Biking Distance or Multi Day with a 2-6yr old

Biking Distance or Multi Day with a 2-6yr old

by | Oct 11, 2022 | get Ready

There is a lot of family fun to be had if you are wanting to ride multi-day or distance with a young family. It allows parents to continue to enjoy activities they love to do.

Let us help you have a successful multi-day adventure or complete regular long rides. 

 

Guide: Riding with a 2-6 yr old

If you are going on a multi-day ride or want to ride distance regularly (e.g. commuter by bike) then it means that your young child will be spending time on the bike. To achieve this you will need to make sure they are safe and comfortable in their space.  If they enjoy their riding they will want to do more.

With a 2-6yr old child that generally means;

  • you need to keep them comfortable so consider how you can
    • keep them warm or cool enough
    • ways to reduce vibration and jostling while you ride
    • ways they can see and interact with the environment and with you
  • if they still need a sleep can you achieve this while riding or will you need to stop and rest?

Riding on a multi-day biking adventure or going on long rides will also mean that you will need to carry gear with you… whether it be just your gear for the day or gear for the full duration of your journey.  As all this weight starts to add up you need to be fit and strong to enjoy your time.  You can also gain assistance by choosing an E-Bike as the type of bike you use for your family riding.

Options for Riding Distance or Multi-Days with a 2-6yr old:

  1. If you want to provide a space where your toddler can sleep – goRides #1 choice is a Kids Bike Trailer.  All the bike trailer options we have are suitable (Off-Road, Sport, Recreation).  Your choice will depend on the features of the trailer that will support, where you want to ride, comfort for you and your child and the additional storage capacity you need.
  2. If sleeps are not required or you are considering managing the ride between sleep times then a Mid or Rear Kids Bike Seat – attached to your bike may be a suitable solution for you. All mid and rear seats are suitable, your choice will be about determining your best match.
  3. You can also consider a tow frame which is a very stable bike to bike connection creating a tandem suitable from 3yrs+. Your child does not need to be a capable riding on their own bike to enjoy riding with the tow frame. You can ride together for the complete ride or you can provide them with option to ride sections of the ride.  Only give them the option to ride on their own if you have plenty of time and you aren’t pushing to make distance.
  4. If your child is 4 plus and is a capable rider on their own bike then please refer to our story. Biking multi-day with Kids 4 plus riding on their own bike
1. Kids Bike Trailer – Best Match

BIKE TRAILERS are suitable for a 1 yr old to… Single Trailer – 1 child up to 36kg…  Double Trailer – 1 or 2 children up to a total of 45kg.

Your choice of Bike Trailer could simply be based on where you plan to do your multi-day and longer rides (see Riding Environment and Kids Bike Seat Match) however we think there is more to consider when riding distance or over multi-days. A Off-Road Trailer or Sports Trailer is your best match. Let us understand why.

  • Both of these trailers will support you riding in a wide variety of environments and can provide a space that your young child can sleep in.
  • The trailers are Multi-Use meaning they can easily be converted into a stroller (and jogger if you purchase this kit). The stroller kit is stored on the bike trailer offering you options to be able to walk with your child whenever you choose. Creating a lot more flexibility for your activity/adventure.
More Amazing Features:
  • An enclosed comfortable cosy space that can be adjusted to assist with their comfort as well as…
    • Adjustable suspension to reduce vibration and jostling. Available in the Off-Road and Sports Trailer. The Recreation Trailer has suspension but it is not adjustable
    • A weather cover, sun shade, the ability to open up the sides of the trailer.  Provides you with a range of options to help keep your young child warm or cool, protected from the sun and interacting with you and the environment.
    • Reclined seat that will support sleeping. Available in the Off-Road or Sports Trailer. The Recreation Trailer seats do not recline
    • Seat accessories are available for support & comfort in the trailer. See Accessories Support. Note the Sports Trailer comes with a good padded seat.
    • Additional storage for additional gear that you will need throughout your multi-day/long ride. Make sure you are comfortable riding with increased load. Both the Off-Road and Sports Trailer offer additional storage capacity. The Recreation Trailer has no additional storage.

