Bakfiets in summer: this is how to protect children from heat

The sun is shining, the temperature is rising and you want to get out and about with your kids. The cargo bike is ready for a day at the beach, a picnic in the park or just a ride around the neighborhood. But wait, because summer cycling with kids in the cargo bike requires some extra preparation.

Children sit quietly in the trough while you enjoy movement. They catch the full sun while the wind cools you down. That combination can become dangerous if you're not careful. This article tells you exactly how to protect your kids from the summer heat. From the right accessories to smart routes and times. We also cover how to protect your electric cargo bike's battery from high temperatures, because it too gets hot in the summer.

1. Kids in cargo bikes and heat: this is what you need to know 
2. The best times to bike in the summer 
3. Sun protection for children in the cargo bike 
4. The sunroof: your best friend in summer 
5. Clothing and hydration: the basics of summer cycling 
6. Parking your cargo bike in the summer 
7. Protecting the battery from heat 
8. Choosing smart routes 
9. The STOER CargoX in summer: why fatbike tires help 
10. Checklist for summer cargo bikes 
11. Frequently Asked Questions

Children are more sensitive to heat than adults. Their bodies cannot yet regulate temperature as well. They sweat less and therefore warm up faster. Young children and babies are especially at risk of overheating in hot weather.

In a cargo bike, children sit still. They do not move and thus do not produce a cooling breeze through their own exertion. You pedal and feel the cooling breeze, but your children do not. Especially if you use a rain tent or hood, the temperature inside the cargo box can rise considerably. The GGD warns that children suffer from heat due to fatigue, headaches and difficulty concentrating. In the worst cases, dehydration can occur.

Recognize the signs of overheating in your child:

• Red, warm skin
• Less urination or dry diapers
• Happiness or just restlessness
• Headache or nausea
• Faster breathing

Do you notice any of these signs? If so, stop immediately, seek shade and give your child water. Take time to cool off before continuing cycling. Want to know more about cargo bike safety? Then read our blog on the safest cargo bike for families.

Timing is everything in summer cycling with children. The bright midday sun between noon and 3 p.m. is the most dangerous. During these hours, the sun is at its highest and UV radiation is strongest. The temperature inside your cargo bike can rise above 40 degrees then, especially if you have a dark container.

Plan your rides smartly. Early in the morning, before 10:00 a.m., is ideal. It's still cool then and the sun is low. Late afternoon, after 5 p.m., also works well because the worst of the heat is over by then. Short trips in between are fine, but avoid the peak hours.

"In the summer, I advise parents to catch the morning," says Thomas of STOER Bikes. "Your kids are still fresh then, it's pleasant and you have the rest of the day to enjoy your destination."

Children's skin is especially vulnerable to UV radiation. A sunburn at a young age increases the risk of skin cancer later. So good protection is not a luxury but a necessity. Take this seriously and prepare well.

Apply sunscreen properly

Apply sunscreen of factor 30 or higher to your children at least 20 minutes before departure. Don't forget the ears, neck, feet and hands. These areas are often skipped. Take a tube with you for traveling and reapply every two hours.

Note: Even when it is cloudy, UV rays get through. Greasing is still necessary, even on a gray summer day. RIVM provides daily information on sun strength in the Netherlands.

Head protection is a must

A cap or sun hat protects your child's head and face. Choose light colors that reflect the sun rather than absorb it. A white or light blue cap stays cooler than a black one. Make sure the cap stays in place while driving.

Does your child wear a bicycle helmet? Then choose a helmet with vents. Some helmets even have a built-in sun visor. That way you combine safety with sun protection.

Protect eyes with sunglasses

Did you know that eyes can burn in the sun? It causes burning, watery eyes and headaches. Children's sunglasses with UV protection prevent this. Choose a model with a strap so the glasses stay on while cycling.

A sun roof or sunshade for your cargo bike is essential in the summer. It blocks direct sunlight and keeps the cargo box cooler. Unlike a closed rain tent, air circulation remains. Your kids catch a light breeze while sitting protected.

Advantages of a sunroof:

• Blocks UV radiation
• Keeps the container cooler than a closed tent
• Children can look around them
• Good ventilation through open sides

Do you still use the rain tent in the summer? Then open all the windows and openings wide. A closed rain tent in the sun acts as a greenhouse. The temperature can rise dangerously high. Check regularly how your kids are doing and stop if they get hot.

For the STOER CargoX a special rain canopy is available that you can also use as sun protection. With the right accessories, you'll make every ride comfortable.

Choosing the right clothing

Dress your children in light, airy clothing. Choose light colors such as white, light blue or light pink. These reflect sunlight instead of absorbing it. Black or dark clothing gets hot quickly and retains heat.

Choose breathable materials such as cotton or linen. Synthetic fabrics can be sticky and feel hot to the touch. Long sleeves and long pants made of thin material protect from the sun without getting too hot.

Bring plenty of drinks

Hydration is key in hot weather. Always take plenty of water with you and offer your children something to drink regularly. Even if they don't ask for a drink. In heat, children need more fluids than normal.

Practical Tips:

• Freeze a bottle of water halfway before you leave. That way you'll have cool water on the go.
• Bring an extra bottle for longer trips.
• Fruits such as watermelon and grapes also help with fluid intake.
• Avoid sweet drinks. These do not quench thirst as well.

Where you park your cargo bike makes a big difference. A black bin in full sun can become glowing hot within half an hour. Put your kids in there and they'll burn their little legs on the material.

