Practical Guide for Cycling with Your Children

Trailer Seat

Children aged 2 to 9 years

The bike trailer seat provides a safe and comfortable solution for outings with young children. It is easy to install and is compatible with any bike, attaching simply to the saddle. Like the trailer, it can affect the stability and handling of the bike due to its weight. However, our WEEHOO IGO TURBO trailer seat takes up less storage space compared to the Thule trailer. A bike with electric assistance will ensure the best experience. If you don’t have one, no worries—your cruising speed will just be a bit slower!

Secured with harnesses, your child can pedal alongside you whenever they want, with no obligation. It’s the perfect accessory for long trips.

Pros:

• Allows young children to participate.
• Comfortable and safe.
• Can be used until the age of 9.
• Less expensive than the trailer and lasts longer in your child’s life.
• Available in a double format.

Cons:

• The weight of the seat is not negligible.
• Takes up a lot of storage space at home and in the car.

Bike Seat

Children aged 1 to 5 years

The bike seat is a practical and versatile accessory for cyclists who want to take their child along for a ride. Designed to fit most bikes, the bike seat offers a safe and comfortable way to transport toddlers during bike trips.

It is the lightest accessory so far. We carry the Thule RideAlong and the Yepp 2 models, which attach behind the saddle.

Pros:

• Lightweight and easy to transport.
• Simple to install and cost-effective.
• Compact.
• Allows you to easily communicate with your little one.

Cons:

• The child remains passive during the ride and does not participate.
• Cannot be used with a child over 18 kg.

Front-Mounted Seat (Shotgun)

Children aged 3 to 10 years

The front-mounted frame seat is a practical and ingenious solution for cyclists who want to take their little one along for a ride. Attached securely to the bike frame, this seat allows the child to sit in front of the cyclist. Often used on mountain bikes, our Shotgun seat provides children with an ultimate experience. It is discreet, easy to install, and does not compromise the cyclist's experience. For optimal safety, your child should be strong enough to hold on throughout the ride and understand the importance of not letting go of the handlebars.

Pros:

• Provides an extraordinary experience for the child.
• Preferred accessory for parents who mountain bike.

Cons:

• Less comfortable for the child, so better suited for shorter trips.
• Suitable for more adventurous parents, as the child is responsible for their safety by holding the handlebars.

Half-Bike

Children aged 3 to 9 years

The half-bike, also known as a trail-gator or giraffe, is a popular accessory for parents eager to bike with their children. It allows the child to pedal behind the parent’s bike, even if they are not yet able to ride a two-wheeled bike.

Easy to attach to the seat post of the parent’s bike, just like the bike seat. The half-bike is ideal for children who want to actively participate in the ride without being ready to ride alone, as well as for families planning long rides. We carry the Trail-a-bike half-bike in-store.

Pros:

• Allows young children to participate and develop their balance.
• Enables families to go on longer rides.
• Can accommodate a seat for children with limited mobility.

Cons:

• Not compatible with bike racks and must be transported in the car.
• Does not allow the child to practice cycling independently.

Always Wear a Helmet, Even as a Passenger

Wearing a helmet is essential for the safety of children when they are passengers on a bike. Helmets protect their heads in case of a fall or collision, reducing the risk of serious injuries or even head trauma.

When buying a helmet for your child, ensure it is the correct size and fits properly. A helmet that is too big or poorly fitted will not provide adequate protection in an accident. Also, make sure it is in good condition, free of cracks or damage, and replace it if necessary. Encourage your child to choose a helmet they like, as they will be more likely to wear it if they feel comfortable with it.

Finally, always buckle the helmet strap under your child’s chin before every ride. This ensures the helmet stays securely in place in case of a fall.

Happy riding!