Kids Ride Shotgun Pro Evo rider review

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We’ve been eagerly awaiting the arrival of the brand new Kids Ride Shotgun Pro Evo here at Cycle Sprog ever since we heard it was in development. For families who love mountain biking, the options for carrying babies or toddlers are often limited, awkward, and not designed for proper off-road adventures. That’s why we’re so excited to see Kids Ride Shotgun stepping in to fill this gap with the Kids Ride Shotgun Pro Evo, an all-in-one solution for mountain biking and ebike riding with babies from 9 months old, right through to children aged 5 years.

We’ve had a great relationship with Kids Ride Shotgun over the years, reviewing their very first child bike seat when it launched in the UK back in 2019, followed by their Pro seat and the Dirt Hero balance bike. They’ve firmly established themselves as a go-to brand in the world of off-road family cycling, consistently delivering well-designed, high-quality products that help families get out on the trails – whether on a mountain bike or an e-MTB.

So, whether you're brand new to cycling with babies or are looking for a seat that fits your mountain or e-mountain bike for proper off-road adventures, this rider review of the Kids Ride Shotgun Pro Evo will give you the lowdown on the new baby and toddler MTB seat – its features, specifications, and most importantly, how it performed after being put to the test by a keen mountain biking family and their little one.

A limited run of the Kids Ride Shotgun Pro Evo was made available for pre-order, which has now sold out. The good news is that Kids Ride Shotgun have said the next confirmed drop is March 2026, but they're working hard to make more units available before Christmas. Check their website for updates. You can register to be notified when there is more stock and in the meantime, check in with your local bike shop in case they have early stock available.

Disclosure: Cycle Sprog was sent the Kids Ride Shotgun Pro Evo to review. We were not paid to write this rider review, and all opinions are our own. We do use affiliate links, so may get a small commission if you choose to buy through the links on this page. This funds the website, and we thank you for your support.

kids Ride Shotgun Pro Evo scores

Quality - 5/5 - A top of the range product which is excellent quality.
Value for money - 5/5 - Not cheap, but it's a premium product for 4 years of cycling with your Sprog and is cheaper than alternative premium products- if they even fit your bike!
Resale value - 5/5- Kids Ride Shotgun seats are well known and have good second-hand resale value- once you've used it for 4 years!

Final verdict - The Kids Ride Shotgun Pro Evo front bike seat is a game-changer for parents who mountain bike. Solving fitting issues that have previously been a barrier to carrying a child with a mountain bike, the Pro Evo is smart, stylish, comfortable, adjustable and brilliant value for money.

Find out more about the Cycle Sprog review process

Why we need the Kids Ride Shotgun Pro Evo

In 2024 alone, Kids Ride Shotgun helped over 50,000 mini mountain bikers hit the trails, bringing families closer together through shared cycling adventures.

But for many parents, they want to ride with their child before they are 2, and up until now, the options for carrying a baby or infant on a mountain bike have been frustrating, limited, or unsuitable.

Here’s what has held MTB families back:

Poor MTB compatibility - Most child bike seats aren’t designed for MTBs, forcing parents onto city bikes and paved roads.
Bulky, unattractive design - Many baby bike seats are large, brightly coloured plastic constructions that don’t fit the aesthetic of a sleek mountain bike.
Compromised handling and comfort - Fixed-position seats can interfere with bike handling and cause discomfort for the rider.
Instability - Stem-mounted seats often flex and bounce over rough terrain, making rides uncomfortable for the child.
Poor rider experience for kids - Incorrect seat angles and awkward positioning leave kids bored and disengaged.

The new Kids Ride Shotgun Pro Evo aims to change all that, offering an MTB-specific bike seat that’s safe, stylish, stable and designed for off-road riding. It’s important to state here that it's internded for mellow off-road riding, think fire tracks, canal paths, maybe a mellow blue trail. It's not designed for shredding red, black and technical mountain bike trails - save that for later!

