A successful family bike trip starts with the right setup. With the VELLO SUB, you can carry children, luggage and everything you need for the day on a compact longtail e-bike – from a quick ride to the playground to a longer weekend adventure.

The ideal setup mainly depends on your children’s age, the right accessories and the route you are planning. Here are the most important things to know about carrying children, safety, comfort and accessories for family rides with the VELLO SUB.

What should you look for in a longtail bike for families?

Longtail e-cargo bikes like the VELLO SUB are not only practical for everyday trips to daycare or school – they are also designed for longer rides with children and luggage.

Compact and lightweight

At 185 cm (73 in) long and weighing from 24.9 kg (55 lb), the SUB remains compact and handles more like a city bike than a traditional cargo bike. It is also easy to control on gravel paths and park trails.

Plenty of power for carrying children

The Bosch Cargo Line motor delivers up to 120 Nm of torque and up to 600% support. This is particularly useful when setting off, riding uphill or carrying two children plus luggage on the rear.

High load capacity

The SUB has a maximum permitted total weight of 210 kg (463 lb), while the rear rack can carry up to 100 kg (220 lb). MAGURA Louise four-piston brakes and the successfully completed EFBE TRI-Test® complement its safety-focused design.

Stable when parked

The redesigned centre stand keeps the bike securely in place while children get on and off.

Walk assist with rollback protection

Makes it easier to manoeuvre the bike on ramps, gravel or uneven ground.

Flexible accessory setup

Thanks to MIK HD, child seats, junior seats, baskets and other accessories can be switched quickly and without tools.

Highly visible

A Supernova Mini 2 front light, Supernova TL3 Pro rear light with brake-light function and the Reflective 360 line help keep you visible, especially during the darker months of the year.

For younger children: from 9 months to 6 years

For children weighing up to 22 kg (48 lb), the TÜV-tested Urban Iki Child Seat MIK HD with safety harness can be combined with the Cool Kid Railing. The seat simply clicks directly onto the MIK HD rack.

Important: Your child should already be able to sit upright safely and independently.

When a standard child seat becomes too small: from 5 to 10 years

Once your child has outgrown a toddler seat, you can combine the Urban Iki Junior Seat MIK HD (approx. 5 to 10 years) with the Cool Kid Railing and folding footboards. The footboards keep your child’s feet safely away from the spokes.

For older children: from 8 years

The SUB Comfy Passenger Kit combines a railing, backrest, seat cushion and Cool Kid Handlebar and can be complemented with footboards or folding pegs.

This gives older children a comfortable, secure place to sit and something to hold onto while riding.

Carrying one or two children

If you are carrying one child, position the seat as close behind you as possible. The closer the weight is to the centre of the bike, the more stable the SUB will feel.

When carrying two children, place the younger child in front and the older child behind – for example, with a child seat at the front and a seat pad or second seat behind it, both within the Cool Kid Railing.

Important: The combined weight of the bike, rider, children and luggage must not exceed 210 kg (463 lb).

Weather protection on the go

On cool or changeable days, the SUB Cocoon 360° Reflective protects children from wind and light rain while also improving visibility in low-light conditions.

Safety when carrying children on a longtail bike

Along with choosing the right equipment and following a few basic safety rules, it is important to know the legal requirements in your country.

• Check local regulations before you ride:

  • United Kingdom: Helmets are not required by law, but the Highway Code recommends them. Passengers may only be carried on a cycle that has been built or adapted to carry them, so children need a suitable seat. You must be at least 14 years old to ride an e-bike.
  • United States: Rules vary by state and sometimes by city. There is no nationwide helmet law, but many states require helmets for children, often up to the age of 16 or 18, and this includes child passengers. Some states also set rules for child passengers: California, for example, requires children aged 4 or under, or weighing 40 lb or less, to ride in a seat that holds them securely and protects them from moving parts. Minimum rider ages for e-bikes also depend on the state and the e-bike class.
  • Different rules may apply to older children riding as passengers.
  • Our recommendation: Check the latest local regulations before your first ride.

• Basic rules for riding

  • Practise with extra weight: Before riding with children, take a few practice laps with some weight on the rear rack, such as a full water container. This helps you get a feel for starting, braking and cornering with a loaded bike.
  • Only let children get on and off while the bike is stationary: Place the SUB securely on its centre stand first. Buckle younger children in, close the railing and only then start riding.
  • Set clear rules: Older children should remain seated while the bike is moving and keep their feet on the footrests.

Family e-longtail ride checklist

A family trip with the VELLO SUB is much more relaxed when your setup, luggage and route are planned in advance:

• Check the child seat and safety equipment: Is the seat suitable for your children’s age and weight? Are the harnesses, railing, footrests and brakes correctly installed and working properly?
• Keep the maximum load in mind: The SUB has a maximum permitted total weight of 210 kg (463 lb). Pack heavier items such as drinks low down and evenly distributed in the side bags, while keeping frequently used items within easy reach.
• Charge the battery the night before: With the Bosch 4A charger, a PowerPack 400 Wh takes around 3.5 hours to fully charge, a PowerPack 545 Wh around 4.9 hours and a PowerPack 800 Wh around 6.9 hours.
• Choose a family-friendly route: Low traffic, good surfaces and plenty of opportunities for breaks make a first longer ride with children much more enjoyable.
• Start smoothly: When carrying children on the rear, begin with a lower support level.
• Dress children warmly: Passengers move very little while riding and can get cold more quickly than the rider. In cooler weather, pack gloves and an extra layer of clothing. The SUB Cocoon 360° Reflective provides additional protection from wind and rain.
• Get older children involved: With the SP Connect mount, they can follow the route on a smartphone while you ride.

In short: Check the seating setup, weight, battery, route and clothing before you leave, then family rides on a longtail can be both safe and relaxed.

Car-free family adventures with the VELLO SUB e-longtail

The VELLO SUB combines the carrying capacity of a longtail bike with the compact dimensions of a city bike. With the right accessories, children of different ages can ride along comfortably while there is still room for jackets, drinks and bags.

This makes the SUB just as suitable for everyday school and daycare runs as it is for trips to the playground, days out in nature or longer family bike adventures.

Want to find out which setup works best for your family?

• Book a test ride and try the SUB together with your children at a VELLO dealer near you.

• Book a consultation: our team will be happy to answer your questions.

• Discover the VELLO SUB and put together the right family setup in our accessories shop.

Photo: Félix Busso