Enterprising parents can hardly wait to make the first trip with their child and bike trailer. But be careful: babies should only be transported in a lying position so that the spine is not subjected to too much strain. Only when the child can sit alone, a bicycle child seat (from 9 kg / about 9 months of age) comes into question. Therefore, you should look for a good child bike trailer.
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Children’s Bicycle Trailer – Buying Advice
However, before you rush to the nearest store or online store, you should consider how you will use the bike trailer:
- Short trips (mainly in the city or in the countryside).
- Long distances and vacation tours.
This assessment is important since the demand for quality and suitability for everyday use depends largely on this. And the price grows with the demands.
Safety Knows No Compromise
Under no circumstances should you skimp on the safety of the bicycle trailer when buying it. A robust floor pan and a stable roll cage are basic requirements. Equally important is a 5-point harness system, which must have child-proof fasteners. Water-resistant materials that must be absolutely splinter-proof are basics. The hitch must have a safety strap. Large tires and a low center of gravity also prevent the bicycle trailer from toppling over.
In addition, the trailer should have taillights, a pennant (accessories), and reflectors at the rear and side.
One or two?
For families with several children, most manufacturers offer the models to transport two children. Unless they are twins, parents should consider how long the transport for two children will usually be before the older of the children moves to the bike seat. This is because a tandem bike trailer immediately adds more weight to the scale.
Comfort And Suspension
Depending on the area of use, the model should have good suspension and comfortable seat shells for the passengers. However, it is also part of the chauffeur’s duties to prefer gentle routes.
Coupling
The bicycle trailer is hitched by means of a hitch. In recent years, two-part coupling has become popular. This allows you to disconnect the trailer at any time without having to dismantle the entire device. If you as parents alternately pull the trailer, the purchase of a second coupling is recommended.
Requirements For The Chauffeur
Fitness and foresight are required of you. A bicycle trailer with a child and additional luggage quickly reaches 20 – 30 kg. You should avoid narrow passages and sharp curves or drive through them with caution. Very important: The child sits very low in the trailer so that at a traffic light the exhaust gases of the cars flow out at head height. It is, therefore, better to wait for a little before the traffic lights or even on the footpath. You should avoid potholes as much as possible, as the shocks go directly to the child’s spine (even in cars with good suspension). And not every child can stand the rocking in the trailer.
Helmet On!
The safety and protection of children are also paramount when transporting them in a bicycle trailer. That’s why children should always wear a helmet even in the children’s bike trailer.
Manufacturer
There are many different models in a wide range of price ranges. Leading manufacturers such as Chariot, Leggero, Croozer, Weber, Burley, or Blue Bird carry models for every taste.