10 Best Family Bikes Reviewed & Rated in 2024
Jennifer Rea
Bicycles built for two aren’t just the fictional imaginings of a British songwriter. Tandem bicycles and family bikes are actually a pretty popular item for families looking to stay active together. Family bikes allow you to ride on the same equipment as your children or partner, allowing for everyone to keep better track of each other, and making it a little easier on little ones that are still getting the hang of cycling. Tandem tricycles are also an option if you have children in a close age range that would benefit from riding together. Here you’ll find ten of the best family bicycles on the market, all hand-picked for you and your family’s great adventures. Enjoy the scenery and don’t forget your helmets!
In a Hurry? The test winner after 26 hrs of research
Adjustable
Low profile frame
Hand breaks
Collapsible cargo basket
Fashionable colors
10 Best Family Bikes Reviewed
1. Schwinn Meridian
Adjustable
Low profile frame
Hand breaks
Collapsible cargo basket
Fashionable colors
One speed
Our number one pick is the stylish Schwinn Meridian. This trike (that right not bike) made our top spot because it is stylish, durable and family-friendly. This gorgeous tricycle is available in four lovely colors to match your personal style. It is a cargo tricycle that will haul all your gear and give you some extra balance around tight curves. This tricycle will make your next trip to the playground, the market, or ride around town fun and easy.
Read moreDurability
This single-speed trike has beautiful detailing. The wheels on this tricycle are 26 inches and both the seat and handlebars are adjustable for personal comfort and multiple users. The rear cargo basket is foldable for those trips when you don’t need to haul cargo. This is the perfect bike for a family on the go.
Ease of Use
This eco-friendly bike has a super low profile aluminum frame that allows you to easily step through for a comfortable ride. It also has a spring-loaded multi-gender seat that is comfy for both moms and dads. You will enjoy this purchase for years!
Value
This trike is a tremendous value. It is priced at the low end of our list. The spring-loaded seat and collapsible rear cargo basket make this bike a fantastic investment.
2. CyclingDeal
Front facing or rear facing installation
Safety harness to secure baby to the seat
No tool removal
Fits onto your existing bike
Equipped with foot stirrups
Only fits bikes that are over 26 inches
Will not fit dual suspension bikes
Will not fit beach cruisers
Our number three pick is the CyclingDeal Bicycle Front Baby Seat. This is not a full-sized family bike, it is an attachment for an adult bike you already own. The front baby seat attaches to the front of your bike frame so that your little one is riding between you and the handlebars. It is easy to install and quick to remove or move to another bike as needed. This baby bike seat will turn your current bike into a family bike and you can take your little love bug out for miles of bike riding fun.
Read moreDurability
This product has a plethora of benefits. It is a great way to share a favorite pastime with your lovely little one. The bike seat has a fully adjustable clip on the harness to keep your little one safely attached to the seat during rides. You will be able to remove this from your bike without the use of tools. It is made of sturdy and durable plastic with a harness to keep your child securely in place during your ride. This bike seat has a handlebar for your little one to hole and full foot stirrups with locking buckles to keep baby’s feet secure. This bike seat is packed with benefits and will turn your current bike into your favorite family bike!
Ease of Use
The best feature of this bike seat is that it can be put on to face you or to face away from you. If your baby is more comfortable looking at mom, dad, or their caregiver on a bike ride position the bike seat to face the rider. If your little one would prefer to explore the world then place the seat facing the handlebars and they can have the joy of the wind in their face as you ride around town together.
Value
This bike seat attachment is our most economical choice and the only option on our list designed for babies and toddlers. This is a great choice to turn your current bike into a family bike. Your growing family will have many hours of fun bike rides ahead.
