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E-Bikes & Cargo Bikes & Towing 4yrs+

by Annette | Nov 11, 2022 | get Ready

Do you want to tow your 4yr+ child who is riding their own bike? Do you have an E-Bike or Cargo Bike?

Understand the options that are most suitable for your style of bike. Helping you get the Right Kids Bike Tow.

Supporting you and your family to SMILE when you ride.

Guide: Biking with a 4yr+, riding their own bike

Overview: Electric Bike

E-Bikes:

Using an E-Bike to tow your young child who is riding their own bike is a fantastic way to ride as a family. Having the assistance of an E-Bike will help make the riding you do easy and enjoyable. E-Bikes have strong frames and are generally designed to enable carrying weight (exception being E-Mountain Bikes/Carbon E-Bikes). The biggest issue you may have is where your battery is and how this affects attaching things to your bike.

Type of Riding: E-Bikes are used in all riding environments from around town riding to multi day tour riding.

Type of Frame: There are a wide range of E-Bike frames available, please see the end of this story to learn more about your frame and what type of kids tow will work with it.

Towing: E-Bikes are a great choice for towing a child on their own bike especially for making your riding easy with added weight. The only thing to watch for is attachment. Let’s find out more…

Bike Tow Frame

Shop Bike Tow Frame

You can use a bike tow frame with an E-Bike. Tow frames connect the adult bike to a child’s bike. A great option for commute or transport type travel by bike. Cargo bikes are usually used to transport a 4yr old so towing one is unusual but you may want to. If you think your family wants to do this a Cargo with front seats/storage is the best option.

Find out more about bike tow frame attachment: Will a Bike Tow Frame fit my bike?

Bike Tow Bar

Shop Bike Tow Bar

E-Bikes will need to provide a clear path to the seat post and have a big enough frame size to work. You may struggle to use a bike tow bar with a Cargo Bike. Tow bars need a clear path to a seat post so no kids on the back and they are not long enough to use with any extended rear axels.

Find out more about bike tow bar attachment: Will a Bike Tow Bar fit my bike?

Bike Tow Rope

Shop Bike Tow Rope

You can definitely use a bike tow rope with an E-Bike especially an E-MTB which will enable you to tow heavier kids. The match of a cargo bike and tow rope would be unusual as cargo bikes are not meant for off road riding.

Find out more about bike tow frame attachment: Attaching a Bike Tow Rope.

Overview: Cargo & E-Cargo Bike

YUBA_long john - single wheel - cargo bike for family transport. goRide

Cargo Bikes:

Using a Cargo Bike to tow a young child is a little unusual but your family may want to do this. Towing is a great way to teach children about town riding or to ride with multiple kids – some on seats, one being towed. You will probably find for this to work your seats need to be at the front of the cargo bike – bucket style. Cargo Bikes have extremely strong frames and are designed to enable carrying cargo. They are heavy and usually longer than a standard bike so you will need to adapt to handling one.

Type of Riding: Cargo bikes are for around town, urban, commute style riding.

Bike Tow Frame: With Cargo Bikes the kids (4yrs+) are usually sitting on the seats provided. To ride with multiple kids you may want the option of towing an older child or a child who is learning to ride a bike. A clear path will be needed to the middle of the cargo bike rear wheel for attachment, rear footrests may interfere with this.

Bike Tow Bar: Any cargo bike that has an extended rack for kids to sit on will not work with a Tow Bar. The bar won’t be long enough to clear the rear of the bike.

Bike Tow Rope: Usually used for off road riding, not somewhere you will find a cargo bike.

E-Cargo Bikes:

The ultimate in family transport, often used to replace a second car. An Electric Cargo Bike takes all the effort of riding a heavy bike away with the assistance it provides you. Also enabling you to ride hills. Battery placement needs to be considered and whether this will interfere with your ability to tow a child.

Type of Riding: E-Cargo bikes are for around town, urban, commute style riding. Often purchased as a replacement for a car.

Read both sections above to understand compatibility.

What to do when the kids are too old for your Cargo Bike.

