Kids bike seats and trailer

The bicycle is increasingly used not only for sport and keeping fit, but also as a means of transport, to be used in everyday life for example to go to work, to do the shopping, to take/pick up children at school, etc. It is also increasingly chosen for holidays, to move between the various travel stages and enjoy the scenery while making a sustainable and 'green' choice. In order to share these precious moments with the whole family, there are bike trailers for children on the market. These are trailers that can be attached to one's own bike and can accommodate even very small children who can follow their parents on every route in total comfort and with good freedom of movement.

Depending on the model, the children's bike trailer can also accommodate two little brothers and sisters and, if correctly equipped, protect its 'guests' from atmospheric agents such as rain, wind or sun. In addition, there are trailers that are equipped with excellent cushioning so that they can also travel on dirt roads and with parking brakes. They are generally equipped with two side wheels and often a central wheel to ensure greater stability, and some models can be converted into buggies by fitting the appropriate accessories.

To choose the perfect children's bike trailer for you, you need to analyse your needs and search accordingly for the model that best meets your requirements. There really are many types of trailers and accessories. Remember that in terms of safety, the child trailer represents a higher level than a normal child seat because it is equipped with a rotating joint that prevents it from overturning in the event that the parent on the bike should fall over.
Children inside the trailer can be strapped in with special belts to protect their safety. When choosing, assess the weight limit that each model has in its 'operating instructions'.

In addition, a good bike trailer must be safe, well anchored to the bike, functionally designed for use, and made of high-quality, durable material.

The bicycle seat is the ideal accessory for cycling with your child. There are two types of child seat: front, which is attached to the handlebars, and rear, which is attached to the rack or the frame. There are also models that can be mounted in both positions.
There is no age- or weight-based rule for being able to fit on the bike seat, but the child must be able to maintain a sitting position without support and it is important that he or she always wears a helmet.

The front child seat is attached to the bicycle by means of a handlebar attachment system.

The advantages are:

• good communication with the child:
• free view for the child sitting in front of the rider;
• possibility of using the rack to carry other objects/luggage.

The disadvantages are:

• greater exposure of the child to wind and weather;
• less protection in the event of a fall;
• approved for up to 15 kg so limited use.

The rear child seat can be attached either to the rack or to the frame of the bicycle (which cannot, however, be full-suspended).

If you are considering the purchase of a rear child seat, here are the advantages and disadvantages of this solution.

Advantages:

• greater back and head support thanks to the higher backrest;
• greater protection from wind and weather;
• greater visibility and comfort when pedalling for the cyclist;
• type approval for up to 22 kg so it can be used for longer.

Disadvantages:

• less ease of communication between cyclist and child;
• rack cannot be used;
• reduced visibility for the child.