Want to take your kid on a bike ride with you, but he’s too young to ride himself? Don’t worry, a bike trailer will solve the problem. The bike trailer is also an environmental-friendly way to transport your children – no carbon emission and no fuel consumption.
So how to build a comfortable ride for your small fellows? This review will help you find out which is the best kid bike trailer in 2021 and how to ride with it. So, let’s dive in.
Table of Contents
Top 19 Best Bike Trailers For Kids Reviews In 2021
Allen Sports Deluxe Steel Kid Bike Trailers
Our list today will start with a model from Allen Sports: the Deluxe Steel. Even though it has “Deluxe” in its name, the price for this child trailer is surprisingly affordable. It is also quite lightweight and the fabric is good for ventilation, making it a basic choice for anyone looking for a decent child trailer.
However, it is not the best. The small wheels (16’’ wheel) will affect the performance of this trailer, and the fabric is, sadly, not weather-proof. So this trailer will be my recommendation if you are intending to take your kids on a ride only on good days.
Pros
- Cheap
- Lightweight
- Good ventilation
Cons
- 16’’ wheels only
Product Specs
Instep Trailer
Another inexpensive product that makes its way into the best bike trailer in 2021 is the Instep Trailer. It offers double space, so if you have two kids preparing for a ride, this might be a good choice. The interior space is really large and comfortable for two, so they will not feel cramped at all.
However, even it has bug-proof and sun-shield, the fabric is not weather-resistant. Another problem is the small size of the wheel. But for the sweet price, this is still an option for any family new to the child bike trailer.
Pros
- Cheap
- Good ventilation
- Large space
Cons
- Not weather-resistant
Product Specs
Schwinn Trailblazer Kid Bike Trailers
A striking face in the low-end range is the Schwinn JoyridernEchonTrailblazer. Offering both single and double trailers, this model also can use 16’’ or 20’’ wheel, allowing to maximize its performance. Easy to assemble and comfortable for even two kids, it’s really worth your money.
Nevertheless, this product shares some flaws with other affordable trailers: not durable fabric, a little bit saggy to be honest. A regular biker should think of a more high-quality and more expensive child bike trailer, but for a beginner, weekend rider? This is still good enough for an enjoyable ride.
Pros
- Cheap
- 20’’ wheel available
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- Saggy fabric
Product Specs
Clevr Bike Trailer Jogger Stroller for Kids
The Clevr introduced a product that would amaze you: you can convert it to use as a stroller or jogger with an upgraded brake system to ensure safety. Besides, you can choose between mesh or plastic cover – a diverse choice up to your liking.
It comes with double space, sturdy material and 20’’ wheel – an ideal model which will not burn a hole into your wallet. However, I can clearly see that the manufacturer’s instruction included in it is not easy to understand – I myself got some trouble during the assembling. The front wheel is a bit stiff due to the structure, but it’s for safety, I can’t complain much.
Pros
- Cheap
- 20’’ wheel
- Brake system included
- Two cover options
Cons
- Problem with front wheel
Product Specs
Retrospec Rover Kids Bicycle Trailers
If you are into extra safety, the high-visibility flag from the Retrospec Rover Kids Bicycle Trailer will surely catch your attention. It also offers a 5-point harness to properly secure your kids. Coming in with 20’’ wheel and spacious storage, Rover Kid Bicycle Trailer is an affordable but high-quality choice for your family bike trip.
However, it is reported that the wheel is not that long-lasting. You should take extra precautions to get some spare pairs.
Pros
- Cheap
- Extra safety
- 20’’ wheel
- Spacious storage
Cons
- Not durable wheels
Product Specs
WeeRide Co-Pilot XT Bike Trailers
If your kid is a little bit too old to fit in a conventional trailer, or if he/she wants to try bike riding on his/her own, let’s take a look at WeeRide Co-Pilot XT Deluxe Wide Tire. It is designed as a real bike, allowing your child to paddle with you – a good way to teach your kids how to ride a bike.
A good point of this product is that it is foldable, so it won’t take much space in your garage, as well as being affordable so it won’t take much money away from your wallet. But there are some minor problems regarding the seat and tire – you should check the product carefully before purchasing one.
Pros
- Good for older kids
- Cheap
- Foldable
Cons
- Problem with seat and tire
Product Specs
Burley Honey Bee Kids Bike Trailers
Now we are going towards the mid-end range, starting with this basic Burley Honey Bee 2 Seat Kids Bike Trailer. A little bit more investment and you will get a sturdy, lightweight and extra-safe ride with your kid with great performance.
It is really easy to assemble and last for a long time. Even though it may not be the most comfortable trailer available on the market, but it will still offer your kids an enjoyable ride on the road.
Pros
- Good performance
- Lightweight
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- Lack of suspension and paddle in the seats
Product Specs
Instep Quick-N-EZ Bike Trailers
Another representative from the Instep family is the Quick-N-EZ Double Tow Behind Bike Trailer. This is one of the best-seller trailers ever since it is affordable and does its job decently. This trailer offers double space with spacious storage and can be converted into a jogger, a sweet point for crowded families.
However, the external fabric is not the best of its kind – it is not very durable. So, my recommendation is that this trailer is for a family with two kids who occasionally go on a ride.
Pros
- Cheap
- Large storage
- Jogger-conversion available
Cons
- Not durable
Product Specs
Burley D’Lite Kids Bike Trailers
On the mid-end range, we cannot miss the Burley D’Lite, a delight for a family bike trip. This stylish trailer offers double space, large storage good suspension and comfortable seats. Even for two 5-year-old kids, there is no feeling of getting crammed.
