Motorcycling with a child: Safe on the road with your offspring
If the parents ride motorcycles regularly, it is not unusual for children to experience this feeling too and want to ride along. In principle, taking the little ones along is not prohibited and with the right preparation, nothing stands in the way of a safe and shared ride with the offspring.
How old does a child passenger have to be?
Although the law clearly regulates many things in road traffic, the Highway Code remains vague when it comes to the age at which a child is allowed to ride a motorcycle. The basic rule is that the child must be mentally and physically mature enough. The height of the offspring plays a special role. The feet must be able to reach the footrests safely. The child must also be able to hold on tightly for long periods of time. Sufficient strength and stamina are therefore required. This is usually the case from primary school age. Incidentally, the minimum age for riding a motorcycle in Austria is 12 years.
When is a child motorcycle seat compulsory?
Motorcycles on which a second person may be transported must be equipped with
- a pillion seat,
- Footrests and
- with a means of holding on
be equipped. Smaller children under the age of seven require a special child seat for the motorcycle. You must also ensure that the child's feet cannot get caught in the spokes of the bike.
What equipment does a child need on a motorcycle?
In Germany and at least in other EU countries, motorcyclists are required to wear a helmet. It is not only mandatory for adults, children must also wear a helmet on the bike. Even if it's "just for a ride around the block". As a bicycle helmet does not provide sufficient protection in an emergency, it is not enough.
It is also important that it is a helmet for children. Their neck muscles are not yet fully developed. A helmet for adults could cause pain due to its greater weight. The correct helmet size is of crucial importance. In the event of a fall, a helmet that is too large can slip, lose its protective effect and possibly cause additional injuries.
The child passenger should be able to open and close the buckle and visor with their own hands. You can try this out at the time of purchase. Caution is advised with used helmets. If it has been dropped or damaged after a fall, it may not be visible.
Motorcycle clothing for children
Even if there is no stated obligation to wear suitable protective clothing on a motorcycle: Neither adults nor children should be on a bike without it. If your child wants to try out whether they like riding a motorcycle, you can use second-hand protective clothing or even borrow some in children's sizes. Children grow out of their clothes quickly. It is therefore worth investing in your own equipment if your child wants to ride regularly.
There is functional clothing such as ski pants or outdoor jackets on the market. They provide a supposed protective effect. However, we strongly advise against using these items of clothing on the bike. They are often made from synthetic fibers such as polyamide. If you fall and slide over the asphalt, the material can heat up or even burn into your skin.
Before going on tour for the first time
Just putting your child on the bike for a few practice laps is not enough to then set off on the next tour. The right preparation is essential for a safe and enjoyable riding experience. The next generation needs detailed instruction:
- How should the child hold on?
- What happens in a bend and how should they lean into the bends?
- How should they behave in the event of hard or emergency braking?
Once these points have been explained in theory, it's time for the practical part of the exercises. A large parking lot outside opening hours offers ideal conditions for youngsters to gain their first experience on a motorcycle. You can practice important riding maneuvers such as starting, braking and swerving in a relaxed atmosphere.
If the youngster is already unsure on the practice area, still seems anxious after several laps and/or leans against the lean angle, it may be better to postpone the big ride on the bike for a season.
Anyone who regularly rides their motorcycle in a group or with a passenger will appreciate the benefits of a communication system. But the systems come at a price. To ensure that your offspring can make themselves known without such a technical aid, you should agree clear signals in advance. For example, a tap on the thigh can signal when the speed is too fast for the child. If it is clear that your child wants to ride along regularly, an intercom system is highly recommended. This allows the driver to stay in contact with the child during the journey.
The first tours
You have successfully completed the exercises together and your offspring is ready for their first ride together. For you as a rider, this means: adapt your riding style to your inexperienced passenger:
- Ride with foresight, in a balanced and defensive manner.
- Keep enough distance.
- Avoid heavy acceleration and braking.
Initially, you should only drive short distances. 30-minute trips have proven to be a good idea. Make sure you take frequent breaks on longer journeys. This allows the child to move and relax. Choose destinations together that are also attractive for your child. During the trip, ask your child from time to time whether it is still fun.
The following rules should be agreed with the child
Motorcycle clothing is mandatory. This applies without exception, as does wearing a helmet.
The child must wear a belt around the rider's waist. If the rider wears a kidney belt with integrated grab handles, it makes it easier for the child to hold on securely. Pilot and co-pilot lean into the bends as a unit. The child must never lean against the seat.
Extending legs or arms during the ride is absolutely taboo. The child must always hold on tight.
A motorcycle tour with children should be well prepared and thoroughly practiced. Then nothing stands in the way of a safe and relaxed ride.