What age can a child ride in a bike trailer?

It's best to wait until your child can sit on their own unsupported and has good neck control before allowing them to ride in a bike trailer. This is generally at around 12 months old.

Can you use a bike trailer with a road bike?

It's typically OK to use a trailer with a road bike, as long as you stay on smooth roads or paths. Most road bikes are compatible with bike trailers, with a quick-release function on the rear wheel.

How do I attach a bike trailer?

Follow the instructions that come with your specific trailer. In most cases, you will loosen (not necessarily remove) the back wheel of the bike and slide the axle through the trailer's receiver. Then you'll retighten the back wheel.

The 8 Best Bike Trailers of 2022

For families who love to bike, passenger trailers are a great way to bring the kids along for the bicycle ride. Bike trailers hook right up to the back of the bicycle, and most have one or two seats with safety harnesses for kids. The best bike trailer for you depends on your budget, what you want to use it for, and how many kids you want to bring along with you.

When looking for a bike trailer, pay attention to its size and weight, and then take your own athletic abilities into consideration. Additionally, keep safety in mind by checking for harnesses, and look for a bike trailer with covering and ventilation. We carefully considered design; material; ease of assembly; ease of use; age, height, and weight recommendations; ease of cleaning; safety; and value when reviewing products.

Here are the best bike trailers to turn your two-wheeler into a transportation superstar.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Backcountry CoPilot Bicycle Trailer & Stroller at Backcountry.com

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Best Spacious Interior:

ClevrPlus 2 Seat Bicycle Bike Trailer at Amazon

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Best for Big Kids:

Burley Design Encore X at Amazon

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Best for Toddlers:

Instep Bike Trailer at Amazon

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Best Reclining:

Burley D’Lite X Bike Trailer at Amazon

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Best Budget:

Allen Sports Deluxe Steel Bike Trailer at Amazon

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Best for Groceries:

Aosom Bike Cargo Trailer Cart at Walmart

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Best for Pets:

Schwinn Rascal Bike Pet Trailer at Amazon

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In This Article

Our Picks
How We Selected
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Verywell Family

Courtesy of Backcountry.

View On Backcountry.com

Pros

Foldable
5-point harnesses
Converts to a stroller

Cons

Costly

The Backcountry CoPilot Model A Bicycle Trailer & Stroller earns our top spot because of its high weight capacity (100 pounds) and two seats. This trailer is great for people who want to take two kids out for a ride. It attaches and detaches easily and safely, folds down for easy storage when it’s not in use, and has a back storage area and a removable cover. You can also convert this trailer to a jogging stroller, maximizing its value.

The seats are padded for comfort and are equipped with individual five-point harnesses for safety. Kids will enjoy the ride because they each have a pocket to stow away their toys and the sides of the trailer are webbed for ventilation for a cool ride. Finally, the trailer is designed with reflective gear and bright colors for visibility.

^{Key Specs:
Product Weight: 38.8 pounds | Dimensions: 32.09 x 27 x 9 inches | Age Recommendation: 12 months to 7 years old | Weight Capacity: 100 pounds}

Amazon

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Pros

Safe starting at 18 months old
Large cargo area

Cons

Lower weight recommendation

This trailer measures 34 inches wide, giving passengers a little extra elbow room whether it’s used as a trailer, stroller, or jogger. It has two seats, with a total weight capacity of 88 pounds, that feature five-point harnesses and one storage pocket each for snacks or toys.

Much of the enclosure is made of mesh so parents can easily see their kids and there is plenty of air circulation. There’s also an adjustable waterproof cover for rainy days, and the trailer folds down easily for storage when it’s not in use. It’s recommended kids be at least 18 months old to ride in this trailer.

