Kids and the Smart car! - Smart Car of America Forums : Smart Car Forum

knitgirl · 08-10-2008, 08:27 AM

Hi Everyone! I am new! I as in Europe last year and fell in love with the Smart car! I drove my first one yesterday. The dealership here in Alabama has been open for only 2 weeks! Is there anyone out there that drives around with a 4 year old in a 5 point harness (in the front seat) - my child is 45lbs. There's no law stating I can't, but I wondered if there were any other parents out there that could talk to me.

**JPaul** · 08-10-2008, 08:51 AM

May I recommend reading the Owner's Manual (available at left, under the "Site Navigation" sub-menu, in case your hard copy is not handy) and the numerous pages dedicated to children as passenger. Our smart is equipped for such occasions. One has just to follow the precise (and maybe tedious) suggestions.

Karl Roth · 08-10-2008, 08:58 AM

As long as you use the appropriate seats or boosters you should be good to go. Just keep an eye on the airbag light.
karl
there is a link here on this site to the owners manual and it explains the mounting The state police site below can also give you information as well
Alabama Department of Public Safety

Rmichael1 · 08-10-2008, 09:07 AM

I have four children. My youngest has not ridden yet but my 3 (almost 4) year has and sat in her 5 point restraint seat. I don't think the kids will passengers that often but it's gotta be at least, if not more, safe than a school worker who rides to school with her daughter in a small 2 door truck.

knitgirl · 08-10-2008, 09:08 AM

I shouldn't have the air bag on with him, correct?

Rmichael1 · 08-10-2008, 09:10 AM

The air bag will disengage when there is not enough weight (a child) in the seat.

**jwight** · 08-10-2008, 10:25 AM

From the link above:

Quote:

"(2) Convertible seats in the forward position or forward facing seats until the child is at least five years of age or 40 pounds.
"(3) Booster seats until the child is six years of age.

Don't know how to interpret this specific case, with a child under 5 but over 40 lbs. Since it's either or, my take would be #3 applies, so a booster seat would be called for, but that implies the seat belt would be the primary restraint; any lawyers or Alabama state police experts out there?

danag · 08-10-2008, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rmichael1

The air bag will disengage when there is not enough weight (a child) in the seat.

But what is the weight? The sales person at the smart center thought it was 50lbs, but she wasn't positive.

Karl Roth · 08-10-2008, 10:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by knitgirl

I shouldn't have the air bag on with him, correct?

yes it should be deactivated the light on will indicate that. I don't know the exact weight but my three year old grandaughter and seat worked just fine.
I would have prefered a switch but the system seemed to work as advertised so no complaint from me.
karl

knitgirl · 08-11-2008, 03:47 AM

thank you so much, you've been so helpful!!