Single vs Double ATV in Koh Samui: Can Two People Ride Together?

Can couples ride on the same ATV?

Many Koh Samui operators offer a two-person option. One person drives the whole route while the other sits behind, using the footrests and handholds provided. Lexi Adventures describe it in one line: “Passenger means sitting on the back of your rider.”

This works well when:

• only one of you wants to drive;
• the passenger meets the age and weight rules;
• you are both comfortable sitting one behind the other;
• the operator provides a purpose-built two-seat ATV;
• the route is suitable for passengers.

If you both want to drive, two single ATVs will be more satisfying. Do not assume you can swap drivers during the tour; ask in advance, because insurance or route rules may prevent it.

Is a double ATV cheaper?

Usually, but not always. A passenger normally pays less than a separate driver, so one double ATV tends to cost less than two single ones.

X Quad’s four-hour tour with lunch shows the gap clearly. The one-driver tour starts at $143 per person, so two solo riders pay about $286. The driver-plus-passenger tour starts at $225 for the pair, on the same 450cc Yamaha automatic and the same route. That is about $61 less, in exchange for only one of you driving.

The price may be structured as:

• one driver rate plus a passenger supplement;
• a combined price for a double ATV;
• separate adult and child passenger rates;
• a larger-engine upgrade for two people.

Some operators let young passengers ride free. Samui Quad Motor carry children under 12 free as passengers, and so do Lexi Adventures, although Lexi note that free guests have no personal accident insurance cover. Backpacker Samui Travel let children aged 6 to 9 ride free with a parent and charge a passenger fee from age 10, though that listing has only a handful of reviews so far.

Compare the total for your party at checkout. A listing showing a low starting price may refer to one driver only.

See the Koh Samui ATV price guide →

Is riding as a passenger comfortable?

Comfort depends on the vehicle, the trail and the length of the tour. A proper double ATV gives the passenger a seat, footrests and secure handholds.

The passenger still feels every bump and has to move with the driver. Because they sit behind rather than beside the driver, conversation is difficult while the engine is running.

A passenger may enjoy a one- or two-hour route and tire on a long, technical one. On X Quad’s four-hour shared tour, a power-steering CFMOTO X520 is offered for 1,000 THB extra, and one reviewer who paid for a bigger quad wrote that it “was really worth it for two people as it was much more comfortable, especially for the passenger”. Anyone who wants a proper seat and a side-by-side position should look at a buggy.

Compare ATV and buggy tours →

Is a double ATV harder to drive?

The extra weight changes acceleration, braking, steering and balance. The driver should use the controls more smoothly, leave more room to stop and avoid sudden turns.

The passenger also affects handling. They need to stay centred, follow instructions and avoid sudden movements, so both of you should listen to the briefing, not only the driver.

Weight limits apply too. Jungle Quad set a maximum combined weight of 140 kg per ATV, and ask heavier pairs to book two solo places.

A first-time rider can drive a double ATV if the operator thinks it suitable, but some beginners prefer to practise without a passenger, or to let a more experienced person drive.

Which option is safer?

The safest option is the one the operator has approved for the people riding it. Never put a second person on a vehicle built for one.

For a double ATV:

• use the passenger seat it is designed with;
• keep your feet on the correct footrests;
• hold the handles provided;
• wear correctly fitted helmets;
• avoid loose bags or clothing;
• follow the guide’s pace;
• never carry a passenger you have not declared.

If the passenger cannot sit securely or is frightened, a buggy or a separate arrangement may suit them better.

Read the Koh Samui ATV safety guide →

Single or double ATV for beginners?

A single ATV lets a beginner learn without managing a passenger’s weight. It also means everyone who books one has to be willing and able to drive.

A double ATV is useful when one confident person can drive for both. A nervous passenger, though, may feel less secure sitting behind the driver than beside them.

Couples who are both unsure should consider a short beginner tour, or a buggy with car-style controls.

Read the beginner ATV guide →

What about children?

Children are often accepted as passengers on double ATVs, but the minimum ages differ widely between operators:

Some operators charge a reduced rate or let younger passengers ride free with a paying adult.

