway obstructions, etc.

Chemical Engine Replacement. On some planets where petrochemicals are plentiful and where laws permit it, an internal combustion engine replaces the scooter’s batteries.

Scooter Luggage Rack. This is a small rack that is added to the back of the scooter. It increases the scooter’s cargo capacity by 50 percent.

Scooter Sidecar. Sidecars can be added to medium and large scooters. It increases their passenger carrying capacity by one character and boosts cargo carrying capacity by 50 percent. Note, a scooters are not powerful enough to both have a sidecar and a utility trailer attached to them. The vehicle’s performance suffers however.

Scooter Utility Trailer. Only the medium and large scooters can pull a utility trailer, which increases its cargo carrying capacity but at the cost of vehicle performance. Note, scooters are not powerful enough to both pull a trailer and have a sidecar attached to them.

The hanging ceiling lamp cast a weak light through the incense smoke. Plart fought off an urge to sneeze and his eyes watered while he settled into place. The divan creaked under him.

Looking at the drab, brownish-gray walls, he asked, “ Are you sure this is the right place?”

From across the low lying table, Llalaur leaned forward. “Madam K’lee Yo is a true Triadian shaman…”

“And she’s the best lead we have,” added Crank, who was seated next to her.

“…Especially if you want your vengeance on those crooks, mall cop,” finished Llalaur.

Shaking his head, Plart said, “I don’t know. I didn’t think vrusk were into that kind of thing. Do they have a trade house for witchdoctors?”

“They don’t have trade houses for crooks either like the Zenk crime syndicate,” Crank said. “Be glad the ones who waylaid you aren’t those type.”

“As far as we know,” Plart replied.

Llalaur nodded. “As far as we know.”

A deep clang reverberated in the air from someone banging a gong. The shuffling of feet came from the hallway and moments later a vrusk female passed through the hanging beaded curtain. Wearing a flowing, colorful outfit. Crystal glass jewelry pierced her dull green carapace where it was exposed. In her hands, she held a round object covered by a velvet red cloth, which was the same design as the cloth on the table before them.

“All rise for Madam K’lee Yo,” came a booming male voice that seemed to fill the air of the room from everywhere.

Plart, Llalaur and Crank got to their feet s K’lee Yo strutted up to them. She spoke in an ancient Vrusk dialect that included  number of chirps and clicks. A polyvox set on the table translated her words into:  “Prithee be seated.”

K’lee Yo moved to an ornately carved, saddle-shaped wooden seat. Before sitting down, she took the cloth off of the object she was carrying. Underneath was a crystal ball. She then released the ball several centimeters above the table. Instead of crashing to the surface, the orb hung in the air above the table. She then sat.

 “Ah, Madam K’lee Yo…,” Plart began, but she gestured for him to shush.

Humming some kind of incantation, K’lee Yo rubbed her hands above a scintillating glass orb that floated above the table that was covered with  purple and gold speckled cloth. “Thou cometh seeking thy knowledge,” she intoned. “About those who stole from thou… and from those who art a life foe…” She looked at Plart and Llalaur. “It wilt be 60 Credits for more.”

Grumbling, Plart keyed in the code for his portion of the psychic reading payment. Llalaur provided some credit chits from her waist purse.

“Now, then,” Plart said, “we want to find out about the thieves who’ve been hitting the Sunnydale Mall and stole my wallet.”

“And ruined my bike,” added Llalaur.

“Thus challenging my clan mate’s honor,” Crank interjected.

“Patience while thy seek ye spirts.” K’lee Yo began another incantation while fluttering her hands around the floating glass orb, without actually touching it. “Those thou seek art dangerous… They art tattooed phantoms of ye night…”

“More like one male vrusk pickpocket and a getaway driver,” Plart said.

“Nay. They art number four,” K’lee Yo said while gazing into the orb. “Ye phantoms include three vrusk males and a dralasite. They seekth the riches of others and resolve to plunder more ill-gotten goods if not stopped…”

When K’lee Yo paused for several moments, Crank spoke up. “That’s great, but where can these four ‘phantoms’ be found?”

Humming some more, K’lee Yo said, “Ye phantoms art at the arched rock… on a thoroughfare of green whence men with sticks strike dimpled white spheres…”

“Whence men with sticks…?” Plart began asking when an idea popped into his head. “Are you saying the pickpocket…”

“...and his accomplices,” K’lee Yo said.

“…and his accomplices are at a golf course?” Plart finished.

