Biking with Little Ones: Exploring Four Stages of Child Bike Carriers

Riding with your little ones is a great way to share the joy of cycling while keeping everyone active and engaged. But how do you choose the right setup? Let's explore four stages for carrying children on bikes, considering their age, skill level, and riding environment.

1. Bike Trailers

Bike trailers are the go-to option for younger children, offering safety, comfort, and storage space. Whether you’re cruising through the neighbourhood or exploring off-road trails, trailers come in various styles to suit your needs. With a sturdy frame and enclosed seating, trailers provide excellent protection and a smooth ride, perfect for infants and toddlers who aren’t ready to balance on their own. Look for models with suspension if you plan to take them on rougher terrains. An e-bike makes the trailer the best way to carry your young kid around.

Benefits:

• Excellent stability and safety
• Ample storage space
• Comfortable for long rides

Considerations:

• Requires more space for parking and storage
• Adds weight, making hills more challenging (an eBike is almost a must)

2. Child Seats: Rear & Front Mounted

Rear-mounted child seats are a classic choice, allowing your child to enjoy the ride with you while being securely strapped in. For mountain biking enthusiasts, consider front-mounted seats like the Shotgun. This setup keeps your little one close, making them part of the action and fostering a love for the outdoors. Shotgun seats are ideal for kids aged 2-5, with a minimum inseam of 283mm needed to reach the footpegs.

Benefits:

• Close interaction with your child
• Suitable for a range of terrains

Considerations:

• Balancing can be trickier compared to trailers
• Age and weight limitations, min age 18months (max child weight: 27kg)

3. Bike Extensions: Tow Your Little Cyclist

When your child is ready to pedal but not quite able to keep up, bike extensions are a perfect intermediary step. These attachments connect their bike to yours, giving them a taste of independent riding while you maintain control. This solution is great for children who are confident enough to ride, yet might struggle with long distances or hills.

Benefits:

• Encourages independent pedalling
• Great for transitioning to full-riding

Considerations:

• Requires a stable attachment to ensure safety
• It is less convenient for stopping or parking

4. Bungee Cords: A Boost for Young Riders

For kids riding their own bikes but needing occasional assistance, a bungee cord offers the perfect solution. This flexible cord connects your bike to theirs, providing just enough pull on tough sections without compromising their sense of independence.

Benefits:

• Lightweight and easy to store
• Boosts confidence and stamina

Considerations:

• Limited to occasional use, not for prolonged towing
• Requires coordination and communication

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right child-carrying solution depends on your child’s age, abilities, and your riding preferences. Start with trailers or child seats for young ones, move to bike extensions for budding cyclists, and finish with a bungee cord for the final push to independent riding. No matter what stage you’re in, these options allow you to safely include your children in your cycling adventures, creating cherished family memories along the way.