The bicycle as the main means of transportation is very popular today. With the advent of a child in the family, parents who are fond of cycling want to take the baby with them and introduce him to their hobby. An important attribute for organizing safe and comfortable family bike rides is a special child seat.
Mounted in front of the driver on the frame. The advantage is that the child is always in front of an adult. The young passenger can follow the road and hold on to the steering wheel. The trunk remains free. The main disadvantage is the small space for placing the chair, so you can transport a baby up to 3 years in it. An older child will no longer be very comfortable to sit in front, in addition, he will block the driver's view of the road.
Attached to the rear, on the trunk or seat tube of the frame. A good option for sports families traveling by bike a lot and over long distances. It is convenient for the driver to control the bicycle, the risk of injury to the child when falling is reduced. Of the minuses - the impossibility of constant contact with the child, for whom you have to look in the rear-view mirror. In addition, the baby's view of the road is blocked by the driver's back.
To size
For babies.
For older kids.
How to choose a bike seat for a child
In accordance with the age and weight of the child, the type of trip (long or short), you can choose a model at its location. You also need to take into account the design of an adult car: for bikes with an oval or round frame, any type of child seat is suitable. Owners of bicycles with a square frame are limited in their choice of models attached to the trunk.
The main selection criteria for functionality are convenience and safety. If the child is uncomfortable sitting in a chair, then it will be difficult for him to withstand a long trip.
It is important that the chair has an anatomical shape and a special soft insert inside.There must be enough space between the backrest and the belt anchor. Many models have backrest adjustment for height.
Seat belts (three-point and five-point) with adjustable length and height of fastening must have such a fastener that the child cannot unfasten it. It is important that the belts do not dig into the shoulders and have special rubber pads.
An obligatory element is lateral protection (from the backrest to the very steps).
It is convenient when the back of the chair is adjustable and has several positions. By lowering it, you can let the child sleep during the trip. This option is all the more important, the smaller the age of a small passenger.
A necessary part of protecting a child when riding a bicycle is a special helmet, matched to the size of the head. The shape of the chair should allow it to be used: the baby, wearing a helmet, should be comfortable to sit and lean on the back.
Armrests are needed not only for convenience. In the event of a bike fall, they should protect the baby's hands from injury.
Children's feet must be protected on three sides, plus fixing straps to prevent them from getting into the wheel. An additional plus of the model if it has footrests that allow the child to change the position of the legs.
Additional options and accessories
Holes in the body of the chair for ventilation in hot weather.
Adapter for small frames.
Easily attach child seat to adult bike base without tools. So it is more convenient for parents to carry the child in turn.
Option to lock the chair from the base with a key: you can leave the bike for a while and not be afraid of its theft.
Sunscreen.
Children's raincoat.
Having decided on the type of chair, you can look for a specific model. It is better to buy in a specialized store a fixture with good quality, made of impact-resistant material, from well-known, well-established companies. Be sure to check that the kit contains all the necessary accessories for attaching the chair.
An important question is how much a bicycle seat for a child costs: the average price of a device “with a name” is 5-12 thousand rubles. There are cheaper quality models - about 3 thousand rubles. A certain risk is the purchase of inexpensive bicycle seats from unknown manufacturers. In this case, a high degree of comfort and safety is not always guaranteed.
When choosing a model, it should be remembered that pediatricians do not recommend taking a baby under a year old on joint bike rides.
Top Producers
Hamax AS (Norway). The company traces its history back to 1958. The first children's bicycle seat was introduced in 1981. Today, the manufacturer is the world leader in the production of this group of products.
Bellelli (Italy). Since 1994, the company has been producing bicycle seats and accessories, car and bicycle seats.
Britax-Romer (Great Britain-Germany). The merged companies have focused their efforts on the development of modern solutions in the field of child safety on the road. Since the 1970s, reliable and comfortable car and bicycle seats for children have been produced.
Author (Czech Republic). The company is engaged in the production of not only bicycles, but also accessories for them, including child seats.
Thule Group (Sweden). The company represents the Thule brand, under which children's bicycle seats are produced, among other products for outdoor activities.
Polisport (Portugal).This brand has been producing a wide range of quality bicycle accessories for over 20 years.
Sheng Fa (Taiwan). Manufacturer of inexpensive children's bicycle seats of good quality.
Popular models can vary significantly in price. The most budgetary are devices from Sheng Fa (2-5 thousand rubles), the most expensive are bicycle seats from Hamax AS (the cost can reach up to 15-20 thousand rubles).
Alternative Carriers for Young Children
Bicycle trailers. The stable design on wheels attaches to the rear of an adult's bike and allows you to carry a child up to the age of 6 years. Their advantage is ease of installation and stability: if the bike falls, the little passenger will not be hurt. The disadvantages of the device include the presence of shaking, the possibility of dangerous proximity with other vehicles on the road, high cost.
Semi-bicycle trailers with one wheel. They are mounted to the rear of an adult bike. This option is suitable for older children (4-7 years old), they can pedal on their own, feeling like a full participant in the movement.
Rating of high-quality children's bicycle seats
Inexpensive models
Sheng Fa YC-801
Budget model from a Taiwanese manufacturer. The maximum weight of a transported child is 25 kg. The chair is equipped with seat belts. Attaches to trunk. According to users, this device is convenient and comfortable for children.
