Qibbel 6+

The Qibbel 6+ solves a typically Dutch problem: your child is 6 years old, weighs 24 kg, can ride a bike themselves but not at commuter pace, and is too big for a standard rear seat like the Thule Yepp 2 Maxi or the Bobike One Maxi (both of which top out at 22 kg). In most countries this is the moment where children simply cycle themselves, but the Netherlands has the highest rate of cycling-with-kids in Europe and parents often want to carry a child a bit longer — especially on e-bikes and longer school runs. For that specific window the Qibbel 6+ is literally the only mainstream solution. Qibbel is a Dutch brand known for colourful styling sets and practical products, and the 6+ targets children from 6 to 10 years up to 35 kg.

Safety centres on a sturdy three-point harness (no five-point — an 8-year-old would push back against that anyway) and footrests with protective caps that keep big feet out of the spokes. The seat mounts to a sturdy rear rack, so first check whether your e-bike or city bike has a rack certified for up to 35 kg of load — not every rack is. Compared to the Thule and Hamax the Qibbel 6+ is lighter on comfort features (no shock-absorbing polypropylene, no reclining backrest), but that makes sense: an 8-year-old does not need a nap on the school run.

In the Netherlands a helmet is not legally required, not even for a 10-year-old on the back seat, but for children of this age and weight a helmet is a sensible choice because the fall height and impact energy are greater. The swappable styling sets (in various colours and patterns) give the seat a playful look that fits the age. Bottom line: a niche pick, but for that niche there is no alternative.