Bicycle trailers for children: requirements and model range

Cycling the youngest passengers requires attention and caution, as well as compliance with certain safety requirements. Of course, you can use special seats. But it will be much more convenient to choose and purchase a bicycle trailer for children. In this case, all safety requirements will be fully complied with, and young travelers themselves will be able to go on a trip, even together.

The range of safe accessories for transporting children still raises many questions. It is worth exploring all the important points in as much detail as possible in order to make the right choice of transport for transporting kids and preschoolers.

A bicycle trailer for children is a convenient and safe accessory that adapts ordinary adult transport on two wheels for carrying passengers from 0 to 7 years. Abroad, such devices are called Bike Trailer and have been popular for over 30 years. Today, Russia is supplied with models designed to transport one or two passengers, with a total weight of not more than 45-50 kg.

Such designs have the main features.

1. The trailer is mounted using a flexible connection to the rear wheel of an adult bicycle. The whole process takes no more than 30 seconds. The mount is made in such a way that even when the main element of the tandem falls, the child seat remains in an upright position. In order to prevent splashes from under the wheels flying at the child, it is enough to install a long rear wing and a wide mudguard.
2. The children's trailer is mounted at a fairly safe distance from the adult bike. Its own wheels are located on the sides, the design provides for a soft or hard bottom, a special chair with seat belts for each passenger, a folding hood, a footrest, ventilated sidewalls and a raincoat.
3. In its functions and equipment, the children's bike trailer is as close as possible to a regular stroller. Moreover, many models are transformers. On their chassis, you can mount a standard pair of front wheels, getting spacious transport for a grown up baby, installing sleds or skis. Optionally, the kit may include a luggage compartment, which allows you to place all the things a child needs.

There is no normative regulation for a children's bicycle trailer in the Russian Federation. But, guided by paragraphs 24.8 and 24.9 of the SDA, you can find out that it is impossible to transport passengers directly on the bicycle, if it is not provided for by its design. Children under 7 years of age must be allocated a specially equipped place for transportation, towing a mini-stroller is also allowed by the standards - this does not contradict the concept of the trailer.

In fact, recommended for the transport of children only certified vehicles with a passport or other document confirming their compliance with safety requirements. Domestic manufacturers have not yet produced such products.

All existing types of children's bicycles can be divided into two large groups according to the type of construction. Trailers are used for toddlers and preschoolers - strollers that take into account the needs of young passengers and exclude their accidental movement outside the safe cradle for travel. Trailers of a different type have been developed for children over 7 years old. - half-tandems, in which instead of the front wheel and steering fork there is an arc mount to an adult bicycle.

It is worth considering all these options in more detail.

The actual solution for joint suburban trips and travels - in the city they are too clumsy. Tandems have a steering wheel with a hand brake fixed on it, a seat, a rear wheel, an asterisk, a chain and pedals. A young passenger can contribute to the overall effort that moves a twin bike forward. But at the same time there is no risk that the child in a critical situation will panic, fall or be scared.

The semi-trailer link means mounting the tandem part on a rigid frame to the saddle post of an adult bicycle. When turning and maneuvering, the child does not come into contact with the rear wheel of the main vehicle.

Models calculated on the youngest passengers. Among the engineering solutions presented in this class, there are options for 1 and 2 children, all-weather or only summer. The box itself with the seat can be closed - with sides and sidewalls. Such models are relevant for kids - special child seats even allow you to take a child from 6 months old for active out-of-town walks.

Outdoor strollers will be appreciated by older children. They are equipped with a special hood from the sun, which can be folded in cloudy weather, with steps, safe side walls - the front part remains open. In case of bad weather it can be protected with a raincoat. Trailers are equipped with safety belts, so even very active children will definitely stay in the trailer until the end of the trip. Transformer models allow more diversified leisure time, but they cost significantly more.

There are popular models of bicycle trailers for children of famous manufacturers, who have proven themselves from the best side.

• Thule Chariot Cross. Single model sports class. It is equipped with wheels that turn the trailer into a stroller, there is a seat with adjustable backrest, removable windows with tinted windows, a mesh and a sun visor. The model allows jogging, skiing, cycling without worrying about the safety of the child. Ideal choice for active parents.

• Thule chariot. A universal solution for two children, a handle and wheels are included for easy transformation of the trailer into a pram. The model is considered one of the safest, includes seat belts with 5 points of contact, the cradle is easy to fold, the configuration has a trunk. Less can be called a load capacity of up to 34 kg.

• M-Wave Kids. The trailer with a lightweight aluminum frame and two seats, there is a weather cover, a trunk, additional side protection. The manufacturer provided for the presence of reflective stripes on the cradle. But the carrying capacity of the model is limited to a mass of 20 kg.

• Schwinn trailblazer. The model, designed for two children, in the kit is a spacious closed cradle-buggy, there is an option for use as a pram. The manufacturer provided for the presence of a parking brake, a convenient handle, a spare wheel and an awning from rain and snow.

• Eltreco VIC 1303. The budget solution for transporting one or two children is rich in equipment - there are even reflectors on wheels, as well as a rain cover, mosquito net, and a signal flag. Simplicity of fastening is noted.

When choosing a children's bike trailer, it’s important to remember that There are a number of points to consider.

1. Age of the child. If it is close to school, it is better to focus on tandems right away. For strollers-trailers, it is better to consider age limits within 1-6 years.
2. Weight category. As a rule, models for two children withstand a total load of up to 50 kg. Single options can even be calculated on 22-30 kg. These limits must be observed, otherwise the frame may simply break during movement.
3. Options and additional options. Folding models can easily be transported in transport, car. A shock-absorbing suspension will soften shock loads when driving on rough roads. A simplified mounting mechanism allows you to connect the trailer and bike in a single design with just one hand.
4. Number of passengers. Even a large cradle may not be enough for two if it is designed for one child. In double models, each passenger gets their own comfortable seat and seat belts. In the kit there is also a cradle seat where the child can sleep.
5. Workmanship. No plastic structures - the trailer should have a rigid steel frame, strong enough and reliable. Fabrics covers better to choose hygroscopic, easy to wash and clean.

See the following video for an overview of the Thule Chariot Chinook kids trailer.