Bicycle trailers for children: requirements and model range

Transporting the youngest passengers on a bicycle requires attention and care, as well as compliance with certain safety requirements. Of course, special seating can be used. 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 observed, and the 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 studying all the important points in as much detail as possible in order to make the right choice of transport for transporting babies and preschoolers.

The bicycle trailer for children is a convenient and safe accessory that adapts the usual adult transport on two wheels to carry passengers from 0 to 7 years old. Abroad, such devices are called Bike Trailer and have been popular for over 30 years. Models are supplied to Russia today, designed to transport one or two passengers, with a total weight of no more than 45-50 kg.

These designs have basic features.

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

There is no normative regulation for a children's bicycle trailer in the Russian Federation. But, guided by clauses 24.8 and 24.9 of the SDA, you can find out that passengers cannot be transported directly on a bicycle, if this is not provided for by its design. Children under 7 years old must be provided with a specially equipped place for this, towing a mini-stroller is also allowed by the regulations - this does not contradict the concept of a trailer.

In fact, it is recommended to transport children only certified vehicles, with a passport or other document confirming their compliance with safety requirements. Domestic manufacturers do not produce such products yet.

All existing types of children's bicycle trailers can be divided into two large groups according to the type of their design. 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 travel cradle. 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 of these options in more detail.

An up-to-date solution for joint country trips and travel - they are too clumsy in the city... The tandems have a steering wheel with a handbrake attached to it, a seat, a rear wheel, a sprocket, a chain and pedals. A young rider can do whatever it takes to propel the tandem bike forward. But at the same time there is no risk that the child in a critical situation will panic, fall or be frightened.

The semi-trailer linkage involves attaching 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 for 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 sides. Such models are relevant for babies - special child seats even allow you to take a child from the age of 6 months on active out-of-town walks.

Open strollers will be appreciated by older children. They are equipped with a special sun hood that can be folded in cloudy weather, footrests, safety sidewalls - while the front part remains open. In case of bad weather, you can protect it with a raincoat. Trailers are equipped with seat belts, so even very active children will definitely stay in the trailer until the end of the trip. Transformer models allow you to spend your leisure time more varied, but they cost significantly more.

There are popular models of bicycle trailers for children from well-known manufacturers, which have proven themselves from the best side.

• Thule Chariot Cross. Single-seat sports class model. Equipped with wheels that turn the trailer into a stroller, there is a seat with backrest adjustment, removable tinted windows, mesh and sun visor. The model allows you to jog, ski, ride a bike without worrying about the safety of the child. Ideal for active parents.

• Thule chariot... Universal solution for two children, complete with handle and wheels for easy transformation of the trailer into a stroller. The model is considered one of the safest, includes seat belts with 5 points of contact, the carrycot is easy to fold, the package includes a trunk. The downside is the carrying capacity of up to 34 kg.

• M-Wave Kids. Trailer with a light aluminum frame and two seats, a weather cover, a trunk, additional side protection. The manufacturer has 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 is designed for two children, includes a spacious closed buggy cradle, there is an option to use it as a baby stroller. The manufacturer has provided for the presence of a parking brake, a comfortable handle, a removable wheel and an awning against rain and snow.

• Eltreco VIC 1303. A budget solution for transporting one or two children, it is distinguished by a rich set - there are even reflectors on wheels, as well as a raincoat, a mosquito net, a signal flag. The ease of fastening is noted.

When choosing a children's bike trailer, it is important to remember that there are a number of things to consider.

1. Child's age. If it is close to school, it is better to immediately focus on tandems. For wheelchairs-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 designed for 22-30 kg. These limits must be observed, otherwise the frame may simply break while driving.
3. Complete set and additional options. Folding models can be easily transported in transport, car. The shock-absorbing suspension cushions shock when driving on uneven roads. The simplified fastening mechanism will allow you to connect the trailer and bike into a single structure with just one hand.
4. Number of passengers... Even a large carrycot may not be enough for two if it is designed for one child. In the two-seater models, each passenger gets their own comfortable seat and seat belts. The set also includes a cradle seat where the child can sleep.
5. The quality of execution. No plastic structures - the trailer must have a rigid steel frame, strong and reliable enough. It is better to choose fabrics of covers that are hygroscopic, easy to wash and clean.

For an overview of the Thule Chariot Chinook children's bike trailer, see the following video.