Recently, many of our customers have been asking how the Peanut Shell compares to other bicycle child seat options, such as the Yepp Maxi.
Safety
Upon inspecting both child seat options, it was clear that the designers were focused on the child’s safety. Both seats fit children up to 40 lbs (18kg) and featured a five point harness system to secure the wee one to the bike, as well as foot straps to hold the child’s feet in. In my opinion as a Dad I like that the Peanut Shell is a much safer seat. The following are the reasons why I consider the Peanut Shell a safer and more comfortable seat for the little ones:
• More of a protective shell. Which means more head support when the child falls asleep (the head stays up-right). And very importantly complete shoulder protection. If the bike were to tip over the child is much more protected in the Peanut Shell.
• The cross-bar, kids like holding on to it and it is also an added safety feature.
• More padding in the seat.
• A lower of center of gravity, which means riding the bike is easier and safer.
Installation
The manufacturers of both child seats claim they are a breeze to install. Watching the installation videos for each seat, neither seems particularly daunting, but the Yepp install does seem like it would require a bit more dexterity.
Ease of Use
The Yepp Maxi has a neat feature where with the press of a button the seat can be removed, leaving behind the mounting clamp. Apparently it is designed this way to facilitate swapping the seat between bikes. I understand that it can be easy to remove from the structure, but then what can one carry on the metal structure when the seat is removed. Passengers can’t seat on top of the rack nor it is really possible to carry cargo.
The Peanut Shell requires about one minute of time and a 10mm torque wrench to completely remove it from the bike. There is no mounting plate or bracket left behind, meaning the entire utility deck is left clear for other cargo or passengers. It takes only about two minutes to reinstall. With practice and the right tool it is extremely easy.
Quick comparison
| Peanut Shell Child Seat | Yepp Maxi Child Seat | |
| Price | $169 | $180 for seat + $40 for mounting bracket |
| Capacity | up to 40 lbs (18kg) | up to 40 lbs (18kg) |
| Colors | 1 | 5 |
| Straps | 5 point harness | 5 point harness |
| Install time | ~15 min (first install) | ~20 min |
| Requires bracket? | No | Yes |
| In a nutshell | ||
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