What bike do I need for nursery drop off and work commute?
December 25, 2023 4:30 AM Subscribe
Help us decide what bike set up we need for the nursery run
Little Sock will soon start nursery at a place on my cycle commute to work. My dream is to be able to bike him to nursery, drop him off and continue to my office where there's secure parking. Pickup might be me again on the bike or, more often, my partner on foot with a stroller (or one day one of those little scooters?) My partner is not keen on anyone biking with our little guy, and will take some convincing to be OK with me doing it (and probably won't do it himself).
Nursery is maybe a 7 minute cycle from home on a cycleway, with one slightly scary intersection that I figures I will just get off the bike and walk through for the first little while. My commute from the nursery to the office is about 20 minutes. My plan would be to do this everyday, no matter the weather (London).
So what set up do I need? My two ideas are:
1. The Riese & Muller Packster 70. I think these are very cool and imagine doing longer, more exciting weekend trips with it. I like the e-assist as Little Sock is already heavy and we are thinking of having a second. Downsides are I will miss using my regular bike for the rest of the commute, it will be a little annoying to store in the bike garage and my partner will have to bring a stroller with him when he goes for pickup.
2. Thule Chariot trailer, to be detached at the nursery and folded up, then used like a stroller by my partner for the walk home (or vice versa). Downside is there's no e-assist, maybe it's somehow less safe to have him in the back, and it's less of a stylish accessory lol. I doubt we would use it much for weekend trips.
Can those who have been there weigh in on what you would recommend? Either of the above, or a magic third option. Or first the Thule for drop off and the R&M later for adventures?
Also interested in any insight people have on the safety comparison of these two options. But please don't tell me cycling is always unsafe because you would never do it in your car commuting city :)
Assume the price doesn't matter. In fact, the ebike actually works out cheaper because I already have a cyclescheme voucher that I can use for a lot of the cost (a UK tax incentive deal), whereas I can't for the Thule for reasons.
Little Sock will soon start nursery at a place on my cycle commute to work. My dream is to be able to bike him to nursery, drop him off and continue to my office where there's secure parking. Pickup might be me again on the bike or, more often, my partner on foot with a stroller (or one day one of those little scooters?) My partner is not keen on anyone biking with our little guy, and will take some convincing to be OK with me doing it (and probably won't do it himself).
Nursery is maybe a 7 minute cycle from home on a cycleway, with one slightly scary intersection that I figures I will just get off the bike and walk through for the first little while. My commute from the nursery to the office is about 20 minutes. My plan would be to do this everyday, no matter the weather (London).
So what set up do I need? My two ideas are:
1. The Riese & Muller Packster 70. I think these are very cool and imagine doing longer, more exciting weekend trips with it. I like the e-assist as Little Sock is already heavy and we are thinking of having a second. Downsides are I will miss using my regular bike for the rest of the commute, it will be a little annoying to store in the bike garage and my partner will have to bring a stroller with him when he goes for pickup.
2. Thule Chariot trailer, to be detached at the nursery and folded up, then used like a stroller by my partner for the walk home (or vice versa). Downside is there's no e-assist, maybe it's somehow less safe to have him in the back, and it's less of a stylish accessory lol. I doubt we would use it much for weekend trips.
Can those who have been there weigh in on what you would recommend? Either of the above, or a magic third option. Or first the Thule for drop off and the R&M later for adventures?
Also interested in any insight people have on the safety comparison of these two options. But please don't tell me cycling is always unsafe because you would never do it in your car commuting city :)
Assume the price doesn't matter. In fact, the ebike actually works out cheaper because I already have a cyclescheme voucher that I can use for a lot of the cost (a UK tax incentive deal), whereas I can't for the Thule for reasons.
How heavy and tall is he? I don't know what age you mean by 'nursery'.
The way I started to bike with my kid was with a seat that mounts on the top tube, so he was between my arms. This has several advantages. First, they learn how to balance really well. Mine spent very little time on a balance bike or with training wheels, and learned to ride a regular bike very quickly, and I think hours in the saddle in front of me helped that. Second, this is safer than sitting or trailing behind. In case of an accident, you become an additional layer of protection. Third, they are inexpensive, portable, and can be used with a rental or borrowed bike etc. Finally, they preserve (almost) all your agility, whereas trailers really limit your maneuverability. If you really mean he's more of a baby and think your kid isn't ready for that seat, then Thule has a front-mount seat for babies that has similar benefits.
