Longtail Bikes and Children: 5 Tips for Safe Cycling

In the urban jungle, the longtail bike has carved out a niche for itself among families. Surprising? Not so much! Because in addition to being eco-friendly, this cargo bike with an extended luggage rack is also maneuverable, multifunctional, and incredibly practical. Depending on the model you choose, you can take 1, 2, or even 3 toddlers! However, like all parents, the safety of your children on your longtail bike remains your priority. Wondering how to get off to a good start? In this article, we explore together 5 tips for riding with peace of mind with your little ones !

1 - Choose the longtail bike that suits your needs

So, you've decided to switch to a longtail bike! This model represents an investment, especially if you opt for an electric bike . So, you might as well choose the right one.

For this, there's nothing like a real-life test. Many bike shops offer you the chance to try out their longtail bikes . If you're interested in a particular brand, you can also contact their customer service directly to find out how to book a test ride.

Here are a few things you need to make sure of before buying your longtail bike:

It's suitable for your family: depending on the number of children you have, you'll choose a longtail cargo bike with one, two or three seats at the back.
It suits your lifestyle: Do you have a personal garage? Or do you store your bike in the common area of your building? Depending on the space you have available for parking, choose a more or less compact bike. For the shortest longtail bikes, we call them shorttails or midtails.
The value of the engine torque is quite important: torque is expressed in Newton meters (Nm). The higher its value, the more weight you can put on your bike, especially on hills. In the case of a longtail bike, the load carried is often significant. This is therefore a point not to be overlooked! For your information, the engine torque of an electric bike varies from 40 to more than 130 Nm for the most powerful of them.
It has a powerful battery: the heavier the payload you carry, the more you need to use your bike's electric assistance to pedal. Good battery life is therefore an important criterion when choosing your longtail.
It's easy to handle: In the city, it's not uncommon to have to climb a curb, go around an obstacle, or even pass between two barriers. Therefore, we recommend checking the steering angle of your longtail. The greater the angle, the smoother your ride will be.
It has disc brakes: The electric longtail bike is a heavier bike and you will have to brake more often. Unlike rim brakes, disc brakes have a longer lifespan. The best brakes you can choose are 4-piston hydraulic brakes.

💡 Good to know: Do you have more than 3 children and can't find a suitable longtail bike? Do you want to transport your 2 children and your partner on the same bike? We have the solution! With a cargotail , in other words a cargo and longtail bike , you can take up to 4 children. Nothing will stop you!

2 - Test your bike before transporting your children

Not a seasoned cyclist? Are you switching from a simple muscle bike to an electric longtail bike? Before you become a master of the handlebars, you'll probably need a little time to adapt.

To do this, you can start by practicing on your own. On a quiet street or in a parking lot, practice braking, turning, passing between two barriers, etc. If you make a very specific journey every day (home-school for example), do it alone once to get a feel for the route. This will also allow you to get used to the size and the use of electric assistance.

Once you feel comfortable with your bike, try riding it with a heavy load (like your groceries, for example). If you're not used to it, you may find yourself unbalanced in certain situations (like starting off).

Once you've mastered your longtail bike, riding with your children will be easier. Here are two tips for maintaining your balance in all circumstances :

Load the children onto the back of the bike before you get on the saddle and remove the kickstand. This routine is essential to avoid losing your balance before you set off.
Adjust the saddle so that both feet touch the ground. This will keep your bike upright, even when you stop!

3 - Equip your longtail for the safety and comfort of your children

A longtail bike is generally sold without accessories . It's up to you to complete it with comfortable equipment adapted to your child . Here's what you might find useful:

from 5 years old, a padded cushion on the luggage rack.
a guardrail;
a footrest;
a skirt guard covering the top of the rear wheel and protecting your child from mud splashes;
a canopy protecting from rain and wind;
if no guardrail, a passenger handlebar.
Longtail bike muffs to keep your little ones' hands warm.

Image source: Suzon and Suzette

These accessories remain optional. However, to safely transport your children on a longtail bike , certain equipment and rules must be followed.

4 - Respect safety rules

In France, there are a few specific rules for transporting passengers by bicycle. Wearing a helmet (with a "CE" marking) is mandatory for all children under 12 years old.

Additionally, as soon as your baby can sit up properly, you should install them in an approved child seat. You can easily install two child seats on a longtail bike. This is ideal if you have twins or two children close in age. 😉

In addition to these accessories, it is of course necessary to have high-performance bicycle lighting for cycling at night . Moreover, whatever the driving conditions, always make sure to keep your distance from cars, bicycles and other vehicles on the road.

5 - Plan safe and suitable routes

City traffic can be heavy. For added peace of mind, download a bike routing app . It configures your route and prioritizes quiet roads, paths, and safe bike lanes. Some apps even let you indicate that you're riding a longtail bike!

Of course, depending on where you live in France, you won't benefit from the same cycling facilities. However, these facilities are tending to develop throughout France. The cycling plan voted on May 5, 2023, thus provides for the development of safe cycling facilities throughout France. The goal is to reach 100,000 km of cycle paths by 2030.

Your longtail bike rides with your children have a bright future ahead of them! 🚲😄