Sheng Fa YC-801
Advantages:
Affordable price;
Easy to install;
There is protection against hitting the legs in the wheel spokes;
Weighs a little;
Compact.
Flaws:
Not very comfortable fastening system for legs.
Average price: 2500 rubles.
M-Wave SF-928L
The model is designed for a child under 7 years old, weighing up to 22 kg.Mounted on the trunk of an adult bike. Safety is ensured by straps and a special handle.
M-Wave SF-928L
Advantages:
Soft bedding;
The height of the footrests is adjustable;
All fixings included;
Protection for the child's forearms;
A budget option.
Flaws:
With a short trunk, the driver will touch the footrests of the chair while driving.
Average price: 2470 rubles.
Vinca Sport VS 801
Designed for a child weighing up to 22 kg. Mounted on trunk. The seat has a comfortable shape and is equipped with a removable soft pad. The 3-point harness and leg protection keep your little one safe.
Vinca Sport VS 801
Advantages:
Adjustable footrest height;
Safety handrail;
Affordable price.
Flaws:
Not found yet.
Average price: 2700 rubles.
Models of the middle price category
Bellelli Rabbit Sportflix
The device is suitable for transporting children under the age of 4 years weighing up to 15 kg. The soft padded seat provides extra comfort. The steel mount has a “control” option that can protect the chair from theft. Attaches to the frame.
Bellelli Rabbit Sportflix
Advantages:
Good quality;
Key for dismantling included;
Universal fastener;
Height adjustable footrests;
There is a fixation of the legs.
Flaws:
Seat belts may fall off.
Average price: 3800 rubles.
Polisport Bilby Junior
The bike seat is suitable for a child weighing up to 15 kg. It is attached to the frame, the diameter of the pipe of which should be 22-40 mm. For safety of a trip the model is equipped with three-point belts and a hand-rail.
Polisport Bilby Junior
Advantages:
The footrests can be adjusted in height;
There is a soft liner on the seat;
Protective glass can be purchased separately;
Manufactured according to European standard;
Doesn't burn out.
Flaws:
Does not fit all frames.
Average price: 3999 rubles.
Author Bubbly Maxi CFS
The model is mounted on the trunk (the required width is from 120 to 175 mm) and is designed for a child weighing up to 22 kg. The safety system for a small passenger consists of three-point wide belts, sides equipped with armrests and leg protection.
Author Bubbly Maxi CFS
Advantages:
notch for a helmet;
Adjustable footrests;
Several color options.
Flaws:
So far not discovered.
Average price: 4000 rubles.
famous brand models
Thule RideAlong mini
Front bike seat. Its main features are five-point harnesses and a safety handrail; lock protected from accidental opening; adjustable footrests, three-point fastening. The seat comes with a soft waterproof pad. Easily and quickly installed on a bike.
Thule RideAlong mini
Advantages:
An indicator that reflects the correct installation of the device;
Light shield and protective visor included;
Adapter for installation on different models of bicycles;
There are various color options.
Flaws:
Designed for weight only up to 15 kg;
High price.
Average price: 8,000 rubles.
Hamax Care
This bike seat can carry children from 1 to 6 years old, with a maximum weight of 22 kg. The undoubted advantage of the model is that it "grows" with the child: the backrest and footrests are retractable. Easy to mount and dismantle. Mounted on trunk.
child seat Hamax Caress
Advantages:
Unfolds into a bed;
The seat belts have shoulder pads;
Made from high impact plastic;
High quality.
Flaws:
Inexpensive option.
Average price: 10 820 rubles.
Hamax Sleepy
It is characterized by increased comfort: the back of the chair can be moved to the sleeping position at an angle of 12.5 degrees. Three-point belts are equipped with an additional bracket and are protected from spontaneous unfastening. Attaches to seat frame.
Hamax Sleepy child bike seat
Advantages:
The footrests are adjustable in height;
There is a soft pad for the seat;
Shock-absorbing fastening system;
An indicator that indicates correct installation.
Flaws:
High price.
Average price: 10,000 rubles.
WeeRide Kangaroo SafeFront
In this model, you can carry a baby weighing up to 18 kg. It is attached to the upper or lower frame using a special mounting beam. The seat belts have a five-point attachment. The soft cushion in front can serve as a headrest and armrest.
WeeRide Kangaroo SafeFront
Advantages:
Strength and reliability;
Suitable for most bike models;
Easy to install;
Footrests adjustable in height;
Windproof apron included.
Flaws:
High price.
Average price: 10,000 rubles.
Britax Remer Jockey Comfort
The seat allows you to transport a child weighing up to 22 kg. Mounted on the seat frame. The three-point belt is fixed depending on the growth of the baby. In the back for convenience there is a recess for a protective helmet.
Britax Remer Jockey Comfort
Advantages:
Advantages
Made from non-toxic plastic;
Resistant and impact resistant;
The footrests are adjustable in height;
Soft seat pad.
Flaws:
High price.
Average price: 14,000 rubles.
Choosing a child bike seat is a serious and responsible matter. A small passenger should be in it, first of all, safely and comfortably. Introduce the baby to family cycling should be gradual: do not start immediately with long trips on busy roads.The younger your child is, the more difficult it is for him to spend long hours in a chair, so when planning a trip, it is worth laying down time for rest stops.