Child Bike Seat – All you Need to Know

From the type of bike you need to have to the law requirements, here’s everything you need to know before you purchase any child bike seat.

Child Bike Seat – All you Need to Know

1. How old does my toddler need to be?

Well, it depends on where you live, but to put it simply: age requirements for EU are 9 months, and 1 year for US.

2. Is child bike seat safe?

There is one important thing that you need to know when it comes to child bike seat safety – a standard that verifies if the child bike seat is good and safe.  In Europe, the English Standard (BE EN 14344) is required for all seats and it is used to certify front and rear-mounted seats for a child 9 months old and up.  In the US, the ASTM standard will only certify rear-mounted seats for a child age one and up.  While the ASTM does not certify front-mounted seats, they are legally allowed to be sold in the US and all front-mounted seats available are certified by English Standards.

3. What type of bike do I need?

With countless different types of bike frames and sizes, as well as numerous bike seat mounting systems, it’s easy to see how challenging obtaining a perfect mount can be. As a general, standard city bikes or commuter bikes (mountain bike style frames without suspension) are the most versatile, while specialty bikes, such as road or full-suspension mountain bikes, are not recommended. But the most important thing is to make see what mounting options your bike has.

4. Front or rear mounting?

For a smaller child, you will prefer front mounting because you can see your toddler at all times. After they are the age of three and/or over 33 lbs you have to switch to rear-mounted seats up to 70 lbs. The problem of front mounting is that just a few bikes are compatible. Most common way to mount is direct on a frame. Here are a couple of our picks for a good Child Bike Seat.

1. Bicycle Kids Child Front Baby Seat bike Carrier USA Standard with Handrail

2. Schwinn Deluxe Child Carrier

3. Bicycle Kids child Rear Baby Seat bike Carrier USA Standard With Rack

4. Docooler Bicycle Kids Rear Seat Bike Carrier with Handrail

5. Bellelli Pepe Clamp Fit Baby Carrier (Blue/Red, 50-Pound)

And one important thing to remember is child helmet. Never drive your child on bike seat without it!