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 carry the baby with them and introduce him to their hobby. An important attribute for organizing safe and comfortable family cycling trips is a special child seat.
Fastened in front of the driver to the frame. The advantage is that the child is always in front of an adult. The young passenger can follow the road and hold 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 old in it. It will no longer be very comfortable for an older child to sit in front, in addition, he will obstruct the driver's view of the road.
Attaches to the rear, trunk or frame seat tube. A good option for sports families who travel by bike a lot and long distances. It is convenient for the driver to control the bike, the risk of injury to the child in the event of a fall is reduced. Of the minuses - the impossibility of constant contact with the child, for whom you have to look in the rearview mirror. In addition, the view of the road for the baby is closed by the driver's back.
To size
For babies.
For older children.
How to choose a bicycle seat for a child
In accordance with the age and weight of the child, the type of trip (long or short-term), you can choose a model according to its location. You also need to take into account the design of an adult car: any type of child seat is suitable for bicycle bikes with an oval or round frame. Owners of bicycles with a square frame are limited in the choice of models that are attached to the trunk.
The main selection criteria for functionality are convenience and safety. If a 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 liner inside. There must be enough space between the backrest and the belt anchor. Many models have a backrest adjustment for height.
Seat belts (three- and five-point) with adjustable length and height must be fastened so 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 side protection (from the backrest to the footrests).
It is convenient when the back of the chair is adjustable and has several positions. By lowering it, you can allow your child to sleep during the trip. The smaller the age of the small passenger, the more important this option is.
A necessary part of child protection 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: a child wearing a helmet should be comfortable to sit and lean on the back.
Armrests aren't just for convenience. If the bike falls, they must protect the baby's hands from injury.
Children's feet should be protected on three sides plus fixing straps to prevent them from getting into the wheel. An additional plus for the model if it has footrests that allow the child to change the position of the legs.
Additional options and accessories
Openings in the seat body for ventilation in hot weather.
Small frame adapter.
Easy attachment of the child seat to the adult bike base without the use of tools. So it is more convenient for parents to carry the child in turns.
The option of blocking the detachment of the chair from the base by the 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 a device with good quality in a specialized store, made of shock-resistant material, from well-known, well-established companies. It is imperative to check that the kit contains all the necessary accessories for fastening 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 one year old on joint cycling trips.
Top manufacturers
Hamax AS (Norway). The company dates 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 (UK-Germany). The combined companies focused their efforts on developing 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, which produces, among other products for outdoor activities, children's bicycle seats.
Polisport (Portugal). A wide range of quality bicycle accessories has been produced under this brand for more than 20 years.
Sheng Fa (Taiwan). Manufacturer of inexpensive child safety seats of good quality.
Popular models can vary significantly in price. The most budgetary devices are from Sheng Fa (2-5 thousand rubles), the most expensive are bicycle seats from Hamax AS (the cost can be up to 15-20 thousand rubles).
Alternative transportation for young children
Bicycle trailers. The stable construction on wheels attaches to the rear of the adult's bike and allows you to transport a child up to 6 years old. 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 a dangerous approach with other vehicles on the road, and high cost.
Trailers semi-bicycles with one wheel. 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 quality children's bicycle seats
Inexpensive models
Sheng Fa YC-801
A budget model from a Taiwanese manufacturer.The maximum weight of the child carried is 25 kg. The seat is equipped with seat belts. Attaches to the 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 getting feet into the wheel spokes;
Weighs a little;
Compact.
Disadvantages:
Not very comfortable leg attachment system.
Average price: 2500 rubles.
M-Wave SF-928L
The model is designed for a child up to 7 years old, weighing up to 22 kg. Fits on the trunk of an adult bike. Safety is ensured by belts and a special handle.
M-Wave SF-928L
Advantages:
Soft bedding;
The height of the footrests is adjustable;
All mounts included;
Protection for the forearms of the child;
A budget option.
Disadvantages:
With a short trunk, the driver will touch the footrests of the seat while driving.
Average price: 2470 rubles.
