I’m thrilled to share my recent purchase and experience with you all sooner than I usually do. While I typically prefer to thoroughly test products over a few months before writing about them, my excitement for this one is too great to keep contained. Bike Side Cars are generating buzz, and I’m eager to dive in and offer my initial insights, with updates to follow as I gain more experience.
Bike side cars – the very concept conjures images of vintage charm and practical ingenuity. Historically, as I understand it, they gained prominence during World War II as a resourceful way to transport individuals or goods using a single motorcycle. They were both functional and stylish. However, with the rise of mass automotive production and the increasing affordability of cars, the demand for motorcycle sidecars diminished, leading to a halt in widespread manufacturing.
Yet, trends are cyclical, and what was once old often becomes new again. Bike side cars seem to be experiencing a resurgence, particularly for bicycles and especially ebikes, rather than just motorcycles. While I’m not an expert on vehicle trends, I can speak to the immediate allure of bicycle sidecars. The moment I encountered a beautifully crafted bike side car, I was captivated and knew I had to have one. So, I took the plunge, made the purchase, and I’m absolutely loving it.
Bespoke bike sidecar for kid and ebike, showcasing the Scandinavian Side Bike on a RadMini ST2.
My Bike Side Car Story: From Inspiration to Installation
So, what exactly is a bike side car? In its simplest form, and in my personal experience, it’s a partially enclosed compartment designed to carry a passenger, attached to the side of a bicycle.
The Spark of Inspiration
Q: What motivated this purchase?
A: It’s a bit of a delightful mystery! I believe I stumbled upon a picture on Pinterest and was instantly smitten. It was a classic case of love at first sight, pure and simple.
Addressing Initial Concerns: Will it Fit My Ebike?
My main concern arose when considering whether the bike side car of my dreams would actually be compatible with my new ebike. At the time I decided to pursue a sidecar, I was eagerly awaiting the arrival of my RadMini ST2 ebike. Unfortunately, online resources lacked specific details about the mounting bracket for sidecars on this model. Measurements and detailed photographs were scarce. I reached out to the sidecar dealer, who in turn consulted with the manufacturer. They reassured me that the bracket wouldn’t pose any compatibility issues. Trusting their expertise, I proceeded with the order. Fast forward three months and $3,000 later, the sidecar mounting bracket arrived, and to my relief, it was a perfect fit for my bike! That was definitely a gamble with a happy ending.
Let me reiterate for clarity: The long bracket from Scandinavian Side Bike is indeed compatible with the RadMini ST2. For a snug and secure fit, you’ll need to detach the cord wrap from the bike frame. This is a straightforward step. Additionally, removing the derailleur guard from the frame is necessary. However, rest assured, the sidecar bracket effectively takes over the role of protecting the derailleur, so there’s no loss of function.
Visual Clarification
Bike sidecar bracket installation detail on a RadMini ST2, showing cord wrap removal for secure fitting.
Close-up view of the Scandinavian Side Bike bracket mounted on the RadMini ST2 frame, highlighting the secure attachment.
Timeline of My Bike Side Car Journey
To give you a clearer picture, here’s a step-by-step timeline of my bike side car adventure:
- Love at First Sight: I fell head over heels for a bike side car image I saw online.
- Ebike Acquisition: I purchased a RadMini ST2 ebike as portability became a priority for me. (More on this in my previous post: Public Note; re: comparing RadCity ST3 and RadRunner+).
- Sidecar Research: I began seriously researching bike sidecars, documenting my journey in Public Note; re: shopping for a sidecar. I envisioned my child enjoying it immensely.
- Compatibility Concerns: I noticed a lack of visual evidence of Scandinavian Side Bike sidecars being paired with Rad Bikes in photos and videos. This absence of visual confirmation caused a purchase delay until I received direct assurance that the bracket would fit the RadMini ST2 frame geometry.
- Order Confirmation: My salesperson at Mad Dogs & Englishmen contacted me, and we finalized the details of my order: a white sidecar with black striping, decal number 13, a red seat and rain hood, a single child seat with a seatbelt, eyebolts for dog attachment, black fender, and two brackets.
- Payment: I completed the payment, just under $3,000, over the phone.
- Surprise Delivery: 89 days later, to my pleasant surprise, the USPS delivered the sidecar right to my doorstep.
- Instruction Inquiry: I had to request detailed installation instructions as they were expected to arrive well before the product itself. Additionally, I never received any shipping updates. While the dealer’s communication was lacking, the manufacturer thankfully came through by providing comprehensive instructions in English and confirming that my missing extra mounting bracket (which I ordered) would be sent separately.
- Bracket Installation: I successfully mounted the sidecar bracket to my RadMini ST2 bike!
- Specifically working with a RadMini ST2 & Scandinavian Side Bike’s long bracket.
- I removed the cord cover from the bike frame.
- I removed the derailleur guard.
- I securely fastened the sidecar bracket to the bike frame.
- Initial Test Ride Hiccup: I powered on the bike for a quick test ride, but encountered a minor setback – power and lights were functional, but the motor and throttle were unresponsive. I immediately contacted Rad support, and within three business days, their team, especially Tyler, helped me resolve the throttle issue. (It turned out to be a minor motor connector adjustment).
- Introducing the Sidecar to My Child: I’ve learned that my child needs a gradual introduction to the sidecar experience. I’m taking a patient approach to ensure it’s a positive and enjoyable experience.
- Second Bracket Arrival: The second bracket arrived! This one is intended for Mister Jupiter’s RadRunner Plus. Installation on that bike will happen in a few months, no rush for now.
Current Status
- The bike side car is now mounted on my ebike, and I’m absolutely thrilled with it.
- My child is slowly getting accustomed to the sidecar – still no ride requests yet, but we’re getting there!
The Waiting Game Begins
Now, it’s a period of anticipation and further exploration.
If you have any specific questions, please feel free to leave a comment below, and I’ll be happy to address them when I provide updates to this post.
// Published & last updated on November 14th //
Updates:
October 19th – Timeline updated.
November 14th – Timeline updated (to include receipt of the second bracket and my child’s gradual acceptance of the sidecar).
Future Updates to Include:
- Initial Use Reactions
- Changes After First Use?
- How I Use it in Our Environment
- How I Use it in Our Life
- Overall Impression [including accessories and current use]
- Usage Details That I Learned First Hand
- Thoughts for Future Use or Modifications
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