“Verily dost thou understand.”

“Why didn’t you just say that?”

“I describe the sight as ye spirits reveal it to thy.”

Exchanging a look of exasperation with Llalaur and Crank, Plank said, “Well, so we just have to find a golf course where three vrusk and a dralasite hang out at. That shouldn’t be too hard.”

“Naught one,” K’lee Yo pointed at him. “Ye tattooed phantoms art at ye arched rock! Upon that rock thou dost find them. Thy beseech thee to be watchful or thou shalt find only pain tither.” She then made a sweeping gesture with her arm. “That is all ye spirts showth thy.”

The gong sounded and a rather tall and muscular man appeared at the beaded curtain doorway. “Your reading session with Madam K’lee Yo is over. You will accompany me out the back exit.”

Llalaur stood and tugged at Plart’s arm to prompt him to rise. “Thank you, Madam K’lee Yo for hearing us.”

“Thou do fine, child.”

As he turned to leave, Plart asked one more question. “How do you get that crystal ball to float in the air?”

“It tis the power of ye orb of sight.”

“I bet it’s some sort of inertia screen doing it,” Plart said before he and his companions left. 

Low-Speed Vehicles

Low-speed vehicles are a class of four-wheeled ground craft that travel at 40 kilometers per hour or less. They are intended for short commutes, such as around a neighborhood, a resort or other entertainment venues or even enclosed space colonies.

While some will think merely of golf carts or various powered utility carts, there are vehicles such as the Polaris GEM (formerly a brand of the old DaimlerChrysler automaker) which offers a range of semi-enclosed to fully enclosed passenger vehicles. At one time, even Ford Motor Company had once purchased a Norwegian electric vehicle manufacturer called Th!nk in the late 1990s.

Yet, after the terrorists attacks of September 11, 2001, and a resulting economic downturn, Ford rethought its strategy and sold off Th!nk. The tiny Norwegian company went bankrupt in 2011.

LSVs come in either an open or closed cabin design and usually have a lockable storage compartment plus a basic entertainment system (i.e. a radio). The advantages of the closed cabin vehicles is that they will not only protect their passengers from the elements, but also have a HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) system. Removable clear plastic rain screens can be added to the sides of the open cabin LSVs.

Two-Seat LSV. This is an entry-level low-speed vehicle. It offers a very tight turning radius for cramped areas. A small, open utility cargo bed can be added to the back, replacing the cargo trunk.

Four-Seat LSV. A mid-range LSV, this four seater offers more legroom along more storage space. It can come with an open or a closed cabin (with four doors) and the storage compartment can be replaced with a cargo bed. If the rear two seats are removed, it can accommodate an even larger cargo bed.

Six-Seat LSV. The largest of this class of vehicles, it can easily sit four adult characters. Again, it is available in an open or closed cabin configuration (six doors). It can have a cargo bed that replaces the enclosed cargo area or two or four of the rear seats can be replaced for even larger cargo beds.

Golf/Utility Carts. Smaller, less powerful and slower than LSVs, golf/utility carts come in three or four-wheel styles. As a golf cart, the vehicle sits two adult size characters in front and has space for two golf bags and a few other items. Some golf carts swap out the rear cargo area for two extra seats so it can carry four passengers, but only the belongings that they can carry.

Some utility cart versions only can seat two adult size characters and has a small cargo bed in back. Utility carts used mainly indoors do not have a roof. Those used outside may have a roof but often do not have doors. Some versions of utility carts – called tugs – only have room for the driver, who stands at the controls. Tug carts do not have a cargo bed but are used to pull trailers.   

LSV and Golf/Utility Cart Accessories

Short Cargo Bed. Replacing the rear cargo area on an LSV or a golf cart, the short bed increases the payload capacity to 150 kilograms when installed. It measures 76 cm wide by 100 cm long.

Medium Cargo Bed. This accessory can be used on the four- and six-seat LSVs. Measuring 76 cm wide by 220 cm long, it replaces the rear cargo area and the last row of seats. The vehicle can haul an additional 300 kilograms of cargo.

Long Cargo Bed. Used only on the six-seat LSV, it measures 80 cm wide by 350 cm long. The vehicle can haul an additional 500 kilograms of cargo.

Short, Medium and Long Cargo Boxes. Mounted over the respective cargo bed, it offers an enclosed and lockable storage area. The cargo boxes are the same length and width as the cargo bed and are 150 cm tall.

