Whether you’re an avid cyclist or enjoy occasional leisure rides, choosing between leaving your child behind or compromising your exercise regime shouldn’t be an issue.
A bike trailer could be your perfect solution, enabling your child to accompany you on your cycling ventures safely. Our curated list of the best bike trailers for kids provides a comfortable, secure space for your young one while you pedal away.
We’ve considered safety, comfort, and practicality to present the top options that cater to your needs.
- Collapsible frame
- Top-notch safety
- Two-in-one canopy
- Comfy double seats
- Keeps you visible
- Tinted side windows
- Smooth ride
- Weather screen and mesh window
- Universal coupler
- Convertible design
- Easy to store
- Ventilation vents
- Lightweight and durable
- Large windows
- Rear storage
- Easy folding
- All-around canopy
- Smooth riding tires
- Trailer and stroller
- Emphasis on safety
- Adjustable handlebars
- Biking and jogging
- Durable material
- Comfy seats
Review Methodology: At Mom Loves Best, we understand the importance of your child’s safety and comfort. Our hands-on experience and thorough analysis of various bike trailers for kids helped us rank and review each product based on important decision-making factors such as safety features, ease of use, and durability. We go the extra mile to check and compare the performance of each trailer, collecting relevant data and examining design choices. Our criteria includes evaluating the trailer’s storage capacity, hitch compatibility, and weather shield effectiveness. Our assessments, backed by first-hand evidence, offer valuable insights to help you find the best bike trailer for your needs.
The Best Kids Bike Trailers of 2023
Delve into our detailed reviews, where we bring you the features, pros, and cons of the top eight bike trailers of the year.
Schwinn Echo Bicycle Trailer
Breezy Folding
Schwinn constantly stands out in the biking industry for its high-quality and user-friendly offerings.
The Echo bicycle trailer is no exception. The trailer is designed to carry two children, but it’s still incredibly lightweight and easy to fold.
Safety is one of our main criteria, and this trailer aced it. The Echo will keep your little ones snug and secure during a smooth ride.
What We Like
Collapsible Frame
The convenience of a collapsible bike trailer cannot be overstated. The Echo folds effortlessly into a compact package, ready for the trunk or storage at home. The process involves removing both wheels, leaving you with a small square frame.
Top-Notch Safety
Safety features are abundant in this trailer. A five-point safety harness ensures your child remains secure, and added padding on the shoulder straps enhances comfort.
Schwinn also includes a safety flag so oncoming cars can clearly see you’re towing a child. The trailer is a bright yellow color, making it eye-catching and easy to see while on the road.
Two-In-One Canopy
The versatile canopy offers protection against various elements. Whether it’s shielding from rain or sun, your passengers are covered.
To keep bugs at bay, you can engage the bug screen — it’s fully breathable, and it’s even see-through, allowing you to watch your youngsters.
The rear ventilation window ensures airflow, providing comfort on warmer days. Your little ones can sit back while a breeze circulates the trailer.
Premium Tires and Durable Frame
Durability shines through with the Echo’s robust frame and high-quality tires. It has two 20-inch alloy wheels equipped with pneumatic air-filled tires, ensuring a seamless ride across different terrains.
The frame is capable of carrying two children weighing up to 40 pounds each. An additional storage compartment behind the seats can carry up to 12 pounds of gear.
What We Don't Like
Collects Dirt Easily
A few reviewers noted the trailer’s proximity to the bike’s rear wheel, leading to dirt accumulation on the screen. This can be especially bothersome after rainy rides.
Product Specs
| Wheel size | 20 inches |
| Assembled size | 51.8 inches by 32.5 inches by 31.9 inches |
| Color | Yellow |
| Material | Aluminum |
| Trailer weight | N/A |
Our Ratings
Community Feedback
Burley Bee Kids Trailer
Best Side-By-Side
The Bee bike trailer from Burley is a favorite with parents. It offers outstanding durability and is a great ride if you’re hauling two children, with a weight capacity of 100 pounds.
The Bee has a lot to offer for both parents and passengers. There are two comfortable seats and ample cargo space.
Safety is a top priority for Burley, which is why you’ll remain visible while on the road. Your passengers will love sitting in the trailer, hidden away behind the windows, keeping them cool and secure.