3. Costzon Tandem
Two comfortable seats
Seats rotate 360 degrees
Shock absorbent tires
Large storage area in back
Push bar for grown-ups to help navigate if needed
Space between front and back seat is a little tight
Have to unscrew the front seat to swivel it
The Costzon Kids Tandem Tricycle is a great way to give little ones just enough autonomy that they can begin building responsibility and confidence, without putting too much power in their excitable little hands. This tandem tricycle allows two children to ride together at the same time for double the fun. The seats rotate 360 degrees and feature three-section safety belts. It can be assembled four different ways to accommodate different ages and skill levels: infant trike, steering trike, learning to ride trike, and classic trike. A built-in pusher at the rear of the trike allows parents to help guide the trike if they feel the children need a little extra assistance. A 600D oxford awning offers shade and protection from the elements. Vintage bells add a little flare, and a rear storage basket can house large toys, snacks, and other accessories.
Read moreDurability
This tricycle will help build leg muscles, balance, and cardiovascular endurance. Children will love getting to ride with a buddy system while enjoying all the benefits that exercise provides for their health.
Ease of Use
This trike also includes folding foot support to keep kids’ feet from dragging or swinging while they ride. It can be compacted and folded out of the way when it’s not in use. The wheels are also shock absorbent to create a smoother riding experience.
Value
This is a lot cheaper than most of its competitors. In part, that’s because it’s only meant for children and isn’t meant to endure serious cycling, but it’s a great steal for kids who want to pedal around the park or the yard.
4. Schwinn Twinn
Smooth shifting
Lower rear frame accommodates smaller riders
Disc brakes for superior stopping power
Multiple speeds
Plush fitness seats for comfortable riding
Rear handlebars have limited adjustment
The Schwinn Twinn tandem bike is our number five pick. This awesome tandem bike is created with different sized people in mind so you and an older child can comfortably ride together. Take long weekend excursions to discover nature or just ride around the neighborhood. This bike is a fantastic addition to your recreational arsenal. Your children will be begging to ride this bike. As siblings grow up they can share rides on this sturdy bike and create loads of memories. This Schwinn Twinn will have you and your brood outside for some family fun in no time!
Read moreDurability
The back seat of this bike has a lower frame so a smaller rider can fit comfortably. This is of great benefit to families with children big enough for their own bike, but lacking the energy or skill level necessary for a longer ride. This bike will make your outdoor excursions more exciting and allow you to see more of the great outdoors than just taking a hike.
Ease of Use
The lower rear frame is a great benefit of this tandem bike. It has superior stopping power to keep you safe and super cushy handlebars so your hands will be comfortable for the whole ride. You will love the multiple gears when your little monkey decides to stop pedaling mid-ride. This bike is made with families in mind!
Value
This tandem bike is near the middle of our prices for this list of family bikes. It is a wonderful bike to have available for family rides on the weekends. You will not regret the memories you will make if you purchase this tandem bike.
5. Raleigh Tristar
45-pound weight limit for cargo
Low step-through frame
Steel frame for durability
3-speeds
Comfortable seat
Tricycles ride differently than bikes
Our number six pick is the Raleigh Tristar 3-Speed Trike. This Tricycle is fashionable and extremely functional. It has a very durable frame for years of use. Raleigh Bikes has thought of all the details so you just have to ride this beautiful piece of machinery. It is perfect for carting around your kid’s park toys or a picnic basket. It would be a great addition to your annual family camping trip. This bike will become a well-loved member of your family. It will provide you with years of happy memories.
Read moreDurability
The low step-through frame on this trike will prevent you from toppling over when getting on the trike. You will love the rear cargo basket. The frame is made of sturdy steel for superior construction and durability. The rear basket can hole up to 45 pounds so you can carry almost anything! This bike will make you the star of the family. Now when you head out to the park for the day you can fill the sturdy back cargo basket with everything you will need. Sit back relax and let the bike carry all of that stuff as you easily pedal along using the three gears to make your peddling job easier.
Ease of Use
The cute front fender is fashionable and useful. You will not have to worry about getting splashed with water when going through small puddles. Your clothing will be safe! This bike has three speeds and is narrow enough to ride along the sidewalk as needed. This will be a game-changer for your summer fun days!
Value
This bike falls into the middle of our price point for this list. It is near the top middle section. The sturdy steel frame and handy cargo basket make this tricycle a fantastic buy for your family. You will love your family bike outings when you can carry everything you need in a cargo basket.
