Tips for transporting children on an electric bike – Velobecane – Vélo éléctrique

In recent years, the electric bike has established itself as the ideal outdoor activity for the whole family. Practical and easy to use, VAE is the preferred way for parents to explore new horizons with their children. Whether it's daily commuting (home-kindergarten / school), vacation or just a day out, nothing beats the pleasure of riding an electric bike with your family! However, in order to be able to transport your children on two wheels of this type, it is necessary to arm yourself with some suitable and necessary accessories. 

In order to choose the right equipment, it is important to have a clear understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of each equipment: cargo electric bike, trailer, etc. backseat, baby carrier, Etc.

To help you make the right decisions, Velobekan offers you a complete guide containing tips on how to peacefully electric bycicle with own children.

Ideal age to ride an e-bike for kids

Many people wonder at what age a child can rise. electric bycicle with an adult. Toddlers can start exercising, builders say electric bycicle with parents aged 9 or 10 months. Indeed, only at this age the child's physiognomy adapts to the transport equipment recommended for VAE.

His ability to keep his head straight and carry protective helmet necessary to eliminate all threats. Minimum head circumference children's helmet should be 44 cm, and this size is only achieved with 9^e months of life. So, to transport a child with baby carrier on VAE, bone maturity is an important criterion.

With regard to the appropriate age limit, it is important to consider the maximum weight supported by the various equipment. For child seats for front placement, the ceiling is often set at 15 kg and the highchair at trunk withstands up to 22 kg. In terms of trailers, the only limitation will be the space available for the small passenger. When the child on board becomes cramped (mainly from 4 to 5 years old), it will be time to buy him his own. VAEobviously adapted to his age.

On the other hand, for electric bycicle load, the ceiling weight is not secured, since the accepted load can reach 180 kg. If you are using this type of equipment to carry your child, it is simply recommended that you focus on your ability to efficiently maneuver the bike while on board. If changing direction seems difficult, then a second will be required. VAE so that your little one can pedal on their own.

In addition, the cyclist's ease of riding is a predominant factor. The center of gravity remains a parameter that must be considered for optimum comfort and safety:

-        When the center of gravity is low, the pilot can be less destabilized, even if the child is moving. Trailers and luggage rack seats therefore they are ideal for drivers who fear for their stability while traveling.

-        . baby carriers In the meantime, provide a center of gravity in height. This fact will oblige the cyclist to compensate so as not to lose balance when the transported child is moving.

Legal obligation to transport a child to a VAE in France

Like most European countries, France also has special rules for the transport of children. Adults wishing to take a baby on board VAE therefore, must comply with strict legal obligations announced in the form of decrees. Here are some important guidelines to follow:

●      Wearing helmet mandatory: according to article R431-1-3, which entered into force on March 20, 2017, children under 12 years of age must wear protective helmet... This rule applies when babies move on public roads in a two-wheeled vehicle. The cranial armor must be fitted with a clip to ensure perfect support.

●      Children under 5 years of age traveling in a two-wheeled vehicle must (in accordance with article R431-11) be seated in a special seat for this purpose and equipped with a good safety system. It is very important to check children's feet so that they do not get caught on stationary and moving parts of the bike.

●      Seats intended for small passengers over 5 years old must be equipped with a safety belt or at least a handle and 2 footrests.

In addition to these obligations, it is also important to purchase special accessories such as:

●      Rain protection equipment such as poncho integral.

●      Cold and wind protection: sleeping bag, foot muff, windshield, etc.

●      Sun visor for sun protection

●      Dumping support (neck support, cushion, trailer support seat)

See also: Safe e-bike riding: our professional advice

Various solutions to adequately transport your child on an e-bike

In order to transport your child correctly, in accordance with current safety regulations, it is important to have the most reliable equipment. In addition to the characteristics of the devices being purchased, it is equally important to focus on the needs of the child and the cyclist. Below are some guidelines that may help you:

VAE Carrier for Carrying a Child 

This option should be preferred if you want to ride with a child from only 9 years of age.^e month. Depending on its weight, it was possible to determine the type baby carrier choose. Children weighing less than 15 kg should be carried with baby carrierbefore. For older children (12 months and older), you can choose the same device in the rear version to attach to trunk... This will allow you to keep your young child as close to you as possible and ensure that he is out of danger during your city trips. Offering impeccable security, backseat Can be used by a child under the age of 9 to ride a VAE with a parent.