I think you should get one or both of your suggestions above eventually, especially if you have a second kid. I got a (long tail) cargo ebike and love it with my 7yo! But for starting out, you might like to keep your own bike and be close to your kiddo, it's really fun to have them right there where you can see the same things and talk easily etc :) You really can't get that with any other method.
posted by SaltySalticid at 5:30 AM on December 25, 2023 [8 favorites]
The way I started to bike with my kid was with a seat that mounts on the top tube, so he was between my arms. This has several advantages. First, they learn how to balance really well. Mine spent very little time on a balance bike or with training wheels, and learned to ride a regular bike very quickly, and I think hours in the saddle in front of me helped that. Second, this is safer than sitting or trailing behind. In case of an accident, you become an additional layer of protection. Third, they are inexpensive, portable, and can be used with a rental or borrowed bike etc. Finally, they preserve (almost) all your agility, whereas trailers really limit your maneuverability. If you really mean he's more of a baby and think your kid isn't ready for that seat, then Thule has a front-mount seat for babies that has similar benefits.
I think you should get one or both of your suggestions above eventually, especially if you have a second kid. I got a (long tail) cargo ebike and love it with my 7yo! But for starting out, you might like to keep your own bike and be close to your kiddo, it's really fun to have them right there where you can see the same things and talk easily etc :) You really can't get that with any other method.
posted by SaltySalticid at 5:30 AM on December 25, 2023 [8 favorites]
No question, I would get the packster. It can do so much more than a trailer, and a trailer kinda sucks regardless. But more than anything else, a proper cargo bike (whether a box bike or a long tail) means that you can actually talk to your kiddo as you are riding, which is basically impossible when they are in the trailer below you.
There is also just so much more flexibility with the box bike than with the trailer! Groceries! Picking up another kid! Getting a tree! A trailer is a kludge, while a proper cargo bike is an infinitely useful tool.
From a safety perspective (specifically visibility) a box bike also wins.
Something else to consider is that you could also get a Brampton, ride the big bike to the nursery with kiddo and Brompton, and then ride the Brompton the rest of the way to work.
posted by rockindata at 5:32 AM on December 25, 2023 [3 favorites]
There is also just so much more flexibility with the box bike than with the trailer! Groceries! Picking up another kid! Getting a tree! A trailer is a kludge, while a proper cargo bike is an infinitely useful tool.
From a safety perspective (specifically visibility) a box bike also wins.
Something else to consider is that you could also get a Brampton, ride the big bike to the nursery with kiddo and Brompton, and then ride the Brompton the rest of the way to work.
posted by rockindata at 5:32 AM on December 25, 2023 [3 favorites]
I'm voting for the trailer, because your scenario sounds perfect for it.
We have a similar model and it's quick to switch modes with no tools. The trailer itself is a bit of a crash cage, and I feel that it's the safest option for that reason. A tip over for a buckled child has almost no chance of head impact.
It is more awkward, and you need to learn how to get though narrow spaces and around tight corners, but you can learn quickly.
I also think option 1 is really cool, especially if you can afford it and figure out parking. You've got two good options here!
posted by Acari at 6:48 AM on December 25, 2023 [1 favorite]
We have a similar model and it's quick to switch modes with no tools. The trailer itself is a bit of a crash cage, and I feel that it's the safest option for that reason. A tip over for a buckled child has almost no chance of head impact.
It is more awkward, and you need to learn how to get though narrow spaces and around tight corners, but you can learn quickly.
I also think option 1 is really cool, especially if you can afford it and figure out parking. You've got two good options here!
posted by Acari at 6:48 AM on December 25, 2023 [1 favorite]
Anecdotally in Warsaw trailer seems to be the tool of choice at that age. I imagine it's weather dependent - we're not quite UK levels of rain but it can get pretty wet. And I'd feel safer with a kid lower to the ground. (Does depend on routes, but we have mostly decent cycleways; I have seen zero baby trailers riding in traffic.)
posted by I claim sanctuary at 7:18 AM on December 25, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by I claim sanctuary at 7:18 AM on December 25, 2023 [1 favorite]
I agree with mskyle and would look at a midtail bike: the Tern GSD is the gold standard around here. It’s shorter and so easier to park and is more manoeuvrable etc than a box bike, but can still fit 1-2 kids on it. There are accessories that make it weatherproof too. We have a Yuba Kombi e5 which is similar.