    When riding with a trailer you need to make sure the trail is wide enough to tow a trailer and consider if there are any gates or obstacles that may make it difficult to take the trailer through and over. To understand the different features of the trailers please read Comparing Thule Bike Trailers

SHOP Kids Bike Trailers
Kids Bike Trailer – Safety

Before you ride multi day or head out for a long ride you need to be well practised at riding with your baby/toddler in a trailer. Having a trailer attached to your bike will feel different to begin with.  Everyone will notice this change, from experienced riders to beginners.  With practise you will get better. To help you understand how it will feel to ride with a kids bike trailer please read our story.

To ride multi-day it is important to understand how the bike trailer you are using works so you are comfortable with it. This will help you feel confident in your ability to use it and solve any problems that come up.  Knowing how it attaches/detaches, how to check it is safe, and understanding how the harness works will help.  Keeping the front screen down is important to provide protection from grit, dirt and small stones that can be flicked up by your rear tyre.

How does it Feel to Ride with a Kids Bike Trailer
2. Rear Kids Bike Seat

Bike Carrier and Bike Frame Mount options. Suitable for 1-6years up to 22kg

  • As a rear seat is exposed it can be hard to protect them from the weather and conditions you may encounter during a long or multi-day ride. Your body/bulk will provide some protection with the seat tucked in behind you  Clothing to keep them at a safe temperature and sun protection will be really important.
  • To carry any additional gear you will need to consider where and how you can carry the gear.  There are other places where you can attach gear – the middle of your bike frame, the handlebars, or you could tow a gear trailer. Some rear seats like the frame mount seat still allow you to attach panniers to a rear carrier. Whatever you decide you will need to consider your load and balance. Use our Stories and Support for carrying gear to help you consider your options.
  • Toddlers are kept safe in their seat with a secure harness and can relax and be comfortable for long periods of riding.  They can even fall asleep in a rear kids bike seat (like a car seat) but the set up and environment mean that is it is not well suited to long, restful sleeps.
SHOP Rear Seat
Rear Seat – Safety

Before you ride multi day or head out for a long ride you need to be well practised at riding with your toddler in a rear kids bike seat. Having a rear seat attached to your bike will feel different to begin with.  Everyone will notice this change, from experienced riders to beginners.  With practise you will get better. To help you understand how riding with a rear kids bike seat feels please read our story.

To go on a long ride it is important to understand how the rear seat you are using works so you are comfortable with it. This will help you feel confident in your ability to use it and solve any problems that come up.  Knowing how it attaches/detaches, how to check it is safe, and understanding how the harness works will help.

How Does it Feel to Ride with a Rear Kids Bike Seat
3. Mid Kids Bike Seat

Suitable for 2-5/6 yrs up to 22kg/27kg

  • This is a really fun way to ride with a child but the trade off is no harness.  Unharnessed kids can not completely relax in their seat so you will need to stop more often to give them breaks.
  • As a mid seat is exposed it will be hard to protect them from the weather and conditions you may encounter during a long or multi-day ride. Clothing to keep them at a safe temperature and sun protection will be really important.
  • To carry any additional gear you will need to consider where and how you can carry the gear.  There are a variety of places where you can attach gear – the rear or middle of your bike frame, or you could tow a gear trailer. Whatever you decide you will need to consider your load and balance. Use our Stories and Support for carrying gear to help you consider your options.
  • To ride with your child on a long ride or multi-day in a mid seat you will need to stop for sleep times.
riding with a child, 2-4yr
SHOP Mid Seat Range
Mid Seat – Safety

Before you ride multi-day or head out for a long ride you need to be well practised at riding with your child in a mid seat. Having a mid seat attached to your bike will feel different to begin with. Your child is unharnessed in this seat so can move. Everyone will notice this change, from experienced riders to beginners.  With practise you will get better. To help you understand how it will feel to ride with a mid mounted seat please read our story.

