I have been searching for a way to transport our 1 year old toddler in the
Badger Bikes Box on our
Bullitt cargo bike for a few months. I found quite a few ideas that would work for other bike/box set-ups, but not ours. We didn't need a baby carseat, but we did need something that would allow our little one to recline a bit more and provide more support than the seats that are in the box. And we wanted her to be able to be rear-facing so we could could interact with her and see what was happening with her neck while we ride. We didn't want to drill any new holes into the box, so it had to be something we could mount using the bolts that hold the box onto the frame and it couldn't be too big so our almost 5 year old could still fit in the box.
We found a great solution! Here is what we used:
A Yepp Mini without the leg rests or the mounting bracket
A car lap belt from the auto parts store (it was cheaper than the time and gas to get to our nearest pick-pull)
2 cinch-down straps
2 bolts, 4 washers, and 2 locknuts
1. First we cut off the seat belt's metal brackets, the ones that bolt to the frame of the car.
2. Mount them using the bolts, washers, and locknuts to the box. We did this to the front bolts, but I think it could also be done on the bolts under the seat to mount it on top of the existing seat in the forward facing direction.
3. Place something on the bottom of the box to protect it from scratches from the Yepp Mini. We used some old yoga mat material.
4. Place the Yepp Mini in the box in position.
5. Use straps to cinch it tight using the bars on the seat's bottom at the corners.
This should give you a nice, tightly mounted Yepp Mini in your box.
Once it was mounted, we noticed that her helmet may touch the top of the headset, so we attached some foam around the headset to it wouldn't wear on her helmet and would be a little softer.
Two happy riders ready for adventure!
All this said, I don't claim to be a safety expert in any way. This is just a description of how we mounted a Yepp Mini in our bike for our little one. You have to decide for yourself what you are comfortable with for the safety of your child.
L and I went for our first longer ride on the Bullitt yesterday. First to the local police station to register our new family vehicle and then on to the beach for a little playing in the sand. Then back up the loooooong hill to our house. The Bullitt and Bionx was such a great combo helping this mama haul the precious cargo without a problem. I was a little worried about having to go on some of the busier roads around here, but people gave us a wide berth and seemed fine with us taking the lane, especially with the Bionx helping me keep at a good clop. And L was pretty darn comfy since she fell asleep in her Yepp seat on the way home. I was glad I had put my backpack next to her so she had something to rest her helmet-clad noggin on. Loving the family bike! Now back to dissertating...
