Longtail Family Bikes Longtail Family Bikes

Longtail Family Bikes

A familiar ride feel with practical rear carrying

Longtail family bikes are an excellent choice if you want practical kid-carrying transport without the size of a full-size box bike. Preferred for their familiar riding experience and everyday usefulness, longtails are characterised by an extended rear rack made for passengers and luggage — from children and shopping, to all the daily “stuff” that comes along with family life.

If storage is a big factor, compact longtails (often called midtails) are especially popular in London. These bikes are easier to manoeuvre in hallways, sheds, and bike hangars, while still offering secure passenger carrying with the right accessories. Weather protection is now standard from most brands, so even the youngest passengers can stay warm and comfortable on the back.

  • Best for: 1–2 children

  • Ride feel: most similar to a standard bike

  • Good for: tighter storage spaces or longer commutes

Carrying 2 children most days? See Family Bikes for 2 Children →

Need something built for 3+ passengers? See Family Bikes for 3 Children (or more) →

Brands you’ll find in this range: Tern, Riese & Müller, Gazelle, Veloe (and others we rate for stability and family-friendly setups).
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Longtail Family Bikes FAQs
Can a longtail carry two kids comfortably?

Generally, yes — this is exactly what longtail family bikes are designed to do. While a few more compact setups are better suited to one child, most longtails can carry two children on the rear with the right combination of seats or cushions, footrests, and safety rails. Comfort comes down to passenger space and the accessories that you choose, so we always recommend checking the approved setup and trying it out in real life.
What age can kids ride on the back?

It depends on the seats, size, and safety accessories, not just age. Most families start with a conventional child seat once a child can sit up with good head/neck control (usually around 9 months). Then, around the age of four or so, the passenger will be ready to leave the child seat and move to a bench/cushion inside a safety rail. The key to success is using the manufacturer’s approved accessories for each stage of your passenger’s growth. This can be hard to know, so we’re happy to talk you through safe setups for your child’s age/size when you come in.
How does a longtail bike feel in London traffic?

Compared to box bikes, longtails tend to feel more like a ‘normal’ bike: narrower, easier through pinch points, and straightforward to park and manoeuvre. Box bikes are longer and can feel less stable at low speeds. If your route includes tight chicanes, filtering through stationary vehicles, or lots of stopping and starting, most people feel that longtails win for day-to-day practicality.
Do I need electric assist for a longtail?

Not always — plenty of families ride non-electric. But if your routine includes two kids, hills, heavier loads, or longer distances, then electric assist can be a total game changer. Having a boost makes pulling away at junctions easier, it keeps the ride calm when you’re tired, and it helps longtails stay manageable for smaller riders with heavy loads. If you’re unsure, compare assisted and non-assisted options back-to-back — the difference should become obvious!
How do I store a longtail in a hallway or shed?

Longtails are popular in London because they are more compact than bigger box bikes — but storage still needs planning. Measure your hallway/shed/garden space and think about door widths, turning circles, and whether you have any stairs to conquer. We always recommend finding a parking space that is easily accessible, as a complicated locking process will only serve as a barrier to usage. Storage and security are areas that we are happy to discuss with you during a test ride.
Can I carry an adult passenger on a longtail?

Good quality longtail family bikes can usually carry an adult passenger, but you should always check the supported payload for the bike, as well as the load limit of the rear rack. Most of our longtail and midtail bikes can accommodate an adult passenger, and we’d be happy to offer advice about the best models for this task.