6. Kulana Lua
Durable steel frame
Fenders allow for riding in all weather
Two large, cushioned tandem seats
Parts can easily be swapped out if you need to customize the fit a little better
Bright yellow is a highly visible color
Does not arrive assembled
Some customers received bent fenders since they ship in the same box as they other pieces
Riding tandem lets families enjoy the outdoors together without having to keep track of multiple bikes. The Kulana Lua is a vibrant, durable piece of equipment that allows two riders to bike simultaneously. With comfortable seats, easy steering, and all-weather drive, the biggest challenge might be pulling your family members off of this bicycle!
Read moreDurability
Fortified with a steel frame, the Kulana Lua can take some wear and tear. The fenders make it easy to ride in all kinds of weather. Some units have arrived with damaged pieces but the company is good about rectifying the situation, so reach out if there’s a quality control issue.
Ease of Use
The front pedals are a little close to the front wheels for some riders’ preferences, causing people to have to pedal on the balls of their feet. The handlebars may also ride low; this bike is heavy but probably most accessible to smaller riders. It also does not arrive assembled so be ready to put it together yourself or take it to the nearest bike shop if you don’t have the know-how.
Value
This bicycle falls beneath the median price point of the guide but is a pretty average price when compared to similar products. If you want a sturdy, reliable bike in a modest to moderate price range, the Kulana Lua fits the bill.
7. Kent Northwoods Tandem
Two seat heights; great for parents and kids to ride together
Thick wheels
Reliable brakes
Available in red and bright green
Comes well packaged; not a lot of damage complaints
Some customers complained about the seats being uncomfortable
Heavy and hard to make tight turns with this model
A long-framed tandem bike available in two colors, this Kent Northwood model is perfect for the peas-in-a-pod types that enjoy sharing equipment when they ride. The standover height of the front seat is 29” and the back seat is 20”, making this a good choice for families as it allows various heights to cooperate. Each gel sprung seat comes equipped with a water bottle holder as well to make the ride that much smoother and more enjoyable.
Read moreDurability
With a cruiser’s frame, this bicycle is built to take a beating. It’s heavy, so beware that this is not the model for you if you’re looking for something easy to lug around and load in and out of cars. The tires measure 1.95” wide and the “V” pull-brakes are trustworthy and built for longevity.
Ease of Use
Since it’s heavy, this bike will be a workout to transport and will make going up and down hills a little more rigorous. It’s best suited to flat terrain. It also does not come assembled so be prepared to do it yourself or take it to a professional. If you’re in the front seat, you’ll also end up doing most of the legwork (pun intended). You’ll definitely get those steps in!
Value
This piece falls below the median price point of our guide. It’s similarly priced to other items in its category. The pieces of the bike are not top-notch but they’re good for families that want to enjoy some cycling together without investing thousands in a professional-quality tandem bike.
8. Costzon 4-in-1
Two seats swivel
Removable canopy
Can be pushed or kids can pedal
Foam tires absorb shock
Suitable for several outdoor terrains
Some parents had trouble fitting children into the back seat comfortably
One user said the screws came out easily
If you’re looking at all of these large and imposing bikes in dismay, please don’t think we’ve forgotten about the little ones. Costzon’s 4-in-1 Trike is the perfect tandem vehicle for toddlers. This cute little buggy comes with a hood to help protect from the sun and elements. It’s bright red, making it easy to spot, the seats rotate, and it has its own storage basket. It’s sure to be a hit with parents and kids alike given its versatility.
Read moreDurability
EVA Foam wheels are both shock-absorbing and long-lasting. The tricycle can also be assembled in four different ways so that your family can continue to get use out of this model even as your child grows. The quality of the frame and screws isn’t made to resist rough play for years and years but it’s a good fit for the toddler period!
Ease of Use
This trike, like most similar products found on Amazon, arrives unassembled. It’s pretty easy to put together according to other customers, though. You have the option of riding with or without the canopy. Kids can pedal or adults can push; there are plenty of different ways to use the Costzon 4-in-1 and it’s not hard to transition between them either.