We also have a bike trailer, and as it’s so low to the ground, I personally worry more about it being hard for vehicles to see. It also makes the bike much longer and is more vulnerable from that perspective too.
posted by sizeable beetle at 7:34 AM on December 25, 2023 [3 favorites]
We also have a bike trailer, and as it’s so low to the ground, I personally worry more about it being hard for vehicles to see. It also makes the bike much longer and is more vulnerable from that perspective too.
posted by sizeable beetle at 7:34 AM on December 25, 2023 [3 favorites]
We love our long-tail e-cargo bike (a Radwagon) for child hauling but if we could have swung it we would have done a bakfiets-style cargo bike like your first option. That could be not being super familiar with them and not really grokking the disadvantages (less maneuverable makes sense).
posted by supercres at 7:36 AM on December 25, 2023
posted by supercres at 7:36 AM on December 25, 2023
Not available in the UK, but I thought you still might be interested to see the style of the cargo e-bike some people in my area use, particularly if they have more than one child (it has a rain tent add-on option).
posted by gudrun at 8:25 AM on December 25, 2023
posted by gudrun at 8:25 AM on December 25, 2023
We have a similar situation (short bike ride to school) and went with a cargo bike with a child seat attached. (We have the Aventon Abound which is bit cheaper than the Tern but similar idea). We ride on a busy city street and even with a bike lane it feels safer than in the chariot and it’s easy to manoeuvre and park.
posted by SoftRain at 9:01 AM on December 25, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by SoftRain at 9:01 AM on December 25, 2023 [1 favorite]
I’ve not owned the R&M, but have done test rides on one; I personally ended up going with a Harry vs Larry bullit; it’s lighter, sturdier and cheaper than the R&M (depending on what exact specs you get, and maybe not significantly so in your area). I also ended up going used, but I’m fortunate enough to live in an area where both manufacturers do show up used from time to time. I love riding this as a daily driver, and it is honestly the default bike I choose when leaving the house. I don’t necessarily miss riding “regular” bike: they’re SUPER FUN and enjoyable, in a way I have not experienced on other cargo bikes.
The frame of the Harry vs Larry bikes are significantly more rigid than any other cargo bike I’ve ridden (did a non electric fishtail cargo bike for years, test rode almost anything I could in my local area), and again, depending on the specific one you try, are often notably lighter than their competitors. This makes a huge difference on such a vehicle.
We had a trailer when furnace.kid was very small and we all ended up hating it. It was bulky, ‘pulling’ weight is harder than having it affixed to the frame, and the kid just didn’t like it when he got old enough to say so. He enjoyed riding on the fishtail much more, and it was easier in general to haul him in a longer commute than you’re describing. If we had the money back then to do a front loader, we would. They are true car replacements in 8/10 situations for us (and in a city like London, I’d probably inch that up a bit).
posted by furnace.heart at 9:02 AM on December 25, 2023 [1 favorite]
The frame of the Harry vs Larry bikes are significantly more rigid than any other cargo bike I’ve ridden (did a non electric fishtail cargo bike for years, test rode almost anything I could in my local area), and again, depending on the specific one you try, are often notably lighter than their competitors. This makes a huge difference on such a vehicle.
We had a trailer when furnace.kid was very small and we all ended up hating it. It was bulky, ‘pulling’ weight is harder than having it affixed to the frame, and the kid just didn’t like it when he got old enough to say so. He enjoyed riding on the fishtail much more, and it was easier in general to haul him in a longer commute than you’re describing. If we had the money back then to do a front loader, we would. They are true car replacements in 8/10 situations for us (and in a city like London, I’d probably inch that up a bit).
posted by furnace.heart at 9:02 AM on December 25, 2023 [1 favorite]
I used a Burley trailer for many years with my kids (Boston area, like msmyle). I really liked my actual bike and appreciated the ability to lock the trailer up outside of the day care and roll merrily on my way solo. It was easy enough to walk the trailer when separated that when we needed to use it as at stroller, we could. We have a lot of cobble streets, tree roots, and of course sometimes unexpected snow and it was ok on those but the walk was only about 8 city blocks. The trailer had a lot of weather options too, sunshade, rain barrier, mesh, etc. I used it through two kids, ~10 years, and it was still in good enough condition that an employee at a local bike shop bought it when he had a kid. Once my kids were too big for the trailer, we got a trail behind bike, and again, I liked that it was detachable.
