Kids' Bike? But safe! Regulations for road-safe children's bikes

What qualifies as a road-safe kids' bike mainly depends on your child's age. Based on this, it’s determined where the little one is allowed or even required to ride their bike. According to the road traffic regulations (StVO), kids up to eight years of age must use the sidewalk. The only exceptions are structurally separated bike paths. Even in bicycle streets, children up to eight must use the sidewalk. By the way, you're allowed to accompany your child in these cases. Between the ages of eight and ten, kids can choose whether they want to ride on the road or the sidewalk. From the age of ten, they are then required to ride on the road or other bike path options such as bike or protective lanes.

Battery-powered lighting only for larger bikes 

Since your child, with a bike up to 20 inches, is usually only on the sidewalk, it does not fall under the scope of the lighting regulations of the StVZO. This means: It doesn't need lighting. However, we recommend that you equip your child's bike with lighting from an early age, so they learn how to handle it early and are visible on the sidewalk even in the dark. That's why there are also 20-inch bikes with permanently installed lighting systems. The lower weight and the option to remove the light in sunshine are the advantages of battery lighting. Fixed light, on the other hand, cannot be forgotten or stolen.

Battery-powered lighting needs a K-number 

Your child can indeed use battery-powered lighting when older and if their bike falls under the scope of the StVZO. Since 2013, battery and battery-powered lighting is officially allowed in traffic. Thus, children's and young people's bikes no longer need a dynamo, which makes the bike heavier. However, it's important to regularly check the charge level of the battery lights. The battery-powered lighting itself should not be too heavy, but should offer high lighting intensity and simple operation. When buying StVZO-compliant lighting, make sure to look out for the K-number from the Federal Motor Transport Authority. Only these are allowed to be used in traffic. 

Reflectors are mandatory 

Also mandatory according to the StVZO are reflectors. Front and rear reflectors are part of the basic equipment and are already standard on many bikes or included in the delivery. There are also retrofit battery lights with integrated reflectors. Additionally, pedals with reflectors are required by law. You can easily retrofit them if the ones provided do not have reflectors. Reflectors in the spokes for lateral visibility are also legally required. Alternatively, it's also allowed to use a reflective tire, such as the Marathon Plus by Schwalbe. Kids especially love spoke clips. You just attach them to the spokes. They significantly increase visibility and are also approved. Even for smaller bikes, these additional safety features are recommended, even if not mandatory. 

Gears Are Not Mandatory

A gear system isn’t something that's required by the StVZO (German Road Traffic Licensing Regulations). Generally, most bikes under 20 inches come without gears, as a gear system could easily distract your kid from traffic and overwhelm them. However, if you often venture off-road with your kid, you might want to consider if a smaller bike with gears would be a good idea. It also depends on how comfortable your kid is with cycling and timing the various maneuvers.

A Bell is mandatory 

A bell, on the other hand, is mandatory on bicycles – including kids' bikes. It even makes more sense here, as it allows kids to draw attention to themselves on sidewalks if necessary. Normally, a bell is included with the purchase of kids' bikes. If not, you can retrofit one at a low cost.

Pennant ensures visibility 

Not required, but useful in traffic is a pennant on a small flagpole. When parked cars block the view of the sidewalk and bike path, a high pennant increases the visibility of the little road users.