Overhead Storage Racks. These storage racks are mounted above a cargo box, allowing the vehicle to carry ladders and other long tools that will not fit in the cargo box. It allows the vehicle to carry an additional cargo equal to 10 percent of what the cargo bed can hold.

Pup Trailer. This is a small trailer that can be pulled by golf carts or LSVs. It increases the payload capacity by 50 kilograms.

Medium Trailer. This trailer can be pulled by the four- or six-seat LSVs. It increases the cargo carrying capacity by an added 100 kilograms.

Long Trailer. The long trailer can be pulled by the four- or six-seat LSVs. It increases the cargo carring capacity by 160 kilograms.

Soft Canvas Doors. For golf carts and LSVs, the soft canvas doors include clear plastic windows. They zip open and can be rolled aside for characters to enter or exit a vehicle while providing passengers a degree of protection from bad weather.

Dash Mounted Fans. These fans can be installed on both the driver and passenger sides of the vehicle (golf carts and LSVs) to help provide cooling in warmer climates.

Adjusting his hat to better shield his eyes from the sun, Plart wiped the sweat away from his brow. “It’s a long shot.”

A moment later, Crank yelled: “Fore!” Swinging his club, the yazarian made solid contact with the golf ball which went sailing down the fairway.

“What are you griping about?” asked Llalaur from beside him. “It’s only a par three hole.”

Turning, Crank snickered. “Not the way he’s hitting.”

Shaking his head, Plart said, “I’m talking about finding the crooks here. That’s the long shot.”

“Look about you.” Llalaur pointed behind them to one of the most difficult holes they had played near Lake Andsap. The top of a rock formation called Garrett’s Bridge was visible. “This is the only golf course around here with arched rocks. In fact, they have three of them.”

Plart looked around the rest of the area. It was afternoon on Second Day during the hot summer and a slow time out on the course. “Well, do we expect to run into any tattooed vrusk out here? There’s hardly anyone around. We couldn’t even get a foursome together.”

Placing her hands on her hips, Llalaur said, “Are you doubting the prophecy of Madam K’lee Yo?”

Plart snorted. “Prophecy my great butt. All that was hocus pocus – vrusk style.”

Crank came up to him. “Your turn.”

Taking a golf ball out of the pouch at his belt, Plart then set up his tee shot. He swung, hitting the ball with a resounding crack. The ball began slicing off to the side and fell into the trees a little distance short of Llalaur’s and Crank’s balls.

“Your shooting stinks, mall cop,” Llalaur said.

“Just tell mem Baul,” he said wearily. “Tell me something I don’t know.”

Crank patted Plart’s shoulder. “I think your ball went into the creek over there.”

Sighing, hopped into his golf cart while the two yazarians piled into theirs. He drove to the tree line, near where his ball disappeared and got out.

“We could give you a Mulligan,” Llalaur called out as her cart went by.

“I’ll find it.” He held aloft a device that he had rented at the rental shack. “It’s got a tag.” Heading off into the trees, with an iron club in one hand, Plart checked the screen on the small tracking device. The tracker only indicated the direction and possible distance he was from the golf ball, but not its exact location.

He had asked the attendant at the shack why the tracker wasn’t more precise. “It’s to keep the game challenging,” the girl had said. Plart, though, disagreed with the reasoning to no avail.

Using the golf club, he pushed aside some branches and stepped farther into the brush, out of sight of his two companions. Coming upon the babbling creek, he noted it was just shallow depression with a couple centimeters of water in it and only about a meter wide.

The tracker indicted that his golf ball was on the other side, so he crossed over the creek. Going  little farther, Plart noticed that he was coming up to an adjacent fairway. Parked near the trees was a utility cart with a trailer; both had the logo and colors of the golf course.

“So, what’s brown and sticky?” came a rumbling low voice in Pan-Gal from nearby.

“I don’t know, what?” answered another voice, also in Pan-Gal but with clicks and chirps that immediately identified the speaker as a vrusk.

“Why it’s a stick!” the first speaker answered before breaking out into giggles.

“Lame,” the second speaker said.

Plart put his club and the tracking device down. Carefully creeping forward, he saw a dralasite and a vrusk up ahead. Both wore golf course attendant uniforms. They were picking up debris from the brush.

“And where do animals go when their tails fall off?” the dralasite asked next as it put some trash into a bag.

“I don’t care,” the vrusk answered.

