How to properly transport children on a motorcycle?

Posted on by admin

Aug 12, 2019

Some bikers would like to ride with their children for everyday use or just for fun. French law clearly regulates the transport of minors on a two-wheeler. But the risks of accidents naturally frighten parents and spark debate.

How to properly transport children on a motorcycle?

From what age can a child be transported on a motorbike ?

What the law on passenger transport says

Article R431-11 of the Highway Code is explicit: to be able to transport a passenger, regardless of age, it is necessary that the vehicle has two seats or a double saddle. The passenger seat must have either a tether strap or at least one handle and two footrests. The passenger must, like the pilot, be equipped with an approved and correctly attached motorcycle helmet, under penalty of a fine of € 135.

What the Highway Code says about transporting children

Transporting a minor on a motorcycle or scooter involves extra precautions. First, the law specifies that on all motorcycles (road motorcycle, all terrain, quad, electric scooter, scooter etc.), for children under the age of five, and as long as the child does not reach the footrest, the use of a seat equipped with a restraint system is compulsory. But beyond the legal aspect, it is good to ask questions and take his responsibilities.

First, a young child lacks notions of danger. A bad gesture can distract the pilot. He also has no notions of balance. On the other hand, it is not reasonable to transport a child under about 8 years old, because at this age, the head of the child cannot support the weight of a helmet.

On the other hand, although the Highway Code provides for the transport of children under the age of five by using a seat specially designed for their anatomy, it is not advisable to transport such a young child. Indeed, he is very vulnerable in the event of a fall, because it remains attached to the motorcycle. In addition, this motorcycle equipment is not physiological and therefore does not provide good posture.

Equipping your child to ride on two wheels

As with all people traveling on two wheels, you will have to think about the compulsory equipment on a motorcycle. This includes first the approved motorcycle helmet then the approved motorcycle gloves. Here again, the choice of helmets is crucial. The open face helmet only offers relative protection, and the more suitable full face helmet remains rare on the children’s equipment market.

Remember to watch the weight of the children’s helmet, in order to limit the constraints on the cervicals. The neck must not support a stress greater than 1 / 25th the weight of the little one.

But to ride safely, you will need the recommended motorcycle accessories. These protections include first the jacket or motorcycle jacket with elbow pads and shoulder pads, the pants with knee pads, but also high shoes or boots. Back-type rider protection, or even an airbag vest, helps protect the spine.

Opt for protectors designed in reflective material ensuring safe driving at night. So ban short-sleeved T-shirts and sneakers outfits.

Your behavior must also adapt to the situation. Avoid long journeys, prefer roads that are easy to use: without potholes, gravel or too much traffic and forget the off road. Reduce your speed and make sure that the braking is not too sudden.

Which motorcycle child seat to choose ?

For children over the age of 5 who cannot comfortably reach the foot supports, there are motorcycle seats, with seat belts, which are attached to the two-wheeler seat. It is designed to support the child laterally and from behind thanks to the enveloping backrest.

Be sure to opt for a seat adapted to the size of the child, with the support for the feet. It is recommended to opt for a model that does not have a seat belt. It may seem like a paradox, but in the event of a fall, it is safer for the passenger to be ejected than to be trapped on the two-wheeler.

The alternative to a child motorcycle seat

To secure a child, and no longer be afraid of seeing him fall if he falls asleep, it is possible to turn to the motorcycle belt. This accessory consists of a saddle pad on which the driver sits (not attached to the vehicle) to which is attached a strong quick-buckle belt that goes around the waist of the passenger.

Other choice, motorcycle safety harness high strength designed for children that can be adjusted up and down.

This product is designed for a passenger whose weight is less than 40 kg. Many bikers prefer this solution, because the motorcycle seat can have perverse effects. Although this restraint system has a safety purpose, in the event of an accident, it keeps the child on the motorcycle.

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