Another benefit of the trailer was that it provided a level of protection in case of an accident. That kid is strapped in a rollable cage. I used two tall flags on either side so it was more visible in traffic. As a smaller person, I really did not like the dynamics and balance of a kid seated high in front. I've endured stoppies , 90⁰ wheel flop from hitting acorns, slippery cross walks, and opening car doors. Having my maneuverability so compromised, and my infant/toddler breaking a forward fall (or just also taking a sideways fall) didn't make sense for my CoG and typical obstacles.
The bakfiets and bucket bikes were not compelling to me because of the ratio of time transporting a kid to time I was on my bike solo. Your choice really depends on how you predict using the bike overall, whether you'll need to carry two+ kids, whether you want to do errands with it, the weather conditions, etc.
posted by cocoagirl at 9:07 AM on December 25, 2023 [1 favorite]
Another benefit of the trailer was that it provided a level of protection in case of an accident. That kid is strapped in a rollable cage. I used two tall flags on either side so it was more visible in traffic. As a smaller person, I really did not like the dynamics and balance of a kid seated high in front. I've endured stoppies , 90⁰ wheel flop from hitting acorns, slippery cross walks, and opening car doors. Having my maneuverability so compromised, and my infant/toddler breaking a forward fall (or just also taking a sideways fall) didn't make sense for my CoG and typical obstacles.
The bakfiets and bucket bikes were not compelling to me because of the ratio of time transporting a kid to time I was on my bike solo. Your choice really depends on how you predict using the bike overall, whether you'll need to carry two+ kids, whether you want to do errands with it, the weather conditions, etc.
posted by cocoagirl at 9:07 AM on December 25, 2023 [1 favorite]
I have a midtail (a benno boost) I use to cart my 2 one year olds to daycare. Midtails are fantastic for riding mostly like a regular bike, and do really well in narrow bike infrastructure. We also have a trailer for running or really rainy days. If I had the money I’d go Tern GSD, their accessory line is second to none and they are super well built bikes.
I use mine so much! Shopping runs, daycare dropoffs, park trips - everything is more fun with a cargo bike.
posted by Jon Mitchell at 9:54 AM on December 25, 2023 [1 favorite]
I use mine so much! Shopping runs, daycare dropoffs, park trips - everything is more fun with a cargo bike.
posted by Jon Mitchell at 9:54 AM on December 25, 2023 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: Thank you so much for the answers so far!
I should have specified: Little Sock is 14 months, 30lbs and 90 cm...
posted by Chausette at 12:27 PM on December 25, 2023
I should have specified: Little Sock is 14 months, 30lbs and 90 cm...
posted by Chausette at 12:27 PM on December 25, 2023
I have a Riese & Müller Load 75, which is apparently quite similar to the Packster 70. I use it to take my kids to/from school and daycase, and occasionally to transport some larger items. (I've picked up a few cases of wine at the liquor store, or catering for a holiday party, for example.) I would say that I have absolutely no regrets about buying this bike. It's extremely fun to ride and handles even San Francisco's hills with two kids in it without a problem. It feels extremely solid to ride.
In terms of safety, the Riese & Müller has a frame that's around your kids, which will protect them far more in the event of an accident than the trailer. In fact, I've been in an accident riding on my Load 75 (solo, thankfully), and while I ended up breaking my leg and requiring surgery, the bike only needed a new reaer wheel; the rest of the damage is entirely cosmetic. I have no qualms around biking my kids around the city in the Load 75.
The other thing to consider is parking. Cargo bikes are big and heavy, and you can't get them up stairs easily. I would not really want to park them in view of the public regularly. I have a badge-controlled bike room that I use at work, and a garage in my house, for locking the bike up. At home I use this Abus bike anchor to lock up to when we're away for longer periods of time, and a gigantic Abus lock similar to this one to lock up in public. These bikes can be targets for theft and keeping them out of public view is the first line of defense.
posted by kdar at 1:18 PM on December 25, 2023 [1 favorite]
In terms of safety, the Riese & Müller has a frame that's around your kids, which will protect them far more in the event of an accident than the trailer. In fact, I've been in an accident riding on my Load 75 (solo, thankfully), and while I ended up breaking my leg and requiring surgery, the bike only needed a new reaer wheel; the rest of the damage is entirely cosmetic. I have no qualms around biking my kids around the city in the Load 75.
