Child Bike Seats

The age at which a child can ride in a kids’ bike seat varies, but according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, “children who are old enough to sit well unsupported and whose necks are strong enough to support a lightweight helmet,” can ride in a rear-mounted child bike seat. Depending on your child's physical development, this age could be anywhere from nine months to several years old.

A kids’ bike seat is only as safe as the adult operating the bicycle, but The New York Times rated the Thule Yepp Maxi as the “best rear-mount kids’ bike seat” on the market, praising it for its “durability, easy installation, and stability in motion.” Featuring a robust outer shell and plush foam padding, this child seat is shock-absorbent and extremely comfortable, with a five-point safety harness and childproof buckle. It also sports a built-in reflector and safety light attachment point for added visibility.

It varies, and depends less on age than height and weight. However, the Thule Yepp 2 Maxi child bike seat is designed to accommodate children from nine months to around six years old (up to 48 pounds). The adjustable footrests and foot straps let the seat keep up as your child grows. NOTE: Consult a pediatrician for children under one year old.

No, you can’t add a child seat to any bike, but retrospec ebikes offer a wide range of compatibility. The Thule Yepp 2 Maxi child bike seat is instantly attachable to Abbot Rev, because that ebike comes with a rear rack pre-installed.

If you purchase a Haul EBike Rear Rack or Haul Wide EBike Rear Rack separately, you can also use this child bike seat with our Beaumont Rev 2, Koa Rev 2, Koa Rev+ 2, and Napa Rev electric bikes.

Every child seat will mount slightly differently, but our universal rack mount system allows you to quickly and easily mount a child seat onto your ebike’s ISO1124-compliant rear rack. It’s as simple as disengaging a locking mechanism and sliding the seat onto the rear rack, then securing it with a ratchet strap. See our installation instructions to learn more.

A rear bike rack significantly expands your bike's carrying capacity, allowing you to transport groceries, bags, and other gear without having to wear a backpack or use panniers. You can do this either on the rack itself or on a rear basket attached to the rack. This adds convenience and versatility to your rides, whether you're commuting, running errands, or going on longer adventures. An ebike rear rack is also a must-have if you want to attach a child bike seat!

It depends! The American Academy of Pediatrics generally considers bike trailers to be a safer mode of transportation for young children, but child bike seats have advantages, too. Trailers are bulky and heavier, and can make it hard to maneuver in tight spaces, pedal uphill, or ride long distances. Child bike seats don’t have any of these downsides, letting your child ride right on the bike with you. Ultimately, a child is safe in both a bike seat and a trailer as long as the adult riding the bike does so safely!

If you want to carry a child on a bike with you, both a kids’ bike trailer and a child bike seat are safe, comfortable, and versatile options. Bike trailers offer additional protection in the event of a crash, protection from wind and rain, and storage space, but they’re also bulkier, heavier, and less maneuverable. Child bike seats like the Thule Yepp 2 Maxi are still highly-rated for safety and comfort, with plush, shock-absorbent padding, a five-point safety harness, and a childproof buckle.

The benefit of a bike seat is that the child is directly on the bike with you, instead of being towed behind you, which can actually be safer in hectic urban environments or other places with lots of other cyclists, pedestrians, or vehicles. Whether pulled in a trailer or seated on a child bike seat, a child passenger is only as safe as the adult cyclist. If you ride safely, your child will, too!

Kids’ bike seats and bike trailers are both great ways to bike with a child. If you’re looking to ride with two children at once, a bike trailer like Rover or Rover Plus is a must. For ebike riders, or those who want to prioritize maneuverability and minimize weight, a child bike seat is a better choice.

Legally it depends on the child’s age, the type of ebike (Class 1, 2, or 3), and the state or city you live in. Every U.S. state has slightly different ebike laws and regulations. Some areas have stricter laws for Class 3 ebikes compared to Class 2 and 1 ebikes, for example.

This said, there is a higher risk of severe injury and death for ebike riders than regular bike users, simply due to the speeds at which ebikes can travel, so use caution when letting your child operate an ebike, even if it’s legal in your state or city.