From what age can I take a child for a bicycle ride?
In general, the ideal age is between 1 to 5 years. These data vary slightly depending on the type of seat.
The minimum requirement is that the child can sit independently. If you want to ride with a baby, a bike trailer with infant sling is an interesting alternative.
Another limiting factor for bike seats is the weight of the kid. Depending on the type of seat, the limit can be as high as 15, 22 or even 35 kg.
Short vs. long bicycle trips
Take a moment to think what kind of rides you want to take with your child. Is it just short-distance commuting within the city or do you prefer long bike trips?
That's why it's important to know all the differences among bike seats. They differ not only in the mount - front, central on the frame, or rear - but also in other specifications, e.g. tilting or suspension.
ATTENTION!
Not all child bike seats can be mounted on all types of bicycles. Check beforehand if you have a suitable bike.
Safety standards and recommendations
However, all seats should comply with the European safety standard EN 14344. This standard specifies requirements on child bike seats which can be mounted on all bicycles with pedals and e-bikes, to carry children weighting from 9 to 22 kg (approximately from 9 months to 5 years) who are able to sit independently.
Must have safety features are reflectors, seat belts (3- or 5-point) and a buckle that can't be undone by the child. Foot straps restrain them from putting their feet into the wheel.
A backrest with a helmet cutout, padding on straps and the seat, as well as armrests, ensure more comfort for the child.
You'll appreciate if the seat can be manipulated with just one hand, so you can use the other to secure the bicycle. However, you should never leave the child unattended in the seat.
Types of child bike seats
Front seats
Front child bike seats are usually mounted under the handlebars on a headset.
There are two types of bicycle headsets - threaded and threadless. While threaded ones are compatible with most front seat mounts, for a threadless one you need to have a special adapter.
These seats are the smallest ones and are suitable for kids from 9 months to 2.5 - 3 years, max 15 kg.
ATTENTION!
This kind of seat takes up to 25 - 28 cm from the space between your seat and the handlebars.
| Pros of front seats | Cons of front seats |
|---|
| Good view for the child | No wind protection for the child |
| The cyclist can see the child all the time without being distracted by it | The child could let a foot dangle into the front wheel |
Both can talk about what they're seeing | Risk of affecting the bicycle's maneuverability, shifted center of gravity to the front can be dangerous during heavy braking |
| The bike seat doesn't limit you when getting on and off the bike | Obstructed pedaling |
| Not suitable for road and gravel bikes with dropped handlebars and MTBs with wide handlebars |
Muziker TIP
Front seat Hamax Observer
is light, lockable and can be manipulated by a single hand. It comes with an adapter for threadless headset and
wind shield can be added for a better protection of a child."
Seats mounted on the frame
Center seats fall into the category of front seats, but they're positioned in between the handlebars and the rider's seat. They're also called MTB seats.
Sometimes they come with an extra top adapter which enables them to be mounted on frames of different shapes.
For example, child bike seat Shotgun Kids Ride Pro MTB can be mounted also on a full suspension mountain bike. They're meant for older kids, from 2 to 5 years.
| Pros of center seats | Cons of center seats |
|---|
| The child has a great view and enjoys the ride more | They usually lack a backrest and belts |
| A bar or handles for the child to hold or to rest its head on | The child must be able to sit independently |
The child is protected between the shoulders of the parent who can easily maintain the balance of the bike |
|
| The weight of the seat is placed on the center of the bike where the center of gravity is, which makes the bike stable even when riding on rough terrain |
|
Muziker TIP
Center seat WeeRide Safefront is mounted on its own tube and has a backrest, safety belts and a bar. Suitable for kids older than 1 year.
Back seats
Back seats mount on:
- rear frame - on the seatpost
- on the rear rack.
Seats mounted on the frame come with metal racks and an attachable adapter. The seat is mounted by a quick release on the seatpost or seat stays.
Before buying, you need to check the diameter of the seatpost to see whether there's enough room to attach the adapter.
Muziker TIP
Thule RideAlong is a back child seat that can be mounted on the frame. It provides comfortable suspension, soft padding and tilting. The framework is adaptable for kids aged 1 to 6 years.
The seat attachable to the rear rack is equipped with either mechanical or magnetic strap that hooks up to the rack and seatpost, guaranteeing maximum stability.
Muziker TIP
A seat mounted on a rear rack Hamax Caress provides ultimate comfort for children from 9 months to 22 kg. It adapts to the child's height, it can be manipulated by one hand, it tilts and has padding.
Check if your bike's frame has holes to install a rack.
| Pros of back seats | Cons of back seats |
|---|
| Adjustability - the child can take a nap during longer trips | The child has no front view and the communication with the parent is limited |
| The suspension on the racks absorbs vibrations | A backpack on the parent's back can restrain the child |
The child is shielded against the wind by the parent's body | Moving the bike's center of gravity backwards can cause maneuvering difficulties and the front wheel can be raised on steeper inclines |
| They're bigger, more robust, provide more support for the back and arms, suitable for older kids as well |
|
| The parent can pedal freely |
|
| Compatible with most bicycles |
|
When to get a bike trailer for kids?
Taking a decision whether to choose a bike seat or a trailer is not an easy one. It also depends on the way you want to ride with your child.
| Pros of bike trailers | Cons of bike trailers |
|---|
| Better protection of the child against collisions and bad weather | No contact between the parent and the child, limited communication |
| More space, the child can have a toy, food, water, can sleep well | Takes up more storage space and poses an extra weight that needs to be dragged |
| Infant sling enables to carry a toddler that can't sit independently | More expensive |
| Storage space |
|
| The parent can pedal freely |
|
Universal usage - as a stroller, suitable for running and skiing, can carry cargo and some types even two children |
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Bike trailer Hamax Outback is perfect for active parents. You can go jogging with it and do cross-country skiing in winter. It can carry two children older than 6 months, comes with suspension, adjustable seats and is ideal for longer trips.
You see, there are plenty of options how to ride a bicycle with a child. Do you know how you will carry yours? If you are still hesitant, check out our entire offer.
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