The Trail Maker Classic 17-Inch Backpack with Adjustable Padded Straps is my best overall choice among these bike backpacks for students because its school-friendly capacity and padded carry system suit everyday rides. The Trail Maker 15-Inch Backpack is a better compact option for younger riders, while the Small Mountain Biking 6L Daypack fits students who prioritize a close, lightweight ride over textbook space. The central choice is between classroom storage and cycling comfort, with reflective details, bottle access, and pack quantities creating further differences. Several listings are bulk packs or near-identical Trail Maker models, so buyers need to check the exact configuration before ordering. Continue reading for my full breakdown of which option fits each student and buying situation.
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Key Takeaways
- The 17-inch Trail Maker Classic leads the ranking because it offers the most balanced format for books, daily supplies, and ordinary school commutes.
- The 6L mountain biking daypack is the cycling specialist, but its small capacity makes it a poor substitute for a full school bag.
- Reflective bulk packs serve groups better than individuals; the 24-pack models make more sense for schools, clubs, charities, and large households.
- The 15-inch Trail Maker fills the compact role, trading textbook and binder space for a better-scaled fit on smaller students.
- Three Classic 17-inch listings appear nearly identical, making current price, color availability, seller details, and exact SKU more useful tie-breakers than their titles.
| bike backpacks for student | Dimensions | Material | Shoulder straps | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trail maker Classic 17-inch Ba | 17 x 12 x 5.5 inches | Polyester | Adjustable and padded | 20 liters |
| 17-inch School Backpacks for K | — | Heavy-duty fabric | Adjustable and padded | — |
| Trail Maker Classic 17-inch Ba | 17 x 12 x 5.5 inches | Polyester | Adjustable and padded | 20 liters |
| Trail Maker 15 Inch Backpack f | — | — | Adjustable and padded | — |
| Trail maker Classic 17 inch Ba | 17 x 12 x 5.5 inches | Polyester | Adjustable and padded | 20 liters |
| Trail Maker 24 Pack Bulk Backp | 17 x 12 x 5.5 inches | Polyester | Padded | — |
| Trail Maker 24 Pack 17-Inch Re | 17 x 12 x 5.5 inches | Polyester | — | 20 liters |
| Small Mountain Biking Backpack | 18 x 8.6 x 2 inches | — | — | 6 liters |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Trail maker Classic 17-inch Backpacks with Adjustable Padded Straps for Kids and Adults
I rank the Trail maker Classic 17-inch Backpack as the style-focused choice because its vintage shape and colorful finishes give students more personality than the grey Trail Maker 15 Inch Backpack. The 20-liter capacity offers enough room for books, lunch, and everyday supplies, while multiple pockets keep smaller items from sinking to the bottom. Double zippers also make the main compartment easier to open when the bag is packed. Its advantage over the 15-inch model is space, but that creates a bulkier, heavier load for younger riders. I would also treat this as a school backpack that can be carried on a bike, not cycling equipment: water resistance and reflective detailing are not stated. Students riding in rain or low light need added protection.
Pros:- 20-liter capacity accommodates books, lunch, and daily school supplies
- Multiple pockets offer better organization than a basic two-compartment bag
- Double zippers provide convenient access to the main compartment
- Vintage styling and colorful options suit students who want a less utilitarian bag
Cons:- No water-resistance rating is provided
- A full 20-liter load may feel heavy while cycling
- No reflective elements, sternum strap, or dedicated cycling features are listed
Best for: Style-conscious middle school, high school, or college students who carry a moderate daily load and ride mainly in fair weather
Not ideal for: Young or all-weather bike commuters who need a compact fit, rain protection, or built-in reflective visibility
- Dimensions:17 x 12 x 5.5 inches
- Capacity:20 liters
- Material:Polyester
- Shoulder straps:Adjustable and padded
- Closure:Double zippers
- Care instructions:Wipe with a damp cloth
- Origin:Made in the USA or imported
Our verdict“I recommend this model to students who value colorful styling and everyday organization more than weather protection or bike-specific support.”