What We Like
Comfy Double Seats
To comfortably accommodate two children in one go, you need an intelligent design. The Bee by Burley places your kiddies in a hammock-style seat, elevating them both off the trailer floor. Your two passengers will sit cozily while you’re cruising along the bike path.
On each seat sits a hook and loop for additional accessories to make the ride more pleasant. You can choose to add extra padding, although this is not included.
Keeps You Visible
Being visible on the road is a key factor for safety, particularly if you tend to ride early or late during the day. The Bee is equipped with ample reflectors on the cover, wheels, front, and rear.
Burley complements this with a bright orange safety flag, ensuring you stand out, even in dense traffic.
Tinted Side Windows
Your passengers can enjoy some privacy thanks to the tinted windows. These will also provide some shade during sunlight hours. The rear window works as ventilation, keeping your youngsters cool by maintaining a comfortable cabin temperature.
Rear Storage
The Bee has a dedicated storage compartment at the back, eliminating the need for bulky bags and ensuring you can bring all the essentials on your journey.
What We Don't Like
Not Great for Small Kids with Large Helmets
At the top of the seat, there’s extra room so children can comfortably sit while wearing a helmet. But some parents pointed out that if the child is short or younger, then their head doesn’t reach this spot, causing them to sit awkwardly.
Product Specs
| Wheel size | 20 inches |
| Assembled size | 32.25 inches by 30 inches by 36 inches |
| Color | Yellow |
| Material | Aluminum |
| Trailer weight | 20.5 pounds |
Our Ratings
Community Feedback
InStep Single Seat Bike Trailers
Best for Single Babies
If you’re looking for a single-seat trailer, we highly recommend looking at this one from InStep. It’s sporty and lightweight yet highly durable. InStep is famous for designing joggers and trailers for active parents eager to include their children in their adventures.
This trailer, equipped with 16-inch wheels, is both functional for trips and conveniently foldable.
Parents praise how this trailer makes outings easier. It’s straightforward to attach and allows you to carry cargo at the back. Your little one will stay protected and sit cozy in a secure harness.
What We Like
Smooth Ride
The 16-inch pneumatic air-filled tires, complemented by molded rims, ensure a smooth journey, even on uneven terrains. Your child can comfortably enjoy the ride, safely fastened in the five-point harness.
Weather Screen and Mesh Window
One of the downsides of biking is the weather, especially when you’re riding with a child. This bike trailer from InStep features a weather shield to protect your passenger from outside elements. There’s a bug net you can use on your everyday ride, which will also protect them from dirt coming from the bike’s tire.
Easy Fold Frame
The frame is straightforward to fold, excellent for storing and taking on car journeys. The wheels include a quick-release system, allowing you to remove them in one straightforward step. Once detached, the trailer becomes a compact package, ready for the trunk.
Universal Coupler
You attach the trailer with a universal bike coupler compatible with an extensive range of adult bicycles.
The trailer has a weight limit of 40 pounds, so it can only carry one child at a time. It’s durable and comes with a one-year warranty.
What We Don't Like
Wheel Size Limitation
The coupler is adaptable but best suited for wheels under 26 inches. Some users found stability issues with larger wheels, increasing the risk of tip-overs.
No Pads on Harness
Some feedback highlighted the lack of padding on the harness, which can cause discomfort. While the harness does its job in terms of safety, there’s room for comfort improvement.
Product Specs
| Wheel size | 16 inches |
| Assembled size | 32.5 inches by 20.8 inches by 6.8 inches |
| Color | Green, blue, or red |
| Material | Steel |
| Trailer weight | 25.4 pounds |
Our Ratings
Community Feedback
Thule Chariot Lite Multisport Trailer
Most Safe
When it comes to choosing new products, safety tops the list for most parents. And the Thule Chariot Lite Multisport Trailer is designed with safety at the forefront.
Notably, it features a 5-point harness system, ensuring your children are secure throughout your ride. Additionally, an integrated rear light enhances visibility, making evening rides even safer.
Besides that, this trailer has a ton of cool features, such as seating options for one or two children, removable seats for easy cleaning, onboard storage, vents, and much more!
What We Like
Convertible Design
If you’re an active family that does a variety of outdoor activities, we think you’ll swear by this. You can attach it to the back of your bike, but you can also convert it for walking, jogging, and even skiing!
Keep In Mind
Easy to Store
Bid goodbye to cumbersome storage. The trailer folds into a compact form, fitting neatly in garages or closets.
