Have a Child as a Passenger on Motorcycle
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 35,774
Likes: 38,462
From: Post Falls, ID
Interesting Texas law puts an age on passengers. Height and weight limits makes more sense...especially since every child is "6" when asked by a Texas LEO. And some children older than 6 may be the same size as a 5 yr old.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 5,562
Likes: 4,758
From: Albuquerque, NM
As others have said, you should check your state laws, first.
Experience-wise, I have had a 5 year old riding with me, on the tank, but just around the apartment complex parking lot. I don't think I would have a child that young riding behind me, though. I'd be wary of devices that strap the child to the bike, because they could be hurt worse in an accident (unable to get free of the bike), and wouldn't trust those that simply have the child holding on to me, as they could simply fall off, especially on a sharp turn. Personally, I would suggest waiting until the child is at least able to reach the pegs, but you can do what you want.
Experience-wise, I have had a 5 year old riding with me, on the tank, but just around the apartment complex parking lot. I don't think I would have a child that young riding behind me, though. I'd be wary of devices that strap the child to the bike, because they could be hurt worse in an accident (unable to get free of the bike), and wouldn't trust those that simply have the child holding on to me, as they could simply fall off, especially on a sharp turn. Personally, I would suggest waiting until the child is at least able to reach the pegs, but you can do what you want.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 12,208
Likes: 7,768
From: Along the shoreline in SW FL
Started taking my daughter for rides when she was around....oh, coming up on 6. My rule was "soon as your feet hit the pegs". IMO...the passenger should be able to firmly plant feet on the foot pegs to help hold their balance well and stay put.
I had her wear a helmet, and gloves, long pants.
For the first year I didn't take her on roads which went more than 45mph. Second year..some faster roads. I think the fourth year was the big highway..and some longer rides such as over state lines.
I had her wear a helmet, and gloves, long pants.
For the first year I didn't take her on roads which went more than 45mph. Second year..some faster roads. I think the fourth year was the big highway..and some longer rides such as over state lines.
Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 714
Likes: 126
From: Westchester cty. NY
I made my daughter wait till her arms were long enough to get her arms around me and lock her hands together, by then she could reach the pegs too, maybe 6 or 7. Got her the little Harley leather jacket and boots (I didn't even have a Harley jacket and boots) She was hooked ever since. She is 23 now and wants to learn to ride.
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 1,129
Likes: 505
From: Illinois
I live in a cul-de-sac and at times I will take my 5 year old grand daughter for a ride around the block, usually right before I go out riding myself. She will hear the roar from the bike and she comes running outside asking for a ride. It is a limited access road and I don't go faster then 5-10 MPH. She can't reach the pegs yet but she is comfortable putting her feet on top of the hard saddle bags.
My 2 year old grandson loves to get on the bike but only when it is turned off. The moment I turn it one he will get scared and wants to get off.
My 2 year old grandson loves to get on the bike but only when it is turned off. The moment I turn it one he will get scared and wants to get off.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 6,697
Likes: 774
From: Stuart, Fl
I have rode with my kids around the age 6 or 7 didn’t take long trips do to boredom and i did check with local laws. Had a problem with one of them who would fall a sleep if we rode to long and have seen other riders with kids falling a sleep. How’s its very rare they ask to ride with me.
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 284
Likes: 93
From: Wisconsin
I shiver now when I think about what I did 30+years ago. I had a Goldwing with a Vetter sidecar and took my two young children on a road trip south through Chicago and into Indiana and back. As I recall my daughter could reach the foot pegs and rode behind me while my son who was about 5 years old rode in the sidecar. They loved it but I wouldn't take chances like that knowing what I know now.
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Road Master
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,006
Likes: 131
From: Central Texas area
A passenger must be at least five years old. If the passenger is under 21 years old they must wear a helmet, some people say full safety gear. If the passenger is 21 years old or older they may be exempt from wearing a helmet if they meet the exemption requirements.
For more information on passengers, visit: Texas Transportation Code and read Chapter 545 Section 416.
For more information on the helmet law and exemptions, visit: Texas Transportation Code and read Chapter 661 Section 003.
*Malorie's Law passed in 2013 which states that if a motorcycle is designed to carry more than one person then it must be equipped with footrests and handholds for use by the passenger.
Also, there was a requirement for the driver to possess a Health Insurance card that covers passengers in case of accident. I don't know if that is still valid.
Also, there's a post on a law firms page that states " Motorcyclists are also prohibited from transporting a child who is younger than eight years old and less than four feet nine inches tall. "
but can't find it anywhere else..
For more information on passengers, visit: Texas Transportation Code and read Chapter 545 Section 416.
For more information on the helmet law and exemptions, visit: Texas Transportation Code and read Chapter 661 Section 003.
*Malorie's Law passed in 2013 which states that if a motorcycle is designed to carry more than one person then it must be equipped with footrests and handholds for use by the passenger.
Also, there was a requirement for the driver to possess a Health Insurance card that covers passengers in case of accident. I don't know if that is still valid.
Also, there's a post on a law firms page that states " Motorcyclists are also prohibited from transporting a child who is younger than eight years old and less than four feet nine inches tall. "
but can't find it anywhere else..
Last edited by rossn2; Jan 31, 2018 at 10:30 AM.
