Understand how towing a child on their own bike will feel so you can get going and create plenty of happy family biking memories.
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…
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
Riding with my kids - What are my options?
Towed by the Bike Buying Guide
First Bike Helmet
E-Bikes & Kids
Otago Rail Trail - Riding with Kids Attached
Balance Bike Buying Guide
Rear Carrier Mount Bike Seat
Biking with Babies
Ride More Places
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 supporting women and families to SMILE when you ride
Looking into buying a tow frame for our kids. How does it work if our 12” wheel kids bike has a coaster brake. Do we need to buy one with a free hub?
Hi Sarah,
yes it’s tricky with a coaster brake as you have to trust that your child won’t apply the brake while you’re riding, something they can learn not to do, so dependant on your child and your patience.
Thanks Annette