A great story about planning for the transition off the cargo bike. When your family grows your options will need to change.

Story: Kids too big for your cargo Bike?

Design Features & Frames for E-Bikes

Learn more about the specific E-Bike frame you have and which kids seats/trailers best suit the design.

Step Through Frame

No top tube or what is called a double down

Commonly called Womens frame, urban bike, town bike

View Kids Tow Options

Triangle Frame

Horizontal or close to horizontal top tube

Commonly called urban bike, town bike, commute bike

View Kids Tow Options

Squashed Triangle Frame

Angled top tube

Commonly called hard tail MTB, front suspension MTB, trail bike

View Kids Tow Options

Full Suspension Mountain Bike

Curved top tube

Commonly called full suspension MTB

View Kids Tow Options

Your bike riding success is different to others… use our stories and support, get the right solutions.

Kids Bike Helmet Buying Guide

Get advice about choosing the right kids bike helmet for the type of riding your child does.

Biking with Babies on Board

Advice about riding a bike with a very young child. What do you need to know?

Cargo Bikes Explained

A quick overview of cargo bikes and how good they are for family riding!

Buying Guides

Use our full range of buying guides to get the right solutions for you and your family.

Solution Finder

We are here to help. Use goRides quick and easy Q&A forms to receive personalised support… support specific to you and your family.

Types of Riding Stories

Stories in Types of Riding support you to learn about riding a bike in different environments. So you can successfully choose to ride more place, more often.

Support and inspire other riders and families to ride

Share your riding outings, adventures and experiences on our quick and easy question and answer forms. Join us in helping others ride bikes. All entries receive a free shipping coupon and go into our seasonal prize draw.

goRide SHARING FORM

goRide supporting women and families to SMILE when you ride

Buying a Bike to Tow a Child on Their Own Bike, 4yrs+

by Annette | Nov 11, 2022 | get Ready

Buying a bike can be a daunting prospect. If you also want that bike to work with a kids tow system there are even more things to consider. Their are so many different types, styles and prices… where do you start?

Supporting you and your family to SMILE when you ride.

Guide: Biking with a 4yr+ child riding their own bike

Buying a bike to use with a child who is riding their own bike but may need some assistance is a great idea and there are a lot of bikes on the market that will work really well for this purpose. You just need to have an understanding of attachment points for the type of tow you want to use, as not all bikes will work. It is about finding a solution to fit your situation and where you would like to ride, now and in the future.

For information on buying an E-Bike to use with a Tow see this story Buying an E-Bike to Tow a 4yr+ Child. If an E-Bike interests you and is in your budget ($2-3000+, retail pricing) we highly recommend considering this option. The assistance an E-Bike gives you removes barriers around weight & fitness to ride with your child.

What Design Features does your Bike need?

Your bike purchase needs to be really focused on a bike that makes you feel comfortable and safe. Once you have this feeling of confidence about riding a bike you will really enjoy adding a child/children/grandchildren to the experience.

Key design features your bike must have to work with Kids Tows

strong frame or strength where a seat will be clamped for attachment – seat post tube. It should be made from steel or reinforced aluminium. No carbon for clamping.
a good gear range. Adding weight means it will be harder to push your bike along, or get going from stopped, so you need gears
good brakes. Choose disc brakes if possible especially if you want to ride with a bike tow or ride down hills
space where you want to attach your tow – seat post tube

Bike Types & Matching Kids Tows

To follow are some suggestions for bikes that work well with tows. Pay particular attention to where you would ride these types of bikes – the environments they are designed for – are they a good match to the type of riding you want to do with your child? You have a limited time to enjoy riding as a family with kids towed by your bike

Bike Tow Frame 3-9yrs
Bike Tow Bar 4-9yrs
Bike Tow Rope 4yrs to adult

Step Through Frame:

A city or commute type of bike with good options for towing kids. This bike is designed for around town riding and enjoying paved bike paths and cycleways.

Step through frames make handling the bike so much easier – getting on/off, easier to straddle while stopping/starting. Just easier to manage. This is especially true if you want to ride with the weight of an older child.

