What To Look For
Child bike seats offer transportation for children able to support head weight. If you are unsure of a child's ability to ride with you, consult a physician or pediatrician. Child seats typically mount behind bicycle saddles, though some companies manufacture seats designed for handlebar mounting. Child seats typically mount to racks placed over the rear wheel and offer child foot protection from wheel ensnarement. Consumer Reports recommends pull-behind child trailers over child seats but notes trailer safety issues exist as well. Tom Fine with the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory at Harvard University, who is an avid cyclist, also recommends trailer use over child seat use.
Common Pitfalls
Many people believe child seats must remain in place once mounted. Quality child seats offer removable seats so parents may use the utility racks the seats mount to. Child seats often mount with quick-release systems, allowing for seat installation and removal in a matter of seconds. Inexpensive racks often mount permanently, provide little foot protection and feature low seat backs. Higher seats backs add additional protection to the child's head. Even seats offering head protection do not alleviate helmet concerns. Most child seat manufacturers suggest child helmet use at all times when cycling.
Where To Buy
Many local bicycle shops, department stores and online cycling accessory retailers sell child bike seats. Most department stores offer inferior child bike seats compared to pricier models featured at specialty bicycle retailers. Many families use child seats for limited times. Garage sales and online resellers often offer deals on little-used quality child racks. Used child racks often do not retain warranties. Purchase a new child bike seat to receive a typical lifetime warranty against manufacturer's defects. Warranties generally only apply to original owners of quality bicycles and cycling equipment.
Cost
Most inexpensive heavy child bike seats offering the minimal protection required sell for under $50 as of 2010. Quality lightweight bicycle seats permanently mounting to the rear of a bicycle often cost $60 to $90. Quality child bike seats featuring safety embellishments and quick-release mounting systems often range from $100 to $150. Additional child bike seat racks allowing for easy mounting to more than one bicycle typically cost $30 to $80. Inexpensive heavy child trailers may sell for under $150. Quality trailers offering lighter weights and more space for extra children and gear often cost $180 to $400.
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