Bicycles for twins: design options and selection tips

Bicycles for twins appeared relatively recently and have become very popular among parents of twins and the weather. The acquisition of a double model allows not only to solve the problem of transporting babies from one to three years, but also to ensure the organization of outdoor activities for older children.

The high demand for 2-seater bicycles is due to a number of undeniable advantages of these vehicles.

• The purchase of one bike instead of two can significantly save budget and not spend money on the purchase of two separate models.
• It’s much easier and more convenient to store and transport a double model, than a couple of individual copies. In addition, it is difficult for mothers to take out two bicycles at once with two babies.
• Using a 2-seater model allows you to control both children, which is impossible to do when the kids are moving in different directions - each on his own bicycle.
• Wide range of 2-seater bicycles allows you to transport in them not only twins or the weather, but also more children of different ages. Many models provide a rear “passive” seat for the youngest child, who is not yet able to pedal in turn with his older brother or sister.
• Most twin bikes have a visor folding steps and a control knob, which allows you to use the model instead of a stroller and control the bike when the children fall asleep.
• Traveling on the same bike, kids get the opportunity not to interrupt their communication during the trip, especially since on some models there is the possibility of having children face each other.On classic bicycles, where the seats are located "paravozik", the "navigator" can change at will, giving the steering wheel and pedals to his brother or sister. This teaches children cooperation and interaction, which will undoubtedly be useful to them at an older age.

In addition to the undeniable advantages, dual child models still have disadvantages. These include the overall dimensions of the twin models, which is why they often are not included in passenger elevators. In addition, older children often can not come to a consensus on the direction of movement and who should be behind the wheel.

Bicycles for twins are classified according to several criteria, the determining of which is the location of the seats. For most models, they are located one after another, with the possibility of turning the front seat. Such models have one pair of pedals and are equipped with a footstep for the second rider, and their main drawback is the high load on the child sitting in front, who has to pedal and control the bike.

However, riding on them requires complete coordination of actions and is adjusted by adults using a pusher handle. In our country, such models are not widespread, practically do not go on sale and are found only in the catalogs of online stores. Another sign of the difference between 2-seater models is the presence of a control knob. In many models, it has a removable design and is easily detached along with bumpers, footboards, baskets and other attachments designed to transport very young children.

The next classification criterion is the number of wheels. Three-wheeled models are provided for young children, while for teenagers you can buy a 2-wheel tandem - with two pairs of pedals, two steering wheels and comfortable, mounted one after the other seats. The bike is set in motion thanks to the synchronous physical efforts of both riders, which makes traveling on it as easy as possible.

Considering the design of 2-seater bicycles, one cannot fail to mention the models based on adult bicycle with child seats mounted on the frame. The parent pedals and drives the vehicle, while the children sit in their chairs and are in the role of passive cyclists.

The modern market for children's bicycles is a wide range of dual models. Among them are presented as models for twins, and copies for children of different ages. Below are considered several popular models, positive reviews about which are more common than others on the Internet.

Chinese manufacturer model Capella twin trike 360 without exaggeration, it can be called the most popular in Russia among 2-seater bicycles. The model is designed for babies up to 4 years old and is available in a wide range of colors. The model is designed for a total weight load of up to 30 kg, is equipped with a basket for things, weighs 17 kg and is available in dimensions of 145x70x100 cm. Among the advantages can be noted presence of reverse at the front seat, which allows you to deploy children facing each other, as well as the availability of convenient running boards and visorsprotecting babies from rain and sun.

A significant disadvantage is its weight, because of which few children are able to make long independent bike rides on it. An adult has to constantly push the bicycle, helping the baby sitting in front to pedal. Parents often complain of tight belt buckles and a flimsy pusher handle design. The latter quickly fails, especially when driving on uneven terrain.

Chinese model Small rider platinum also very popular in our country. The bike is made in black and platinum colors, which gives it a stylish and serious appearance. The model is designed for children from one to four years old and has a load capacity of 45 kg. The big advantage of this model is its weight, which is only 12.5 kg. The bicycle is equipped with two comfortable seats with soft head restraints and has one common tent.

A distinctive feature of the model is the presence of three pairs of steps at once, which allows kids to take comfortable poses during long walks. Each seat is equipped with a soft bumper and a seat belt, an elegant horn is installed on the steering wheel, and the control handle has a telescopic design and is equipped with convenient handles. Moreover, the base of the handle is reinforced with a special arc and double tubes, which allows you to roll the bike through the curbs without lifting it behind the wheel. The model is available in dimensions of 108x64 cm and costs about 10,000 rubles.

Model BA Twins also produced in China and is able to replace the stroller. The bike is equipped with walkable inflatable wheels, deep protective tents and soft bumpers. The front wheel has a size of 12 inches, the rear - 10 inches, the pusher handle is made of a durable alloy and judging by the reviews it lasts quite a long time. The model is equipped with a basket for things and wide footboards. Its weight is 16 kg, carrying capacity - 50 kg, cost - 8 600 rubles.

A great alternative to the stroller will be the model of the Taga cycle transformer from the company Eltreco. The model is an excellent option for twins and weathermen under the age of 4 years. The child seats are mounted with a “train” on the frame of the parent's bicycle, which allows the parent to observe the behavior of the children throughout the trip. If necessary, the bike can easily be transformed into a stroller, which takes no more than 20 seconds. The bicycle transformer is available in dimensions of 73x120x102 cm, weighs up to 29 kg and costs 68,000 rubles.

Double Italian bike Italtrike Taxi Dynamic perfect for both peers and children of different ages from 3 to 6 years. The model is so simple that there’s absolutely nothing to break into. At the same time, stylish design and excellent quality distinguish it from its analogues and make it incredibly popular. The rear seat is located opposite the direction of travel, which allows the "passenger" to go backwards in front as if in a bus.

The model is equipped with wide rubber wheels and special bearings made of a material called Acetylic Resin. This material provides easy torsion of the wheels and prevents their blocking when dirt and sand get into the bearing. The steering handles are made of environmentally friendly latex, and the frame is painted with non-toxic paints. Dimensions of the model - 63x69x114 cm, weight - 12.6 kg, load capacity - 35 kg, cost - 15,340 rubles.

When choosing a bike for twins or weather, a number of important points should be considered.

• Carrying capacity. You should pay close attention to this factor, since the period of operation of the bicycle depends on it.It is better to purchase a model of maximum load capacity, which will allow not only to use it calmly for 2-3 years, but also to take small luggage with you.
• If the bike is chosen for twins, then both seats must have equally sturdy construction, designed for the weight of children. Models with a lightened rear seat can be purchased only if the second child is still small and will not change with older places during a walk.
• If you plan to use the bike in conditions of not too smooth terrain, then you should pay attention to models with inflatable rubber wheels. They have excellent cushioning properties, but unlike plastic and polyurethane foam options they need constant monitoring of tire pressure and rubber integrity. And also you should pay attention to the method of mounting the wheels to the axles. It is better if these are bearings that provide ease of movement and guarantee the absence of creaking.
• A good addition would be the option of free pedaling. This is especially convenient when transporting small children who, by their chaotic pressing on the pedals, prevent their mother from rolling the bike using the push handle. In this situation, the pedals are set to neutral mode, after which the baby can twist them as much as desired without affecting the course of the bike. However, this function is not provided on all models and is quite rare.
• Do not take too cheap Chinese models, since often they cannot ensure proper safety of use, and the savings are very doubtful.

See the video below for an overview of the Small Rider Platinum twins tricycle.