Ventilation Vents
Prioritize your children’s comfort with adjustable ventilation vents, ensuring ample airflow on warmers days. The vents work effectively with the rain cover, providing comfort on humid, rainy days.
What We Don't Like
High Price
This trailer is a premium choice, with its price surpassing many competitors by a substantial margin. Unfortunately, it won’t fit into every parent’s budget.
Fixed Seat Position
The seats in this trailer do not recline. If you’re going to be using it for long periods of time and you want your kids to get comfy for a nap, this may be a drawback for you.
Product Specs
| Wheel size | Not specified |
| Assembled size | 114.5 inches by 80 inches by 94 inches |
| Color | Agave or blue |
| Material | Polyester, nylon, and aluminum |
| Trailer weight | 25.7 pounds |
Our Ratings
Community Feedback
Allen Sports Deluxe Steel Child Trailer
Most Durable
With a durable frame made from lightweight materials, this bike trailer from Allen Sports is excellent for bringing two kids on the ride. While compact in design, its spacious interior offers a pleasant and airy atmosphere for kids.
The trailer is designed with a universal coupler that can attach to almost any adult bike, and parents praise how easy it is to tow. It’s available in three colors and is designed for children between ages 1 to 5, ensuring comfort for younger passengers.
Once your trip is over, it collapses effortlessly and is ready for the trunk. For those with just one child, there’s also a single-trailer design option.
What We Like
Lightweight and Durable
Durability is imperative when you’re hauling your child behind your bike, and Allen Sports doesn’t disappoint. It’s made with a sturdy steel frame, allowing it to carry up to 100 pounds, yet it’s considerably lightweight and easy to attach.
Large Windows
The cabin couldn’t be more comfortable for your passengers. It has three large windows at the front and to the sides. This creates an airy internal space with lots of light, allowing your youngsters to enjoy the view.
Full Protection
The trailer will keep your little ones safe and sound inside with its five-point harnesses. Your passengers will sit tightly while you spin away on the pedals. To protect their feet, Allen Sports included a foot guard tube at the front.
Rear Storage
At the back of the trailer, you have an ample storage compartment for all your essentials. There’s plenty of room for extra snacks, toys, or a picnic basket.
What We Don't Like
Unpadded Harness
The five-point harnesses are great for keeping your little ones put, but they’re unpadded. This can cause them to rub against your child, making them uncomfortable.
Product Specs
| Wheel size | 16 inches |
| Assembled size | 21 inches by 21 inches by 21 inches |
| Color | White/red or yellow |
| Material | Steel |
| Trailer weight | 24 pounds |
Our Ratings
Community Feedback
Schwinn Trailblazer Child Bike Trailer
For the Family Trip
For anything bikes, we always refer to Schwinn, and the Trailblazer is worth your time. It offers a spacious cabin for two children weighing up to 40 pounds each. Then it provides cargo space at the back, capable of carrying another 12 pounds.
It’s a neat little trailer, excellent for family trips requiring a car journey. It fits into almost all car trunks without too much effort and attaches to most bikes.
Your little one will love the smooth ride and side windows to watch the passing landscape while you’ll enjoy towing it.
What We Like
Easy Folding
Schwinn’s unique folding frame design allows for easy storage, making it perfect for trips.
The wheels feature a quick-release system, allowing you to remove them in seconds and place them with the frame for compact storage.
All-Around Canopy
The canopy offers excellent protection for your little one, even through mosquito territory. It includes a bug net, rain cover, and shade from the sun, ensuring a full shield for your child. It’s easy to attach and switch the covers.
Smooth Riding Tires
For this trailer, Schwinn included two 20-inch air-filled tires. These provide a smooth ride, leveling out bumps in the road. They work wonderfully on sidewalks but can easily fly over light sand and dirt roads.
The tires also make the trailer easier to tow. Parents say it felt light and not too bulky, perfectly suitable for sidewalk riding or hilly terrain.
What We Don't Like
No Indent for Helmet
A couple of parents pointed out there’s no indent for the helmet in the seat. This results in the passenger sitting in an awkward position when wearing a large helmet. As your child grows, it becomes less of an issue, but it’s worth noting for younger passengers.