Vinca Sport VS 801
Designed for a child weighing up to 22 kg. Mounted on the trunk. The seat has a comfortable shape and is equipped with a removable soft pad. The three-point harness and leg protectors keep your little one safe.
Vinca Sport VS 801
Advantages:
Height adjustable footrests;
Safety handrail;
Affordable price.
Disadvantages:
Not found yet.
Average price: 2700 rubles.
Mid-range models
Bellelli Rabbit Sportflix
The device is suitable for transporting children up to 4 years old and weighing up to 15 kg. Soft seating pad for extra comfort. The steel mount has a "control" option to protect the chair from theft. Attaches to the frame.
Bellelli Rabbit Sportflix
Advantages:
Good quality;
Dismantling key included;
Universal fasteners;
Height adjustable footrests;
There is a fixation of the legs.
Disadvantages:
Seat belts may come loose.
Average price: 3800 rubles.
Polisport Bilby Junior
The bike seat is suitable for a baby weighing up to 15 kg. It is attached to a frame with a pipe diameter of 22-40 mm. For a safe ride, the model is equipped with three-point harnesses and a handrail.
Polisport Bilby Junior
Advantages:
The footrests can be adjusted in height;
There is a soft seat insert;
Protective glass can be purchased separately;
Manufactured according to the European standard;
Does not fade.
Disadvantages:
Not installed on all frames.
Average price: 3999 rub.
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 small passenger safety system consists of three-point wide belts, sideboards equipped with armrests and leg protectors.
Author Bubbly Maxi CFS
Advantages:
Helmet recess;
Adjustable footrests;
Several color options.
Disadvantages:
Not found yet.
Average price: 4000 rubles.
Models of famous brands
Thule RideAlong mini
Front bike seat. Its main characteristics are five-point belts and a handrail for safety; a lock protected from accidental opening; adjustable footrests, three-point mount. The seat comes with a soft, waterproof liner. Easy and quick to install on your bike.
Thule RideAlong mini
Advantages:
Indicator that reflects the correct installation of the device;
Light shield and protective visor included;
Adapter for installation on different bike models;
There are various color options.
Disadvantages:
Designed for weight up to 15 kg only;
High price.
Average price: 8,000 rubles.
Hamax caress
This bicycle seat can carry children aged 1 to 6 years, with a maximum weight of 22 kg. The undoubted plus of the model is that it “grows” with the child: the backrest and footrests move out. Easy to assemble and dismantle. Installed on the trunk.
child seat Hamax Caress
Advantages:
Folds out into a sleeping place;
The seat belts have shoulder pads;
Made from impact resistant plastic;
High quality.
Disadvantages:
An expensive 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. The three-point belts are equipped with an additional bracket and are protected against spontaneous unfastening. Mounts to the seat post.
child bicycle seat Hamax Sleepy
Advantages:
Height adjustable footrests;
There is a soft seat pad;
Shock-absorbing fastening system;
Indicator indicating correct installation.
Disadvantages:
High price.
Average price: 10,000 rubles.
WeeRide Kangaroo SafeFront
This model can carry a baby 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 fastening. The cushion in the front can serve as a headrest and armrest.
WeeRide Kangaroo SafeFront
Advantages:
Durability and reliability;
Suitable for most bike models;
Easy to install;
Height-adjustable footrests;
Windproof apron included.
Disadvantages:
High price.
Average price: 10,000 rubles.
Britax Remer Jockey Comfort
The seat allows you to carry a child weighing up to 22 kg. Mounts on the seatpost. The three-point belt is fixed according to the height of the baby. For convenience, the back has a recess for a protective helmet.
Britax Remer Jockey Comfort
Advantages:
Advantages
Made from non-toxic plastic;
Resistant and shockproof;
Height adjustable footrests;
Soft seat pad.
Disadvantages:
High price.
Average price: 14,000 rubles.
Choosing a child bike seat is a serious and responsible business. First of all, a small passenger should be safe and comfortable in it. You should gradually introduce your kid to family cycling: do not start right away 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, therefore, when planning a trip, it is worthwhile to include time for rest stops.