Family Bike Guide
What Kind of Bikes Should I Rent for My Family?
Planning to bike across the Golden Gate Bridge with children? We offer several electric family-bike options for different ages, heights, and riding abilities.
For most families, electric assistance makes San Francisco's hills and bridge winds easier, helps everyone stay together, and keeps the day enjoyable.
Quick Picker
Our recommended family bike options
Choose by age, height, and riding confidence, then confirm the fit during the required in-store test ride.
Electric Bike + Baby Seat
Best for: Children ages 1-5 weighing up to 43 pounds.
Your child rides securely behind you while you control the bike, steering, and speed.
- Ages 1-5
- Up to 43 lb
Electric Bike + Passenger
Best for: Older children who prefer to ride with an adult instead of controlling their own bike.
Electric assistance helps the adult manage the additional weight, hills, and wind.
- Maximum combined rider and passenger weight: 330 lb
Electric Bike + Tag-Along
Best for: Children who want to pedal but are not ready to ride the entire route independently.
The adult controls steering, braking, and pace.
- The child can pedal or coast
- Adult-controlled steering and braking
Electric Bike Plus-One
Best for: Older children and young teens, generally ages 11 and up.
This connected two-person setup keeps longer routes comfortable.
- Generally recommended for ages 11 and up
Kids Electric Bike
Best for: Confident children who can safely control their own bicycle.
Age and height are minimum requirements. Staff will also consider riding ability.
- At least 10 years old
- At least 4 feet 3 inches tall
- Required test ride
Other Options
What About Tandems, Kidz Tandems, and 20-Inch Kids’ Bikes?
Traditional tandems, Kidz Tandems, and small 20-inch kids’ bikes are available in limited quantities, but they are generally not our first recommendation for the Golden Gate Bridge and Sausalito route.
Tandems are not electric and require additional coordination and physical effort. A 20-inch kids’ bike may work well for shorter rides, but the full bridge route can be long and tiring for a younger child, especially with San Francisco’s hills and bridge winds.
For most families, an electric bike & baby seat, electric bike & passenger, electric bike & tag-along, or properly sized kids’ electric bike provides a more comfortable and enjoyable experience. These options help families stay together and reduce the chance of a younger rider becoming too tired before reaching Sausalito.
If you are unsure, reserve the option that appears closest to your needs. Our team can help confirm the best setup when you arrive.
Fit + Safety
Try the bikes before your ride
Every family is different. Your child's age and height are important, but confidence and riding ability matter too.
At our Hyde Street location, your family can try the bikes in our indoor test-ride area. Our team will adjust the equipment, check the fit, and make sure everyone is comfortable before you leave.
At A Glance
Our quick family bike guide
| Your child | Recommended option |
|---|---|
| Age 1-5 and up to 43 lb | Electric Bike + Baby Seat |
| Older child who wants to ride as a passenger | Electric Bike + Passenger |
| Wants to pedal but needs adult control | Electric Bike + Tag-Along |
| Approximately age 11 or older | Electric Bike Plus-One |
| Age 10+, at least 4'3\", and a confident rider | Kids Electric Bike |
| Approximately 5' or taller and confident | Standard Electric Bike |
Still not sure which bike is right for your family?
Call us at 415-202-8888, or visit us at 2715 Hyde Street in Fisherman's Wharf. All family electric-bike options are subject to availability.
Book online and save 20% on all-day rentals.
