Folding Bike with Child Seat – Guide & Best Options

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What is a Foldable Bike with Child Seat and Who Is It For?

Folding bike with child seat is a bicycle that folds. You then buy a separate carrier rack and a rear child bike seat. It is important to pay attention on the total allowed weight for your folding bicycle and separately for a foldable bike with child seat. Besides, it is always worth checking the weight allowance of a carrier rack alone.

Now, who is a foldable bicycle with child seat for? This probably leads to the question why we ended up buying them for our family. The reason is simple – limited space. Back in the days, we stored our bicycles in a tiny apartment, in our bedroom. At present, although we have a backyard, yet we have sufficient space to store multiple bicycles. So, I would say, a folding bike with child seat is necessary when

• You have a limited storage space;
• You use bicycle for daily routine or cycling around the town;
• You need to take bicycle on trains or metro. Mountain bicycles typically won’t be allowed on board, unless you have a compact size of a foldable bicycle and folding bike baby seat.

Types of Child Seat for Folding Bike

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 (extension for child)
• Tandem bikes
• Cargo bike

However, the most popular baby carrier for bicycle 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 bicycle options. But did you know you could actually own a folding bike with child seat? We are constantly asked on the streets what foldable bicycle we bought and how we installed the child seat to it, so we decided to share the details with you all.

When we lived in a tiny apartment, we couldn’t afford two regular-size bicycles in the rental house. So, we made extensive research and came up with a brilliant solution to having it all.

Owning a foldable bike with child seat has multiple benefits.

• Saving money on a bicycle cost
• Saving storage space
• Ability to explore new places riding our folding bicycles with our little baby.

So, I guess the main question is if you can ride a folding bike with child seat?

The answer is YES!

On top of that, after six years of riding our foldable bike with child seat, we still use the same one. We did change carrier rack once through.

Choosing the Right Foldable Bike for Toddler

Before we dive in deeper into folding bicycle for adults and foldable bike baby seat, let me introduce other transport options for your child, such as foldable bike for toddler.

Nowadays it is extremely overwhelming to pick the best toddler bicycle. There are tons of bikes for babies on the market: push and riding toys for 1-year olds, push tricycles, balance bicycle with brakes, tricycle, bicycle for toddler, mountain bicycle, scooter, and other types of transport for toddlers and kids.

So, what are the best ride on toys for toddlers? Shall you choose a balance bicycle over a push trike? How do balance bicycles work? What types of transport are there and what age are they designed for?

We prepared the entire bicycle series for you to choose the right foldable bike for toddler. This is where we go above and beyond to answer all key questions, give you a better understanding of what transport type is better for your child, and show options that are available on the market.

Front vs Rear Child Seat on Folding Bike

Due to design of all folding bicycles, it is impossible to have a baby seat at the front. The bicycle bar is too low to make it possible.

If you are seriously considering to make this purchase, your only option is rear child seat for foldable bike. ! It is important you read carefully the safety tips for riding a foldable bike with child seat below.

However, there are certain features and factors you should know about when choosing rear child seats.

Safety Tips for Riding a Foldable Bike with Child Seat

So, how safe is it?

The biggest disadvantage of the rear child seat for all types of bicycles is the additional weight at the back which makes it harder for you to get on and off. Due to the front side of the bike getting lighter, you may get the feeling that the bicycle is about to lift. You should always control the balance! This is why it is also important to pick the right foldable bike child 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 on the bicycle. However, it was never a problem in our case. And, I am sure this is something you could adjust to fairly easily.

Another safety tip for riding a foldable bicycle with child seat is do not ride fast. Try to avoid bumps and uneven terrains, or swing your child from side to side. In another words, your rides should be as smooth.

The main reason for this and the biggest disadvantage of folding bicycles is small-wheel diameter compared to large wheel-diameter of mountain bicycles. This is where you may experience poor stability, or feel uncomfortable when riding for long periods.

Laws and Age Restrictions for Using a Child Seat on Folding Bike

There are no specific laws or regulations using child seat for folding bike. However, you will see that every manufacturer would not recommend installing or riding with it.

Since there is no way to use front baby seat on a folding bicycle, and the only option is to use a rear child seat, your child must be able to sit up unsupported. This is typically from nine months of age or more.

You should also consider weight restrictions. Typically, you must not exceed the seat’s weight limit which is around 20 to 25 kg (44 to 55 lbs). Besides, you should carefully read instructions and weight restrictions of the folding bicycle’s manufacturer of your choice.

Other important bits to consider:

• Rear child seat must be approved to safety standard in your country.
• You should get a cool helmet for your child.
• You must ensure the bicycle is designed for carrying a passenger.

How to Choose and Maintain Your Folding Bike with Child Seat

There are several things to consider.

First, do not pick the lightest foldable bike due to the additional weight at the back. You do not want the front side of it getting too light and letting it lift.

Secondly, consider the total capacity of the folding bike with child seat.

Thirdly, consider the type of foldable bike.

Not all foldable bicycles can have a toddler’s seat attached to them. Generally, these types of bicycles are quite low. The folding bike baby 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.

Then also,

• Check the foldable bicycle’s tube diameter.
• Check if your foldable bicycle 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 bicycle 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.

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 seat for folding bike 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 bicycle has eyelets.

What are the best bike seats for toddlers?

In the case of a folding bike, you should always consider the rear child seat that can be attached to a rack using a quick-release system.

We have prepared a thorough guide about rear options where you can find and consider more options.

We also recommend these two options specifically for folding bicycles.

Burley Dash Child Seat

Burley Dash child seat provides all mounting options and is one the most universal brands that can be used on any type of bicycle. 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.

• 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.
• Water-resistant 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 stay.

• 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 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 bicycle 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 bicycle routine, and we did not encounter any problems so far.

The bottom line is if you wish to use your folding bicycle to put a child seat on, you can definitely achieve the goal.

Below we suggest four great options to do so.

West Biking 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 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 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 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 stay.
• Quick-release mount at seat post. The length of the post has to be at least 2 inches (5 cm).
• Adjustable design.
• Includes a light reflector at the back.
• Fits 18″-27.5″ bicycle types.

West Biking Adjustable 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 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!

FAQ: Get more information about the best bike seat for toddlers

• What is the rear seat?
• What is the age for a baby seat?
• Shall I choose a front-mounted or a rear child seat?
• What are the benefits of the rear seat?
• What are the disadvantages of the rear child seat?
• How to choose the right bike with back seat?
• 10 best bike seats for toddlers by price range.

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Also, check out:

• 10 Best Bike Seats For Toddlers – [REAR]
• Choose the right front-mounted child bike seat
• Pick your best mid-mount child seat for mountain bike
• Top 10 Best 16-Inch Mountain Bikes for Kids
• Best Balance Bikes For Toddlers
• Bike Carriers For Kids

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