Price at time of publication: $220

^{Key Specs:
Product Weight: 37 pounds | Dimensions: 45 x 34.5 x 36 inches | Age Recommendation: 18 months old and up | Weight Capacity: 88 pounds}

Amazon

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Pros

Height adjustable handlebar
Converts into cargo trailer or double stroller

Cons

Expensive investment

With plenty of legroom, this trailer is great for tall kids and it offers a luxurious ride with a suspension system, cozy seat pads, comfort covers on the five-point harness straps, and adjustable sunshade.

The trailer attaches easily to the bike and can convert into a cargo trailer or a double stroller. It has two seats with a 100-pound capacity, and the sunshade is waterproof to keep kids dry during unexpected rain showers.

Price at time of publication: $650

^{Key Specs:
Product Weight: 24.7 pounds | Dimensions: 33 x 31 x 37 inches | Age Recommendation: 12 months to 7 years old | Weight Capacity: 100 pounds}

Walmart

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Pros

Toddler-friendly
Single or double seat options

Cons

Smaller frame
Lower weight recommendation

This trailer has a smaller frame at only 32.1 x 27.5 x 5.9 inches, making it perfect for bringing little toddlers along for a ride. It features two seats with five-point harnesses and has a maximum weight limit of 80 pounds (40 pounds per child).

Designed with pneumatic tires that absorb rougher terrain, this trailer will make your kiddos will feel like they are riding on a cloud. You can attach it to most bikes and when it’s not in use, and it folds up compactly for easy storage.

Price at time of publication: $156

^{Key Specs:
Product Weight: 25.45 pounds | Dimensions: 32.1 x 27.5 x 5.9 inches | Age Recommendation: Not Listed | Weight Capacity: 80 pounds (two children) 12 pounds (storage)}

Erik's

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Pros

Adjustable suspension
Tinted windows

Cons

Costly
Brake for stroller sold separately

Your kids will be riding in total comfort with this trailer that features adjustable suspension and two padded seats with individual recline options, five-point harnesses, and headrests. The sides of the trailer have full-length tinted windows with an additional adjustable sunshade that offers UV protection.

The seats can be removed to convert the passenger trailer into a cargo area, or you can keep the seats in and convert the trailer into a stroller. It comes with everything you need to securely attach the trailer to your bike, and it folds down nearly flat for storage when it’s not in use. This trailer has a 100-pound weight capacity and is safe for either one or two passengers.

Price at time of publication: $1,000

^{Key Specs:
Product Weight: 27.56 pounds | Dimensions: 33.3 x 31.3 x 38.3 inches (two seats) | Age Recommendation: Not Listed | Weight Capacity: 100 pounds}

Amazon

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Pros

Budget-friendly
5-point harnesses

Cons

No stroller conversion

For a casual rider on a budget, the Allen Sports Deluxe Steel Child Trailer is a great option. You get a lot of bang for your buck here with two seats with five-point harnesses (there is also a single-passenger model) and a 100-pound weight limit.

It also features two rear storage pockets, large adjustable coverings, and a foot guard for the passengers. The quick-release wheels allow the trailer to be broken down easily for storage when it’s not in use.

Price at time of publication: $180

^{Key Specs:
Product Weight: 24 pounds | Dimensions: 27.5 x 25.6 x 6 inches (two seats) | Age Recommendation: Not Listed | Weight Capacity: 100 pounds}

Courtesy of Aosom.

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Pros

Quick-release wheels
Easy set-up and tear-down

Cons

Bungee cord not included
Unsafe for children to ride in

If you’re just looking for something to help you carry cargo back and forth, this trailer is perfect. The cargo area measures 28 x 16.5 x 9.75 inches, and the trailer has a weight capacity of 80 pounds. It is designed to work with most bikes, has large air-filled tires, and has quick-release wheels for easy set-up and tear-down. One thing to note is that you will want to purchase a bungee cord, as this cargo trailer does not include one.

