There are multiple bike seats for toddlers, including but not limited to
- Bike trailer (Kids pull behind bike)
- Front-mounted child bike seat
- Rear child bike seat
- MTB saddle/ Child seat for mountain bike
- Bike tow bar or rope (Kids tow behind bike)
- Tag along bike (Bike extension for child)
- Tandem bikes
- Cargo bike
However, the most popular baby carrier for bike riding remains the rear bike seat. Due to optimizing the home space, ability to use public transport, and additional comfort, nowadays, people prefer folding bicycles to standard bike options. But did you know you could actually own a folding bike with child seat? We are constantly asked on the streets what foldable bike we bought and how we installed the child bike seat to it, so we decided to share the details with you all.
Back in the days, when we lived in a tiny apartment, we couldn’t afford two regular-size bikes in the rental house. So, we made extensive research and came up with a brilliant solution to having it all. Not to mention the fact that we have saved money, space, and the ability to explore new places riding our bikes with our little baby. After a little bit over a year of riding, we did not have a single issue with a foldable bike with child seat.
So, I guess the main question is –
Can I ride a folding bike with child seat?
Yes, you can!
How safe is the folding bike with child seat on?
The biggest disadvantage of the rear child bike seat for ALL types of bicycles is the additional weight at the back which makes it harder for you to get on and off the bike. Due to the front side of the bike getting lighter, you may get the feeling that the bike is about to lift. You should always control the balance. This is why it is also important to pick the right child bike seat and mount it correctly.
Now, since foldable bicycles are designed to be light, this may be an issue. The reality is that you will feel significantly more weight at the back when you put your child in the bike seat. However, it was never a problem in our case.
How to pick the folding bike with child seat?
- Do not pick the lightest foldable bike due to the additional weight at the back. You do not want the front side of the bike getting too light and letting it lift.
- Consider the total capacity of the folding bike with child seat.
Remember that you will need to calculate the extra weight of a baby, a rear bike seat, and a carrier rack. The best bike seats for toddlers are typically used until your child reaches 6 years of age or 48.5 lbs (22 kg).
As an example, our foldable bikes have 16-inch wheels, and steel frames with a weight of 12.5 kg. The capacity of such a folding bike is about 265 lbs (120 kg) total.
- Consider the type of foldable bike.
Not all foldable bikes can have a toddler’s bike seat attached to them. Generally, these types of bikes are quite low. The baby bicycle seat must be installed way higher than the wheel at the level of your saddle. This way you will ensure that you have some space for pedaling and your baby’s feet are safe.
Some foldable bikes may come with the rack, so make sure you can detach the rack and install the bike carrier rack.
- Check the foldable bike’s tube diameter.
- Check if your foldable bike has eyelets. If not, you should always choose a cargo rack with the clips (see the installation guide below).
How to install the folding bike with child seat?
Since the length of the seat tube of a foldable bike is very short, you won’t be able to use cantilevered or anchor point rear child seat options. Instead, you will need to get a special bicycle luggage cargo rack with an optimal capacity weight of 200 lbs (90 kg).
Some of the luggage cargo racks require the bike to have eyelets. We recommend considering clips, so you are able to clip the legs directly to a seat stay.
The bike cargo rack attaches to a seat post with four legs being clipped to the seat stay.
IMPORTANT: Make sure you screw the legs to the last two holes for better support on a bumpy road. It also ensures the safety and avoids the risk of rack damage in the future.
Once the bike carrier rack is installed and secured in place, your job is done! Simply slide the child seat onto the rack using the quick-release system and you are good to go.
Let’s recap on the most important bits:
- The weight of the carrier rack must be sufficient. We prefer to use not less than 200 lbs (90 kg).
- The rack and child bike seat should be installed much higher than the bicycle’s wheel and pretty much leveled with your saddle.
- Make sure you attach four legs to the two furthest points for more support and safety.
- Before choosing a bicycle cargo rack, check whether your foldable bike has eyelets.
What are the best bike seats for toddlers?
In the case of a folding bike, you should always consider the rear child bike seat that can be attached to a rack using a quick-release system.
Burley Dash Child Bike Seat
Burley Dash child bike seat provides all mounting options and is one the most universal brands that can be used on any type of bike. Rack Mount connection easily clamps onto a rear bike rack with tool-free installation.
It also comes in two colors. Burley Dash has one of the best 5-point harness systems and additional storage at the back. Additionally, it comes at a very sweet price for such good quality.
