Ready to get out of gridlock, but worried about getting your child to-and-from daycare? This is our specialty at Bicycle Café: getting around by bike doesn’t have to stop when your family grows!
Bike-mounted Child Seat
One of the best ways to test out if cycling with your kids is for you is to try it out with the bike you have. As soon as your little one’s neck is strong enough to support their own head with a helmet they’re ready to ride with you. They also need to be tall enough that the adjustable straps sit about at their shoulders at their lowest setting (so they can’t wiggle free!). We recommend this solution for Ages: 1 to 4 years
Thule Yepp 2 Maxi
Our favourite option for bike-mounted child seats is the Thule Yepp 2 Maxi. With a max child weight of 18kg (almost 40lbs), and height of 110cm (3’7”), we find you can usually use these up to 4 years old. We stock the universal mounting option that clamps to your bike rack from the sides so it fits most bikes – you just need to check that your rear rack is rated to carry 50lbs or more.
If you’re unsure, book an appointment to bring your bike by and we’ll see if we can figure it out with you!
Don’t have a rear rack? That’s ok too. We carry the Basil Universal Cargo MIK rack, which fits most bicycles and has the added benefit of being equipped with the Mounting Is Key system to click panniers on and off (when the child seat isn’t in place). If you’re unsure at all about fit, or would like help with installation, we can help with that too!
Please note that these seats are not compatible with carbon frames or full-suspension bikes.
Bicycle Trailers
At Bicycle Café we don’t stock bicycle trailers. Staff have personally found it just a little too daunting to carry a kiddo so low to the ground and behind out of sight. This however may be the right option for you; maybe you’re looking to carry two children without purchasing a cargo bike and want the powerhouse exercise of pulling them under your own power. Rock on! We recommend Thule or Burley brands if you choose this route.
Cargo Bikes
Of course, our personal favourite method of carrying kids by bike is with cargo e-bikes. These car-replacements can truly do it all, not just carry the kids to soccer and back, and offer the pedal-assist that makes choosing a bike a no-brainer, no matter what kind of day you’re having.
We have demo models available to test ride for free, including kid-carrying set ups! Book your ride in advance so we have all we need to try them out together and chat about which one best suits your needs and storage options!