Should children wear helmets in bike trailers? We think the answer is an easy yes! Helmets are made for the safety of the child and help to protect their head and neck from injury. To make it as easy and comfortable as possible for your child to wear a helmet in their bike trailer, the Hamax Outback has a recessed area for the helmet, as well as an adjustable/removable head pad.
As fellow parents, we know that we would never intentionally put a child in harm’s way, but sometimes we forget how fragile children are. It is far better to be safe than sorry, especially where kids are concerned.
Why Your Child Should Always Wear a Helmet
Green: No laws
Yellow: No state law but local laws exist
Red: State laws requiring some minors to wear helmets
Most states or local governments have laws regarding helmet usage for minors. Even if your state doesn’t have a helmet law, it is a good idea for both parent and child to wear one in the case of an accident. Children, whose skulls are not as thick as adults, are more susceptible to head injuries from crashes and accidents.
As a parent, you can set a good example by wearing your helmet when riding the bike. Allow for breaks to stop and get out so your kids can take off their helmets for a while. Make sure when mounting up again, that all straps are securely fastened and the helmets are properly worn. Doing this each and every time you get on the bike, or in the bike trailer, will model good behavior and create an association between the helmet and the fun bike trips for your child. Soon, they’ll be reminding you to get your helmet!
Common Objections to Wearing Helmets in Bike Trailers
There are a few common complaints regarding children wearing helmets in bike trailers. Regardless, we still believe that you and your child should follow all safety precautions available to ensure that your ride is fun, comfortable, and safe for all passengers.
My child is so hot, and the helmet makes them sweat more
With the Hamax Outback multi-sport trailer, there are several different zip-down covers that you can change depending on the weather. If it is quite warm outside, roll up the clear plastic cover and let your kiddo enjoy the breeze through the mesh cover. You can also use the included shade to shield their eyes and face directly from the sun. If you have an older child, a battery operated fan that sprays water might also be welcomed as a fun way to cool off while riding down their favorite trails.
The helmet pushes my child’s head forward awkwardly
Several bike trailers, including the Hamax Outback, offer space for the helmet in the seat back area. The Outback bike trailer also has removable cushions, if they are interfering with the child’s sitting position. Make sure that when you are purchasing a helmet that you have chosen one with a close-fitting, curved back portion, instead of the more pointed, sporty versions. Many BMX or skater-style helmets offer this rounded option. Another option is to purchase a U-shaped head support pillow. The Hamax Neck Cushion ensures the child’s neck is supported and comfortable at all times – even when leaning over during nap time.
My child doesn’t like to wear their helmet
If you treat a helmet like a seat belt or life jacket, a required, non-negotiable piece of safety equipment then that is how your child will view it as well. As the parent, you get to decide the rules. Isn’t that fun?
We hope that you will consider ensuring that all riders and passengers wear helmets when planning your next biking trip with the family. If you’re looking for a great place to ride, check out some of our favorite rides in these top biking cities.
How is a child going to hit her head while strapped in to a trailer with roll bars and already at ground level?? By your reasoning maybe I should have her wear a helmet during every activity? Is any of this advice based on actual accident statistics?
Hi Keith, While we hope that no child would ever hit their head while riding in an Outback there is the possibility that an accident could occur. The manufacturer has included a safety warning with this item that recommends the use of helmets by children who are riding in the Outback while in bike trailer mode. We appreciate your opinion, however, we must advocate for the safety of all passengers even if the probability of injury is low. Thanks for commenting, we hope you have a great day!
Keith, youre not going to get the answer your looking for. None of these concerned parents are going to side with not needing a helmet. These folks are some of the most over protective in existence. Additionally, any website personnel will always err on the side of safety so as to nevet be implicated in any legal issue… I’m probably going to put my little guy in a helmet. But I dont see why it will matter. We’re not going mountain biking in this thing…
I have first hand experience as to why I will ALWAYS make my daughter wear a helmet in the bike trailer .. she was being pulled by her dad & he too believed it was not so necessary- she would complain during the rides about a helmet so he was lax about it.. well the worst happened taking a corner & over correcting a little caused the bike trailer to roll with my daughter inside .. I was right behind them & crashed as well in an attempt to stop quickly & get to my daughter .. she was terrified & had a small gash on her head bleeding & a bruise. We ride almost every single day with her I would have never imagined this happening EVER. But it CAN – protect your babies I’m definitely changed & traumatized from this event.
Thanks for a important post. Informative article. Off course we should wear helmet when we ride bike because of not-only state law also for our safety, for our child safety.