Bike trailers make it easy to bring your kids (or animal companions!) with you on bike adventures. They are also the perfect way to introduce children to a sport that could very well become a lifelong passion.
Before your child is able to pedal along beside you, trailers provide a comfortable and safe way for bike-loving parents to stay active, and for families to cruise along roads or trails together.
Most models are designed for use on paved roads and trails, and the better designs can be converted for use as a stroller or a jogger—several of the premium models can even be converted for use on skis, for families ready for adventures in all seasons.
As with most cycling gear, trailers have become increasingly specialized in recent years—there are now several off-road-focused models on the market, capable of tackling the most technical terrain. With all this variety, you can expect to spend a few hundred dollars for the simplest designs all the way up to well over $1,000 for the top-of-the-line models.
The Best Bike Trailers
- Best Overall: Burley D’Lite X
- Do-It-All: Thule Chariot Cross 2
- No-Frills Premium: Thule Cadence 2
- Best Value: Allen Sports Deluxe
- Sturdy and Rugged: Burley Cub X
The Expert: I’ve been riding and racing all manner of bikes for over 30 years. These days I spend almost as much time riding around with my daughter in tow as I do on any race course. Formerly the managing editor of VeloNews magazine and the operations director of DuVine Cycling + Adventure Co., I now guide gravel cycling and bikepacking tours with my company Alter Exploration. Follow me on Instagram at @chrisjustincase.
What to Look for in a Bike Trailer for Kids
How We Selected These Bike Trailers
Over the years, I’ve used several trailer models from various brands. I also have many friends with kids, and I’ve analyzed their trailers and questioned the parents on the pros and cons of their chosen product. To learn even more about the current trailer market, I tested several models from various manufacturers, some of which appear on this list and others which didn’t make the cut.
Also contributing to this article is Caitlin Giddings, who spoke with Gary A. Smith, MD, DrPH, director at the Center for Injury Research and Policy at the Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. While Dr. Smith didn’t recommend any of the following models specifically, he helped provide a safety framework around biking with trailers and biking with kids in general that helped her make her initial selections.
Additionally, this article includes the work and research of writer Jack Baruth, who created the initial guide.
Pros
- Packed with comfort-first features
- Adjustable suspension
- Converts to stroller, jogger, off-road and ski use
Cons
Key Specs
| Weight | 30.4 lb. (double) |
|---|---|
| Weight limit | 100 lb |
| Size | 33.3 x 31.3 x 38.3 in. |
| Works as stroller | Yes |
| Single/double | Single, but also available as a double |
If you’re looking for a trailer that can double as a stroller or jogger, one that can be used for off-road adventures and ski excursions, and one with plenty of carrying capacity, the Burley D'Lite X is hard to beat. It offers an adjustable suspension for a smooth ride—for both passenger and cyclist. Kiddo comfort is at the top of the priority list with independently reclining seats, high-quality seat pads, bowed sides for extra elbow room, and tinted windows with UV protection.
Versatility is also a hallmark of this trailer: optional 16-by-3-inch fat tires expand off-roading capabilities while the ski kit allows for family adventures even when winter arrives. In a nod to the environment, 50 percent of the fabrics on the trailer are made from recycled materials. This trailer is packed with small design features that create both utility and convenience for both child and parent.
Pros
- Padded seats
- Folds down to store
- Plenty of cargo space
Cons
Key Specs
| Weight | 31.9 lb. |
|---|---|
| Weight limit | 49 lb. |
| Size | 37 x 31.5 x 45 in. |
| Works as a stroller | Yes |
| Single/double | Double, but available as both |
Thule has a well-earned reputation as a top-of-the-trailer heap. The Chariot Cross 2 is a blessing for the indecisive: Strolling, biking, jogging, and skiing are all part of the mission plan. There’s enough tire and suspension for the occasional off-road diversion—think gravel bike or cross-country trail here, not UCI downhill racing—and enough cargo space to carry all the things that two children might need. It stores almost flat and includes a rear light. This is all the trailer most parents will ever want, and it’s priced accordingly. It's also available as a single for about $100 less.
