Size guide: Is your toddler ready for a front mounted child seat?

Whether you're considering the Shotgun, Shotgun 2.0 or the Shotgun Pro seat, the below information is designed to help you know if your child is ready to ride up front on your mountain bike with you.

Is my child old enough to use a shotgun seat?

The Shotgun seat is designed for kids 2 years and up, whilst the Shotgun 2.0 & Pro seats are designed for kids 18 months and older – this difference is due to the seats' footpeg positions, and a child's minimum inseam required to reach the footpegs in order to ride safely.

 

Beyond your child's size, there are a few developmental milestones to check they have ticked off before you hit the trails. Every child is different, and you know your little one best, but as a general guide the following signs are a good indication that your little person is ready to ride shotgun.

- They can sit unaided
- They can follow basic instructions
- They can stay awake (for the length of your bike ride)

When will my child outgrow the shotgun seat?

The Shotgun seat has a maximum weight limit of 22kg/48lb, whilst the Shotgun 2.0 and Pro seats have maximum weight limits of 27kg/60lb. Which for most kids, will see them safely riding shotgun until 5 or 6 years – or until they are more interested in riding their own bike instead, which is a great result.

Can I adjust the height of the foot-pegs, or extend the legs of the shotgun seats? 

Each of our shotgun seats provide different levels of adjustability to grow with your child.

- The Shotgun seat has a fixed leg length and foot peg height.
- The Shotgun 2.0 seat has a fixed leg length but 2 foot peg height options.
- The Shotgun Pro seat has extendable legs with 7 different foot peg height options. 

Note: On all three seats you can rotate the legs forward or back to suit your rider. 

Is my child too tall to use a shotgun seat?

Our shotgun seats do not have a maximum height limit, but if your child is 4 or 5 years old, and is very tall for their age, and you the parent are fairly short – you may struggle to see over your child's helmet whilst riding.

We are yet to have a shotgun seat returned for this reason, but each child, adult and bike are unique. If you're concerned, we suggest taking the shotgun seat for a test ride at your local stockist.

Learn more: 

- Shotgun Seat
- Shotgun 2.0 Seat
- Shotgun Pro Seat

Take a shotgun seat for a test ride: 

Find a shotgun seat at your local stockist. 

Have a question? 

If you have a question about sizing or for help determining whether your little one is ready to ride shotgun, please contact our customer care team. Alternatively, you could ask our knowledgeable & helpful community of MTB parents over in our Kids Ride Shotgun Facebook group.