How to Carry Kids on a Cargo E-Bike
Written by: Rémy Rossi | February 28, 2025 | Time to read 5 min
Transporting kids on a cargo e-Bike is convenient, car-free, and fun for the whole family. Find out how to safely and comfortably carry children on your electric bike.
More about the Author: Remy Rossi
Rémy Rossi is a bike writer, mechanic, and educator who got his start in community-based bike shops and co-ops. With a decade in the industry, he still wrenches on bikes when he can and plays bike polo on a fixie.
But the overwhelming ruler of versatility and functionality is the humble cargo bike. But you won’t have to DIY your cargo bike if you want to use it to transport kids. Cargo models are compatible with high-quality child seats, seat pads, and other child-carrying accessory combinations that ensure a comfortable and secure ride— you probably wouldn’t want to cobble together a passenger-carrying setup anyway, for safety reasons of course.
What is a cargo bike and are they safe for kids? In this article, I’ll share essential information about the several ways to carry kids on your cargo bike and tips to ensure a fun and safe ride.
👋 Welcome to Upway!
Front-loading cargo bikes
Front-loading bikes have a large cargo compartment or cargo bike box at the front of the bike. That means there’s plenty of room for a child bike seat (or two!) and storage spaces left over for toys, groceries, or whatever else you need to haul along. You’ll have to do your research on which model of child seat or baby carrier is compatible with the specific bike, but the manufacturer’s specifications will help with that.
Child seats on front-loading e-cargo bikes are especially great because your kid can enjoy an unobstructed view from a front-row seat— plus, you can easily keep an eye on your child at all times. Steering a front-loading bike takes some getting used to in urban environments because of the different weight distribution and long wheelbase.
Long-tail cargo bikes
As the name suggests, long-tail cargo bikes have an extended rear platform designed to haul stuff and carry passengers. Think of it as a rear rack, only wider, longer, and significantly sturdier. Cargo bike owners of this style can opt to install child seats (for younger kids) or use seat pads.
Seat pads bolt onto the rear platform and essentially transform it into a long bench seat. There’s enough room for one, two, and sometimes three kids to straddle the seat pad and enjoy the journey. These seats can also be used for an adult passenger. It’s common to install handrails that go all the way around the platform, helping to contain the kids and offer a place for them to grab onto. And there may still be room for panniers or a large front optional cargo basket for even more cargo-hauling capabilities.
Bike seats, trailers, and follow-alongs
💸 Want to sell your electric bike?
- In case you didn't know yet, you can sell your e-Bike to Upway and get your cash in 3 simple steps.
- Want an estimation -> It takes only 2 minutes to complete this form.
Which child-carrying setup is right for me?
Ultimately, the right setup for you will depend on how old your children are and how many of them will be riding with you. Young kids who are only a few years old should be secured in a child seat while older kids can ride on a bench seat or rear seat pad. Some front-loading cargo compartments can fit two small children side-by-side while most longtail bikes allow for two extra riders, and some can even fit three kids.
Regardless of how you carry your child on the bike, having an electric motor offers a very useful boost. The added weight of the larger bike, heavy loads, and any extra passengers can make it difficult to ride uphill or accelerate. But the best electric cargo bikes provide smooth pedal assistance so you load it up and enjoy an easy cruise, even replacing car trips!
Ways to carry children on a bike:
- Child seat
- Seat pad and handrails
- Child trailer
- Follow-along bike
Comfort and safety tips
Cover the rear wheel: If your kids are riding at the rear of the bike, that means their legs are dangling near the rear wheel. Make sure there’s a rear wheel cover to avoid snagged shoelaces or hitting the wheel with their feet.
Straps, straps, and more straps: Straps are a cargo biker’s best friend. Use straps to secure loose items on the standard cargo bike or carry an extra bag during your trip. Best to be prepared
Key Takeaways
- Safe Ways to Carry Kids: Options include front-loading compartments, long-tail seat pads, child seats, trailers, and follow-alongs, depending on age and number of kids.
- Prioritize Safety & Comfort: Use padded seats, handrails, rear wheel covers, and secure straps for a safe and enjoyable ride.
- Electric Assist Helps: Pedal-assist makes carrying kids and precious cargo easier, replacing car trips with a smooth, fun ride.