To go on a long ride it is important to understand how the mid seat you are using works so you are comfortable with it. This will help you feel confident in your ability to use it and solve any problems that come up.  Knowing how it attaches/detaches and how to check it is safe. 

How Does it Feel to Ride with a Mid Seat
3. Tow Frame – Bike to Bike Connection

Suitable for 3-9 yrs up to 36kg

  • An incredibly stable, low connection provides your child (from 3yrs+) with a secure comfortable seat for long periods of time.  They can pedal or rest as they want to.  You can also detach them and let them ride on their own for short distances.
  • As a tow frame is exposed it will be hard to protect them from the weather and conditions you may encounter during a long or multi-day ride. Clothing to keep them at a safe temperature and sun protection will be really important.
  • To carry any additional gear you will need to consider where and how you can carry the gear.  There are a variety of places where you can attach gear – the rear or middle of your bike frame, or you could attach panniers. Whatever you decide you will need to consider your load and balance. Use our Stories and Support for carrying gear to help you consider your options.
  • To ride with your young child on a long ride or multi-day using a tow frame you will need to stop for sleep times.
Electric bike & towing kids
SHOP Bike Tow Frame
Tow – Safety

Before you ride multi-day or head out for a long ride you need to be well practised at riding with your child and their bike connected to your bike. Having a tow frame attached to your bike will feel different to begin with. Your child is unharnessed in this seat so can move. Everyone will notice this change, from experienced riders to beginners.  With practise you will get better. To help you understand how it will feel to tow a child on their own bike please read our story.

To go on a long ride it is important to understand how the tow frame you are using works so you are comfortable with it. This will help you feel confident in your ability to use it and solve any problems that come up.  Knowing how it attaches/detaches and how to check it is safe.

How Does it Feel to Tow

Use our guide Biking with a 2-6 year old for more detailed information and support:

  • Learn how to keep them safe and comfortable
  • There may be factors other than long days or multi-day that will influence your decision about which seat or trailer to buy (your best match). Factors such as
    • The style of bike you have
    • Where you plan to ride
    • The size of your family – how many children, now and in the future

 

Guide: Riding with a 2-6yrs old

Kids Riding their own Bike

If your child is 4 plus and is a capable rider on their own bike then please refer to our guide. Biking Long Rides or Multi-day with Kids riding on their own bike.

To help support your child to become a capable rider…then please refer to our learn to ride programmes and kits..suitable for kids over the age of 2 years old

Riding multi-day with kids riding their own bike
goRide Learn to Ride Programme....from 2 years old

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We love this seat. Super lightweight, quick, & easy to attach to a carrier and change between bikes. Suitable for a wide age range – 1-6 year olds.

Ride More Places

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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

How Does it Feel to Tow a Child on Their Own Bike

How Does it Feel to Tow a Child on Their Own Bike

by | Oct 11, 2022 | get Ready

Understand how towing a child on their own bike will feel so you can get going and create plenty of happy family biking memories.

Supporting you and your family to SMILE when you ride.
front bike seat & windscreen
Guide: Riding with a 2-4yr old

People all over New Zealand and the world choose to tow their kids using a bike to bike connection such as a tow frame, tow bar or tow rope.  It is worth making the time to learn how you can ride bikes with your kids because of what you and your family can gain from biking together. It is good to be aware that when you add a kid to your bike your riding with need to adjust. It will feel slightly different than when you ride solo. Understanding the changes can help you have the confidence to get started and make riding with your child easy and safe right from the beginning. It can also help you understand whether a bike tow is the right solution for you.

You learnt to ride a bike so we are confident that, with a little practise, you will be able to adjust your riding so that you feel safe and confident to tow a child on their own bike.

Changes in feel when towing

1. Adds bulk & length to your bike

Adding a tow to your bike is going to make you much longer than compared to riding solo.  You will be adding the length of the connection device as well as the length of your child’s bike. The tow rope can stretch to 4x it’s relaxed length.

