A recent trend of parents using makeshift "children's seats" on shared bikes in China has sparked safety worries after several incidents of injuries, including fractures, sustained by young passengers.
These seats, shared on social media platforms like Xiaohongshu, resemble a top tube and are designed to clip onto existing shared bicycles, allowing parents to carry children. However, the lack of proper safety features has raised red flags.
The DIY seats are essentially wooden bars with openings for attachment but lack any fixing mechanisms, armrests, or safety belts. Additionally, makeshift footrests attached to the sides place children's feet dangerously close to the front wheel.
Several parents have reported their children's feet getting caught in the front wheel while using these seats, resulting in injuries. One such incident involved a 4-year-old girl in Beijing who suffered a fractured foot after it became lodged between the spokes.
Current regulations in Beijing and by China's Ministry of Transport explicitly prohibit carrying passengers and installing unauthorized child seats on shared bikes. Children under 12 are also banned from using these bicycles altogether.
Li Heng, director of the Center for Youth Safety and Security, emphasized the inherent dangers of these makeshift seats. He cited their instability, lack of support, and potential to break, combined with the exposed nature of shared bike wheels, as significant risk factors. Li strongly advised against carrying children on shared bikes, highlighting the potential for serious injury.
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