Thule Cadence 2
Pros
- Durable and solid build
- Well-ventilated
Cons
- Seats aren’t padded
- No suspension
Key Specs
| Weight | 22 lb. |
|---|---|
| Weight limit | 100 lb. |
| Size | 54 x 30 x 35.8 in. |
| Works as a stroller | No |
| Single/double | Double |
Parents who are fascinated by Thule’s Chariot trailer but want to avoid a four-figure commitment can try the Cadence. The high-end features are missing—no easy conversion to ski or jog, no suspension—but the same general form factor, spacious cockpit, and high-quality build are all present and accounted for.
There’s plenty of ventilation for when the weather is good and a quick-flip-down plastic shade for when it’s not. Storage isn’t as sophisticated as with the Chariot, as the wheels have to be removed, but it’s still a quick pack-up that easily fits in a trunk or storage area. Be aware, however, that the seats are unpadded—something you can easily rectify using just a few of the $800 saved over the higher-end Thule.
Pros
- Small and ultralight
- Folds down easily
Cons
- Hard to put together
Key Specs
| Weight | 22 lb. |
|---|---|
| Weight limit | 50 lb. |
| Size | 27.48 x 25.59 x 6.69 in. |
| Works as a stroller | No |
| Single/double | Single, but available as both |
At the opposite end of the feature-packed and higher-priced Thule is the Allen Deluxe, which requires some challenging (confusing) assembly. It isn’t terribly upscale and it lacks a list of extra features.
Yet its owners love it because it’s inexpensive, simple, and holds up to extended use. It also provides some weather protection, like front and side windows, and safety features, like a padded five-point harness, a flag, and a bar to protect your child’s feet.
It’s available in both single (shown) and double seat variants. This is one of the smaller and lighter trailers on the market. It weighs about 22 pounds in its lightest version and folds down easily with a quick release.
Pros
- Individually reclining seats
- Adjustable shocks for off-road adventures
- Stroller conversion
- Easy to clean
Cons
Key Specs
| Weight | 37.9 lb. |
|---|---|
| Weight limit | 100 lb. |
| Size | 36 x 31 x 38.3 in. |
| Works as a stroller | Yes |
| Single/double | Double |
Off-road riders will appreciate the Cub X’s sturdy tires and adjustable suspension system, which give tiny passengers a smooth ride on rough terrain. It’s one of the more expensive models included in this roundup, but the trailer’s price is justified by its many high-end features. These include two plush seats with soft headrests that recline separately for comfortable napping, with adjustable sunshades for blocking out the glare. A stroller kit turns the trailer into a four-wheeled, all-terrain running stroller.
The whole thing is designed to be cleaned easily with removable seat pads and drain holes in the hard tray that allow you to hose the base out. The trailer has a generous 100-pound weight limit, so you can stow plenty of cargo in the space behind the seats, and bring slightly older kids along for the ride.
Pros
- Comfortable for passenger
- Ample head room
- Works great as a stroller/jogger
Cons
- Heavy weight
- Bulky when folded
Key Specs
| Weight | 37.5 lb. (single) / 44 lb. (double) |
|---|---|
| Weight limit | 75 lb. (single) / 88 lb. (double) |
| Size | 42.9 x 37.4 x 28.4 in. (single) / 42.9 x 37.4 x 33.8 in. (double) |
| Works as stroller | Yes |
| Single/double | Single, but also available as a double |
Despite its hefty weight (44 pounds for the double), the sleek Hamax Outback is surprisingly nimble thanks to its adjustable suspension system that lets you dial in a smooth ride. Passenger comfort is of utmost importance from this Norwegian design: cavernous interior headroom, thick Continental tires for good grip and cushioning, large windows to take in the views, a grippy rubber floor mat that makes climbing in and out safer, and plush seating fabric.