2. Adds weight to your bike

Any of the tow options is going to add weight at the rear of your bike that you need to pull.

Changes in riding when you tow a child on their own bike

All the towing options have attachment to the bike behind the adult rider.  So there will be little change to the actual riding of your bike. You can mount/ dismount/ start/ stop and move around the bike just as when you are riding solo. Let’s understand more about the changes in terms of the pull and how your riding will need to adjust.

Adding bulk and length

  • With the tow positioned away from the bike (towed behind the bike) it does not change your riding due to taking up space around you (like with a kids bike seat)
  • There are two rigid ways to tow.  The tow frame, very stable/secure, and the tow bar, child can lean slightly/twist the bar.  Both these tows do not allow your child to steer or make independent movements. They can also rest. Their bike will be tracking your riding path.  It is only when they lean that you may feel a tug in one direction and have to compensate with your balance and steering.
  • Tow ropes are dynamic and moving.  Your child is still in control of where they ride and how fast.  This means the pull is less constant along flat ground.  Ropes are best used on hills or to combat head winds.  Times when you child definitely needs assistance and the ropes tension can be maintained.
  • Adding a tow device and kids bike makes you significantly longer.  So you need to consider this when passing things, crossing traffic or going around corners.  You will need more distance or time to safely complete these tasks than you would with just the length of your own bike.

 Added Weight

  • With towing your child the weight is behind you and you will most likely feel a drag. It may be more difficult to ride some terrain. The weight is going to be more noticeable when going up inclines/hills. That weight can also give a feel of being slightly pushed or shunted on a decline/downhill (do not use a tow rope going down any hills).  It is a good idea to choose an easier gear to set off in and you will need to brake earlier to come to a stop or use your brakes more for any downhill riding.
  • You can tow a child and bike as they grow and get older, meaning the weight of their body and the weight of the bikes they are riding will be greater.  Tow frames/bars can be used to approximately 9yrs and tow ropes are unlimited by age.  You are really only limited by your physical capability and if you ride like this regularly you will get fitter and stronger as their weight increases.

The more riding you do the quicker you will adjust to the new feel of biking with a Tow.  It will initially feel a little different but you will quickly adjust.

 

To compare how other Bike Seats or Towing Options will feel see these stories…

Riding with a Rear Seat
Riding with a Mid Seat
Riding with a Front Seat
Riding with a Bike Trailer

We’re here to help. If you have any questions please call us on 021 025 15576 or 0800 44 33 77 or CONTACT us via email

Enjoy the family time and memories that you will create riding with a child. goRide, supporting women and families to SMILE when you ride. 

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

Attached to the Bike Buying Guide

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This goRide Story has helped direct many. Get an overview of the options that are available so you can ride with your family.

Towed by the Bike Buying Guide

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Everything we ask for your first bike helmet. Lightweight, good head coverage, adjustable, chin pinch guard. The back of this helmet is flat so toddlers can comfortably lean their head on bike seats

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Is an E-Bike a good choice for transporting kids or grandkids?  What do you need to know about an E-Bike before using it with your family?

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Be inspired from this story of a family riding the Otago Rail Trail with Kids Attached. Could this be an option for you and your family?

Balance Bike Buying Guide

What is the best balance bike  for your child? There are many factors to consider in your decision. Use our goRide Buying Guides get the right Balance Bike.

Rear Carrier Mount Bike Seat

We love this seat. Super lightweight, quick, & easy to attach to a carrier and change between bikes. Suitable for a wide age range – 1-6 year olds.

Biking with Babies

When is it safe to start riding with your young child?  Learn what the NZ laws are and what the experts recommend and why?  Be safe and your first riding experiences will be good ones.

Ride More Places

Read stories about riding trails, tracks and  mountain bike parks in beautiful NZ. Be inspired and learn whether this may be an option for you or your family.