Specifications of the Kids Ride Shotgun Pro Evo

Meets EN 14344 and ASTM F3641 safety standards for front-mounted child bike seats
Specifically designed for mountain bikes, using the proven Pro rail system for maximum compatibility, including e-bikes.
Sleek aesthetic: low-profile design with an almost invisible adaptor to complement high-end mountain bikes.
Stable rail mounting system that anchors securely at the stem and seatpost for a solid, bounce-free ride.
Child-friendly riding experience with a 5-point harness, shoulder straps that stay put, and the seat angle is tailored to MTB frame geometry and is fully adjustable.
Fidlock magnetic child proof buckle
ICR adaptor Kit available separately for bikes with internal cable routing.

The Shotgun Pro EVO retails for RRP £299.00 and includes the 2-in-1 seat, plus Pro Handlebars.

First impressions of the Kids Ride Shotgun Pro Evo

We’ll be honest, we’d been eagerly awaiting this delivery for months! Given the reputation of the Kids Ride Shotgun range, our expectations were high. And the Kids Ride Shotgun Pro Evo certainly didn't disappoint. We were immediately impressed by the build quality and sleek all-black design. The thoughtful touches really stood out, like the magnetic buckle on the harness, the lightweight yet comfy seat, and the smart design features. The front hold handle for Indy was also a brilliant addition.

The seat design is very clever. Using the same rail and mounting system as the existing Pro seat, the Kids Ride Shotgun Pro Evo converts seamlessly from an enclosed infant bike seat to a regular child bike seat as your child grows. The closed-cell foam seat is firm and supportive, with a sleek all-black design that complements modern mountain bikes -no ugly high-vis here!

The shoulder straps are secure and easy to adjust, and the magnetic Fidlock buckle is a brilliant addition, allowing parents to buckle in a wiggling baby one-handed while holding the bike upright.

Setting up the Kids Ride Shotgun Pro Evo

Installation was really straightforward. The initial setup involves swapping out a stem spacer, which is simple enough. Once that's done, attaching the seat is a breeze. It’s especially handy that it comes with two spacers, so we’ve fitted one on each of our bikes for quick and easy changes.

Once the spacer is installed, it stays in place on your bike, meaning the seat itself can be fitted or removed in around 30 seconds. This makes it really convenient for transporting the bikes or when you want to head out for a ride without the seat attached.

The sliding adjustment and quick-release mechanism make it simple to find the perfect position. We easily set it up to allow for good leg clearance and maximum handlebar movement. The angle of the seat and handlebars is also easy to adjust, so your child sits upright and comfortably.

The 5-point harness is excellent, secure, easy to use, and baby-proof thanks to the magnetic buckle. The left and right clicks in independently, which really helps with wriggly babies. I loosen the straps to get Indy in, then tighten them once he’s seated. It’s quick, simple, and feels very safe.

Riding the Kids Ride Shotgun Pro Evo

We've truly put the Kids Ride Shotgun Pro Evo through its paces across a variety of terrains. Dave took Indy out for our first test ride around the local country lanes, and it couldn’t have gone better; Indy was giggling and chatting the whole time, it was clear he loved it right away. I tested the bike with just the seat first before taking Indy out myself.

Our next ride was about an hour on forest roads, and it felt amazing to be off-road and exploring together. Since then, we've used it on country lanes, forest roads, bridleways, cycle paths, the canal, and even some gentle forest singletrack. Indy could sit up unassisted with great head control and balance, so we knew he was ready for his first ride.

The seat handles bumpy forest tracks beautifully; it feels smooth and secure. While I take it a bit slower on rougher, rooty tracks to support Indy’s head control, it still feels incredibly stable and safe.

Indy has even napped in the seat a few times. On one ride back from a café stop, he nodded off. We pulled over, reclined the seat, and let him rest while the bike leaned safely against a gate. He looked very content and snug, proving it’s comfortable enough for mid-ride snoozes.

We love the chest strap in addition to the magnetic fidlock buckle. The chest strap ensures the straps over Indy’s shoulders stay where they should, and he remains securely strapped in even if he's wearing waterproof, slippery layers.