It also boasts one of the best stroller designs I’ve seen, and as a jogger, it sets the standard. The biggest drawback of the Outback is its weight, which is nearly double some of the others on this list. This can limit the type of terrain families are able to explore. Additionally, using the ski kit involves a slower, more tedious conversion process—no quick-release wheels here.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Easy to use
Cons
Key Specs
| Weight | 22 lb |
|---|---|
| Weight limit | 75 lb |
| Size | N/A |
| Works as stroller | No |
| Single/double | Single, but also available as a double |
Although it isn’t the plushest Burley, the Bee has a lot to offer for a fraction of the cost. First, a warning about what it can’t do: It doesn’t have the dual functionality of Burley’s other trailers—there’s no running stroller conversion kit for this one—and it doesn’t have seat padding, a shock system, rear storage, or reclining seats. But it’s the lightest Burley you can get, and it provides a smooth and safe ride for small passengers, with a secure five-point harness system and a protective aluminum roll bar.
The trailer also has a thick, high-quality rain cover that can be rolled up for better air flow through the mesh screen or rolled down in inclement weather. Small touches like interior snack pockets, reflective accents on the rear and sides, and an included safety flag add to the overall value of the trailer. Like all Burley trailers, it’s easy to put together and fold down and stow when not in use.
Pros
- Weatherproof construction
- Easy to convert to stroller, jogger, etc.
- Lots of accessories
Cons
- Lacks reclining seats
Key Specs
| Weight | 25.7 lb |
|---|---|
| Weight limit | 75 lb |
| Size | 37 x 31.5 x 45 in. |
| Works as stroller | Yes |
| Single/double | Single, but also available as a double |
Like its top-shelf cousin, the Thule Chariot Cross 2 that's also included in this roundup, the Lite’s impeccable design, thoughtful safety features, and quality construction make it a luxurious trailer for families with adventurous aspirations.
The differences between the two models are worth noting: the Lite’s seats don’t recline, the suspension doesn’t adjust, and there are a few changes to the seat padding and storage, but otherwise the two models share many of the qualities that set them apart from the competition.
The Lite runs about $200 less than the Cross. Regardless of its feature differences, Thule has packed an admirable amount of features into this trailer, focusing on user comforts for both passenger and pusher/puller. The simple but sophisticated design means you can spend more time getting outside for family fun rather than fiddling with non-essential features.
Burley Kazoo
Pros
- Lightweight
- Stable
- Easy to install and uninstall
Cons
- Child is not secure, so be cautious with younger kids
Key Specs
| Weight | 18 lb |
|---|---|
| Weight limit | 85 lb |
| Size | N/A |
| Works as stroller | No |
| Single/double | Single |
For slightly older kids who aren’t yet ready to keep up on their own bikes, a tag-a-long or trail-a-bike trailer allows kids to become active participants on a ride without having to worry about steering or maintaining a certain pace. The Kazoo is Burley’s non-geared trailer bike; the Piccolo model has a seven-speed drivetrain.
The trailer is made of aluminum and attaches to the included rear rack via an easy-to-use quick-release hitch mount system. It’s suitable for kids ages 4 to 8, depending on where you set the adjustable handlebar and seatpost, and up to 85 pounds. The Kazoo is intended for younger or less experienced kids, while the Piccolo has a similar overall design but gears for more experienced riders.
Our Expert Caitlin Giddings Consults With Dr. Gary Smith on Bike Trailer Safety. Plus, Must-Have Features to Know Before You Buy!
*Editor's Note: Jack Baruth and Caitlin Giddings contributed to this article.
Chris Case, former managing editor of VeloNews magazine, has been riding, racing, and adventuring by bike for nearly 30 years. His cycling pursuits have taken him to destinations across the U.S. and Europe, Taiwan, Costa Rica, Israel, and beyond. He has stood on the podium at several cyclocross national championships, and is a silver medalist at master’s cyclocross worlds. Today he guides adventurous gravel cycling and bikepacking tours through his company, Alter Exploration.