The other thing to consider is parking. Cargo bikes are big and heavy, and you can't get them up stairs easily. I would not really want to park them in view of the public regularly. I have a badge-controlled bike room that I use at work, and a garage in my house, for locking the bike up. At home I use this Abus bike anchor to lock up to when we're away for longer periods of time, and a gigantic Abus lock similar to this one to lock up in public. These bikes can be targets for theft and keeping them out of public view is the first line of defense.
posted by kdar at 1:18 PM on December 25, 2023 [1 favorite]
The people recommending a trailer for safety have pretty clearly not encountered a high end e-cargo box bike. R&M, Urban Arrow, etc are tanks, vastly stronger and more protective than any trailer outside of something like a Wike adaptive cycling trailer. This is driven by the fact that a trailer has to be pulled by a standard bicycle, and therefore needs to be relatively light.
On the other hand, a trailer is much more protective than one of those kid things tied to the handlebars, which may be what folks are comparing to.
posted by rockindata at 2:50 PM on December 25, 2023 [1 favorite]
On the other hand, a trailer is much more protective than one of those kid things tied to the handlebars, which may be what folks are comparing to.
posted by rockindata at 2:50 PM on December 25, 2023 [1 favorite]
I would suggest test riding as many different cargo bikes as you can and see what feels "right." Do you prefer 3 wheels or 2? Kid in the front or in the back?
The Urban Arrow may be of interest since the box is made out of a protective Styrofoam like material and has a metal roll cage.
With a cargo bike, you could potentially bring a compact stroller or balance bike to leave at nursery.
The trailer would not be suitable for the first year of Baby Sock's life. Even then, there's no guarantee that Baby Sock or Little Sock wouldn't fuss or get physical with each other.
On the other hand, you can carry Baby Sock in a box bike at a younger age. Most importantly you are there to intervene if Little Sock gets physical with Baby Sock or if either Sock is unhappy.
posted by oceano at 3:53 PM on December 25, 2023 [1 favorite]
The Urban Arrow may be of interest since the box is made out of a protective Styrofoam like material and has a metal roll cage.
With a cargo bike, you could potentially bring a compact stroller or balance bike to leave at nursery.
The trailer would not be suitable for the first year of Baby Sock's life. Even then, there's no guarantee that Baby Sock or Little Sock wouldn't fuss or get physical with each other.
On the other hand, you can carry Baby Sock in a box bike at a younger age. Most importantly you are there to intervene if Little Sock gets physical with Baby Sock or if either Sock is unhappy.
posted by oceano at 3:53 PM on December 25, 2023 [1 favorite]
We bike on a midtail Benno boost with a Yepp Mini seat on the handlebars (and a preschooler on the back) and we LOVE the setup. It feels very secure and cozy and maneuverable as you the center of gravity is lovely.
posted by samthemander at 4:08 PM on December 25, 2023
posted by samthemander at 4:08 PM on December 25, 2023
I have the Urban Arrow (box/bucket-style like your first link) and it is absolutely perfect for dropping off two kids and then running my own errands. (We had a Tern but upgraded to accommodate the second kid.)
We've also taken the Urban Arrow on fun adventures (with 2nd parent on a separate bike), and it's perfect for that too - plus easy to dump a bunch of picnic supplies / firewood / full grocery load / what have you in the bucket too! I've even put an adult passenger in there.
The kids are seatbelted and helmeted in the bucket and within my view; it feels very stable and safe. (I know many like trailers but I get kind of nervous about them.) Another nice thing is that kids can safely/comfortably nap in there, have blankets/snacks, etc.
I was somewhat concerned about maneuverability initially but it's actually not a big deal - the turning radius is big, but I haven't found it more difficult than other bikes to use on city streets (with and without bike lanes). Also I think I get more space from cars because this bike is pretty visible, and I think drivers aren't as familiar with this style bike and take extra caution.
Basically I think price and storage are the only drawbacks of bucket-style e-bike for kid transport in a city, so if those aren't an issue for you, you should definitely do it!
posted by anotherthink at 10:18 AM on December 26, 2023 [1 favorite]
We've also taken the Urban Arrow on fun adventures (with 2nd parent on a separate bike), and it's perfect for that too - plus easy to dump a bunch of picnic supplies / firewood / full grocery load / what have you in the bucket too! I've even put an adult passenger in there.
The kids are seatbelted and helmeted in the bucket and within my view; it feels very stable and safe. (I know many like trailers but I get kind of nervous about them.) Another nice thing is that kids can safely/comfortably nap in there, have blankets/snacks, etc.
I was somewhat concerned about maneuverability initially but it's actually not a big deal - the turning radius is big, but I haven't found it more difficult than other bikes to use on city streets (with and without bike lanes). Also I think I get more space from cars because this bike is pretty visible, and I think drivers aren't as familiar with this style bike and take extra caution.
