Riding with a child on a two-wheeler: What age, what precautions, what motorcycle and biker equipment?

Riding with a two-legged child is easy. But how do you ride with a child on two wheels? Now that's a good question! More seriously, transporting your little ones on a motorcycle or scooter is not something you can improvise. So in this article, we take a look at the different aspects of having a child as a passenger on a motorized two-wheeler: legal age, equipment for mini-motorbikes, footrests... We cover it all!

There isn't one! And yes, surprising as it may seem, you can ride with your toddler as a passenger as long as he knows how to sit up. However, road safety advises against carrying passengers under the age of 8. By the way, what do our neighbors say? In Switzerland, it's much more categorical: under 7, no motorcycles. And up to the age of 12, you have to be over 1.45 m tall to get on the back seat. No kidding, but at least it's clear.

There's no question of skimping on quality when it comes to transporting your offspring. Here's a selection of features to ensure that your motorcycle is perfectly adapted to transport your child in complete safety.

Is your little one under 5?

Then you need to install him/her in a seat fitted with a safety belt and footrests. What's more, you need to make sure that his little feet can't get caught between "fixed and moving parts of the vehicle", such as the wheel, chain, etc... Without being overzealous, we advise you to avoid shoes with laces.

----> Stamatakis BB SEAT motorcycle/scooter child seat

----> Footrest for Stamatakis child seat

----> Kappa KS650 motorcycle/scooter child seat

Does your son or daughter already have a quinquennium under his or her belt?

We strongly recommend continuing to use this adapted seat. But in addition to road safety advice, it's common sense that counts. If you decide to stop using the seat, make sure your child has access to the footrests. These prevent them from tipping over onto their sides. As long as this is not the case - and it depends on the child's size rather than age - you should continue to use additional stirrups or footrests. Remember what Coluche said: "the right size is when both feet touch the ground".

What are the best practices to adopt when riding a motorcycle as a duo?

You'll find all our advice in this article. However, when riding with a child, it's important to double your communication and attention.

Whether you're riding with a novice passenger or with a child who no longer needs the appropriate seat, it's important to know your child is safely behind you. The safest solution? Passenger belts. We recommend the Veector Pan-Belt! Its ingenious design keeps the passenger in a seated position, as close as possible to the rider, without any attachment to the bike.

Do you have a propensity to rinse the throttle? The Spyder-Belt is the sport riding version of the Pan-Belt. With its additional upper body support, your toddler stays glued to you.

Finally, as you ride, you're likely to find these devices quite obsolete. In our opinion, the Harisson belt is a good transition to driving without additional devices. Why do we love it? It gives the toddler a firm, secure grip on the rider's body. Ideal for cohesion.

----> Veector PAN-BELT 2 passenger belt

----> Veector SPYDER-BELT 2 passenger belt

----> Harisson motorcycle belt

What equipment is required for a child rider?

First and foremost, your child must wear an approved helmet and certified gloves, regardless of age (just like any other passenger). That's the legal minimum. A bit light, isn't it? Don't worry! Brands now offer motorcycle jackets, pants and boots suitable for little ones. It would be a shame to go without.

Motorcycle helmets for kids

Our beloved little heads also have small necks. So, to protect their delicate necks, we opt for lightweight, aerodynamic helmets. Mission impossible? No. In fact, the HJC CL-Y Zuky full-face helmet succeeds in combining a featherweight 1100g, good quality finish and a plethora of options (removable foams, anti-fog shield, suitable for spectacle wearers, etc.). And for the ladies? The pink HJC CL-Y Vela helmet is ideal.

----> HJC CL-Y VELA children's motorcycle helmet

----> Children's motorcycle helmet HJC CL-Y ZUKY

Children's motorcycle gloves

What should you look out for in children's motorcycle gloves? Give them plenty of freedom of movement, so they can hold on to the handles perfectly. Lightweight, flexible and durable, the Five RS3 Evo-Kid are just the thing. The best part? Thanks to their flexibility, your little daredevil can also use them for other activities (quad biking, cross-country, etc.).

----> Five RS3 EVO KID children's gloves

Motorcycle jacket and back protector for kids

You can't imagine your offspring riding around in a T-shirt, can you? Rest assured, you don't have to sell a kidney to protect him properly. The Bering Maceo Kid jacket offers optimum protection, is waterproof and looks great, all for a very affordable price.

Want to complete your outfit? The Scott Airflex Junior back protector provides extra protection for your little one's precious spine.

----> Bering MACEO KID children's motorcycle jacket

----> SCOTT AIRFLEX JUNIOR child motorcycle back protector

Motorcycle airbag vest for kids

Despite all this, you're not riding with peace of mind?There are airbags for children. Safety is priceless.

----> Gilet Airbag HELITE AIRNEST ENFANT

----> Airbag vest ALLSHOT SAFEKID CHILD

A final point of legislation in France?

In the event of a breakdown on the side of the road, your offspring must also don a sublime fluorescent vest. So don't forget to equip yourself with a vest adapted to your child's size.

Legislation, equipment and accessories, belts and seats... Now you know everything there is to know about transporting children on motorized two-wheelers. Now you're ready to share your passion with your family in complete safety. A final word of advice? Since communication on a motorcycle is crucial, we strongly recommend that you equip yourself with a set of intercoms.

On that note, we wish you and your little ones a safe journey!

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