17-inch School Backpacks for Kids – Assorted Colors (Bulk Pack)
I see the 17-inch School Backpacks Bulk Pack as a distribution choice rather than the strongest individual commuter bag. Heavy-duty fabric, reinforced stitching, and adjustable padded straps make it practical for school drives, clubs, or programs supplying many students at once. Its simple main compartment and front pocket are easier to manage than a complicated layout, though they provide less separation than the multiple pockets on the Trail maker Classic 17-inch Backpack. Compared with the Trail Maker 24 Pack Reflective School Backpack, this pack also lacks stated reflective detailing, which matters when recipients cycle around traffic. Buyers do not receive precise control over colors, and the hand-wash-only care adds work when several bags become dirty. I would choose it for reach and durability, not specialized bike commuting.
Pros:- Bulk format suits school drives, giveaways, and student programs
- Heavy-duty fabric and reinforced stitching support repeated school use
- Adjustable padded straps accommodate a broad range of student sizes
- Straightforward two-pocket layout is easy for younger students to manage
Cons:- No reflective elements or water-resistance claim is provided
- Main and front pockets offer limited organization for mixed school gear
- Assorted colors and hand-wash-only care reduce buyer control and convenience
Best for: Schools, charities, and youth programs buying practical backpacks for groups of students with mixed ages and everyday needs
Not ideal for: Individual cyclists or organizations that require reflective visibility, detailed internal organization, or exact color selection
- Size:17 inches
- Pack format:Bulk pack; quantity not specified
- Material:Heavy-duty fabric
- Construction:Reinforced stitching
- Compartments:Main zipper compartment and front zipper pocket
- Shoulder straps:Adjustable and padded
- Intended age:3 years and up
- Color:Assorted colors
- Care:Hand wash only
Our verdict“I recommend this bulk pack for organizations prioritizing cost-effective distribution, while regular bike commuters should seek reflective and weather-ready features.”
Trail Maker Classic 17-inch Backpack for Kids and Adults
The Trail Maker Classic 17-inch Backpack makes the most sense when one household wants a flexible bag that can move between an older child, teenager, and adult. Its adjustable padded straps and 20-liter interior support school books, a laptop, a water bottle, or travel gear without locking the bag into one narrow purpose. Compared with the similarly named Trail maker Classic model B0F2NQKTQZ, this listing explicitly describes that broader mix of cargo, but it does not confirm the other version’s double-zipped access or wipe-clean instructions. I rank it below that model for buyers who want clearer feature documentation. A bottle placed inside may also leak onto electronics, and no padded laptop section is stated. For cycling, the missing weight and water-resistance details make load planning less predictable.
Pros:- 20-liter capacity supports varied school and travel loads
- Multiple compartments separate smaller supplies from the main cargo
- Adjustable padded straps allow use across different ages
- Polyester construction provides a practical everyday material
Cons:- No dedicated padded laptop compartment is stated
- Product weight is not supplied, making loaded comfort harder to judge
- No water-resistance or reflective specification is provided
Best for: Households sharing one backpack among older children and adults for school, casual cycling, and occasional travel
Not ideal for: Students carrying an expensive laptop or riding long distances who need documented padding, bag weight, and rain protection
- Dimensions:17 x 12 x 5.5 inches
- Capacity:20 liters
- Material:Polyester
- Shoulder straps:Adjustable and padded
- Storage:Spacious main compartment with multiple pockets
- Suggested contents:Laptop, books, and water bottle
- Origin:Made in the USA or imported
- Weight:Not specified
Our verdict“I recommend this flexible 20-liter model for families sharing a general-purpose bag, but not for riders needing documented laptop and weather protection.”
Trail Maker 15 Inch Backpack for Kids, Grey
I give the Trail Maker 15 Inch Backpack the compact role because its smaller body is better matched to children up to age 12 than the three 17-inch Trail Maker options. It still accepts laptops up to 14 inches, so younger students can carry a school device without moving to an oversized bag. The front zipper pocket keeps keys and small supplies accessible, though the layout is less organized than the multi-pocket 20-liter models. Its reduced size should feel less cumbersome on a bike, but capacity is not stated, and the grey-only listing offers little room for personal style. I would not assume the laptop area is padded. Like its larger siblings, it has no stated water resistance or reflective trim, limiting its appeal for wet-weather or low-light rides.
