From the new 1 on 1 rules in the Essentials Kit. Can you have multiple sidekicks to build an encounter...would it be balanced?  I would like to have 1 PC + 2 or 3 sidekicks.  I’m playing solo and would like to have more than 1 sidekick.   Or is it intended to be a 1:1 ratio...1 PC: 1 sidekick or 2PC: 2 sidekicks.

while playing solo I would like to have larger battles

I'm not sure, but probably.

On a similar note though, why not just play multiple characters?

For Solo (meaning only me) I’m trying to simplify.  The sidekicks are low maintenance for leveling up, abilities, etc.  ...but also want to know how to balance encounters with them.  Are they a lower level compared to a PC? Or equal?

Sidekicks are less powerful than PCs, so balancing encounters is a bit tricky when using them.  Based on what I've seen from the adventure that came with the Essentials Kit, sidekicks count as a PC when balancing the number in mobs of weak enemies, but do not count when going up against 1-2 more powerful creatures.

Thanks for the info.  Will take into account.

I'm trying this. My wife is running a game for me, I'm running Heck (fighter/mage) and three sidekicks (warriors). I'm using the UA versions. I expect the sidekicks to die in fairly short order but... we'll see. I'm going to do my best to keep them alive.

I think with the sidekicks that's the fun part.