As a parent, you’re probably wondering if getting a bike with child seat is a good idea. Here’s what you need to know before buying one.
Many parents have a bike with a child seat because it allows them to spend quality time with their children while visiting places and performing errands.
Heading to the supermarket with your child? Or are you looking to bring your toddler to play school or the park via your e-bike? Taking your child with you on your ride is also a wonderful way to get them interested in the activity at a young age.
Today, many bikes accommodate child seats. But should you get one? And what are the legal mandates in the UK for child bike seats?
Keep reading to learn the answers.
Absolutely. However, you should be aware of the guidelines in the UK. These rules ensure your safety and comfort, along with the safety of pedestrians, motorists, fellow cyclists, and your child.
Should you get a child seat? Here are some important pros and cons to think about:
Having a bike seat means you can take your child with you anywhere you cycle. You get to spend more quality time with your family while performing errands and visiting places.
Without a child seat, you’ll have to use your car or public transportation more often. An e-bike with child seat lets you accommodate another smaller rider, reducing your reliance on other types of vehicles.
Electric bikes don’t create toxic fumes. Using them teaches your child the importance of being environment-friendly.
Riding with your child shows them the importance of physical activities. It could inspire them to embrace an active lifestyle.
Despite regulations, there is still the possibility of accidents and injuries. Adding weight to your bike makes riding more challenging. If you aren’t careful, you could lose your balance, especially in risky environments.
A child may feel restricted by a child. It’s thus important to choose one that provides a high level of comfort.
Riding under fair weather is fun but rain or extreme heat can limit your rides. You’ll have to carefully consider the weather and other outdoor conditions.
The added weight could accelerate the wear and tear of its components. This could result in higher maintenance costs down the road.
Because of the risks involved, you have to meticulously examine if the seat has been properly installed, is in good condition, and is safe.
Carrying a child on your bike requires extra care on your part as a cyclist. If you love fast electric bikes, you may have to modify your speed and navigate more cautiously.
An electric bike with child seat must conform to British standards and should be properly installed on a suitable bike.
You cannot simply buy any child seat bike accessory and strap it onto your bike any way you want. Below are the specific rules you need to pay attention to:
Your first consideration as a responsible parent is to check if your bike can accommodate a child seat. Look into how much weight it can bear and the material of the frame before installing an extra seat.
In the UK, most child seats are suited for children weighing 19.8 to 48.6 pounds, roughly the equivalent of kids who are 9 months to 5 years old. Note that the basis is weight and not age.
The lower weight limit depends on the child’s ability to sit up unsupported. A child who is still unable to sit unaided regardless of their age or weight should not be placed in a bike child seat.
Front or rear-mounted bike child seats are allowed in the UK depending on the safety considerations and manufacturers’ guidelines.
Child seats mounted on the front are designed for younger kids up to three years of age. They enable you to closely supervise your child since they’re located closer to the cyclist. Children must be 29.5 to 39.3 inches tall so they don’t obstruct your view. Rear child seats are for older children up to 9 years who are from 29.5 to 45.2 inches tall.
Note that the limits will depend on the children’s actual weight and height rather than their age.
The nuts, brackets, and screws must be tightly installed. The security straps and harness should offer a comfortable yet snug fit. They shouldn’t prevent you from pedaling or steering properly.
Meanwhile, your e-bike’s rear rack must be compatible with your rear-mounted child seat. If it’s front-mounted, it should be securely positioned between you and your handlebars instead of resting on the handlebars.
Try riding with the child seat on without your child to get a feel for the weight of the accessory and how to manage it. Explore routes you normally take with your child like the park, school, or toy store.
Always make your child wear a safety helmet. Regularly check if the child seat’s screws, nuts, safety straps, and clamps are securely fixed. Make sure the seat is securely and safely installed on your e-bike by following the manufacturer’s advice.
Buy from reputable cycle dealers and child-care stores. Check if your men or women’s bike with child seat fulfills the BS EN 14344:2004 or the British Standard for bicycle child seats.
Get a child seat designed for the bicycle type you have whether it’s an electric hybrid bike or a traditional 100% human-powered model. If you’re using an e-bike, look into its e-bike class and see if it can safely work with a child seat.
An electric bike with child seat is allowed as long as it conforms with the regulations surrounding its e-bike class.
The child bike seat should have footrests and a child restraint system or a harness that fits snugly. It must also be equipped with a child-proof quick-release buckle to keep your child in place during the journey.
For your child to enjoy the bike ride, choose a child seat that provides utmost comfort without compromising steering and pedaling. Additionally, front-mounted seats shouldn’t block your view. A child seat with a high backrest, wrap-around cushion, and armrests would be comfortable for your child but the backrest’s height shouldn’t be so high that it prevents you from seeing the road.
The seat must be lightweight yet made of durable materials. This will help you maintain stability and balance. A heavy and bulky child seat may result in a bumpy and unstable ride, or even compromise safety.
It should come with a clear instruction manual for installation along with the brackets. You can ask the dealer to mount it if you feel unsure.
You now know all the important considerations before adding a bike with child seat to your ride. Congratulations, mom and dad. Familiarizing yourself with the right information is the responsible thing to do.
For child-friendly electric bikes and quality accessories, explore GIN ebikes’ electric bike UK website.