Before booking, give the child’s age and ask:

• Is this exact route suitable?
• Is a child-sized helmet available?
• Can the child reach the passenger footrests?
• Is the child included in the insurance?
• Is there a passenger charge?
• Would a buggy be more suitable?

Do not assume one tour’s rules apply to another.

Check Koh Samui ATV age limits →

Can you switch drivers?

Some tours may let adults swap at a stop; others register one driver for the whole ride. The policy can depend on insurance, licence rules and the type of vehicle, and none of the listings we checked says either way.

If you both want to drive, confirm before booking. Paying for two separate ATVs removes the doubt and gives each of you more time at the controls.

Is a buggy better for two people?

A buggy is often more comfortable, because you sit side by side with seats, belts and a protective frame. The passenger can see ahead more easily and does not need to hold on to the driver.

A double ATV is more exposed and physical, and closer to the classic quad-bike experience. It can also be cheaper: X Quad’s four-hour buggy tour with lunch starts at $273 for two, against $225 for their shared quad. The buggy driver needs a car driving licence, which none of the ATV listings we checked asks for, and X Quad offer a four-seat Z950 buggy for 3,000 THB extra if you are a family of four.

Choose a double ATV for the feeling of riding together. Choose a buggy for shared off-road driving with more comfortable seats.

Do you need a licence? Read the licence guide →

Best choice by traveller type

Solo traveller

Choose a single ATV and join a shared group.

Couple who both want to drive

Book two single ATVs.

Couple with one driver

Compare one double ATV with a two-seat buggy.

Parent and child

Use only an operator-approved double ATV or buggy, and confirm the age rules.

Nervous passenger

A buggy may feel more reassuring because of the side-by-side seats and belts.

Experienced rider with a first-timer

Separate ATVs let you ride in different ability groups; a double ATV keeps the first-timer as a passenger.

Booking mistakes to avoid

Selecting one adult instead of one vehicle

Read whether the booking form counts participants, drivers or ATVs. X Quad’s shared tour, for example, is priced per group of up to two.

Assuming a passenger is free

Passenger policies differ. Add every participant before checking the final price.

Booking a single ATV and asking for a passenger on arrival

The operator may not have a suitable two-seat machine available.

Expecting to change drivers automatically

Ask before booking, especially when you both want time driving.

Ignoring the route

Some longer or more technical tours may have different passenger restrictions.

Questions to ask the operator

1. Is the ATV designed for two people?
2. Is the price shown per driver or per vehicle?
3. How much is the passenger supplement?
4. Can adults switch drivers during the tour?
5. What are the passenger age and weight rules?
6. Is the passenger covered by insurance?
7. Does the double ATV follow the same route as the single ATVs?
8. Would you recommend a buggy for our group?

Frequently asked questions

Can two adults ride one ATV?

Yes, when the operator provides a suitable double ATV and both of you meet its requirements. Jungle Quad, for example, cap the combined weight at 140 kg per ATV.

Does the passenger sit in front or behind?

The passenger normally sits behind the driver, in the purpose-built passenger position.

Does a passenger need a driving licence?

No, because the passenger does not control the vehicle. The private-trail ATV tours on Koh Samui do not ask the driver for a licence either, but check the exact listing.

Is a double ATV suitable for a child?

It can be, on tours that accept child passengers. Confirm the minimum age, helmet fit, foot position and insurance.

Is one buggy cheaper than two ATVs?

Sometimes. Compare the buggy’s price per vehicle with the total for two ATV drivers, including all passengers and extras. On X Quad’s four-hour tours, a two-seat buggy starts at $273 against about $286 for two solo quads.

Can the passenger take photos while moving?

It is safer to keep phones secured and take photos only at the stops. Follow the guide’s rules.

The bottom line

Choose a single ATV when every adult wants the full riding experience. Choose a double ATV when one of you is happy to drive and the other would rather ride as a passenger.

Check the total price for your group, the vehicle’s capacity, the passenger restrictions and whether drivers can swap before booking. If comfort and side-by-side seating matter more than the classic quad-bike feel, compare a buggy as well.

Compare single and double Koh Samui ATV tours →