Always seek shade

Park your cargo bike in the shade whenever possible. Under a tree, next to a building or in a covered bike shed. No shade available? Then place a light cloth or towel over the bin to block direct solar radiation.

Check the bin before boarding

Always feel the seat and belts before putting your children in the bin. Metal buckles and dark materials can cause burns. A quick check prevents nasty surprises.

The body of the STOER CargoX is made of EPP material. This material is lighter than wood or plastic and does not heat up as quickly. That makes a difference on hot days.

Not only your kids suffer from the summer heat. The battery of your electric cargo bike is also sensitive to high temperatures. Lithium-ion batteries perform best at temperatures between 10 and 25 degrees. Above 35 degrees, the battery can suffer damage.

What happens when you overheat?

An overheated battery loses capacity faster. The range decreases and the service life shortens. In extreme cases, overheating can even lead to permanent damage. That's something you want to avoid with a battery that costs hundreds of dollars. Want to know more about battery care? Then read our extensive blog on fatbike batteries.

Tips for keeping your battery cool

While cycling, heat is usually not a problem. The riding wind provides adequate cooling. But during breaks and parking, be careful.

• Park your cargo bike in the shade
• Take the battery out during longer breaks and take it to a cool place.
• Never leave the battery in a hot car. Inside a car it can get above 50 degrees.
• Store the battery at home at room temperature, not in a shed or garage that can heat up.

Smart charging in the summer

Do not charge your battery immediately after a hot ride. Let it cool to room temperature first. Charging while the battery is still warm can damage the cells. Choose a cool place to charge, not in full sun or a hot room.

In extreme heat, it is wise not to fully charge the battery. Stop at 80 to 90 percent. This will extend the life of your battery. Find more tips in our blog on e-bike battery life.

The route you choose makes a difference in how warm your kids get. With a few smart choices, you'll cycle a lot cooler.

Choose shaded paths

Whenever possible, cycle through parks, along rows of trees or through wooded areas. The shade of trees can lower the temperature by several degrees. Avoid long stretches on asphalt in full sun. Dark asphalt absorbs heat and radiates it back out.

Plan rest stops

Plan your route past places where you can stop and cool off. A playground with shade, an ice cream shop or a park with a fountain. This way you will make the ride fun for your children and give them a chance to cool off.

Keep it short in extreme heat

Does the temperature rise above 30 degrees? Then keep your rides short. A 15- to 20-minute lap is fine. Longer rides save for cooler days or times. Your kids will thank you.

The STOER CargoX The STOER CargoX has a number of features that make summer cycling more enjoyable. The thick fatbike tires absorb bumps and vibrations. That means a smoother ride for your kids, even on hot days when riding over cobblestones or unpaved paths.

The CargoX's bin is made of EPP material. This material is lighter than wood or plastic and does not heat up as quickly. The high side walls offer protection and the 100×70 cm space gives your children room to move. With the rain canopy you protect them from sun and rain.

The CargoX's 960Wh battery gives you a range of 60 to 100 kilometers. On hot days, you can expect slightly less range because you will stop more often and the battery has to work harder. Plan accordingly for longer trips. More information about the range of our bikes can be found here.

Thanks to the Gates CDX belt drive, you don't have to worry about maintenance in the summer. No chain that can rust from sweat or sand from the beach. The belt stays clean and quiet even after a day at the sea.

Before you leave, run through this checklist:

• Children smeared with sunscreen (factor 30+)
• Bring hat or sun hat
• Sunglasses for the kids
• Sunroof or screen installed
• Light, airy clothing on
• Plenty of water and possibly fruit
• Battery charged and checked
• Route planned with shade spots and rest stops
• Bin checked for heat before boarding

With this preparation, you'll enjoy every summer ride with your kids carefree.

From what temperature is it too hot to bike with children?
Temperatures above 30 degrees require extra caution. Keep rides short, avoid the midday sun, and ensure proper shade and hydration. In extreme heat (above 35 degrees), it is better to stay home for a while or opt for an early morning ride.

Can I use the rain tent as sun protection?
Only with all windows and openings open. A closed rain tent acts like a greenhouse and can get dangerously hot. A sunroof is a better choice for hot days because it provides shade but allows ventilation.

How often should I give my children drinks on the go?
Offer water every 15 to 20 minutes in hot weather. Don't wait for your children to ask for a drink. Young children do not always indicate thirst while losing fluids.

Can my cargo bike's battery withstand summer heat?
While cycling, yes, because of the cooling ride wind. But when stationary in full sun, the battery can overheat. Park in the shade and remove the battery during longer breaks. Do not charge while the battery is still warm.

What color clothing is best for children in the cargo bike?
Light colors such as white, light blue or light pink. These reflect sunlight and retain less heat than dark colors. Choose breathable materials such as cotton or linen.

How do I check if my child is too hot?
Watch for red, warm skin, drowsiness, reduced urination or complaining of a headache. Stop immediately if you see these signs, seek shade and water. Wait until your child has cooled down before continuing cycling.

Should I buy sunglasses for my child?
Yes, eyes can burn from UV radiation. Choose children's sunglasses with UV protection and preferably a strap so that the glasses stay on while cycling.

How much range do I lose in hot weather with my electric cargo bike?
On hot days, your range can decrease 10 to 20 percent. This is because you stop more often, the battery performs less in heat and you may use more support. Plan accordingly on longer trips.