Design and Features
The WeeRide is a centre-mounted baby bike seat consisting of a bar mount which will fit to most bicycle types and a removable seat unit.
It features a 5-point safety harness and a unique padded 'dashboard' which gives your child something comfortable to hold onto or rest their head if they become weary. It also features adjustable feet guards.
The WeeRide seat unit is made from the industrial strength resin used in car seats and has a foam style seat pad. It weights 3.2kgs and is suitable for a child weighing up to 18kgs or up to four years.
Performance and Drawbacks
It’s important to note that we’ve not given the WeeRide a rating out of 10. This is because there are important safety decisions about the type of baby bike seat a parent might make that are not appropriate for us to score. For a list of the pros and cons of centre-mounted and rear-mounted baby bike seats check out our feature story on buying baby bike seats.
OK so let’s get onto the WeeRide. The bar mount and seat unit are quite easy to install and will take most unskilled bike enthusiasts about 15 minutes. The two tools you need are included in the box which makes life easier and WeeRide have conveniently provided a video designed to complement the instructions for those of us who pretend that we can read instructions but secretly find it difficult.
The WeeRide seat unit is easy to remove which is useful. It’s convenient if you want to drop your child off at kindy or anywhere else, leave the seat there, and peddle off to work or play. Also you can purchase a second bar mount which is great if you need to move the seat from one bike to another regularly.
The biggest advantage of the WeeRide when it comes to your child’s comfort is its location on the bike. Being up front means you can tend and reassure your child as needed and they can see clearly and are less likely to sway from side to side to see around you. The seat itself is a bit spartan for a little person, however, the dash board grip offers a safe and comfy place for your child to catch 40 winks.
One of the big questions of this centre-mounted bike seat is does it get in the way? The answer depends on your bike, your size and your child’s height. There are some cases where a parent may need to adjust their legs while peddling to avoid hitting the seat with their knees. Also it is possible that your child will grow up (in height) rather than out (in weight) of the WeeRide.
We'll be testing our WeeRide with a longer legged dad and an pretty average legged mum and a range of children between one and three so we’ll let you know how we go.
On the plus side with the WeeRide your bike is easier to mount and dismount in comparison to a rear mounted seat.
The other big question is how safe is it? Well in an accident it depends on the circumstances, however, what is obvious is when using the WeeRide you are not distracted by your child behind you and the centre-mounting means that it’s easier to maintain your balance while riding. Also, very importantly, the WeeRide has a five point safety harness which is toddler proof.
Finally, the WeeRide is very durable and should last many toddlers throughout their bike riding days. The seat padding will make it through if it gets a good soaking in the rain but I'd recommend bringing it inside when you are not using it.
Conclusion
Certainly for a younger child, riding with them in front is preferable so that you can tend to their needs. For any parent, riding with your child in front is comforting. The WeeRide offers most parents that option.
Don't forget, your child should always wear a properly fitted and accredited bike helmet when riding.
About WeeRide
WeeRide make a variety of bike accessories including baby bike seats, bike attachments for older children and a pre-bike balance bike.