Value
This tandem bike falls below the median price by a significant sum. It’s sturdy enough to last a few seasons with your little ones and since it can transition as they grow and acquire new skills, we think it’s a pretty good bargain!
9. Pacific Dualie Tandem
Two adjustable seats
Lightweight, durable wheels
Good breaks
Steady and reliable when navigating
Easy, quick assembly
The bike weighs roughly 50 pounds when assembled
Users have received damage parts; have your bike checked at a local shop if you’re worried about this
The Pacific Dualie Tandem Bike is a great starter bike if your family is venturing into tandem riding for the first time. It can easily fit two adults, or an adult and a younger child. It isn’t meant for the especially little ones, given its height and the riding skills, users will need to safely operate it. But children around 8 or 9 and up can probably handle this without too much trouble. (This is partially reliant on height. Children around 52” are just able to reach, so take this into consideration.) The alloy wheels are strong but lightweight. The alloy crank allows for wide gear range, and the bike also features alloy linear-pull brakes. A steel tandem frame allows for a comfortable ride for two and the seats are adjustable. (They can even be removed if there’s a certain seat cushioning and style that you prefer.) If your family is dipping their toes into tandem pedaling, this is a solid starter bike to gauge whether you might want to invest in more heavy-duty equipment in the future.
Read moreDurability
Tandem riding allows families to get out and exercise together. Little ones that might have trouble keeping up on their own bicycles can ride with a parent, or partners can ride together while their children bike alongside them.
Ease of Use
It’s a super easy setup. Assembly doesn’t take very long at all and is pretty easy to intuit and understand.
Value
This is less expensive than a lot of its competition. Tandem bikes can run anywhere from a few hundred dollars to upwards of a thousand dollars. This bike isn’t as sleek or lightweight as others might be, but it’s far more affordable.
10. Buddy Classic 7 Speed
Smaller rider is in front
Pedal-free shifting
Patented dual handlebar system
Great for families with a disabled child
Good for teaching bike riding skills
Reach around handlebars
The Buddy Bike rounds out our list at number ten. It is truly a bike for you and your little buddy. This bike is considered a tandem bike because it has two seats and two sets of pedals. It will make for great days of fun in the sun with you and your little buddy. You will enjoy having your child close and not worrying about them keeping up on longer outings. This bike will make a perfect addition for rides around town and trips to your local playground.
Read moreDurability
Your little guy or gal will be in front of you as you ride. You will be reaching over them to steer this fun bike. They can choose to pedal or not and still enjoy the thrill of bike riding. Outdoor fun here you come!
Ease of Use
This bike is perfect if you have someone in your family who cannot ride alone. It is great for families that have a child with special needs. You can have your younger child ride along with you and help to teach them proper balance. This bike has a ton of benefits for families.
Value
The price for this unique tandem bike is on the high end of our list. The fact that your lovely little one can ride right up front is a great benefit. If you happen to have a child or other family member that can not ride alone this is perfect to give them the feeling of riding alone. You and your family will enjoy having this bike around for fun rides.
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Durability
When you have a bike you want to make sure it will stand the test of time. You don’t just buy a bike for the summer, you want to be able to use it whenever the weather is appropriate. With this being the case we made sure that all of our bikes are very durable and that they will be able to stay with your family as it grows. All of our bikes have an aluminum or steel frame and they have all been weight tested to hold at least an average size adult. Your family bike should be around for many fun rides.
Ease of Use
Each one of these bikes has a minor learning curve because they are different from your typical two-wheeler. We wanted to make sure that they were not difficult to learn to use for the new rider or the experienced rider. These bikes should be easy to get the hang of with a few short practice rides. You will be on your way in no time!
