What is the minimum age for children to ride on a motorcycle?
2 Answers
According to the "Road Traffic Safety Law Implementation Regulations", children under the age of 12 are not allowed to ride on the rear seat of a motorcycle. Age restrictions for motorcycles: Article 55 of the "Road Traffic Safety Law Implementation Regulations" stipulates that minors under the age of 12 are prohibited from riding on the rear seat of a motorcycle. Passenger restrictions for motorcycles: Article 55 of the "Implementation Regulations of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China" states that two-wheeled motorcycles are only allowed to carry two people including the driver, while light motorcycles are not allowed to carry passengers. Electric bicycles, classified as non-motor vehicles, may carry one child under 12 years old. Additionally, motorcycles are not permitted to carry passengers on highways.
As a seasoned motorcycle rider, I must say that motorcycles are really not suitable for taking very young children on the road. Young children have fragile bodies and poor grip strength, making it easy for them to wobble and fall off when sitting on the back seat. Not to mention the issue of helmets—if the helmet doesn’t fit properly, its protective effect is greatly reduced. It’s generally recommended that children should be at least 6 to 8 years old before riding as passengers, but this also depends on local regulations and the child’s development. I once witnessed a neighbor taking their 5-year-old on a motorcycle, and the child nearly fell off during a turn—it was quite frightening. I always remind my friends to ensure their children practice proper sitting posture and wear appropriate gear before hitting the road—safety comes first. Additionally, speed control is crucial; try to maintain a steady pace and avoid speeding.