Age/ weight capacity: 12 months – up to 40 lbs (18 kg)
- Depending on what type you choose, it fits any bicycle. The rack is not provided for the rack-mount which is exactly what you need in the case with a foldable bike.
- Removable and hand-washable seat.
- Water-resistant seat padding.
- An adjustable 5-point harness system.
- Arm Rests.
- Adjustable footrests with straps.
- Reclinable seat to 10 and 20 degrees.
- Comfortable padded shoulder straps.
- Built-in reflector.
- Rear storage.
Schwinn Deluxe Bicycle Mounted Child Carrier Seat
Schwinn brand is quite popular among bike trailers, but also it is a well-known brand that offers a good quality product for a very affordable price. It is a great option for a folding bike with child seat because it already includes the rack that attaches to the seat post and seat stay.
Age/ weight capacity: 12 months – 40 lbs (18 kg)
- Easy to install.
- The rack is compatible with seat post diameters from 25 to 32 mm.
- Headrest (add on!)
- Vented back.
- Padded backrest and air-cushioned seat pad.
- Adjustable footrest with leg restraints straps (there’re no adjustable straps).
- Padded handlebar.
- An adjustable 3-point harness system.
- Spoke guard.
- A helmet is optional.
Which rear bicycle rack cargo to choose?
There is a variety of bike luggage cargo racks. You should always pay attention to the following:
- Do they clip directly, or do they require bike eyelets?
- What is the maximum weight capacity?
- What tube diameter do they fit?
Now, the most important bit. None of these cargo racks are compatible with foldable bikes. At least, this is what you’d see in the description of each of the options below. We have already talked about the reasons. But mainly, this is not a standard option to have a folding bike with child seat. This is more a DIY alternative that fits perfectly our daily bike routine, and we did not encounter any problems so far.
The bottom line is if you wish to use your folding bike to put a child seat on, you can definitely achieve the goal.
Below we suggest four great options to do so.
West Biking Bike Carrier Rack
- The total capacity of 310 lbs (140 kg) is a great deal. Ours is 200 lbs (90 kg). The price doesn’t differ much for a bit more safety.
- Aviation grade aluminum, sturdy, and of good quality.
- Easy to install with all tools included.
- Quick-release mount at seat post. The diameter attached to the seat post is 1.18 inches (3 cm).
- Adjustable design.
- It offers the maximum three-point support structure security and stability.
- The rack body is adjustable in size.
- Includes locks that clip directly to the seat stay.
- Includes a light reflector at the back.
- 90-day money-back guarantee. You have no risk to test!
COMINGFIT Adjustable Bicycle Luggage Cargo Rack
- The total capacity of 180 lbs (81.60 kg).
- Sturdy and of good quality.
- Easy to install with all tools included.
- Fully adjustable.
- Includes locks that clip directly to the seat stay.
- The seat tube diameter should be 0.85 – 1.13 inches (2.20 – 3.30 cm).
- Includes a light reflector at the back.
Dirza Rear Bike Rack
- Great rack option with a total capacity of 115 lbs (52 kg).
- Sturdy and of good quality.
- Easy to install.
- Includes locks that clip directly to the seat stay.
- Quick-release mount at seat post. The length of the seat post has to be at least 2 inches (5 cm).
- Adjustable design.
- Includes a light reflector at the back.
- Fits 18″-27.5″ bike types.
West Biking Adjustable Bike Cargo Rack
- The total capacity of 110 lbs (50 kg).
- Sturdy and of good quality.
- Easy to install with all tools included.
- The rack body is adjustable in size.
- Includes locks that clip directly to the seat stay.
- Seat tube diameter 0.85-1.30 inches (2.20 – 3.30 cm).
- Includes a light reflector at the back.
- 30-day money-back guarantee. You have no risk to test!
! Have a question about the folding bike with child seat? Simply leave your comment below and we will get back to you in a swift mode.
Get more information about the best bike seat for toddlers
- What is the rear bike seat?
- What is the age for a baby bike seat?
- Shall I choose a front-mounted child bike seat or a rear bike seat?
- What are the benefits of the rear bike seat?
- What are the disadvantages of the rear child bike seat?
- How to choose the right bike with back seat?
- 10 best bike seats for toddlers by price range.
Enjoy the ride on your folding bike with child seat. Appreciate every moment with your baby!
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