Product Specs
| Wheel size | 20 inches |
| Assembled size | N/A |
| Color | Red |
| Material | N/A |
| Trailer weight | 40 pounds |
Our Ratings
Community Feedback
Clevr 3-in-1 Collapsible 2 Seat Bicycle Trailer
Best Convertible
Clevr’s three-in-one bike trailer is a must-see for those who love versatile outdoor activities. It seamlessly transitions between biking, walking, and jogging modes and offers an adaptable experience for active families.
It can comfortably accommodate two children, supporting a combined weight of up to 88 pounds.
What We Like
Trailer and Stroller
As a first on today’s list, we have a bike trailer that converts into a stroller or jogger. To allow for the transformation, it features a 12-inch pivoting front wheel and two 20-inch rear wheels. When all three tires are attached, you can use it as a stroller or jogger.
For biking adventures, simply remove the front wheel, extend the arm, and attach it to your bicycle, transforming it into a bike trailer in moments.
Emphasis on Safety
The three-in-one trailer features enough safety components to suffice. This includes two five-point harnesses for the passengers, large reflectors, a safety strap for the bike hitch, and a flag. You’ll feel completely safe towing your little ones around or going for a jog.
Suspension
This trailer is ideal for getting out and about — it’s all about comfort and activity. The wheels feature an excellent suspension system, leveling out bumps whether you’re biking or jogging.
Adjustable Handlebars
When in stroller or jogger mode, you hold onto the handlebar at the rear. These are fully adjustable, allowing different drivers to steer comfortably without having to hunch down.
The handlebars are ergonomically designed, sitting comfortably in the hands. When stopping, you can use the bike-style handbrake seated on the side of the handlebar.
What We Don't Like
Difficult to Assemble
The trailer requires some assembly upon arrival, and it’s not easy unless you have experience. Some parents said the included instructions are a joke and not useful at all, making the process time-consuming.
Product Specs
| Wheel size | 20 inches |
| Assembled size | 45 inches by 34.5 inches by 36 inches |
| Color | Blue, green, gray, or red |
| Material | Alloy Steel |
| Trailer weight | 37 pounds |
Our Ratings
Community Feedback
Aosom Elite 360 2-in-1 Bike Trailer
Budget Convertible
For the active family wanting to save some cash, we recommend looking at this trailer from Aosom. Its versatile three-in-one design delivers value without compromising on quality.
Everything is built to last and is easy to keep clean. It can carry up to two children with a maximum weight capacity of 88 pounds.
Your two passengers will sit comfortably and can enjoy the ride while being close to you. Once your journey is over, it folds into a neat package.
What We Like
Versatility on Wheels
Aosom’s Elite II bike trailer showcases its versatility as a bike trailer, stroller, or jogger. Transitioning between these modes is simplified with the rear handlebar and the removable front wheel.
The wheels offer superior suspension, which makes the ride comfortable in any mode. Your kiddos will feel safe inside while you get your exercise.
Durable Material
Despite its budget-friendly price tag, this convertible offers high durability and quality materials. The frame is made of sturdy steel and can carry up to two children. The cover is Oxford fabric, great for the outdoors and easy to keep clean.
Comfy Seats
The sling-style seat design elevates children from the trailer’s floor, ensuring comfort. Coupled with the five-point harness system, they’ll be sitting snug and secure.
What We Don't Like
Vague Instructions
A few parents said the assembly was complicated. For novices, the instructions are vague, so the process takes longer than it should.
Product Specs
| Wheel size | 20 inches |
| Assembled size | 51.25 inches by 35.5 inches by 43.25 inches |
| Color | Red/black or yellow |
| Material | Steel |
| Trailer weight | 40.7 pounds |
Our Ratings
Community Feedback
| Product | Best | Wheel size | Assembled size | Color | Material | Trailer weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Schwinn Echo Trailer | Breezy Folding | 20″ | 51.8″ x 32.5″ x 31.9″ | Yellow | Aluminum | N/A |
| Burley Bee Kids Trailer | Side-By-Side | 20″ | 32.25″ x 30″ x 36″ | Yellow | Aluminum | 20.5 lbs |
| InStep Single Seat Trailers | Single Babies | 16″ | 32.5″ x 20.8″ x 6.8″ | 3 colors | Steel | 25.4 lbs |
| Thule Chariot Lite | Most Safe | Not specified | 114.5″ x 80″ x 94″ | 2 colors | Polyester, nylon, and aluminum | 25.7 lbs |
| Allen Sports Steel Trailer | Most Durable | 16″ | 21″ x 21″ x 21″ | 3 colors | Steel | 24 lbs |
| Schwinn Trailblazer Bike | Family Trip | 20″ | N/A | Red | N/A | 40 lbs |
| Clevr 3-in-1 Trailer | Convertible | 20″ | 45″ x 34.5″ x 36″ | 4 colors | Alloy Steel | 37 lbs |
| Aosom Elite II | Budget Convertible | 20″ | 51.25″ x 35.5″ x 43.25″ | 3 colors | Steel | 40.7 lbs |
Types of Bike Trailers
These are the four most common types of bike trailers, each with its pros and cons.
