Safety, a first choice for children and drivers

Cycling with children should feel safe.
But did you know that many parents have completely different safety requirements for the car and the box bike? Here we go over what you should consider and why safety should be the first priority even on three wheels.

When it comes to child transportation: the car vs. the box bike

When a child is traveling in a car, safety is often the top priority. Parents carefully choose their child car seat, a baby seat for the very youngest, and then a car seat or booster seat adapted to the child's weight and height.

According to the Swedish Consumer Agency, children under 135 cm must use a special protection device, and the seat must be approved for the child's weight and installed correctly. The child's neck and head are particularly vulnerable in collisions, and the correct seat installed rear-facing for as long as possible significantly reduces these risks.

You invest in a quality seat, check certifications, make sure the assembly is correct and are prepared to pay. The safety of the child is of course worth the cost.

As more and more families choose to replace their cars with electric or box bikes, safety requirements have also increased. There are now models, such as Livelo, that put safety first right from the design, with a robust frame, low center of gravity and roll bar as standard.

Why safety is often forgotten when choosing a bike

Here an interesting paradox arises: when the same parent, who has spent a lot of time and money on a car seat, has to choose a family bike for their children and themselves, safety often becomes a less important criterion. Many focus more on price rather than safety and settle for a cheaper option.

Perhaps people think that cycling is “less risky” and can therefore be handled with a simpler solution. This forgets the importance of design, maneuverability, brakes, belts and center of gravity, even though children actually have even less protection than in a car.

Comparison: investments in car seats and strollers vs. box bikes

Child car seat: Many parents spend thousands of kronor on an approved seat with the right standard (e.g. i-Size / UN R129) and check that it is installed and functions correctly. Safety is the focus.

Stroller: Often a lot of money is invested here too, sometimes for only a couple of years of use. Priority is given to function, comfort, and quality.

Cargo bike: Despite the fact that this is a means of transport where the child is a passenger and may travel up to the age of 12, there is significantly less care in the selection process. Often cheaper options are chosen without reviewing the important safety features.

So there is a kind of inconsistency: high standards in the car for the child, but when the bike becomes the alternative, the safety aspect often ends up in the shadows.

However, we would like to mention that as more and more families choose to replace their car with an electric or cargo bike, safety requirements have also increased. There are now models, such as Livelo, that put safety first right from the design, with a robust frame, low center of gravity and a roll bar as standard.

Important things to consider when buying a family bike

Seat belts are a must

Make sure the box bike has proper belts, preferably with shoulder harnesses, for all passengers. Belts prevent children from being thrown forward when braking or on uneven roads.

The right seats for children

Choose a model with seats adapted for children, with the right height, seat angle and good backrest.

Low center of gravity and stable construction

A low center of gravity makes the bike more stable, especially when cornering and when children are moving around in the basket. Avoid models where the load is high or too far forward/backward.

High quality brakes

Hydraulic disc brakes are recommended, especially if you often ride with heavy loads or on hills. Test the brakes before buying to make sure they feel powerful and easy to control.

Good maneuverability

The bike should be easy to steer with and without a load. Choose a bike with a swivel front wheel where the basket is attached to the frame. Stable steering reduces the risk of tipping over and allows you to avoid obstacles quickly.

Robust and durable basket

Check the material: metal (e.g. aluminum) is stronger and more durable than thin plywood or plastic. Attachment points for belts and seats should be sturdy and well integrated into the structure.

Protection against weather and accidents

Choose a model with a protective bar, rain cover or hood that protects children in case of weather changes or in the event of a rollover.

Think like car safety

Even if it's "just" a bicycle, children are exposed to risks in traffic, when braking and on uneven surfaces. Therefore, set the same high standards for safety as you would when choosing a car seat:

• proper belts

• stable construction

• safe driving feeling

What makes different box bikes different?

• Brake system: Hydraulic disc brakes vs. simpler rim brakes

• Belts & seats: Full shoulder harness, robust mounting, adapted seat angle

• Center of gravity & maneuverability: Stable steering, low entry, secure feel

• Construction: Materials, durability, how the bike is affected by load

• Extra protection: Roll bar, anti-tip, better balance while driving

Livelo, built with safety as a foundation

Livelo is an example of how security can be integrated into every detail:

• Roll bar and shoulder harness for passengers

• Low center of gravity for stability

• Ackerman steering (the basket does not turn with the front wheels)

• Hydraulic brakes for safe braking

• Integrated LED lighting front and rear

👉 Read more about Livelo #2 here

Choosing with safety in mind – the checklist:

✔️ Test ride the bike with a load (child + luggage)
✔️ Check brakes and maneuverability
✔️ Make sure the belts and seats are suitable for children (Are there belts with shoulder harnesses for children? Is the seat suitable?)
✔️ Check the center of gravity and stability
✔️ Is there a roll bar / protective bar? (Is there protection in the event of a side collision or rollover?)
✔️ Load capacity and dimensions (Can the bike handle the load for your needs?)
✔️ Test the front and rear lighting
✔️ Review service and maintenance options

Conclusion

Safety is not just a car issue, it is a principle issue when transporting children, regardless of the mode of transport. If you care about which car seat you choose, have the same requirements when choosing a box bike. Compare models actively, include safety features such as belts, roll bars, low center of gravity, brakes and good handling.

Investing in a family bike like the Livelo may cost more initially but is a small investment in the safety of the children and the rider. Forgetting this just because it is “just a bike” is an unnecessarily risky path.

Would you like to experience Livelo up close?
Welcome to our store at Karlavägen 2 in Stockholm or contact us HERE