We aim to head out in fair weather while Indy is so young, but the seat is made from comfy, closed-cell foam, which is waterproof and doesn't absorb water. It’s easy to wipe off any splashes or puddles with a muslin (or a sleeve!) and it's dry for him to sit in.

The construction is of really high quality. We have been riding with the seat several times a week for the past 2 months, and it still looks brand new, and we think it will for many more years of riding- you can really tell it's a premium product.

As Indy grows and is able to hold onto the handlebars confidently, we can remove the bucket seat and transition him to the standard Shotgun setup(at around 2 years old), which is fantastic, knowing it’ll grow with him, and we won't have to buy anything new to carry him on our bikes for a few years!

Our first rides with baby Indy

Riding with Indy for the first time has been an incredibly special experience. Occasionally, there’s a bit of protest during strapping in (just like in a car seat or pram!), but once we start rolling, he’s all smiles and giggles. We keep him comfy with layers for warmth, take regular breaks for food and changes, and I chat or sing to him as we ride. That connection really adds to the joy of the experience.

Here are a few top tips we've picked up for other families embarking on this adventure:

Start with a short, local ride to test the waters and build confidence.
Sunglasses with a strap are great for sunny days and keeping bugs out of baby’s eyes.
A cap under the helmet adds sun protection too.
Being organised is key when riding solo, have everything ready before you strap the baby in.
Find a safe place to stand your bike to load them in so you have both hands free; I find wedging the back wheel in the garden gate works well.
Don’t underestimate how special this experience is, it’s honestly been the most memorable activity I’ve done with Indy so far.

Adapting the seat as your child grows

Here’s where the Kids Ride Shotgun Pro Evo really shines. As your child grows and reaches around 2 years of age, and once you’re happy for them to ride without a harness, you simply convert the seat.

To do so, you remove the bucket seat from the saddle, flip the integrated handlebars to transform them into footrests, and fit the included footrests into place (as long as you haven't lost them in the garage!). You can then add Pro handlebars to your bike handlebars, creating a perfect front-mounted child bike seat for the next few years of riding.

The conversion process is simple and intuitive, but best done when you have some quiet time, rather than five minutes before your next ride!

Final verdict of the Kids Ride Shotgun Pro Evo

The Kids Ride Shotgun Pro Evo is a top-quality, innovative design that makes sharing your love of biking with your baby safe, fun, and easy, right from the early days. The Kids Ride Shotgun Pro Evo offers a brilliant all-in-one solution for mountain biking families who want to ride with their children from as young as 9 months, and keep them on the bike through to age 5.

We absolutely loved it. Some of our best memories as a family have been made out on the trail with this seat. We’d recommend it without hesitation; it’s perfect for families who want to ride trails or mixed terrain with young kids. It’s well-built, easy to fit, and e-bike compatible too.

Would we buy it ourselves? Yes, 100%.

It’s safe, stable, beautifully made, and could be a genuine game-changer for mountain biking parents. Yes, £299 is a lot of money, but for a well-made product that will set you up for 5 years of adventure with your child, we think it's well worth the investment.

A limited run of the Kids Ride Shotgun Pro Evo was made available for pre-order, which has now sold out. The good news is that Kids Ride Shotgun have said the next confirmed drop is March 2026, but they're working hard to make more units available before Christmas. Check their website for updates. You can register to be notified when more stock becomes available, and in the meantime, check with your local bike shop to see if they have any stock.

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FAQs

We're here to answer a few of your burning questions to help you understand more about the product and if it's the right seat for your family.

Is the Pro seat updated?

Several small updates have been made to the Pro seat to accommodate the new Evo system:

The saddle profile is now flatter and more scooped, potentially increasing comfort for little bottoms.
The seat sits lower on the mounting bar, giving your child more room to grow before they’re in your face!
The seat angle is now even easier to adjust without tools.

New to Kids Ride Shotgun and want to know more about their range? Read our Kids Ride Shotgun Original and Pro seat review.