Compatibility:

Bike Tow Frame. A city type of bike is a good match to the secure towing provided by a Bike Tow Frame. Ideally the rear wheel of the bike should have a Quick Release Axel (alternative axels are available, please check).

Bike Tow Bar. Again this bike is a good match you just need the frame to be big enough. Will the bar clear the rear wheel?

Bike Tow Rope. Completely compatible but not a good match function wise. These bikes are city or town bikes used in urban environments… the tow rope is best used in off road settings.

Find out more about Step Through Frames

Triangle Frame:

A city or commute type of bike with good options for towing kids. This bike is designed for around town riding and enjoying paved bike paths and cycleways. it is also a tour style bike.

Triangle frames have high top tubes – getting on/off, straddling while stopping/starting can be a bit awkward. Shorter people will struggle with this. They are designed to travel fast and generally will come with good gear & brake options but please check this.

Compatibility:

Bike Tow Frame. Frames ideally attach to rear wheel axels that have a quick release skewer so if buying a triangle frame check the rear wheel axel for compatibility. A great frame type for towing a child.

Bike Tow Bar. Great match to use with a tow bar but please check rear wheel clearance, small frames may struggle to achieve this.

Bike Tow Rope. Usually a city or easy trail bike so a tow rope can be used but is not the best match in these environments. Good to have if your bike is a tour bike and your family is doing this regularly.

Find out more about Triangle Frames

Trail (Squashed Triangle) Frame:

A off road trail type of bike with good options for towing kids. This bike is designed for mountain biking, recreation riding but often used in all environments.

Squashed triangle frames often have front suspension to give you a smoother off road ride as well as wider, knobbly tyres for better grip. They are a very popular style of bike in NZ to get out and explore the huge range of bike trails we have.

Compatibility:

Bike Tow Frame. Another good frame design for towing using a tow frame. Attachment is to the rear wheel axel which should be a quick release skewer.

Bike Tow Bar. Attachment can be an issue for tow bars so please check especially if your frame is small.

Bike Tow Rope. Great match to all your off road riding with your child.

Find out more about Trail Bike Frames

Full Suspension Mountain Bike:

An off road trail bikes are great for towing kids. This bike is designed for mountain biking but often used in other environments.

These frames have both front & rear suspension with squashed triangle, unusual frame shapes. They are a very popular style of bike in NZ to get out and explore the huge number of mountain bike parks & trails we have.

Compatibility:

Bike Tow Frame. The rear wheel of any new full suspension mountain bike is likely to be a through axel. Please check availability as parts arrive late in 2022. If the bike you want to buy has a quick release skewer (hollow axel) you will be able to attach. Can be a bit fiddly tacking the full frame off to go for your own rides but you will get used to it.

Bike Tow Bar. As with all the other frame types please check clearance especially if you have a small frame. There will always be a clamp on your seat post making use of a dropper post difficult. Not compatible with carbon seat posts.

Bike Tow Rope. Designed for use with this frame. So no problems just years of family fun!

Find out more about Full Suspension Frames

Test Before You Buy

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??

Your bike riding success is different to others… use our stories and support, get the right solutions.

Ride More Places

Read stories about NZ trails, tracks & parks. Find out what other families & riders are doing. Be inspired! Is this ride an option for you or your family?

Bike Gear Stories

A collection of stories that will help you learn about bike gear. goRide supporting you to get the right bike gear solution for the type of riding you do or want to do.

Women and families learning ...

Read our stories that support you to learn about all things biking related. Be confident that you know how to safely ride & care for your bike.

Buying Guides

Use our full range of buying guides to get the right solutions for you and your family.

Solution Finder

We are here to help. Use goRides quick and easy Q&A forms to receive personalised support… support specific to you and your family.

Types of Riding Stories

Stories in Types of Riding support you to learn about riding a bike in different environments. So you can successfully choose to ride more place, more often.