Basically I think price and storage are the only drawbacks of bucket-style e-bike for kid transport in a city, so if those aren't an issue for you, you should definitely do it!
posted by anotherthink at 10:18 AM on December 26, 2023 [1 favorite]
I have a Tern HSD (smaller than a Tern GSD) meant for one kid and love it. Most parents pair it with the Thule Yepp Maxi for younger kids. What I like about the Thule HSD is that it is the size of a regular bike, has e-assist and has several components that make weather and a growing up kid manageable. You can get a storm box and a storm shield mini. When your kid gets older, you can switch out the Thule for a clubhouse which makes carrying a kid infinitely easier.
I love that you can park the Tern HSD vertically if needed and it takes up less space than the other options mentioned.
posted by ichimunki at 6:52 PM on December 26, 2023
I love that you can park the Tern HSD vertically if needed and it takes up less space than the other options mentioned.
posted by ichimunki at 6:52 PM on December 26, 2023
We just (like, three days ago!!) receieved our Tern HSD S00 and (while we are new to it) we loooooooooove it. It is sturdy AF, safe, maneuverable, and overall a delight to ride (we're both lifelong cyclists, and this is our first electric bike, and we've found the transition easy and natural and not off-putting, which we were worried about).We have more or less the same set-up ichimunki describes above, and our 2.5y/o is over the moon excited to ride in it every time we've packed her up, even in the absolutely pissing rain (the storm shield it pretty bombproof). It will be our main commute method any time the child needs to go anywhere, and it is far, far, far superior to us hauling her around on an acoustic bike with a bike trailer attached (which was our former method of cycling with child). We will also use it for grocery shopping, and toodling around town, and just about EVERYTHING other than multi-hour trips.
(We test rode some R&M models while shopping, and loved them as well, and our neighbours are quite happy with their R&M cargo bike (not sure the exact model) so I think you can't go wrong there, either. )
If you can afford it, electric cargo bike is DEFINITELY the way to go, on all fronts (I think!)
posted by Dorinda at 2:15 PM on December 27, 2023 [1 favorite]
(We test rode some R&M models while shopping, and loved them as well, and our neighbours are quite happy with their R&M cargo bike (not sure the exact model) so I think you can't go wrong there, either. )
If you can afford it, electric cargo bike is DEFINITELY the way to go, on all fronts (I think!)
posted by Dorinda at 2:15 PM on December 27, 2023 [1 favorite]
I had my son behind me in a trailer until he was 5 or so, then we switched to cargo bikes. I wish I'd gotten a cargo bike earlier, but our trailer days were fun, too.
The cargo bikes ended up feeling safer to me than the tailer. Trailer would occasionally tip over hitting a curb or the like. This was kind of on me, but never any issues on the bikes.
FWIW we had a Larry vs Harry & also a longtail Yuba Mundo. He happily ride in the front loader until age 8 or so, then it started feeling too "little kid". He's 10 now and still happily rides on the longtail.
My fav time frame was the Larry vs Harry era - he'd ride up front and I could see him and we'd just have conversations while we were in transit.
posted by john m at 7:36 PM on December 27, 2023 [1 favorite]
The cargo bikes ended up feeling safer to me than the tailer. Trailer would occasionally tip over hitting a curb or the like. This was kind of on me, but never any issues on the bikes.
FWIW we had a Larry vs Harry & also a longtail Yuba Mundo. He happily ride in the front loader until age 8 or so, then it started feeling too "little kid". He's 10 now and still happily rides on the longtail.
My fav time frame was the Larry vs Harry era - he'd ride up front and I could see him and we'd just have conversations while we were in transit.
posted by john m at 7:36 PM on December 27, 2023 [1 favorite]
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Longtail/midtail bikes seem to be more popular than box bikes/bakfiets (although I see a lot of those as well) for child transport where I am (Boston, MA area - there are a ton of family bike commuters in some of the close-in suburbs). I don't know what brands are available to you but if you like Riese and Muller it looks like they have the Multicharger and Multitinker lines. Those are going to feel more like a "regular" bike for the non-kid-toting portion of your commute and while they're still bulkier than your non-e-bike they are less awkward for parking than a box bike.
Oh also speaking as an ebike evangelist who can't shut up about how great ebikes are, you may find that intersections you find scary on your current bike are less scary on an ebike, because you can zip through at closer-to-car speeds.
posted by mskyle at 5:30 AM on December 25, 2023 [2 favorites]