Single Bike Trailers
Single bike trailers carry one passenger at a time. They’re compact and excellent if you often ride on sidewalks or through hilly terrain. Most include standard safety features such as a five-point harness, reflectors, and a safety flag.
However, even parents with one child often prefer the double model. This is because it can get quite tight inside a single trailer, and a youngster can outgrow it quickly.
Pros
- Compact and generally lightweight.
- Easy to tow and offers great stability.
- Often features cargo space.
- More affordable than some other types.
Cons
- It can get tight inside the cabin.
Double Bike Trailers
Double trailers are similar to singles but wider, making them less ideal for sidewalks or heavy traffic. However, they offer a lot of space for the passengers, often featuring a little extra at the front for growing legs.
Double bike trailers are also considerably heavier, even without the weight of two children inside them. If you’re going off-road or over hilly terrain, you’ll need strong legs and a bike with plenty of gears to manage the weight.
Pros
- Lots of space for the passengers.
- Generally offers extra room for cargo.
Cons
- Considerably heavier than a single.
- Takes up more space on the path or sidewalk.
- More expensive than a single trailer.
Convertible
Convertible or three-in-one bike trailers offer great versatility. They can convert from a bike trailer into a stroller or jogger. We highly recommend these for parents on a budget or those enjoying an active lifestyle.
Convertibles generally consist of the main cabin with three wheels attached — two rear wheels and a smaller front wheel. There’s a handlebar for the stroller mode and an attachment arm to fit the bike.
Before attaching it to your bicycle, remove the convertible’s front wheel.
This type of trailer generally includes a sound suspension system and stroller-style seats.
Pros
- Three-in-one, which is great for budget-oriented families.
- Generally includes superb suspension and soft seats.
- Available as doubles and singles.
Cons
- Considerably heavier than other trailers.
Bike-Style Trailer
Bike-style trailers resemble half a kid’s bike, with only the saddle and rear wheel. You attach this to your seat post, and your child can pedal along behind you. These are excellent for older children who aren’t ready to ride alone on the road.
Most feature fully functioning pedals and a handlebar for support. They’re also a great way to prepare your child for a real bike in traffic.
Pros
- Fun for older children (usually ages 4 to 9) to tag along on the ride.
- Fully functioning pedals.
- Handlebar for support.
Cons
- The passenger must have some biking knowledge and balance to ride.
How to Choose a Kids Bike Trailer
Dimensions
First, consider how much space your passengers will need. If you have two kids, you should only pick a double. If you’re towing two older children, ensure the width allows both to sit comfortably.
Consider a double trailer if you plan to carry extra gear, anticipate your family growing, or want space for a friend. However, if transporting only one child, a single trailer is sufficient and easier to tow and store.
Safety Features
For a bike trailer to be safe, it must have some vital safety features. These include a five-point harness to keep your child secure from all angles, reflectors, and a flag.
Riding with a bright flag may seem funny, but it’s a crucial safety feature. It allows cars to see you’re towing something, especially large, high vehicles.
While a bike trailer doesn’t need to have a light, reflectors are essential. Look for a trailer with reflectors on the wheels, the front, and at least two reflectors at the back. This way, you’re visible from every angle.
Helmets On
Windows and Weather Shields
We can’t always predict the weather. Hence, most trailers come with multiple outer covers. These are usually a bug net, rain cover, and sunshade.
Rain covers work well for wet and cold conditions. They create a cozy cocoon for your passengers to sit in. During the summer, sunshades and bug nets are a must-have.
Folding and Storage
Having a trailer that folds effortlessly was a huge must for us. When you’re busy parents, it’s important to have something you can quickly throw in the trunk or store out of sight at home. Most trailers on today’s list comply with this requirement.