Value
Having a versatile family bike means that it will be around for many years to come as your family grows and changes. For the tandem bikes, we wanted to make sure you could have a child on the back and possibly two children ride the bike together so the wheel height and seat and handlebar adjustment capabilities were a big concern. For the cargo bikes, we wanted to make sure that the cargo basket was big enough for a small cooler or picnic basket and a blanket or a few bags of groceries. Versatility is key when you are looking at a long-term purchase.
Durability Ease of Use Value 
When choosing a bike, tandem, two wheeler or three wheels, you are choosing a product which will be with you for a considerable time. Maintenance is going to be required. Therefore research your bike choice to understand what type of maintenance and how often. Also factor in that you will need the correct tools to maintain a bike.
A safe bike is a good product and you need to look for high levels of design features which clearly promote safety. A bike can be designed to look nice but safety is a key need to avoid injury. Carry out some research and find out which are the best safety features which you will want.
Other Factors to Consider
Safety
When using a bike, especially with your kids, safety should be a number one priority. We made sure all of the products featured on our list are safe for both parents and children to use. And even though they are all easy to use and safe for everyone, you should consider buying some safety gear too.
Frequently Asked Questions
q: What defines a family bike?
A family bike is a bicycle, tricycle or tandem bike that can assist a family in having a fun outing. The bikes on this list include cargo tricycles that will hold all of the gear your growing family needs for an outing. They are perfect for a trip to the farmers market, a family picnic, or a day at the beach. Tandem bikes are great for families because they offer seating for two riders. They are especially good if you like to take long rides, but your little munchkin gets tired easily.
You can take over the pedaling as needed and the family can still have a long leisurely bike ride. We also have one bike on this list that is a reverse tricycle that can hold up to four children. This bike is the epitome of a family bike. Each family is completely unique and has unique needs when it comes to a bicycle. This is why our list covers so many types of bicycles.
q: Do I need a bike with multiple gears?
If you will be riding and hauling cargo or other people having multiple gears will come in handy. You can switch gears to assist with going up or down hills or hauling around other riders or objects of different weights. How many gears do you need? Well, that is something that is a personal preference. It depends on the terrain you will regularly encounter and how often you plan to ride your family bike. Multiple gears can help make your bike ride easier.
q: What is a tandem bike?
A tandem bike is a bicycle with two wheels, two seats, two sets of pedals, and two sets of handlebars. These bikes are perfect for dual riders and they are great for families because the lead rider or front rider can take over the steering and pedaling as needed. The rear rider can just relax and enjoy the ride or help out with the pedaling as needed.
q: What is a cargo bike?
A cargo bike can be defined as any bicycle or tricycle that has an added basket attached to hold items. For our purposes, we have defined a cargo bike more specifically. Our definition of a family cargo bike is one with three wheels (a tricycle) and a large basket to hold cargo attached over the back two wheels. The reason we have chosen this definition is that we wanted to make sure that a family cargo bike would hold the gear and groceries needed for a family of three or more people.
q: Where should I store my family bike?
Family bikes are bigger than your typical single person bicycle. This can pose a storage issue for some families. It is recommended that you store your family bike in a garage or a shed to keep it out of the elements. If you leave your bike outside it will begin to show signs of rust with extended exposure. You may want to purchase a wall bike rack for a tandem bike. A cargo bike will need to be parked in an area that is protected from the elements and offers enough space for it to remain on the ground. Before you purchase your bike make sure you have secured a proper location for storage.
q: What style of bike is best for my family?
The style of bike you choose will depend on the age of your children and your personal family needs. A tandem bike is great for a family with children above preschool age. A cargo bike will work well for any age of family but may leave younger riders feeling left out. The Bunch bike is great if you have several kids you want to cart around town. Again take a look at your family’s specific needs and get a bike that will work best for you. Most families will find that a combination of family bikes might work best to fit their needs. You could get a cargo bike to haul all of your stuff and a tandem bike for a parent to ride with one child. Look carefully at your budget and recreational needs before you choose the proper family bike.
Sources
- , Family Bike Rides: 4 Helpful Tips for Biking with Kids, Online Article
- , How to Bike Ride as a Family, Online Article
- , A Guide to Family Biking, Online Article
