Transporting your child by bike is practical. And it's an excellent opportunity to share your love of cycling with them. How can you ensure both comfort and safety? Here are the main options available to you.

At what age can a child be transported by bike?

Although child transport by bicycle is not regulated in Quebec, it's best to wait until your baby is at least twelve months old before introducing them to the joys of cycling. In all cases, wearing a helmet is highly recommended.

Here are the main accessories for cycling with your offspring.

The child seat

There are two main types of seats : those mounted on the handlebars, at the front, and those installed behind the saddle. They can support a child weighing up to 22 kg. These are among the most affordable options for transporting a child.

The difference between front and rear seats is that the former is suitable for smaller children, meaning it will be used for a shorter period than the latter.

In both cases, communication with the young passenger is easy. However, the parent must adapt their riding as the seat shifts the center of gravity upwards. Since it remains permanently attached to the bicycle, the seat requires little storage space. On the other hand, it cannot be easily transferred from one bike to another.

Whether front or rear, it is advantageous to choose a model that offers adequate support, limits access to the wheels, and has a backrest high enough to protect the child's head.

Before each use, ensure the seat is securely attached and the straps are properly adjusted. If in doubt, it is best to have it installed by a professional .

Note: on mountain bikes with an alloy or carbon frame , it is possible to add a child seat between the saddle and the handlebars. It supports toddlers aged 2 to 5 years. It allows young children to experience the sensations of mountain biking. However, caution must be exercised as the child is not well protected.

The trailer

The trailer is undoubtedly the safest way to travel by bike as a family. Young passengers are protected from wind, sun, and rain and can take a nap at their convenience. The ride is very stable. The trailer also offers great versatility: some models can easily be converted into a stroller on wheels or skis.

One or two children can sit in the trailer. Their total weight, however, must not exceed 45 kg.

On the other hand, the trailer is one of the most expensive pieces of equipment, with its price potentially exceeding $1000. Communication is also more difficult: since the trailer is lower, the child's babbling is less noticeable than with a seat.

Trailer seat

Similar to the trailer, the trailer seat has one or two seats arranged one behind the other. These are at the same height as the trailer, but they are not topped with a metal structure and a cover.

Children aged 2 to 9 can sit there. A pedal set or footrest can be added to ensure the children's feet are safe. A sunshade can also be added.

The trailer seat is expensive and protects children much less than the trailer. However, they experience the sensations of cycling more.

The tag-along bike and tandem bar

The tag-along bike and tandem bar are used to ride with a child aged 3 to 10 . It is not necessary for the child to know how to ride a two-wheeled bicycle to use this equipment. However, they must be steady on the saddle and hold the handlebars well.

The tag-along bike is a single-wheel bike that must be attached to an adult's bike. Assembly is very easy, but it has the disadvantage of having to be used only as a double bicycle.

The tandem bar is more versatile. It allows a child's bike to be linked to their parent's bike. If the child wants to ride alone, the tandem bar can be removed. Installation is more laborious, and its use can be risky with a small bike that brakes by back-pedaling.

With both the tandem bar and the tag-along bike, the child can pedal or rest when tired. There is no danger of them tipping over. In all cases, it is best to consult a specialist to ensure proper installation.

The cargo bike

More popular in Europe than in Quebec, the cargo bike is intended for utility use. It represents a kind of alternative to the car.

In the front or rear compartment of the cargo bike, one or more children can sit safely, depending on their height. It can thus be used for a long period, but it is expensive. Several thousand dollars must be invested to acquire a cargo bike.

Electric devices are added to some models to assist the calves of a parent who has to transport siblings...

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