Pros:- 15-inch body is better proportioned for children up to age 12
- Main compartment accommodates laptops up to 14 inches
- Adjustable padded straps can adapt as a child grows
- Front zipper pocket keeps small essentials separate and accessible
Cons:- Unspecified capacity may be inadequate for book-heavy schedules
- No padded laptop sleeve, water resistance, or reflective detailing is stated
- The supplied listing specifies only grey
Best for: Elementary and younger middle school students who need a smaller backpack for books and a laptop no larger than 14 inches
Not ideal for: Older students carrying large binders, extensive sports gear, or laptops over 14 inches, especially on wet or low-light commutes
- Bag size:15 inches
- Laptop compatibility:Up to 14 inches
- Color:Grey
- Suitable age:Up to 12 years
- Main storage:Large main compartment
- Front storage:Front zipper pocket
- Shoulder straps:Adjustable and padded
Our verdict“I recommend this compact model for younger students with modest loads, provided their route does not demand built-in rain or visibility features.”
Trail maker Classic 17 inch Backpacks with Adjustable Padded Straps for Kids and Adults
I assign the Trail maker Classic 17 inch Backpack to book-heavy schedules because its 20-liter main compartment is specifically positioned for laptops and books, with extra pockets for smaller supplies. That makes it more useful for a full academic day than the compact Trail Maker 15 Inch Backpack, especially when notebooks, lunch, and a change of clothes travel together. The adjustable padded straps help distribute that load, but no sternum strap is listed to stabilize it while pedaling. Unlike the style-focused B0F2NQKTQZ version, this listing gives me less reason to prioritize appearance; its stronger case is straightforward carrying room. The major compromise is unprotected electronics, since no padded laptop compartment is stated. Add the absence of documented water resistance, and laptop-carrying cyclists will need a sleeve and rain cover.
Pros:- 20-liter main compartment supports demanding school-day loads
- Multiple pockets separate small supplies from books and electronics
- Adjustable padded straps provide basic comfort across different body sizes
- Polyester exterior can be wiped with a damp cloth
Cons:- No padded laptop compartment is identified
- No sternum strap or other cycling-specific stabilization is listed
- Water resistance and reflective visibility are not specified
Best for: High school and college students carrying several books, notebooks, lunch, and a laptop on short fair-weather rides
Not ideal for: Long-distance or rainy-day cyclists who need load stabilization, a padded device compartment, and dependable weather protection
- Dimensions:17 x 12 x 5.5 inches
- Capacity:20 liters
- Material:Polyester
- Shoulder straps:Adjustable and padded
- Closure:Double zippers
- Storage:Main compartment with multiple pockets
- Care instructions:Wipe with a damp cloth
- Origin:Made in the USA or imported
Our verdict“I recommend this spacious model for students carrying substantial coursework on shorter rides, as long as they add protection for electronics and rain.”
Trail Maker 24 Pack Bulk Backpacks with School Supplies, Reflective Stripe, Side Water Bottle Pockets, Padded Straps
I rank the Trail Maker 24 Pack with School Supplies as the strongest choice for schools, charities, and cycling clubs equipping younger students in one purchase. Unlike the Trail Maker 24 Pack 17-Inch Reflective School Backpack, every bag includes a 20-piece supply kit, reducing the time and cost involved in assembling individual school packs. The reflective stripe adds useful low-light visibility, while bottle pockets and padded straps address basic cycling needs. Its value comes from distribution rather than refinement: there is no stated padded laptop sleeve, the sizing is aimed mainly at children, and hand washing 24 bags could become laborious. I place it ahead of bare bulk packs for ready-to-distribute convenience, but individual students should buy a single, better-equipped commuter bag.
Pros:- Includes 24 backpacks and a 20-piece school supply kit for each recipient
- Reflective stripes improve student visibility during dim morning or evening rides
- Side bottle pockets keep drinks separate from books and stationery
- Padded straps make loaded bags more comfortable for younger riders
Cons:- Child-oriented sizing may not fit older students comfortably
- No stated padded compartment for protecting a laptop
- Hand-wash-only care is inconvenient when maintaining 24 bags
Best for: Schools, youth charities, and bike programs supplying backpacks and classroom basics to groups of younger students
Not ideal for: Individual college students or laptop commuters who need a single bag with dedicated device protection
- Quantity:24 backpacks
- Dimensions:17 x 12 x 5.5 inches
- Material:Polyester
- Visibility Feature:Reflective stripe
- Bottle Storage:Side water bottle pockets
- Shoulder Straps:Padded
- Supply Kit:20 pieces per backpack
- Included Supplies:Crayons, sharpener, erasers, folder, glue stick, highlighter, notebook, pencils, pens, ruler, and pencil case
Our verdict“I recommend this pack for organizations outfitting young student riders, not for individuals seeking a protective daily commuter backpack.”
