The 10 Best Bike Trailers
This wiki has been updated 35 times since it was first published in February of 2015. Whether you're riding a bike with kids, canines, or supplies in tow, one of these handy trailers can help transport that precious cargo with minimal fuss. Our versatile selection includes models with collapsible frames, large tires, adjustable suspension systems, comfortable interiors for both little ones and pets, and even convertible designs that allow them to double as strollers or joggers. When users buy our independently chosen editorial selections, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Thule Chariot Cross Sport
2. Hamax Outback
3. Thule Chariot Cheetah XT
Editor's Notes
June 17, 2021:
For carrying kids on varying terrain, the high-end Thule Chariot Cross Sport is still the best choice. It's extremely pricey, but it performs better than much of the competition. The Thule Chariot Cheetah XT is almost as nice, though, and costs considerably less.
We did make two important additions this time around. The Goplus Cargo is ideal for carrying a decent amount of gear, and remarkably stable to boot. On the other hand, the Stamet Tech Maya Cycle and its single-wheel construction make it significantly easier to turn with than most others. It can't hold as much as some, but that's a reasonable tradeoff when you consider its maneuverability.
March 31, 2020:
With any bike trailer, regardless of whether you're transporting human, canine, or inanimate cargo, you'll want to keep safety, stability, versatility, and comfort among your most important considerations. Safety should always come first when riding with little ones or furry friends in tow and we've done our best to include options that reflect such priorities. For example, the recently-added Thule Chariot Cross Sport is equipped with an adjustable handle for a secure grip and a built-in rear light for extra visibility. This comes in particularly handy if you're the type who enjoys riding at dusk with the kids. Its adjustable leaf spring suspension system also absorbs impacts on bumpy roads, while the padded seats recline back independently, providing as much comfort to little riders as possible. A patented conversion system also gives this model the versatility to be used when skiing. The Thule Chariot Cheetah XT offers a 5-point harness system and blue touch points for fast and easy setup.
Many of our options, like the Wike Moonlite and Hamax Outback, have flexible frames that can be folded down almost flat for convenient storage. Bike trailer are most likely to be stored in a place like the garage, so it shouldn't be a chore to put them away when you're done using them.
Although this particular list isn't specifically dedicated to our four-legged companions, we've still included a couple of options. Both the PetSafe Solvit HoundAbout and Schwinn Rascal are designed for easy entry and exit with a low center of gravity, the latter of which even comes with a safety flag.
The Freetown Kick-Drum comes in handy when transporting sports gear and other small items, but it doesn't offer quite the same degree of comfort or the available cargo space for transporting kids and pets as some of its counterparts.
Special Honors
Bicycles Stack Exchange If you happen to like building and repairing bicycles, or you have a specific question/problem that you can't seem to figure out, Bicycles Stack Exchange is a useful resource with community-oriented forums that can help get you the answers you seek. The site's search algorithm is also fairly intuitive and you can organize search results by age and relevance. bicycles.stackexchange.com
4. Stamet Tech Maya Cycle
5. PetSafe Solvit HoundAbout
6. Burley D'Lite X
7. Goplus Cargo
8. Schwinn Joyrider
9. Wike Premium Double
10. Schwinn Rascal
Taking The Kids On The Trail
The family bicycle trip is a hallowed institution in many parts of the world.
The family bicycle trip is a hallowed institution in many parts of the world. Whether it be a multiple day trek complete with camping out and sight seeing or simply an afternoon outing for a bit of exercise and enjoyment, taking a bike trip is a great way for a family to come together and create shared memories while being active and healthy.
For many families, especially those living in cities or in easily-navigated suburban areas, a bicycle is also a viable method of transportation used for anything from running errands to school drop-offs to trips to the movies, museums, and more.
Once children are old enough to control their own bicycle, a parent's responsibility is to choose the right helmets and other safety gear, and to select paths that are safe for a child to navigate. While a youngster is still too small to ride his or her own bike over long distances (or to ride a bike at all), a good bicycle trailer is a great idea.
There are many variations of bike trailer available today, and choosing the right option for your family depends on much more than just a child's size. You need to consider the type of terrain you're likely to encounter on a ride, the additional gear you might want to bring along (or the groceries or other items you might want to bring home later), and also consider other uses for the trailer beyond the bike. Many bike trailers also double as great jogging strollers or they can be used to haul gear (instead of little people) on a cross-country trip.
And don't forget that there are bike trailers designed for the four legged members of your family, too. Go ahead and bring your dog or even your cat along in a dedicated pet bike trailer.
The Best Bike Trailer For Small Children
When choosing a bike trailer meant for pulling along your child, you must first decide if you want an option that your child (or children) ride inside, or a solution that they sit atop. Many options in the latter category involve largely exposed seats into which you strap a child. This setup allows a youngster to fully enjoy the journey, seeing all around him or herself and feeling like a part of the action. However, this type of seat also exposes the child to dust, debris, and possible injury from a fall, collision, or a touch of the passing ground or object. Therefore, this type of seat should be reserved for children old enough (or experienced enough) to keep their hands safely to themselves while in tow.
And don't overlook the ease with which a bike trailer can be folded down for travel and storage.
Other bike trailers feature actual bike seats on which a child balances and with which they can even help to pedal. These seats are ideal for kids already old enough to ride a bike, but not yet cut out for the long cross-country travel you have planned.
The most common and popular type of child bike trailer is the cabin-style, which functions like a compact, ergonomic little rickshaw. Select a bike trailer for one or two children, making sure to note the unit's top weight capacity, and then consider the many features such as mesh windows and waterproof covers. The right trailer for you will depend on everything from the average weather in your area to the thickness of the trailer's tires.
And don't overlook the ease with which a bike trailer can be folded down for travel and storage. One option might look perfect, but if you can't easily fit it in your home, then you probably shouldn't fit it into your life.
Animal Bike Trailer Options
Not that long ago, it might have been considered eccentric or downright odd to bring a pet along for a bike ride. Today, it's not only common to see animals accompanying people on more than just a daily walk, it is in fact ubiquitous. If you want to bring your dog (or cat) along for the ride, you have plenty of options at your disposal.
And in case you also want to take your canine companion along while you go for a job, there are several pet bike trailers that can be converted into doggy jogging strollers.
Most good dog bike trailers have built in safety leashes, or they at least have a spot to anchor a leash inside their cabins. This is important for both keeping your dog in place during a ride and while the trailer's door is open. Look for a pet bike trailer that offers decent storage space outside the actual cabin area, too. That will make it easier to store treats and food without the risk of it being consumed while you're under way.
As with any bike trailer, look for a pet bicycle trailer that has plenty of reflective surfaces on it. Your pet trailer may block the reflectors on your bike, so it must be outfitted with bright, high visibility accents to help keep you and your pet safe while you are riding in the dark or on gloomy days.
And in case you also want to take your canine companion along while you go for a job, there are several pet bike trailers that can be converted into doggy jogging strollers.
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