Kids as pillions - What age?

[Biff]

My little uns keep asking for a ride on the back of the Biff Bird. The furthest I've taken them, as a direct result of their constant whining, is 20 yards up the road (at a speed of no more than 15kmph), into a cul-de-sac, then back to our drive (no more than 100 metres). Other than that I refuse to take then out onto the open road at their age (daughter 4 - son 6).

Now while my daughter is far too young to be taken on a 'proper' ride, my son is possibly no more than 24 months away from being strong/wise enough to be taken on a slow ride to school or around the town.

So - at the risk of just admitting and being lambasted for being a bad parent and/or breaking the law, at what age are you legally allowed to take kids as pillions? And at what age did you first allow your child to first be a pillion on the open road?

Ta.

[RT527]

As i understand it the age is 10.
Thats what i`ve heard.
try searching the ltnz site.

[Jantar]

I used to take my kids for very short rides on my dirt bike when they were still at a very early age by either carrying them between my wife and myself, or by sitting them on the tank in front of me.

As far as taking them for a proper ride as a pillion, it isn't a matter of age so much as having them fit the bike. Its when they are tall enough to properly sit on the seat with their feet on the footpegs.

[Highlander]

Our youngest is 12 but small for her age. I can't feel her behind me or see bits of her in the mirror so keep thinking I have lost her off the back. Scares the crap out of me so don't take her if I can squirm out of it.

[Patrick]

As far as taking them for a proper ride as a pillion, it isn't a matter of age so much as having them fit the bike. Its when they are tall enough to properly sit on the seat with their feet on the footpegs.

There it is in a nutshell. Have to be able to have feet firmly on footpegs, not flailing around for obvious reasons...Ouch...and with the right gear on tooof course!

[MidnightMike]

I reckon if they are big enough for you to feel comfortable and not worry with them on the back then its fine, but i would say 10+ no less.

[kickingzebra]

Get them addicted young I say... Going to try and get leathers made up for my kids... might not actually use the,, but kids will have little peewee bikes to do wheelies and stuff on... On the back of the bike with me, yeah, when I can trust them to do what I say, and not wriggle, and can fit all gear. On the front of dirtbike, maybe from a bit younger.

Unaware of any legality, but footpegs would be the ideal measure.

[Highlander]

I reckon if they are big enough for you to feel comfortable and not worry with them on the back then its fine, but i would say 10+ no less.

Just as soon as you get some wheels ay Mike.

[MidnightMike]

Just as soon as you get some wheels ay Mike.

And some kids to put on the back

[Jantar]

And some kids to put on the back

Highlander has one or two he might lend you.

[FROSTY:Me]

gimme a yell mate --I guess its old news --baby bikies been riding with me basicly since he was born. -0210354615
But be VERY carefull --its easy to scare em at this age.
Basicly I covered it off elsewhere---Ski Shops are your freind.
kids ski suits are cheap second hand
BB has --Ski suit,ski Jacket,body armour,6th hand size11 (kids) MX boots. (no point in latest fashion theyll outgrow em) A youth small helmet -HJC and xxs ladies gloves. He also has a leather jacket but the ski gear is cudura and in my opinion offers better protection.
The only thing new was his helmet but thatll last em years anyhoo.
Ive got a pic of BB on my Venture royalle (yamaha goldwing) with his open face lid in his car seat.
You can see in my profile pic BB on the ol GTRthou -Hes in gummies--He'd "lost " his boots.
You'll Just make out the car seat

[kiwifruit]

ive been on bikes since i was 6 months old,
first ride on a road bike for any distance was about 7 or 8 on the back of the old man's rz350.

[sunhuntin]

dad used to take me on the highway when i was a kiddo.....younger than 10 as well....but then id been well used to them by then...went through the photo album last night, and theres pics of me sitting in front of dad at age 2 going around the back yard.

i think the road code said they have to be able to reach the pegs, but id also prefer to go by weight/site as others have mentioned. i think with a cissy bar/top box thered be less chance of them coming off the back, but may encourage them to relax against the support and forget to hold on with their hands. if you have a cissy bar though....you may be able to bungy the little buggers on!

[Scorpygirl]

Don't have kids so don't know stuff all on this one! However seeing some riders (not all) that have kids at the charity rides, I would say (the riders) have a lot to learn. Just cause the kid wants to come on a charity ride and it's a good cause. I have seen kids so ill-prepared that it's a joke - the Westpac ride is a classic for this!! We had an accident on this year's one that really illustrated the fact.

You guys that have been riding for years know best. Best policy - take care of your loved one always.

[Lias]

I've taken my 4 year old on the back, just around town thou, wouldnt take her on the open road. If nothing else makes you obey the speed limit and drive like a nana, having yer kids on the back will thou!