Phelonius - 6/14/2013 5:53 PM
A seat belt in a sidecar would be dangerous unless the sidecar is equipped with a roll bar above the height of the passengers head.
When I first picked up my sidecar it had seatbelts folded up under the seat. I got on this forum and mentioned the seatbelts and got this reply.
"seatbelts are for keeping your grandkids from acting like monkeys"
Shortly after I took my 5 year old grandson for his first ride. This Grandson could be the A.D.D. poster child and NEVER sits still. We had a nice ride. haveing him secured to the seat made a big difference.
A belt or other restraint harness will keep kids and dogs from exiting the sidecar at speed in normal situations.
If the rig has turned turtle it could help or harm.
Lonnie
Seat belt was needed so my young son would not bounce his nose on the dash during a quick stop. Used it on my granddaughters for pretty much the same reason.
I can't speak for a HD sidecar. My 2012 Hannigan HMS-SP2 came equipped with a lap seat belt.
My best friend just bought a Hannigan Classic Twin and it didn't come equipped with seat belt(s).
Jay S.
Okie from Muskogee
I ended up going to my local Pep Boys and purchasing one ($19). Installed nicely and was only put in to keep my 6 year old special needs daughter from scooting around so much (she liked to get up as close to the dash area as she could). I can tuck it away behind the seat when I dont want to use it or have it visible, but nice to know it's there for her. Helps for her (and me) to enjoy the ride better.
Thanks for all the responses and comments.
Jeff
I built a dune buggy years ago and put in some lap belts I bought from J.C. Whitney. They were high quality. They had heavy chrome buckles (and were made in Oklahoma!).
Jay S.
Okie from Muskogee
To Reply to Phelonious' point,
I have previously posted I put a set in my Ural Side Car,
Yes Neck injury can result from a roll over,
But Most collisions are Frontal, Even leaving the pavement causes forward mass, ie dashboard!!
Most children are going to be lower than the body line of most Hacks, and my Ural has the spare tire & luggage rack on the truck lid.
AND REMEMBER, AIR BAGS ARE ONLY SET OFF IN A FRONTAL HIT !! Being on a small township Fire Dept, I have been to many of "Ejection Deaths" in a roll over!! Air Bags never went off !! Person went thru side, rear, even front glass!!
My 2 bits