Transportation of 2 children by e-bike 

If you are planning to take 2 kids with you on your e-bike, there are many solutions. So that they keep you company and have a nice walk with your family, you can:

-        Combine one front seat and seat

-        Use electric bycicle cargo ship, which will be equipped with two seats for each child

-        select VAE with front bucket including 2 benches

-        We recommend using a children's trailer

-        Use a bike seat in addition to the driven electric bike.

With 3 or more children

For those looking to transport 3 or more children on their electric bike, combining two vehicles is ideal, such as:

-        Extension for VAE with 2 child seats in addition to the trailer

-        Un front seat in conjunction with backseat, all with the support electric bycicle follower

-        Two-wheeled or three-wheeled vehicles.

-        Trailer with car seat, child seat in the back.

For all these options, the choice will be made in accordance with:

●      Your preferred use

●      route to make

●      the age of the little passengers who will accompany you.

For example, for families who want to start a hike in electric bycicle, when choosing, it will be necessary to focus on the more suitable specific equipment. Children from 9 months to 4 years old can be transported on a trailer at: VAE single or double. This solution, which combines practicality and comfort, will help to relax the little ones on board.

Tips for Choosing a Child E-Bike Transport Seat

If you rely mainly on a vehicle, it is also important to select one based on several important criteria. Unlike the other solutions mentioned above, the transport seat is available in various configurations. Thus, in order to make the right choice, the following parameters must be taken into account:

Age, weight and height of the baby

Choosing the perfect place for your baby should be based on his physical needs. To do this, the size and weight of the small satellite must be taken into account. The lightness of the child during transport is indeed the predominant factor so that the experience can be satisfying. Thus, the child being transported must be able to:

-        Move enough in your future place

-        Possibility to easily place feet on supports

-        Be perfectly in place so as not to fall or jump out of the case.

In addition, you can also choose the mounting option according to the age of your cherub. If it's less than 2 years old (and therefore weighs less than 15kg), front-mount seat options are ideal. Adults will be able to monitor their passenger throughout the journey. For its part, the baby will be more confident in seeing his parents during the trip. The prototypes will be attached at the back on trunk preferred for toddlers from 2 to 5 years old. With a fixed weight limit of 22 kg, the advantage of this option is that the Evolution's payload is much higher. For at least 3 years, you do not have to buy another seat in order to be able to transport your child in VAE. 

Comfort 

The comfort of the child is also the most important criterion for a carefree holiday! For ease of use, duration of use is an important factor. For hikes or long journeys, models are preferred that offer: a comfortable seat, a cover with good padding, armrests, and modular opening. You can also find seat options that can recline and therefore doze off. And always in order to optimize the comfort of your cherub, you should also purchase some accessories:

·       Rain covers 

·       windshield

·       Poncho

·       Etc.

all this will make your trip more than successful!

Also, it's worth noting that front seat much less comfortable than the rear version. Undergoing direct shock from the wheel, this frame-mounted version may not be suitable for long journeys. 

Child safety on board

As this will be the recommended way to safely transport your child to VAEsafety is an important element to consider. Knowing this fact child seats are subject to the strict obligations declared by the European standard EN 14 344. These regulations apply to seats for cherubs from 10 months to 5 years old and weighing from 9 to 22 kg. They demand: 

-        Good strength of seat belts: seat belts should be made of high quality impact resistant material. In addition, the latter must be equipped with 5 attachment points to suit the child's height.

-        Effective locking system: the idea would be to provide a clasp that is capable of holding, but the child also cannot act alone. Throughout the course, the toddler may indeed be required to handle the elements that will be next to his hands.

-        A casing with a smooth surface providing adequate protection from different sides. This requirement will reduce the risk of injury, knowing that a small person may be tempted to grab onto foreign objects when walking.

-        Built-in footrests for the comfort of children and to prevent legs from falling out when traveling.