Support and inspire other riders and families to ride

Share your riding outings, adventures and experiences on our quick and easy question and answer forms. Join us in helping others ride bikes. All entries receive a free shipping coupon and go into our seasonal prize draw.

goRide SHARING FORM

goRide supporting women and families to SMILE when you ride

Full Suspension MTB – Towing 4yrs+

by Annette | Nov 11, 2022 | get Ready

Do you want to tow your 4yr+ child on their bike? Do you have a full suspension MTB?

Understand the options that are most suitable for your style of bike. Helping you get the Right Kids Bike Tow.

Supporting you and your family to SMILE when you ride.

Guide: Biking with a 4yr+, riding their own bike

Overview: Bike with a Full Suspension MTB Frame

Squashed Triangle Frames with Rear Suspension:

This type of bike frame with front and rear (full) suspension is used on mountain bikes. Mountain bikes are really popular in New Zealand and if you do any regular type of mountain bike riding chances are that you have a full suspension bike. These frames can be challenging to use with kids but towing is a really good option and the Tow Rope is a great match.

Type of Riding: this frame design is used for mountain bikes that are used on challenging off road trails. Best match to mountain bike riding.

Bike Tow Rope – Tow Whee

The bike tow rope connects your MTB frame to your child’s bike in a dynamic way, meaning the connection is not rigid but controlled by an elastic bungy. The tow rope is best used in off road settings for assistance with hills, distance or weather (wind, rain). Your child is fully in control of their own riding and must stay behind the lead rider.

The tow rope loops around the adults saddle and loops around the frame of the childs bike at the front fork steering tube. It will be immediately under tension when placed on the two bikes but is not the best option for urban riding. It should never be used when descending on hills.

Find out more about bike tow rope: Using a Bike Tow Rope

Tow Rope in Mountain Bike setting. goRide

Shop Bike Tow Rope

Bike Tow Frame – Follow Me Tandem

The bike tow frame connects your MTB frame to your child’s bike. This is a great way to tow a child who needs assistance or help on easy trails, through traffic or on multi day tours. It is an amazingly stable connection that effectively creates a tandem bike. Your rear suspension will need to be locked when using the tow frame.

The tow frame attaches at the rear wheel axel and you will find that if you have a modern bike, built in the past 4-5 years you may have what is called a Through Axel. This type of axel is compatible but will will need to purchase the axel adaptor separately, please check your axel type and check availability of alternative axels.

Find out more about bike tow frame attachment: Will a Bike Tow Frame fit my bike?

Shop Bike Tow Frame

Bike Tow Bar – Trailgator

The bike tow bar connects your MTB frame to your child’s bike at the seat post. The shape of these frames means you need your saddle to be set high to create space on the seat post for the bar to attach. The tow bar is a great way to assist for short periods of time. This frame style can have problems with the tow bar especially if your frame is a size small. You will need to lock your rear suspension when using the tow bar.

The tow bar attaches from the adults seat post to the frame of the childs bike.

Find out more about bike tow bar attachment: Will a Bike Tow Bar fit my bike?

Shop Bike Tow Bar

Design features that cause issues: MTB Frames

Full Suspension MTB frames can be used in a number of settings so are a versatile family riding bike, they are a great match to off road & trail riding. But like all bikes some features can cause issues…

X-SMALL & SMALL FRAMES – if you are considering a tow bar then pay particular attention to whether you will have enough clearance over your rear wheel or any space to attach the bar.

Small Bike Frames & Kids Bike Seats

29 INCH WHEELS – If your bike has 29 inch wheels then a bike tow bar is not a suitable option.

CARBON SEAT POST – If your bike has a carbon seat post then a bike tow bar is not a suitable option.

ELECTRIC BIKE BATTERY – Battery placement can be an issue with Tow Bars. E-bikes that have a battery placed over the rear wheel may have problems. This battery position can effect your ability to attach a tow bar.

REAR WHEEL HUB – Modern trail or mountain bikes often have different rear wheel hubs to standard bikes. If your bike is new/high spec you will probably need to purchase a different type of rear axel for attachment of a bike trailer or bike tow frame to your bike. Please check they are available before purchasing. This includes bikes with internal gear hubs.