Trail Maker 24 Pack 17-Inch Reflective School Backpack for Kids & Adults
I place the Trail Maker 24 Pack 17-Inch Reflective Backpack above the supply-filled Trail Maker bulk set for programs serving teenagers or adults. Its 20-liter capacity, three compartments, and laptop-capable main section provide more flexible storage for books, lunch, and cycling gear, while the black finish suits a wider age range. Compared with the Trail Maker 24 Pack with School Supplies, buyers lose the bundled stationery but gain a bag positioned for both children and adults. Reflective stripes and bottle storage support daily bike travel, yet the missing padded laptop sleeve leaves electronics vulnerable to bumps. The 24-bag quantity also makes little financial sense for one student. I see this as the better group-order option when fit range and usable capacity matter more than included classroom supplies.
Pros:- Twenty-liter capacity accommodates books, lunch, and everyday cycling gear
- Reflective stripes add visibility for early and late commutes
- Three compartments and bottle pockets separate smaller items from the main load
- Adult-compatible sizing gives group programs a broader fit range
Cons:- Sold as 24 bags, making it impractical for most individual buyers
- No stated padded laptop sleeve despite room for a computer
- Hand-wash-only care complicates cleaning for large programs
Best for: High schools, colleges, clubs, or community programs buying matching bike-friendly bags for teenagers and adults
Not ideal for: Solo students or riders carrying an expensive laptop that needs a padded, suspended sleeve
- Quantity:24 backpacks
- Material:Polyester
- Dimensions:17 x 12 x 5.5 inches
- Capacity:20 liters
- Pockets:3
- Compartments:3
- Reflective Stripes:Yes
- Weight Class:Lightweight
- Intended Users:Kids and adults
Our verdict“I would choose this for a group of older student cyclists who need simple, matching 20-liter bags and can add their own laptop protection.”
Small Mountain Biking Backpack Lightweight 6L Daypack for MTB, Hiking, Skiing, Snowboarding
I pick the Small Mountain Biking Backpack for students who want hydration and ride stability more than room for coursework. Its narrow 6-liter design is less cumbersome on technical rides than a Trail Maker Classic 17-inch Backpack, and adjustable straps help keep the load from shifting while pedaling. A compartment compatible with a 2-liter reservoir makes it better suited to long rides, although the bladder costs extra. Reflective strips also add a measure of visibility after dark. The compromise is stark: textbooks, binders, and most laptops will not fit, so this cannot replace a normal school bag. At 1.1 pounds before adding water, it is compact rather than featherweight. I rank it as a specialized cycling pick for students who store school materials on campus or carry only small essentials.
Pros:- Compact profile stays closer to the body during active riding
- Adjustable straps help stabilize the load while pedaling
- Supports hydration reservoirs up to 2 liters for longer rides
- Reflective strips add visibility in low-light conditions
Cons:- Six-liter capacity is too small for typical classroom loads
- Hydration reservoir must be purchased separately
- Cannot serve as a practical laptop or textbook backpack
Best for: Student mountain bikers and light-load commuters who prioritize hydration, a close fit, and freedom of movement
Not ideal for: Students who must carry textbooks, binders, a laptop, or a full day of school supplies
- Dimensions:18 x 8.6 x 2 inches
- Weight:1.1 pounds
- Capacity:6 liters
- Hydration Capacity:2 liters / 70 ounces
- Water Reservoir Included:No
- Hydration Compatibility:Yes
- Visibility Feature:Reflective strips
- Audio Feature:Headphone outlet
- Designed Activities:Mountain biking, hiking, skiing, and snowboarding
Our verdict“I recommend this as a focused hydration daypack for active student riders who carry little beyond water and compact essentials.”