Can I fit it to my bike with Internal Cable Routing?

Another exciting new product from Kids Ride Shotgun has just been launched: an eagerly awaited ICR adapter for people who have internally routed cables in their stems.

ICR stems are becoming more and more common in mountain bikes and e-bikes, and until now, it's been a major barrier for fitting the Kids Ride Shotgun Pro seat. The team has been working behind the scenes to keep up with the latest MTB designs and create an adapter to allow parents with these bikes to have the joy of riding with their child.

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Is the Kids Ride Shotgun Pro Evo seat worth the extra money?

Yes, we really think so!

With one purchase of £299, you get 4 years of riding with your child.

For £299 you get the Baby seat, for around 2 years of cycling adventures, then at around age two, you remove the baby seat, the handlebars become foot rests, and you attach the Pro Handlebars.

The current Pro Seat bundle costs £250, so for £49 more you get 2 more years of cycling!

What's the alternative?

Well, for many mountain bikes and e-mountain bikes, there really isn't an alternative for carrying a child between 9 months and 2 years, unless you buy a hybrid-style bike or manage to fit a front seat to your MTB.

A Thule Yepp 2 mini, Urban Iki front seat or Weeride will cost around £100, and they won't even be an option for many mountain biking families, and will only last you for 2 years.

Then, when your child reaches the age of two and is ready to not be strapped in, you have more options. The full Kids Ride Shotgun Range is available to you then, costing between £85 and £250.

Will the Kids Ride Shotgun Pro Evo fit a road bike?

Technically, yes – the Kids Ride Shotgun Pro Evo will fit any bike with a stem that has space for the special fitting spacer. However, it’s important to know that Kids Ride Shotgun seats are designed specifically with mountain bikes in mind.

On a mountain bike, the slacker head angle and the position of the front wheel mean your child’s feet are kept safely away from the tyre. Plus, features like a dropper post make it much easier for the adult rider to mount and dismount while carrying a passenger. On a hybrid or road-style bike without suspension, the geometry doesn’t provide the same level of clearance or rider comfort.

What Kids Ride Shotgun say:

“The Shotgun Pro EVO fits almost all modern regular and electric mountain bikes with a standard 1 1/8th steerer and 10mm of clearance under the stem. Adaptors for bikes with integrated cables that pass through the bike's headset spacers, or proprietary headsets like Trek Knock Block, are available separately. We do not recommend the Pro EVO for bikes without front suspension, such as road bikes or beach cruisers, due to the lack of clearance between the child’s feet and the bike’s front wheel. The Shotgun Pro handlebars fit 31.8 or 35mm handlebar diameters, and stems up to 60mm wide.”

In short, if you have a hybrid bike, the Pro Evo may technically fit, but it won’t provide the safest or most comfortable setup. You’ll get the best experience – and the safest riding position for your child – on a mountain bike or e-MTB.

tell me more about Kids Ride Shotgun

Kids Ride Shotgun was founded in New Zealand with the aim of helping families get out on the trails together. The brand made waves in the mountain biking community with its original shotgun child bike seat, designed to allow young children aged 2 to 5 to ride up front between their parents' arms, creating a fun and connected riding experience.

Their product range now includes:

The original Shotgun seat- thats frame mounted, on and off in 2 mins.
The 2.0 Shotgun Seat- this has a little more adjustability.
The Shotgun Pro seat- with zero frame contact, on and off in 15 seconds and e-bike compatable.
Pro handlebars- quick release handlebars to attach to yours.
Dirt Hero balance bike- an off road, disk brake equipped balance bike.
A range of accessories and apparel for young mountain bikers, including pogies, jerseys and a brilliant A-Z book! .

The new Kids Ride Shotgun Pro Evo sits at the very start of this family cycling journey, designed specifically for babies from 9 months old, through to children aged 5 years, offering the flexibility and compatibility that MTB parents have long been asking for.

Kids Ride Shotgun Pro Evo review: the new baby and toddler bike seat for mountain biking

Kids Ride Shotgun Pro Evo key data: