Child Bike Seat Age and Size Restrictions Demystified
There is a lot of information out there child bike seat age and size restrictions, but how do you know whose advice to follow? And what if your child is tall and skinny? Or a little chunky? Or can’t quite ride their own bike yet?
The good news is that we have answers to all these questions and more. Sit back, relax, and stop stressing over child bike seat age and size restrictions.
When can my baby start riding a bike with me?
The general rule (and law in some states) is that a child must be 9 months old to ride in a child bike seat or bike trailer. This is the average age in which a child can support their head and neck on their own. While there is no minimum weight requirement for most seats, you’ll want to make sure that your baby is secure in the seat and the straps are properly tightened.
How tall can my child be for a child bike seat?
While there are no exact height requirements for child bike seats it is important to find one that properly fits your child. If you have a taller child, look for a bike seat that has a tall and/or adjustable back. This will make it both more comfortable and safer for your child.
The Hamax Caress child bike seat offers a seat back that can be adjusted with one hand. This allows you to quickly move the shoulder straps to where they are comfortable for your child. And you never have to let go of your child or bike. The lowest setting is approximately 10 inches from the seat bottom. The tallest setting puts the shoulder straps about 14 inches from the seat bottom. You can measure this by having your child sit in a chair and measuring from the seat up to their shoulders. 
You’ll also want to look for a baby bike seat with adjustable footrests. Both the Hamax Observer and Caress have adjustable footrests. The Observer lengthens from about 5″ to about 9″ measured from the seat to the top of the footrest. The Caress has a broader range from 4.5″ to 10″ in length. Again, to see if your child will be comfortable within these requirements have them sit in a chair. Then measure from the bottom of the chair seat to the bottom of their foot. If they will be wearing shoes during your bike rides we suggest measuring with their shoes on.
What is the maximum weight for a child bike seat?
Front mounted child bike seats typically have a maximum weight of around 30 lbs. The Hamax Observer has a maximum weight of 33 lbs. Rear mount child bike seats tend to allow more weight. Some, like the Hamax Caress, accommodate up to 48.5 lbs. All Hamax seats are TUV & ASTM safety-certified and adhere to EN standards.
Is there a child bike seat age restriction?
Only in that a child must be 9 months old to begin riding in one. There is no maximum age range for a child bike seat as long as the child is still within the weight requirements. And of course, older children may be less willing to continue riding with you once they start seeing their friends riding their own bikes. Most children will grow out of a child bike seat around 5 to 6 years of age.
My child is too big for a child bike seat. Now what?
This is a question we hear quite often and thankfully there are several options to keep your family riding. Tag-along bikes, tow bars, and trailers are all great ways to keep older kids engaged and out with the family. Tag-along bikes attach to the adult bike frame and offer a seat and pedals for the little one. Not all tag-along bikes offer harnesses so you’ll want to keep rides shorter if you have sleepy passengers.
Towbars are also a great way to transition to having the kids on their own bikes. They attach to the adult bike frame under the seat, and to the child’s current bike. Since this design uses your child’s bike, it is an easy way to get them comfortable on the bike they will learn to ride on. We do recommend starting with shorter rides as your munchkin will still need to balance and hang on to their bike handles. Another positive is that this method allows the child to help pedal if they want. Don’t be surprised if they take a break going up that big hill though!
Trailers such as the Hamax Outback offer a great way to bring older children, especially on longer rides. A trailer adds an extra layer of security for children who may get tired and drift off. Trailers are also perfect if you plan to ride in inclement weather, need to run errands along the way, or have two kiddos that want to travel together. The Hamax Outback has a maximum weight limit of 88 lbs, and a seat limit of 48.5 lbs. There is a large trunk area that is perfect to store a few bags of groceries, a picnic basket, or just the mail.
Whatever your child’s age it is important to choose a child bike seat that will afford you and your family plenty of time to enjoy biking together. Proper fit and comfortability will help your child relax and enjoy the ride. For more information check out our comparison chart on several popular models of child bike seats.
Click here to compare child bike seats
I have a question reguarding riding both my kids at the same time in my bike. If I had a seat in front and in back would it be possible to take them together?
Are there state specific DMV rules in the US which might restrict this means of transport for infants? My baby really hates the car seat and I’m thinking of using this instead. I live in California.
Hello! We don’t recommend transporting infants under 9 months in bike seats or bike trailers due to their neck muscles not being strong enough to support their heads and a helmet. Other than wearing a helmet and obeying traffic laws there are usually no other issues for using bicycles as transportation, but to be sure we suggest checking with your local city or state.
Is it possible for the adult to cycle with the tag along bike attached but no child (ie empty tag along)? I take my 6 year old to school on a bike seat and then return home. But now she is 6 and getting big. She is already riding own bike but not old enough yet to go on the roads independently.