How We Picked
I ranked these bags by how well they address a student cyclist’s full day rather than by capacity alone. My main criteria were school-item compatibility, carrying comfort, visibility details, bottle storage, bulk-buy usefulness, and how closely the bag’s size matches its intended rider. A pack ranked higher when it could move from the bike rack to the classroom without forcing a large compromise. I also penalized specialist or bulk formats when their benefits applied to only a narrow group of buyers.
The ranking assigns each listing a separate purpose: the first Trail Maker Classic is Best Overall, the assorted-color bulk pack is Best for Color-Coded Groups, and the second Classic listing is Best for Beginners. The 15-inch model is Best Compact, while the third Classic listing is the no-frills alternative shoppers can choose when its price or color is better. The supplied 24-pack is Best Classroom Kit, the reflective 17-inch 24-pack is Best for Group Visibility, and the 6L model is Best Premium Cycling Design. Because several names overlap, I treat listing verification as part of the buying decision rather than assuming those products differ internally.
| bike backpacks for student | Material | Shoulder straps |
|---|---|---|
| Trail maker Classic 17-inch Ba | Polyester | Adjustable and padded |
| 17-inch School Backpacks for K | Heavy-duty fabric | Adjustable and padded |
| Trail Maker Classic 17-inch Ba | Polyester | Adjustable and padded |
| Trail Maker 15 Inch Backpack f | — | Adjustable and padded |
| Trail maker Classic 17 inch Ba | Polyester | Adjustable and padded |
| Trail Maker 24 Pack Bulk Backp | Polyester | Padded |
| Trail Maker 24 Pack 17-Inch Re | Polyester | — |
| Small Mountain Biking Backpack | — | — |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Bike Backpacks For Students
I would begin by matching the backpack to the student’s actual school load, ride length, and body size. A roomy book bag may win for class but feel cumbersome on a long ride, while a compact cycling pack can ride well yet leave no space for binders. The right choice balances usable capacity, stable carrying comfort, visibility, and purchasing format.
Match Capacity to the Real School Load
Backpack dimensions do not reveal whether a rigid binder, laptop sleeve, lunch container, and change of clothes can fit together. I suggest laying out the student’s largest daily load and measuring the stiffest item before comparing bags. A 17-inch school backpack is generally the safer format for full classroom days, while a 15-inch bag better suits lighter loads and smaller frames. The 6L daypack belongs in a different category because it favors ride essentials rather than bulky academic gear. Buying extra capacity can also backfire by encouraging students to carry books they do not need. If the schedule changes daily, a modest amount of spare room is more useful than an oversized compartment that stays half empty.
Prioritize Fit and Load Stability on the Bike
A bag that feels acceptable while walking can shift, bounce, or pull backward once the student leans over handlebars. Padded adjustable straps help distribute pressure, but strap adjustment matters just as much as padding thickness. I would look for a bag that sits close to the upper back without resting on the saddle or swinging during shoulder checks. Smaller riders often gain more from a shorter pack than from added storage volume. A close-fitting cycling daypack has an advantage on longer or rougher rides, though it gives up school capacity. Students carrying dense textbooks should also split weight evenly and place the heaviest items against the back panel.
Treat Reflective Details as Backup Visibility
Reflective trim can make a moving student easier to notice when headlights reach the material, which gives the two reflective bulk options a clear group-use advantage. It does not replace bike lights, bright clothing, or deliberate road positioning. I would avoid choosing a backpack solely because a listing mentions one reflective stripe, especially when the student rides before sunrise or after activities. Check where the reflective area sits and whether jackets, loose straps, or cargo could cover it. A bright bag color may improve daytime contrast, while reflective material helps under direct artificial light. The strongest setup combines active lighting and passive visibility rather than relying on either one alone.
Plan for Water, Weather, and Daily Wear
Side bottle pockets keep drinks away from papers and electronics, but a loose bottle can still escape on curbs or rough paths. I would check pocket depth and bottle fit before making that storage method part of the commute routine. None of these product names confirms full waterproof construction, so weather resistance should not be assumed. A pack liner, waterproof pouch, or fitted rain cover can protect coursework more reliably during sustained rain. Zippers, strap stitching, and the bottom panel usually receive the hardest daily wear because students set bags on pavement and overload compartments. Regularly removing crumbs, drying damp fabric, and checking seams can extend the bag’s usable life without much effort.
