Family Transport

We have long been advocates of reducing car dependence, and often hear that one of the biggest barriers is the need to transport children. In the past, the range of bike equipment was restricted, severely limiting the options for families with young children. However, in the last decade the situation has changed dramatically, with the arrival of new products that make cycling viable even with the smallest of children. Much of the equipment that we sell has been used by ourselves with our own kids, so you can be confident that when you come to us, you will get advice based on first hand experience. On this page we feature all of the wheeled family cycling equipment that we offer  - namely trailers, trailerbikes and some specialist family bikes...

Bike child trailers all share a similar configuration. Equipped with two wheels, and attached at the rear of the bicycle, most can be used for children from the ages of around one year up until about five. Superior versions can also be equipped to carry babies of less than nine months as well as converted into buggies, cross country strollers and often a lot more. Trailers come in single or double versions and depending on the model, offer varying degrees of protection from the elements. Cheapo versions are only good for fair weather recreational cycling, but decent ones are actually good for all weather transport - so if you are looking to replace a car, be prepared to invest!

Trailerbikes look like half a child's bike, but instead of a front fork and wheel, feature a long bar that attaches them to the parent's bike. The result is like an articulated tandem. They are great machines for kids making the transition from being carried to cycling on their own and are good from about 4-5 years and upwards. Their great advantage is that they extend your family cycling range at a time when your child is too heavy to carry, but not stong enough to ride for long on their own. They also tend to be faster than parent and young child on separate bikes, so are good for the day to day - school runs etc.

Specialist family bikes come in many shapes, sizes and brands, so we make no claim to be comprehensive here. However, what we do offer has been tried and tested in very demanding markets (ourselves and the Netherlands), so we are confident of the capabilities. See below for more information.

Childseats. For guidance on childseats and other accessories see here: [Link to Family Equipment].
Cycling with babies. For guidance on using these products with babies see here: [Link to download - notes on baby carrying]

The Options

For babies under 9 months...

Specialist bikes such as the Cabby.
Trailers equipped with infant slings.
Proceed with caution at this age - check out our notes for more advice.

From 9-12 Months...

Front and rear mounted bike baby seats.
Child helmets are available.
Child trailers without infant slings (extra head/neck support recommended).
Trikes and 'Quikes' are viable as soon as they can walk.

From 2 years...

Scoot / Puky type pedal-less trainer bikes.

From 3 years...

Front child seats become unviable.

From 4 years...

Most 'Scoot' trained kids will be pedalling bikes without stabilisers now.
Many kids too big for rear bike mounted childseats.
Some kids start on trailerbikes now.

From 5 years...

Childseats no longer viable.
Most kids can ride trailerbikes.
Most kids can ride bikes (12" or 14").
Scoot type trainer bikes still viable.
Trailers still viable.