Using an electric bike for a slightly longer primary school run

[Glystl]

We're considering a primary school slightly further from our house for our youngest after not having a very positive experience with the nearest one for her siblings. It's about a 25 minute walk uphill and I'm considering getting an electric bike just to make it quicker and easier. I could then in theory go from school straight to station if got a good enough lock. Only one child to transport. Is there anyone who does something similar and finds it works well? Conscious that it may all very well feel a lot harder in peak of winter but really want to avoid the car if possible (and I know some children walk miles without complaining!) What's the max age limit you think we could do this before they'd have to get their under their own steam? We're in the SE, so pretty temperate weather wise (and of course mainly downhill on the way home!)

Lots of parents round my way do this. There’s a variety of child seats, tag alongs, trikes etc. depending on the number and age of the children. Go for it! The number of days a year when the weather is just so awful that you couldn’t safely or enjoyably cycle is surprisingly small.

There are other reasons why you might not choose a slightly further away school, e.g. when they are old enough to walk home by themselves so factor everything into account.

Lots do this around me too. Top age seems to be around six if they are fairly slight. Both of my kids (3 and 5) cycle to school, it's 20 mins of hills. I walk and use a dog lead to tow the youngest when needed (and for security around the roads).

About a third of DDs class commutes with them (including us!). They’re brilliant.

Weather-wise, some models have a tent-type thing that covers the kids. But we just use good rainwear and it’s fine.

Our school run is about 15 mins by electric bike (including a big hill). DD is Y2 and sometimes does it on her own bike in about 30 mins.

You will need a decent lock, mine was £200 so factor that in. My insurance is £45 per year as well. Plus where will you store it? we have an Asgard bike store, it’s the only one that is classed as secure for full insurance cover from theft, well it was when we originally bought it a decade ago for our push bikes.

Bike seats go to about 6, then a cushion on a high grade luggage rack can go to about 8 comfortably, but no straps or impact protection. Long tail until about 8 too, plus you can take a friend home. Trailers are only good for toddlers. Cargo bikes are comfy until 6ish, but they can sit with knees touching ears until adulthood. The big old wooden ones are more roomy, but modern high safety standards ones are tight. You don't want to leave a cargo bike at the station! A follow me mini tandom hookup might work too, especially for up the hill. I'm Dutch so have tried many options