“Aw, it’s the re-tail store.” This time the dralasite was overcome with laughing at its own joke and fell to the ground, turning its face toward Plart’s direction.

Quickly, Plart let go of the branch and tried to step behind a thin tree for cover.

“I have many more jokes,” the dralasite continued. Plart heard noises that indicated the speaker must have picked itself up.

“Don’t tell me,” the vrusk replied.

Plart thought of K’lee Yo’s “prophecy.” It was something about the phantoms… or tattooed phantoms… including a dralasite and another vrusk besided the two crooks he had previously seen. But, neither of the golf attendants before him had any visible tattoos. Still…

He began keying in a text message for Llalaur on his chronocom, when he suddenly became aware of a presence behind him. Before he even had a chance to look around, an electric shock struck him. Plart passed out.

All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) and Snowmobiles

Filling a variety of roles civilian recreational purposes to military operations, numerous ATVs exist on the Frontier. Many may have four wheels, but some are made to cross open water (pulling their wheels up to reduce drag) and act as a personal watercraft. Some ATVs have treads to aid in crossing rough terrain. Others might have hover engines.

Typically, none of the vehicles is rated for urban use, though small communities might allow their use on city streets.

Youth ATV. This is the basic, beginner’s model and is limited in power, speed and range. It can accommodate only one rider up to small adult size. Normal and large sized adults would find this vehicle to be uncomfortable.

Standard Sport ATV. This vehicle can be equipped with either wheels or treads. The wheeled version may be allowed on paved roads, but most communities prohibit the use of the tracked version within their limits. It carry up to two adult passengers and has limited cargo space. It can ford small streams but is not made to cross open water.

Utility ATV. Often used in the agricultural and ranching industries, utility ATVs have more powerful motors. Designed to carry cargo across rugged terrains, these vehicles are also popular with hunters.

Side-by-Side ATV. Sometimes called a “rhino,” a side-by-side TV can carry passengers and cargo. In some ways, they are often used similar to golf carts but are more powerful and capable of off road travel.

Multi-use ATV. Similar to the wheeled standard model, this ATV is equipped to cross open water, acting as a personal watercraft. As noted earlier, the wheels are made to retract out of the water to reduce drag and it has a smooth underbody. Such a craft is made to be buoyant and will not normally sink even if damaged. Heavy-duty paramilitary and military versions are available.

Hover ATV. This craft is very similar to a hover cycle, though it can travel through rough terrain better.

Snowmobiles

These vehicles re made to be used on ice and snow. Although they do not need a road or a trail, though drivers often operate them in open terrain or on defined trials. Skis at the front provide directional control while a continuous track is at the rear. Snowmobiles come in one- and two rider models. Those made to carry two adult-size characters are often called a “2-up.”

Youth Snowmobile. This is beginner’s snowmobile model. (See the Youth ATV description for more information).

Touring Snowmobile. Able to carry two adult-size characters, touring snowmobiles are designed to be used over long distances. Typically they are larger than other models with more amenities and cargo carrying capabilities. While they are slower and less maneuverable than most other models, touring snowmobiles have smooth-riding suspension systems.

Touring models have large windshields, side-mounted mirrors, a reverse gear, heated seats, a basic entertainment system, connectors for communications devices.

Performance Snowmobile. Made to go fast, performance snowmobiles are race-inspired machines. They are lightweight and have advanced suspension systems. Comfort features are sacrificed for aggressive riding. These machines only sit one rider.

Trail Snowmobile. Combining some of the features of a touring sled and a performance machine, a trail snowmobile tends to have sporty handling and can tackle rougher trails.
While offering some creature comforts, they are lighter than touring sleds and are not meant to be ridden for very long distances (usually only up to 250 or more kilometers per day). The vast majority of these machines only sit one full-size adult, though a few are 2-up models.

Mountain Snowmobile. Although similar to the trail snowmobile, the mountain sled is designed to handle mountain trails and slopes. While the rider of a trail sled sits, the driver of a mountain machine tends to stand and kneel, often having to shift weight from one running board to the other. These sleds tend to be lightweight, have wide skils and an etr long track. These machines tend to travel less than 100 kilometers per day through rough terrain.

Utility Snowmobile. Utility sleds can do practically anything other snowmobiles can do while also being able to carry a lot  of cargo and tow a disabled snowmobile. Many can sit up to two full-size adults while enduring harsh conditions. They can be equipped with emergency gear too. The main drawback of utility snowmobiles is that they are slower than many other snow machines.