Know When a Bulk Pack Makes Financial Sense
Bulk backpacks can reduce the cost per student, yet they create waste if most of the bags remain unused. The assorted-color pack suits programs that assign colors by class, age, or household, while the reflective 24-pack supports groups sending many students home near dusk. The version bundled with supplies reduces distribution work, which may matter more to a school or charity than the lowest bag-only price. Individual families should compare the complete checkout price rather than being drawn to a low per-unit figure. I would also confirm the exact bag count, included supplies, color assortment, return rules, and whether every unit has the advertised features. For organizations, consistency across all units can be more useful than small design upgrades available only on single backpacks.
Decide Whether Cycling or School Comes First
A purpose-built 6L daypack makes sense when the student already stores books at school, rides for fitness, or needs a separate pack for trail sessions. It places mobility and low bulk ahead of classroom versatility. A conventional school backpack is the stronger one-bag solution for students transporting notebooks, lunch, and larger supplies every day. Paying more for a cycling-oriented design has limited value if the student must carry a rigid binder that will not fit. On the other hand, choosing a large school bag for a long recreational ride can create needless movement and heat. I would let the student’s most demanding recurring trip decide which side of that tradeoff deserves priority.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a 15-inch or 17-inch backpack better for a student bike commute?
A 17-inch backpack is the safer choice for students carrying binders, larger notebooks, lunch, or several classes’ worth of materials. The 15-inch Trail Maker is easier to scale to a smaller rider and can reduce unnecessary bulk. I would choose the shorter model only after confirming that the student’s largest rigid item fits without bending. A loosely packed 17-inch bag can also shift more than a properly filled compact bag. Body size and daily load should decide the choice together.
Can the 6L mountain biking daypack replace a regular school backpack?
For most full school days, 6L is too limited for standard binders, multiple books, lunch, and extra clothing. It works better for students who keep materials at school, carry digital notes, or want a separate bag for short rides and athletic sessions. Compared with the 17-inch models, its advantage is lower bulk while riding, not classroom storage. I would check the dimensions of every required item rather than relying on the volume figure alone. Students with even one rigid folder may need a conventional school pack.
Are reflective backpack stripes enough for riding after dark?
No, reflective stripes are a secondary visibility aid because they depend on light hitting them from a useful angle. A student riding after dark still needs legally appropriate front and rear bike lights, plus visible clothing or accessories suited to the route. Reflective details can help drivers recognize movement, which makes the reflective 24-packs attractive for group programs. I would also check whether the stripe remains visible when the bag is worn with a jacket or helmet cover. Visibility works best as a layered system rather than a single backpack feature.
Which bulk backpack is better for a school or community program?
The 24-pack with school supplies makes the most sense when organizers need ready-to-distribute student kits and want to reduce packing work. The 24-pack of reflective 17-inch backpacks is better when consistent bag size and added road visibility matter more than included supplies. An assorted-color bulk pack can help staff separate groups or let students choose a preferred color. I would compare the delivered cost per complete kit, not just the advertised pack price. Confirm quantities and included items before ordering because similarly named listings may have different configurations.
How should I choose between the three similar Trail Maker Classic listings?
Start by confirming the exact SKU, seller, dimensions, color, and unit count on each current listing. Their names describe nearly the same 17-inch format, so the titles alone do not prove a meaningful construction difference. If the specifications match, current price and return terms become sensible tie-breakers. I would also inspect listing photos for pocket layouts and strap details, since small revisions may appear under similar names. Choose the best verified offer rather than paying extra for wording that sounds more detailed.
Conclusion
For most students, I recommend the Trail Maker Classic 17-Inch Backpack with Adjustable Padded Straps as the best overall balance of school capacity and everyday carrying comfort. Beginners can choose the similarly named Trail Maker Classic 17-Inch Backpack for Kids and Adults, while price-focused buyers should compare the third Classic listing and select it as the best value only when its verified specifications match at a lower total cost. The Small Mountain Biking 6L Daypack is my premium cycling pick for light-load riders who care more about mobility than binder space, and the 15-inch Trail Maker is the best compact choice for younger students. For specific needs, I favor the supplied 24-pack for classroom-kit distribution, the reflective 17-inch 24-pack for group visibility, and the assorted-color bulk pack for color-coded programs. The final choice should follow the student’s largest school item, body size, ride length, and whether the purchase is for one rider or an entire group.
