Transporting your children by bike: an overview of the different solutions

Cycling in the city has never been easier. And the trend is far from reversing. Whether in Rennes, Paris, or any other metropolitan area, local policies are being implemented to give cycling its rightful place . And the least we can say is that families appreciate it! In the morning, on every street corner, you can see parents taking their toddlers to school. Are you tempted by the adventure, but you don't know which model to choose? Whether you have one or more children, choosing the right accessory or bike is essential, especially for their safety. Baby carrier, longtail bike, cargo bike, or cargotail : in this article, Galian presents the options available to you for transporting your children by bike .

Transporting a child by bike: the baby carrier or junior seat

With just one child, it's very easy to get around by bike . Moreover, regardless of their age, there are cost-effective solutions. And since the weight to be carried is less, you don't necessarily need to invest in an electric bike.

The rear or front baby seat from 9 months

The most common and well-known solution for transporting your child by bike is the baby seat . From the age of nine months, you can take your toddler with you on your trips. This baby seat is available in two models:

• Rear-mounted baby seat: attaches to your luggage rack or bike frame. The maximum recommended weight ranges from 20 to 25 kg.
• The front baby seat: it attaches to the stem, a horizontal bar, the tube of your seat or the frame. The choice of attachment will depend on the model of your bike. Note that with this solution, your child is in front of you, facing the road. To protect them from wind, rain or dust, the installation of a windshield is recommended . Smaller than the rear baby seat, this type of seat is suitable for children under 15 kg.

💡 Good to know: If you have two young children, it's possible to combine these two solutions! For greater comfort, we recommend switching to a cargo bike.

The junior seat from 5 years old

Beyond 25 kg, the use of a baby seat is prohibited for safety reasons.

If you want to continue transporting your child by bike, the junior seat is ideal. This attaches to your rear rack. For your child's comfort, removable footrests are also included.

With this solution, you'll be safe for a few years! The maximum load capacity of the junior seats is 35 kg, the average weight of an 11-year-old child.

💡 Good to know: The electric longtail bike is ideal for children aged 5 and over. It's more practical and, above all, more stable.

From two children: the electric cargo bike or the longtail

Great, the family is growing! Whether you have twins or two children of different ages, keeping your classic bike will quickly become limiting. Even so, it's perfectly feasible to make all your trips with two or more children! Cargo bike or longtail : the choice is yours.

The electric cargo bike with its multifunctional front trunk

Within the cargo bike family, there are two models: two-wheelers and three-wheelers. Both are identical, apart from the number of front wheels (one for the two-wheeler and two for the three-wheeler).

The two-wheeled cargo bike is the most common. Its front box, which varies in width, can carry up to three children of all ages. Inside, your little ones are strapped in and, depending on the model, can even be protected from the rain.

While more cumbersome and difficult to handle, the three-wheeler is nevertheless more stable. Depending on the model, its front trunk can accommodate two to four children.

💡 Good to know: The vast majority of cargo bikes on the market are electrically assisted. Depending on the weight you're carrying, be sure to check:

• the torque of the electric bicycle motor , expressed in Newton meters (Nm);
• the power of the motor , expressed in Watts (W): the motors most suitable for cargo bikes are those capable of reaching a peak of 750W.

The higher the torque and horsepower, the more power your engine has. Which, you'll agree, is important when you're hauling a whole tribe!

💡 Read: Electric bike motor torque and power: what you need to know

The longtail bike for transporting two or three children

The longtail bike , which can accommodate two or even three children, is the new darling of urban families! It must be said that this bike with an extended luggage rack has plenty of advantages. With it, there is no age limit (or almost): from nine months and, for some models, up to adulthood, everyone has a place!

The rear of the longtail bike features side rails and a cushion for your children's comfort and safety. If your child is under 3 years old, you can easily install one or two baby seats.

💡 Also read: Transporting your baby by bike: ride safely!

The Cargotail: a family cargo bike for transporting 3 to 4 children

In some situations, transporting all your children by bike can turn into a real headache. Here are a few examples:

• You have two grown children and a baby.
• You are a blended family and practice joint custody.
• Your youngest child is less than nine months old.

At Galian, we've designed a family electric bike that's suitable for any family. The Formidable is the world's first cargotail ! With its front trunk, extended rack, and super-powerful motor, you can carry up to four children. With this bike, the car can definitely stay in the garage!