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.
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.
Add a mid or rear seat around the age of 4yrs
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.
Change from a front to a mid seat around the age of 3yrs
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.
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.
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.
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Inhave found a Viking folding trike that I would like to buy to transport my 2 year old twin grandsons but I can’t find any seats or kits to do this, is it possible please?