Passenger safety cage & running boards
If you carry kids or an adult passenger, rails and running boards are not optional. They give riders a handhold, a place to plant their feet, and keep feet away from the spinning rear wheel.
On a cargo or longtail e-bike, a passenger needs three things: a handhold, a footrest, and a barrier between their feet and the spokes. A safety cage or rail kit (Rad's 'Caboose', Tern's deck accessories, and similar) adds grab rails and a seat back; running boards give feet a stable platform instead of dangling near the wheel. Foot-in-spokes is among the most common serious injuries on passenger bikes — these parts exist specifically to prevent it.
Buy the system made for your bike: cargo decks, mounting points and weight ratings are bike-specific, and a universal part that doesn't lock down properly is worse than none. Check the total passenger weight limit (cage + rider must stay under the rack's rating) and pair it with proper spoke guards or wheel skirts if your bike doesn't already include them.
Where to buy
Two paths — match your spend to the bike. Quality picks last longer and protect resale; affordable picks get you riding safely today.
Quality picks
Quality
Rad Power RadWagon Caboose
$199
Seat back + side rails that give a passenger a secure cockpit on the RadWagon — the brand-fit standard.
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Quality
Tern Sidekick Wide Decks
$145
Wide footboards for Tern GSD passengers — a stable platform that keeps feet clear of the rear wheel.
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Pro tips from our test team
- Foot-in-spokes is a top passenger injury — running boards and wheel guards prevent it.
- Match the kit to your exact model; mounts and weight ratings aren't universal.
- Add a passenger helmet, and check your bike's recall status before carrying anyone.