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

Riding a Bike with Multiple Young Kids, 2-6yrs

Riding a Bike with Multiple Young Kids, 2-6yrs

by | Oct 7, 2022 | get Ready

To ride a bike with young kids who are between the age of 2-6yrs is a great way to travel as a family.  You just need to understand what will work for this type of multiple child riding.

Helping you to get the right kids bike seat or trailer for your family.

tow rope
Guide: Biking with a 2-6yr old

Family riding is great fun and can be done when your child or children are approximately 2-6 years old.  All the options for riding with a 2-6 year olds are great ones – mid seats, rear seats, bike trailers & tows.  They have been designed with young children in mind, are durable and strong for years of use.  Combining these seats/trailer/tows to use with more than one child can be done.

What you need to know to ride a bike with young children, 2-6yrs…

Riding a bike with more than one child will change the experience you have.  If you need to add the weight of twins or siblings there are some things to be aware of

  • the added weight will change how your bike feels and handles. The balance of your bike will be different.  To be safe & comfortable riding with this weight you will need to practice in a quiet location away from traffic and other riders
  • you will need to commit to a more frequent bike service and maintenance.  For example your brake pads will wear out faster so will need to be replaced more often
  • be prepared to ride on the flat, over easy to manage terrain, or choose to ride an E-Bike for the assistance it gives, or get stronger & fitter to handle the physical demand of hill climbing with two children

 

The Best Options for Riding a Bike with 2-6yr old Twins or Siblings

To follow are examples of the best ways to ride a bike with more than one child.  If you choose to ride with one of these set ups your riding will be more enjoyable and you will not be comprising your safety or comfort.  Their are options for different budgets and different environments so hopefully you can find something that suits.

 

Double Bike Trailer

This instantly gives you two seats for kids 1-4yrs.  Towing is a great way to manage the additional weight.

When you kids near the upper weight limits add a seat to your bike.  Either a mid or rear seat for one child, the other stays in the trailer.  Giving you 2-3yrs more use.

Compatible with all modern bike frames or styles, including E-Bikes.  There are different trailer options that match different riding environments.

riding a bike with twins
View Kids Bike Trailers

Add a mid or rear seat around the age of 4yrs

riding a bike with twins

Step Through Frame with Front & Rear Seats

Having weight in front and behind you balances your bike.  Front seat 1-3yrs, Mid seat 2-5/6yrs, Rear seat Maxi 1-6yrs, Rear seat Junior 4-10yrs.

Step through frames make mounting, stopping & starting easy.  If riding becomes challenging because of your kids growth and increased weight, consider changing to an E-Bike with a step through frame or low top tube. When your child grows too big for the front seat simply change to a mid seat.

carrier mount kids bike seat
Learn More - Step Through Frames & Kids Bike Seats

Change from a front to a mid seat around the age of 3yrs

carrier mount kids bike seat

Tow Frame with Front/Mid or Rear Seat 

Having weight in front and behind you balances your bike.  Front seat 1-3yrs, Mid seat 2-5/6yrs, Rear seat Maxi 1-6yrs, Rear seat Junior 4-10yrs.

Tow frames are a bike to bike connection and a very stable way to tow a young child.  Because they are so stable they can be used with kids as young as 3yrs.

View Bike Tow frame

Cargo or E-Cargo Bike – Lots of Seat Options

Where your kids end up sitting will depend on the style of cargo bike that appeals to your family.  These bikes are built for multiple kids so are a great option if they are within your budget.

Cargo bikes don’t need to be huge & heavy.  They are awesome for carrying more than one child and can replace your car.  They may restrict where you ride as they are best used in urban environments.

Learn More: Cargo Bikes & Transporting Kids

Other Considerations…

If the examples above are not how you imagined riding with your twins or two kids, thats OK, there are other ways to achieve your goal.

Perhaps you want to ride with a certain bike frame style.  Understand more about different bike frames/styles & kids bike seats by reading our story Kids Bike Seat Match By Frame

As your kids grow they become heavier and at some point you may no longer feel comfortable or safe riding with them on your bike.  If this happens you can change things by;

  • adding another adult to your riding. So each adult has one child to deal with. This may be as simple as buying a second attachment adaptor for the seats/trailer you already have.
  • changing your bike to an E-Bike so that you gain assistance and make your family riding easier to achieve.
  • towing an older child on their own bike. Bike Tow frame from 3yrs, tow bar & tow rope from 4yrs.

Safety Comes First…

Riding with a toddler changes the feel of the bike and alters your riding experience when you are adding two children to your bike this becomes magnified but it is still very achievable. Understanding the changes helps you be prepared for riding with your toddlers making the experience safe, easy and enjoyable right from the beginning. If you are wondering if you can manage, and to help you get prepared, please read our stories which are full of great information and tips.

Story: How will riding with a child feel?
Story: Be Confident to Ride a Bike with a Toddler

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

Kids Bike Seat Match by Frame – 2 to 4yr old

Kids Bike Seat Match by Frame – 2 to 4yr old

by | Oct 6, 2022 | get Ready

There are several ways to make a decision about which type of kids bike seat, trailer or tow is the best for you when you want to start riding with a 2-4 yr old.  One of these ways is to take a look at the seat that is the best match to the design or style of bike you have.

Supporting you and your family to SMILE when you ride.
tow rope
Guide: Riding with a 2-4yr old

Family riding is great fun and can be done when your child is between the ages of 2 to 4yrs.  All the options for riding with a child this age are great ones – mid seats, rear seats, bike trailers or bike tow frames.  They have been designed for keeping young children safe, have secure attachment and are durable to last through multiple years.

Identify Your Bike by Frame

Take a look at the series of photos to follow and choose the frame that resembles your bike.

 

Step Through Frame

No top tube or what is called a double down

Commonly called Womens frame, urban bike, town bike

View Kids Bike Seat Options

Triangle Frame

Horizontal or close to horizontal top tube

Commonly called urban bike, town bike, commute bike

View Kids Bike Seat Options

Squashed Triangle Frame 

Angled top tube

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

View Kids Bike Seat Options

Full Suspension Mountain Bike

Curved top tube

Commonly called full suspension MTB

View Kids Bike Seat Options

Not all the bikes that we ride in New Zealand are a great match to kids bike seats or towing…

To follow is a quick list of the design features that can limit your ability to use or attach a bike seat or tow a trailer/bike;

  • frame size – small or x-small
  • carbon frames/carbon seat posts – not compatible with most attaching seats exception mid seats & towing
  • full suspension mountain bikes
  • threadless handlebar stem
  • 29 inch wheels

If your bike has any of these features and you want to know a bit more please read our stories… which will explain the issue in detail.

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

E-Bike, Cargo Bike 2-6yr old Bike Seat Match

E-Bike, Cargo Bike 2-6yr old Bike Seat Match

by | Oct 6, 2022 | get Ready

Do you want to ride with your 2-6yr old on a 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 Seat or Trailer.

Supporting you and your family to SMILE when you ride.

tow rope
Guide: Biking with a 2-6yr old

Overview: Electric Bike, Cargo Bike, Electric Cargo Bike

E-Bikes:

Using an E-Bike to ride with a young child is a fantastic way to start your families riding journey.  Having the assistance 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).  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 bike seat will work with it.

Mid Seat: It is important to understand the space in front of your body and how this will influence your ability to use a Mid Seat.  There are a couple of mid seats specifically designed to be used with E-Bikes (wider frames).

Rear Seat: Battery placement at the rear of your bike – under a rear carrier or in the frame of your seat post tube will affect your ability to attach a rear seat so you must investigate further if your E-Bike has a battery in one of these positions.

Bike Trailer/Towing: E-Bikes are a great choice for towing a trailer or child on their own bike especially for making your riding easy with added weight.  The only thing to watch for is attachment at the middle of your rear wheel – you may need a special attachment piece.

