When buying an E-Bike to transport kids or grandkids it is a good idea to have some knowledge around the features on the bike that will help you to enjoy your riding.

To follow are some recommendations around what to look for in an E-Bike that is capable of attaching kids to or towing them.  You need to know about BRAKES, POWER & GEARS…

• step-through frames make handling the bike so much easier – getting on/off around kids seats, easier to straddle while stopping/starting. Just easier to manage.  This is especially true if you want to ride with 2 kids on one bike
• hydraulic brakes are a must. As you add the weight of kids to your bike you will need more stopping power (stopping safely is more important than going!)  This requirement will largely eliminate entry-level E-Bikes, but you can always ask your bike shop if they can do a hydraulic brake upgrade on your chosen bike if it has mechanical brakes as standard. But add up the cost and work out whether spending just a few hundred more would get you a better solution on multiple levels
• this point about brakes is really key if you live on or need to bike over hills with your kids attached or being towed
• if a battery upgrade is available, get it. More weight on the bike means less range (time before the battery power runs out), so spending on an upgrade is worthwhile
• go for power, i.e. bikes with more torque will be better for you for carrying/towing, especially when climbing hills. What you want is a bike with a high torque rating
• most E-Bikes will have capable gearing for this sort of use; remember, you have a motor to assist you. But if you live in a very hilly place then you may want to ensure you have something more capable, with a big rear sprocket (bigger is better, for hill climbing)

Test ride the bike over a decent distance with variations in road surface and hills, etc. At least a 30min test ride, and longer if your bike shop will provide it. You have to be very comfortable and confident on the bike in order for you to carry/tow your most precious cargo. And compare different models, by riding them.  You should not have to pay or commit to buying the bike before test riding it.

What to look for during the test ride.  Mainly your comfort and safety on the bike.  You must feel confident in the way it handles and steers.  This is especially important for any downhill decent with the added weight of a child.  When you have found a bike or two that you feel good about riding…(exciting!) now consider the kids or grandkids… where could you go… what will work??

Front seats (Minis) are an awesome introduction for young toddlers and give great interaction between the child & the rider.

Mid Mount seats are unharnessed – we don’t recommend the combination of E-Bike speed and an unharnessed young child in busy traffic!  A great consideration for cycle path ways and easy commutes, awesome for all types of off road riding.

Rear seats are a great investment over time 1-6years in a Maxi or a Junior seat will take them from 4-10years.  These seats are a popular commuting option.

Towing kids is a great way to distribute the weight and to take kids places they struggle to ride by themselves. The biggest decision to make is whether you want your child/grandchild towed on their own bike (they can then detach and ride independently) or riding a trailing 1/2 bike.  This decision will be influenced by age and the child’s capability.