New models of parent-child bikes arrive
Panasonic Cycle Technology has launched models of parent-child bikes that are capable of traveling up to about 100 kilometers and their batteries take about eight hours to recharge.
Parent-child bicycles are equipped with a child seat attached to either the front or rear of the bike. If an additional seat is attached, the bicycle can carry two children at the same time.
Panasonic Cycle Technology Co. has launched models with a battery capacity significantly larger than that of existing models. The new models are “Gyutto Mini EX,” which has a child seat at the front near the handlebars, and “Gyutto Annys EX,” which has a child seat attached to the rear. Both are capable of traveling up to about 100 kilometers and their batteries take about eight hours to recharge.
“Pas Kiss mini un,” released by Yamaha Motor Co. on March 1, features a new type of child seat called a “cocoon room” placed near the handlebars.
There is a front cover attached to the seat that can be raised or lowered with one hand, allowing parents to get children in and out easily. Safety has been enhanced with this cover protecting children from the upper body to the toes.
As a result of a design review, the new model is 2.8 kilograms lighter than the previous model. The overall length is also eight centimeters shorter to allow easier handling.
Meanwhile, Bridgestone Cycle Co.’s “Hydee.II” enjoys popularity for its simple design. The company has increased the capacity of the battery by about 40 percent without changing its size and boosted its travel distance to up to 62 kilometers, about 1.4 times longer than the previous model.
Tips for choosing a bike
When offering customers tips for selecting parent-child bicycles, Yoshiki Miyazaki, 24, who works at a Cycle Base Asahi shop in Koganei, Tokyo, where many households have small children, said he asks them about their daily cycling distance and the geographical features of their residential areas. Some parent-child bicycles are not motor-assisted.
“If you cycle short distances and there are no hills nearby, lower-priced bikes without power assistance will do. If your area is hilly, electric bikes are recommended,” Miyazaki said. He said he usually recommends bicycles with a larger battery capacity for those cycling long distances.
Some models are designed to make a strong and stable start while others focus on driving smoothly. The features of power-assisted bicycles vary, depending on manufacturers and models.
“It’s essential that you choose the one best suited to you after taking a test ride,” Miyazaki said. Meanwhile, the Bicycle Association (Japan), an incorporated body, has established a certification system in which bicycles that have passed safety screenings are given a mark confirming conformity with its standards for two-child passenger riding.
The requirements for certification include having a body strong enough to carry two children aged under 6 and sufficient performance of brakes. “We want people to ride on certified bicycles,” an official of the association said.