 

Cargo Bikes:

Using a Cargo Bike to ride with a young child is a fantastic way to start your families riding journey.  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. Cargo bikes are ideal for adding front and rear bike seats, it would be unusual to choose to tow a bike trailer.

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

Mid Seat: Cargo bikes are usually designed with a step through frame or low top tube for ease of getting on and off.  The only mid seat compatible with this type of frame design is the Original DoLittle which comes with a tall adaptor.

Rear Seat: This can be the best match for a number of Cargo Bike styles.  Cargo bikes often have extended rear racks or carriers, integrated into the frame of the bike, that are the perfect place for a rear carrier mounted seat.

Bike Trailer: Generally a Cargo Bike is doing the job of a bike trailer by providing you with storage options and multiple seats for young kids.  It would be unusual to choose to add a trailer to your cargo bike.

Bike Tow Frame:  Again with Cargo Bikes the kids are usually sitting on the seats provided.  To ride with multiple kids you may want the option of towing an older child.  A clear path will be needed to the middle of the cargo bike rear wheel for attachment.

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 attach a kids bike seat.

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.

Mid Kids Bike Seats

SHOP Mid Seat Range

A Mid Kids Bike Seat sits on the top tube behind the handlebars so the child is in between your arms. Kids love this as they can see where they are going. This seat is unharnessed and better for off road riding or light traffic.

Find out more about attachment on the Mid Mount seat page at the link above.  Each type of seat has slightly different attachment requirements.

Rear Mount Seats Carrier and Frame

Shop Rear Seat Range

A rear kids bike seat sits above the rear wheel of your bike attached to a rear carrier (carrier mount) or directly to the frame of your bike (frame mount).  Your child will be tucked in right behind you and well protected to enjoy their time on the bike.

Find out more about carrier attachment:  Will a Rear Carrier Mount seat bit my bike?

Find out more about frame attachment:  Will a Rear Frame Mount seat fit my bike?

Bike Trailers

Shop Bike Trailer Range

A kids bike trailer is pulled along behind a E-Bike.  This is a great way to carry one or two kids who will be well protected and comfortable.

Find out more about bike trailer attachment:  Will a Bike Trailer fit my bike?

Bike Tow Frame

Shop Bike Tow Frame

You can use a bike tow frame with either a E-Bike or Cargo Bike.  Tow frame connect the adult bike to a child’s bike. A great option for commute or transport type travel by bike.

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

E-Bikes/Cargo Bikes: Multiple Kids or Twins

E-Bikes & cargo bikes are the perfect way to take more than one child with you.  A great investment for a growing family who wants to commit to regular riding.

Find out more about Riding with Young Twins/Multiple Children

 

Design Features & Frames

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 Bike Seat Options

Triangle Frame

Horizontal or close to horizontal top tube

Commonly called urban bike, town bike, commute bike

View Kids Bike Seat Options

Squashed Triangle Frame 

Angled top tube

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

View Kids Bike Seat Options

Full Suspension Mountain Bike

Curved top tube

Commonly called full suspension MTB

View Kids Bike Seat 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

Step Through Frame – 2 to 4yr old Bike Seat Match

Step Through Frame – 2 to 4yr old Bike Seat Match

by | Oct 6, 2022 | get Ready

Do you want to ride with your 2-4yr old on a bike? Do you have a step through bike frame?

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

Supporting you and your family to SMILE when you ride.

tow rope
Guide: Riding with a 2-4yr old

Overview: Bike with a Step Through Frame

Step Through Frames:

A step through bike frame is an awesome bike for riding with your 2-4yr old child.  These types of bikes are easy & fun to ride.  They are made with strong frames and designed to have weight added to them – to carry gear, shopping or kids.  All the bike seat options for a 2-4 year old work well with this bike design but we particularly like this bike with a rear seat because the design of the bike makes it very easy to ride with the added weight of a child or children.

Type of Riding: these types of bike frames are mostly used in urban environments for around town riding on easy to manage roads, bike paths & cycleways.  Best match to town, short commute, simple recreation riding.

