tandemseat

Tandemseat, or tandem seating, describes a seating arrangement in which two or more occupants are placed along a straight line, typically one behind the other, rather than side by side. The term comes from tandem, meaning arranged in sequence, and is used in a range of vehicle types and equipment where length, weight distribution, or control considerations favor longitudinal seating.

In bicycles, a tandem bicycle has two saddles and pedal sets aligned in a single line; the front rider steers while the rear rider pedals and helps steer. Tandem seating is also common in aircraft, particularly trainers and fighters, where pilots sit in a line one behind the other in a tandem cockpit. This arrangement supports close instructor oversight and compact cockpit design, but limits mutual visibility and can complicate communication.

In other contexts, tandem seating appears in some sport cars or specialized passenger vehicles, and in certain trains or buses with narrow interiors. It is favored when maximizing length within restricted widths, when pass-through is needed, or when shared control is desired. Safety and ergonomics focus on secure restraint systems, clear lines of sight for the lead occupant, and accessible egress in emergencies.