Price at time of publication: $171

^{Key Specs:
Product Weight: 26.5 pounds | Dimensions: 28 x 16.5 x 9.75 inches | Age Recommendation: N/A | Weight Capacity: 80 pounds}

Amazon

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Pros

Pet-friendly
Zipper door

Cons

Material is not scratching-friendly

You can bring your fur-baby along for the ride with this pet trailer designed for animals up to 50 pounds. It is completely covered with a zipper door on the back to get your animal in and out easily, and it includes a leash inside the cargo area to ensure your pet isn’t able to jump out if the trailer’s covering somehow comes undone. The folding trailer is equipped with air-filled tires that come off easily for storage when it’s not in use.

Price at time of publication: $190

^{Key Specs:
Product Weight: 25.9 pounds | Dimensions: 34 x 28 x 19.5 inches (small) | Age Recommendation: N/A | Weight Capacity: 50 pounds}

Final Verdict

We ranked the Blackburn Copilot Model A Bicycle Trailer as our top pick because of its thoughtful design. It has plenty of storage, folds up when it’s not in use, has comfortable seats with five-point harnesses for the kids, and is easy to attach to and remove from the bike. You can’t go wrong with this one.

How We Selected the Best Bike Trailers

We chose the best bike trailers by researching reviews from customers and competitors, and we studied the features of more than 20 products on the market. We considered price, design, features, ease of cleaning, and materials, as well as age, height, and weight recommendations when deciding our picks. We also reviewed guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics on bike safety.

What to Look for in a Bike Trailer

Size and Weight Capacity

When looking for a trailer, pay attention to its size and weight and then take your own athletic abilities into consideration. Something really heavy may be tough if you’re not an avid bike rider, and a trailer with only one seat wouldn’t be the best option for an adult with two kids who want to ride along. Additionally, whether you’re getting a trailer for the kids, your pet, or just to help you carry things during your ride, make sure you know its weight capacity so that you can ensure it will meet your needs.

Safety

Do some research on the trailer to double-check safety features. The trailer should securely attach to your bike without wiggling or coming loose. Also, if you’re planning to bring kids along, make sure the harnesses are strong, secure, and sized appropriately. A trailer designed to carry little ones should have five-point harnesses for each passenger to ensure their safety while they ride. Additionally, your child should be at least 12 months old before riding in a bike trailer, and should also wear a helmet when riding in a bike trailer to prevent injury in case of an accident.

Covering and Ventilation

If you’re looking for a trailer to tow cargo, this may not be as important to you, but if you’re bringing your kids along, you’ll want a trailer that has some kind of covering to help protect them from the elements and from gravel and other debris picked up by bike tires. Any covering that completely encloses them should be somewhat see-through so that you are able to check on them regularly. Also, you’ll want to make sure there is plenty of ventilation when the cover is on so that your kids don’t overheat in warmer weather.

Storage

Whether you’re using the trailer for groceries, your pet, or your kids, you will want to be aware of storage options. Look at dimensions to make sure it’s large enough for your cargo. If you’re bringing kids look to see if there are pockets for snacks, toys, and other essentials you might need during the ride or at your destination. If you'll be using the trailer to take kids to school, for example, will it hold their backpacks and lunchboxes?

Frequently Asked Questions

What age can a child ride in a bike trailer?

It's best to wait until your child can sit on their own unsupported and has good neck control before allowing them to ride in a bike trailer. This is generally at around 12 months old.
Can you use a bike trailer with a road bike?

It's typically OK to use a trailer with a road bike, as long as you stay on smooth roads or paths. Most road bikes are compatible with bike trailers, with a quick-release function on the rear wheel.
How do I attach a bike trailer?

Follow the instructions that come with your specific trailer. In most cases, you will loosen (not necessarily remove) the back wheel of the bike and slide the axle through the trailer's receiver. Then you'll retighten the back wheel.

Why Trust Verywell Family

Ashley Ziegler is a full-time parenting writer and mom to a 1-year-old and a 4-year-old with recent personal experience in researching and purchasing a bike trailer. Key considerations she used when selecting these recommendations include safety, functionality, and purchaser reviews.