SLEDsmart! USA Knowledge Base

The most important thing to know about carrying a passenger on your machine is this: No seat, no passenger.

Only carry passengers on sleds that are designed for that purpose. Buying an aftermarket seat and attaching it to a single rider machine is a bad idea and in some states, illegal.

If your sled is designed to carry more than one passenger, remember the following safety rules:

• Know how to safely operate your machine on your own before taking a passenger along for a ride.
• Understand that weight shifting and control will become more difficult with the extra person on the back.
• Make sure your passenger understands the basic safety information, knows how to mimic your movements and what to expect while riding on different types of terrain.
• The passenger must be able to reach the handle grips and be able to keep both feet flat on the runners, while seated solidly in their seat.
• NEVER carry children as passengers in front of you. The child could be seriously injured. They could be crushed against the handlebars in the event of a crash or collision, or they could be thrown from the machine.
• Travel at slower speeds when riding double because added weight of the extra person will require a greater stopping distance.
• Avoid swerving around obstacles and riding on challenging terrain.
• Remember that you are 100% responsible for the safety of your passenger, so always operate with caution, at a safe speed and in compliance with all laws.

RIDER SAFETY TIP: NO SNUGGLING!

Although it may seem instinctual to hold onto the driver seated in front of you, passengers must always keep a firm hold on the handle grips while riding. These will be located directly in front of the passenger or to the sides of the passenger and are firmly attached to the machine. Holding onto the operator will restrict their movement, so keep your hands to yourself, passenger!