7 tips for buying a bike seat
Are you looking for a suitable bicycle seat? When buying, you should pay attention to a few important details. In addition to a suitable bike, you should keep an eye on the age and weight limits for the seat. We have put together seven tips that will surely help you when buying a bicycle seat.
Bike must be suitable
When buying a bike seat, it is important that you own a suitable bike, because not every seat automatically fits your bike. Among other things, it is difficult to find a suitable seat for a bike without a luggage rack. The weight with which the bike can be loaded is also important. The bike must be designed to carry your own weight, the seat and the child.
Tip:Before buying a bicycle seat, take a look at the operating instructions or ask the manufacturer directly whether and for which seat your bicycle is suitable. It is usually better if you take your child and the corresponding bike with you to a specialist dealer when buying a bicycle seat. On the one hand he can help you with technical questions about the bicycle seat and on the other hand you can test different models together with your offspring.
Legal regulations
When buying a bicycle seat, it is important that you pay attention to the applicable regulations regarding age and weight. Decisive for this is § 21 Para. 3 of the Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO). This states that children up to the age of seven may only be taken along by a person who is at least 16 years old. If the child is transported on a seat between the driver and the handlebars, it must not weigh more than 15 kg. A rear seat can be loaded with a weight of 22 kilograms.
Test mark important when buying a bicycle seat!
When buying a bicycle seat, pay attention to the corresponding test marks. In Germany there is the DIN standard 14344 for bicycle seats, which stipulates, for example, what the operating instructions should say. TÜV checks whether a bicycle meets these legal requirements. If a model passes the test procedure, it is awarded the GS seal for “tested safety”.
The stern seat
When buying a bicycle seat, you can choose between a rear or front seat. Probably the most common form is the rear seat. It is attached behind the cyclist on the luggage rack or on the frame tube of the bicycle. Advantage of this variant: Your offspring is better protected from rain or wind behind you. A rear seat also offers more protection in the event of an accident, as it has a higher backrest for better back and head support. With some seats, you can also bring the backrest into a resting position, so your little passenger can sleep while driving. Disadvantage of a rear seat: You can hardly communicate with your child.
The front seat
The front seat is attached between the handlebars and the saddle. This has the advantage that your offspring can look ahead. You can also talk to him more easily. Because the child is above the center of gravity of the bike, the rider is also less likely to lose their balance. The disadvantage is that your child is exposed to the weather without protection. On some types of bicycles, the front seat makes it difficult for the rider to get on and off as there is not much space between the saddle and the bicycle seat. In addition, these seats usually have no neck support. If your child falls asleep while driving, they will find themselves in an uncomfortable sitting position. It is also less good that the head is not adequately protected in an accident. Front seats are therefore only recommended for short journeys.
When buying a bike seat, pay attention to the straps
When buying a bicycle seat, make sure that it has a reasonable belt system, because the belts, belt buckles and fasteners have to withstand a lot, as the little ones pull on them while driving. On the one hand, you should be able to easily adjust the harness to the size and needs of your child. On the other hand, your offspring should not be able to open the belt themselves. Padded harness belts are recommended as they are more secure than lap belts.
Bicycle seat accessories
When buying a bicycle seat, you can also think about purchasing accessories. Whether it’s a bicycle helmet, rear-view mirror, two-legged stand or a lock for the bicycle seat: these additional details make the journey safer. Also important, especially if you want to drive at dusk or in the dark – sufficient reflectors or your own lighting for the seat.