Choosing an Electric Bike to use to tow kids/grandkids is a great idea and there are a lot of bikes on the market that will work really well for this job. Learn about what your Electric Bike will need to successfully tow a bike trailer, trailing half bike or a child on their own bike.Â
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Choosing an Electric Bike to use to carry or tow kids/grandkids is a great idea and there are a lot of bikes on the market that will work really well for this purpose. Towing children with an E-Bike works well but you need to have an understanding of attachment points and how towing can affect your riding. As with standard bikes not all E-Bikes will work. It is about finding a solution to fit your situation.
For information on options for attaching a Kids Bike Seat to the frame of your bike see this story called Kids Bike Seats & Electric Bikes
What comes first the E-Bike or the towing product?
This may not be a decision you have to make because you may already have one or the other. If not, the bike should be your first purchase. This 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 an E-Bike you can then look at the options of how you would tow your child/children/grandchildren – now and in years to come.
Get some great buying advice at Buying an E-Bike to Transport Kids or Grandkids.
E-Bike Towing Options for Kids on Their Own Bike
These tow options connect an adult bike to a child’s bike. This gives you the ability to have your kid ride their own bike during parts of the journey. They are often short term assistance options – through traffic, over a hill, over distance.  Tow Rope 4 yr+ (not recommended for on road/in traffic with young kids), Tow Bar 4-9 yrs, Tow Frame 3-9 yrs
What the E-Bike needs!!
Tow Ropes will work with any E-Bike. Tow Bars need a clear pathway to the seat post. Batteries mounted over the rear carrier may interfere with this.  Tow Frames attach to rear wheel hubs – you may need a hub adaptor which are sold separately to the tow frames.
If you are considering any of the towing kids and electric bike options here, read the details about attachment at the links that follow;  How to attach a Tow Rope,    How to attach a Tow Bar,   How to attach a Tow Frame
Tow rope with E-Bike
A Tow Bar will need clearance over the rear wheel
A Tow Frame connects at your rear wheel hub
E-Bike Towing Using a Bike Trailer
Good way to transport multiple young kids with a bike.  The storage ability is a bonus.  Single Seat Trailer 1-6 yr old, Double seat Trailer 1-4 yr old
What the E-Bike needs!
The arm on a bike trailer attaches to the rear wheel hub (middle of your wheel). You may need a rear wheel hub adaptor for attachment if you have rear wheel hub gears.
Found out more at Will a Bike Trailer Fit My Bike? also read E-Bikes & Bike Trailers
E-Bike Towing & Trailing Half Bikes
Great for kids who are less confident about riding. Also good match to tour riding as a family. Ideal when you do not need your child’s own bike.  Standard Half Bike 4-9 yrs or Reclined Seat Half Bike 2-9 yrs
What the E-Bike needs!
Half bikes have arms that attach to your seat post. These arms need a clear pathway and some exposed seat post (@10cm). If you are short you may not have every much of this… so have a look when your seat is in the ideal position for your height.
Batteries positioned over the rear carrier may interfere with the pathway for attachment. If you are considering any of the towing kids and electric bike options here, read the details about attachment at the link below;
Unfortunately NZ does not currently have a supplier of Trailing Half Bikes!
E-Bikes are a great match to Bike Trailers that can be loaded to carry stuff
A standard Trailing Half Bike needs a clear pathway for attachment
Reclined Trailing Half Bike an awesome commuting and touring option
E-Bikes & Multiple Children
Electric bikes are a great idea if you are considering riding with more than one child on your bike. Whether they are both attached in seats or you chose to tow an older child having an electric assist will make riding a bike so much more pleasant.
You will need to be aware of the multiple attachment points of the set up you are thinking of riding with. We recommend spreading the weight as soon as possible; one child on the bike, one child being towed. There are a great range of possibilities to choose from. Depending on your budget and where you like to ride, there are definitely solutions for everyone in the market.
Let us know if you are struggling with this at all, we are here to help. Call 0800 44 33 77 to speak to Annette… or fill out our Kids Bike Seat Solution Finder to get a personalised recommendation for kids bike seat & electric bikes use.
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