ADAC tests children's bike seats - two fail
The ADAC tested a total of 16 current child bike seats for the rack and saddle mounting. Two of these seats failed - not due to their crash performance, but because of harmful substances and a broken footrest.
The ADAC examined a model for the saddle mounting and a model for the rack mounting from the same manufacturer for each. The overall result was that most manufacturers' seats for the rack mounting were more stable and more comfortable for children.
However, the exceptions were the models from OKBaby, which showed similar good properties in both mounting variants and convinced the testers the most. The test winner was highlighted for its safety features in the head area, the reclining function (seat post), a clasp, and its relatively low price of 70 Euro. The second-placed models from Bellelli were 45 Euro and 50 Euro cheaper.
Harmful Substances on the Harnesses
The Quibbel child seats failed, as they contained harmful substances on the harnesses. This "poor" rating in the individual evaluation also affects the overall rating. In addition, a footrest broke under the standard load of 22 kilograms.
The seats passed the crash tests with child dummies to varying degrees. In some cases, the mounting or the plastic of the seat shell broke, which increases the risk of injury if the seat comes loose from the bike.
Criticism of "Child Seat in Front of the Driver"
The crash experts also critically observed the "Child Seat in Front of the Driver" system.
The Traffic Club considers it only conditionally recommendable, as the mounting is often difficult due to unsuitable fork clamps, and the driver can hit the child in case of an impact.
- Despite the overall performance of most manufacturers' rack-mounted seats being more stable and comfortable for children, the ADAC found harmful substances on the harnesses of the Quibbel child seats, which led to their failure.
- In addition to the failed child seats due to harmful substances and a broken footrest, the crash experts from ADAC have criticism towards the "Child Seat in Front of the Driver" system, finding it conditionally recommendable due to difficult mounting and the risk of the driver hitting the child in case of an impact.
