Rear-mounted bicycle seats are frequently used by toddlers, as they are typically less expensive than bike trailers and take up less space on the road. If you are considering a rear-mounted seat for your bike and toddler, it is imperative that you are aware of the requirements of these seats before purchasing one for personal use.
Sizing Requirements
Rear-mounted bicycle seats are usually made for toddlers weighing up to 40 lb., around the ages of 1 to 3 years. Typically, children will grow too tall for a bike seat before they grow too heavy for it. Read the specifications of the seat you are considering to ensure that you can safely use it for your child.
Design
A rear-mounted bicycle seat is mounted over the rear frame and tire of a bicycle. Due to the location of the seat, your child will feel slight bumps and jolts more than you do. Take this into consideration when evaluating the comfort of a bicycle seat. Also, ensure the seat back is tall enough to support your child's head. Spoke protectors are also key, as they protect your child's feet from the spokes of the rear wheel.
Maneuverability
When buying a rear-mounted bicycle seat for your toddler, ensure that the seat not only fits your toddler, but that it fits you as well. With the seat placed on your bicycle, you need to have freedom to move as normal, without the seat obstructing your cycling. You also will not be able to maneuver as easily with the added weight of your toddler, which must be taken into account when choosing the size and weight of your child's seat.
Safety
When your child is in a rear-mounted seat, you will have to begin braking earlier than normal. Also, you will need to take wider turns, as the center of gravity of your bicycle changes with the addition of your child's weight. Furthermore, you will need to support the bicycle under your child's weight during mounting and dismounting. Finally, make sure your child wears a helmet at all times when in the seat.
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