 

Rear Mount Seats Carrier and Frame

A rear kids bike seat sits above the rear wheel of your bike attached to a rear carrier (carrier mount) or directly to the frame of your bike (frame mount).  Your child will be tucked in right behind you and well protected to enjoy their time on the bike.

A lot of step through frames come with rear carriers, if not they are great bikes to fit carriers to.  Frame mount rear seats attach to the frame of bikes on the seat post tube and step through frames have the required space to attach the mount.

Find out more about carrier attachment:  Will a Rear Carrier Mount seat bit my bike?

Find out more about frame attachment:  Will a Rear Frame Mount seat fit my bike?

Shop Rear Seat Range

Bike Trailers

A kids bike trailer is pulled along behind a step through frame.  This is a great way to carry one or two kids who will be well protected and comfortable.

The trailer attaches at the rear wheel axel and you will find that for most step through frames the attachment the trailer comes with (compatible with a hollow axel with quick release) is the one that will work.

Find out more about bike trailer attachment:  Will a Bike Trailer fit my bike?

Shop Bike Trailer Range

Mid Mount Seats

A Mid Mount Seat sits behind the handlebars on the top tube of your frame so the child is in between your arms. Kids love this as they can see where they are going. This seat provides the best interaction between you and your child as they are right in front of you and you can see what they are doing.

Mid mount seats attach to the top tube – step through frames don’t have top tubes or the top tube is very sloped.  You need to purchase a DoLittle Original seat which comes with a Tall Adaptor for use with sloping top tubes.

Find out more about attachment on the shop page by reading the guide called Will if Fit?

SHOP DoLittle Mid Mount Seat

Bike Tow Frame

The bike tow frame connects your step through frame bike to your child’s bike. This is a great way to tow a child who needs assistance or help on trails or through traffic.  This frame style is a great match to towing.

The tow frame attaches at the rear wheel axel and you will find that for most bikes the attachment the trailer comes with will work (Tow Frames come with a Quick Release Skewer).  If you have a modern bike, built in the past 4-5 years you may have what is called a Through Axel, 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?

riding with a child 4yr+
Shop Bike Tow Frame

Step Through Frames: Multiple Kids or Twins

A step through bike works really well with more than one child.  This is the bike style that you see the most with a front or mid & rear seat attached to it.  The bike is easy to handle & can be comfortably ridden along flat, smooth trails with the added weight of two children.

Towing a double bike trailer immediately gives you options for two kids.  Or a single/double bike trailer allows for either a mid or rear seat to be attached to the bike.

Towing an older child, 3yrs+ with a Tow Frame allows you to place a second child onto your bike at the mid or rear.

STORY: Riding with Twins/Young Siblings

Design features that cause issues: Step Through Frames

A step through bike offers many options for riding with kids.  It is one of the best bikes to have to ride as a family.  But like all bikes some features can cause issues…

X-SMALL FRAMES – if you are considering a mid mount seat then pay particular attention to whether you will have enough space in front of your body. The upright body position you ride in should give you enough room, please check.

SMALL FRAMES – a rear kids bike seat needs to be attached close to the middle of your rear wheel – ideally a little in front – so that the weight transferred down does not cause rear tipping of your bike. If mounting a rear seat directly to the frame – Frame Mount Rear Seat – your frame needs to be medium or larger.  Small bike frames do not have the length required to safely mount a rear frame mount seat.  If you have a Small frame please read:  Small Bike Frames & Kids Bike Seats

29 INCH WHEELS – If your bike has 29 inch wheels then a frame mount rear bike seat is not a suitable option.

ELECTRIC BIKE BATTERY – Battery placement can be an issue with Rear Bike Seats.  E-bikes that have batteries placed below rear carriers or in, or behind, the seat post tube may have problems.  These positions for batteries can effect your ability to attach both a rear frame and a rear carrier mount seat.  To use a mid mount seat with a wide frame style you will need to purchase the E-Bike compatible mid mount seats.

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