Here’s an infographic that shows you all kinds of ways to transport kids on bikes! With so many people making the wise decision to go car-free these days, there is a pressing need to know how to transport kids on bikes. This post shows how to choose between front-mounted bike seats for kids; rear-mounted bike seats for kids; bike trailers for kids; tag-along bikes for kids; tow bars for kids’ bikes; longtail cargo bikes for transporting kids; bucket-style cargo bikes; and electric bucket-style cargo bikes. With so many choices to safely transport kids on bikes, maybe we will one day escape our dependence on cars!
Related Post: Complete Guide to Child Bike Seats and Trailers
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First, here’s a video on how to transport kids on bikes:
To read much more about safely transporting babies and children on bikes, see this in-depth post with videos: 7 of the Best and Safest Baby and Child Bike Seats, with Reviews and Videos.
Related Post: 7 Easy Steps to Teach a Child to Ride a Bike
Next, here’s an infographic that sums up the primary options on how to transport kids on bikes:
So, there are definitely a whole lot of options out there to carry your kids on bikes. I am seeing more and more people transporting kids on bikes, and it’s a heart warming and inspiring sight to me! If you have the skills, you can actually custom make a device to take your kids on bike rides, as Stam did for his son Sean:
Stam takes his son Sean for his first bike ride! Photo published with the kind permission of Mark CorryIf you don’t have that level of skill, don’t despair: there are many options out there! This chart shows our picks for the 7 best child bike seats available.
Chart Comparing 7 of the Best Child Bike Seats
 | • Rear mounted, attaches to seat post. • Mount or dismount in seconds with the universal quick-release bracket. • Fits most frames. | Best for children who are at least 18 months old. Rated for children from 9 months to 6 years old, up to 48.5 lb (22 kg) | • 5 different reclining options. • Adjustable footrests. • Height adjustable, padded safety harness with child proof safety buckle. • Reversible, washable seat cover. • Reclining function for an extra comfortable ride. • Adjustable 3-point harness ensures child safety and the perfect fit. • Smooth, comfortable ride from the shock-absorbing suspension system. • One-handed reclining seat for on-the-go naps (5 options; up to 20 degree recline). • Childproof safety buckle with large button to easily secure your child | $299.95 |
 | • Rear mounted, attaches to seat post. • Fits rear bike racks with an EasyFit window or racks with Thule Yepp Maxi EasyFit Adapter (sold separately). | Best for children who are at least 18 months old. Rated to carry children up to 40 pounds (18 kg) | • Rated as “the Cadillac of bike seats” • Complies with the most stringent European safety requirements and has won multiple design awards. • Includes Adjustable 5-point harness for a perfect fit. • Adjustable footrests. • Shoulder pads. • Theft-proof. • Soft and shock-absorbing seat for child comfort. • Childproof safety buckle to quickly and easily secure child. • Built-in reflectors and safety light attachment point for added visibility. • Adjustable foot rests and straps grow with your child. | $249.95 |
 | • Front mounted, attaches to headset. • Easy mounting; compatible with most bikes. | Suitable for children from about 12 months, once they can comfortably hold their heads up for extended periods. Tested for children aged 9 months to 3 years old; rated for up to 33 lb (15 kg) | • Soft and shock-absorbing seat. • Adjustable 5-point harness ensures a perfect fit and child safety; • Comfort handle bar for child’s hands. • Adjustable foot rests and straps means that it can grow with your child. • Childproof safety buckle. | $159.95 |
 | • Front mounted, attaches to headset and seat post and the headset. • Fits almost all bikes including oversized head tubes and full suspension of 16”+ (except drop handle bars). • Comes with its own bar so it can be fitted to almost any bike. | Suitable for children from about 12 months, once they can comfortably hold their heads up for extended periods. Rated to carry children up to 40 pounds | • Very thick seat and back padding. • Adjustable footrests. • Plush headrest in the front for nap time. • Patented bar puts weight in centre of bike and not on front like other front seats. • 5 point safety strap and enclosed movable footrests for child safety. • The seat can be fitted easily within 20 minutes and can be removed in seconds for solo riding. | $158.67 |
 | • Trailer. • Can be attached to the seat post of almost any bike. | Can carry up to two children; rated for up to 100 pounds (45 kg) | • Highly rated by users. • Exceeds ASTM standards for safety and durability. • Lightweight. • Hammock-style seat for comfort. • Two 5-point harnesses so you can carry one or two children. • Windows have UPF 30 sun protection. • Full internal roll cage. • Rear cargo space. • Bright colors. • Reflective elements. • Comes with neon orange safety flag. | $379.95 |
 | Separate mini-bike that attaches to seat post of most bikes | Recommended for children aged 4 to 9; rated for up to 75 pounds. Weighs 24 pounds | Allows child to help with the pedaling and learn some cycling skills. | $100.08 |
 | Bicycle that is especially designed to carry cargo - in this case, children | Suitable for children over one year old. Exact suitability depends on which one you choose - be advised by the manufacturers' recommendations | Features will vary depending on which one you buy; some carry children in the front, others at the back; there is also an option of getting an electric cargo bike | Check with your local bike shop |
Front Mounted Bike Seats to Transport Your Kids on Bikes
These are a common way to transport kids, and it gives you as the parent complete control, plus the ability to keep a constant eye on your child, and reassure her or him as well. Therefore, it is ideal for very young kids.
A great option is the Yepp Mini, which is highly rated, easy to mount, and very comfortable. It includes a handlebar for your child’s hands, as shown in the photo above.
Rear Mounted Bike Seats to Transport Your Kids on Bikes
Some people feel safer having their kids tucked behind them, not up front. If that is you, there are many options available. A great option is the Yepp Maxi, which complies with the most stringent European safety requirements and is certified by the Dutch TNO Institute. It won these awards: Baby Innovation Award Winner 2011, Reddot Design Award Winner 2009, Good Industrial Design Winner 2009 and 2010, Dutch Design Award 2009, Fiets Innovative Award 2009. It attaches to your seat post and includes a 5-point harness, adjustable footrests, and shoulder pads for comfort.
Bike Trailers to Transport Your Kids
I see many more parents transporting their kids with bikes on all the new separate bike lanes that have been built in Vancouver over the last decade, thanks to Vision Vancouver and thousands of hard-working cycling activists. A very common way to do this is with a trailer, as in these photos.
For example, the Burley Bee Child Trailer is one of the most trusted products on the market. I used to own one myself, when my kids were little, and it lasted forever. It is one of the lowest priced, ASTM-certified child trailers, and is lightweight. A new innovation are tinted side and rear windows with integrated UPF 30 for sun protection. It weighs just 20.5 lb, yet enables you to carry up to two children. Safety features include a full internal roll cage, and a 5-point safety harness.
Tag-Along Bikes so that Your Kids Can Pedal Safely Behind You
These contraptions are variously called tag-along bikes, bike trailers, and other things. Bottom line is that you can use them to really get your kids into cycling safely, and go out on really fun outings. They are pedaling too, but you get to stay in control! The tag-along bike option means that your kids get to do some bicycling. This WeeRide Co-Pilot Bike Trailer is extremely popular and highly rated by users.
Tandem Bikes
Some parents graduate their kids to a tandem bike. Essentially these are similar to the option of tag-along bikes above, but they enable you to share the control with your kids, rather than you being in complete control.
As your kids grow older, you will of course want to get them riding their own bikes. Here’s a post all about how to teach your children to ride bikes. As explained in that post, the ideal place to start is with a strider or balance bike, as shown in the photo below.
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