This product is sturdy but still quite lightweight, so it will not take much space in your garage. The safety system is excellent, and there is nothing to complain about the external cover. Also, you can opt for an upgrade to a stroller or jogger with this model. The only thing with this trailer may be its price.
Pros
- Good performance
- 20’’ wheel
- Durable cover
- Spacious storage
Cons
- Expensive
Product Specs
Thule Chariot Cross Kid Bike Trailers
Now we will talk about an over-1000-dollar trailer – the famous Thule Chariot Cross Sport, the best choice for any athlete with a kid on the road. Only available with 1 seat, the Cross Sport is a powerful trailer offering the most high-quality ride. It is completely weather-proof, light-weight, easy to assemble and fast on the track.
The interior seat is really nice and comfortable, allowing the best trip ever for your kid. The only minor point is the small storage on the back, you can’t carry much with that space. But for daily rides for many years, the durability of this trailer will shine.
Pros
- High-quality
- Good performance
- Easy to assemble
- Lightweight
- Comfortable
Cons
- Small storage
Product Specs
Hamax Kid Bike Trailers
Hamax’s only product ranked in this list is the Multi-Sport model. This is a powerful bike trailer that ensures top-quality safety and comfort during the ride. The interior space is exceptionally large, so your child will not feel restricted at all. The seat is all padded and adjustable so it will fit the rider at most. All in all, this mid-end bike trailer is like a moving comfy bench for your kid.
Read more: https://www.globosurfer.com/best-cargo-bike-trailers/
But, it is heavy and bulky. Yes, it is much heavier than the majority of child bike trailers available on the market, so it may make you think twice because you have to put more effort into carrying this trailer and your baby around.
Pros
- Comfortable seat
- Large space
- Spacious storage
Cons
- Heavy and bulky
Product Specs
Burley Design Bee Kids Bike Trailers
Do you want some ultra-lightweight trailers for two? This Burley Bee 2 Seat Lightweight model is the right answer for you. This product is super light, not even reaching 20 lbs, making sure that you will need less effort to ride around with it.
Besides, the generous storage and sun-shield canopy provide a better experience for the riders. The outer fabric is well-ventilated, so your children will still be comfortable in hot weather. And yes, the material is water-proof too! It can be a bit bulky and the interior space is quite small, but you can’t ask for more with that sweet price.
Pros
- Super lightweight
- Spacious storage
- Water-proof fabric
Cons
- Small interior space
Product Specs
Thule Chariot Lite Kid Bike Trailers
Coming from the all-star Thule Chariot line, a more affordable trailer is this Lite Sport version. Retailing at around 800-900$, this is a compact model with standard seat and pocket on the trailer instead of separated storage. It can be converted between a trailer and a stroller just like the other products coming from the same line.
If the Cross Sport Stroller is a bit out of reach and heavy for you, but you still want the same quality ride from Thule, the Lite Sport is a good alternative. It is lighter and less bulky, still stylish and high-quality enough for a safe and comfortable ride.
Pros
- Good performance
- Good durability
Cons
- No separated storage
Product Specs
Thule Cadence Kid Bike Trailers
Going down at the mid-end range, this basic Thule Cadence is a name you could trust. It is the most sweet-to-the-wallet product from this brand, making it a great choice for a beginner in the kid bike trailer. The trailer is lightweight and easy to fold so you could take it on the road daily without any burden.
Besides, the material is totally weather-proof, no rain or strong wind can affect your babies. But as I say, it’s basic: no padded seating available, so it may not give the softest feeling to your kids on the ride.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Good price
- Great performance
- Weather-resistance
Cons
- No conversion to jogger or stroller available
Product Specs
Burley Encore X Bike Trailers
Burley has never disappointed us with their high-quality trailers. This is one of them. A double space, high-speed and comfortable trailer with a mid-end price, a real bargain for anyone seeking for frequent usage of child bike trailer and alternative stroller.
Its storage is spacious, the frame is well-made and promises a smooth ride, all the seats are padded so the riders can hardly feel any discomfort. Encore X is just right for me and my family. The only thing I probably don’t like about it may be the structure, of which the safety bar can get in the in-and-out way of my older kid sometimes.
Pros
- Good performance
- Spacious storage
- Padded seating area
Cons
- Inconvenient structure
Product Specs
Thule Chariot Cheetah XT Kid Bike Trailers
Here come another ultra-lightweight trailer and conversable stroller/jogger. The Cheetah XT Multisport is a mid-end product from the highly-trusted Thule brand, promising a quick and smooth ride for your kid. The materials and frame are well-made and have good durability, they don’t sag easily. The seating area is all padded so two kids could snuggle in comfortably.
The only sad thing about this model is the handlebar. It is not freely adjustable, it just can be changed between two sets. And for the storage, you can’t load many things in it.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Good performance
- Good durability
Cons
- Two-height handlebar
Product Specs
WIKE Premium Double Kid Bike Trailers
WIKE may not be a familiar face in the child bike trailers, but their product’s quality is indisputable. Going in the mid-end range, this spacious but lightweight trailer can fit in two kids and still has a lot of room to play with. The external cover has good durability and the frame is sturdy, with safety systems to ensure a smooth bike ride.
The ventilation of this trailer/ stroller/ jogger is great, but there is no sun shield included. It looks a bit bulky and old-fashioned, so it can be a minor point to this product.
Pros
- Spacious internal seating area
- Good performance
- Good durability
Cons
- Not stylish
Product Specs
Burley Kids’ Cub Trailers
Another expensive, but worth the money, product from the Burley is Kid’s Cub. Even though it is a high-end model, but compared to the Thule, it is still much cheaper. Hence, the quality of the trailer is on the top. It is roomy for even two big kids, with great storage capability. You can fit most of what you need for a family trip in this model.
Safety is also a good point of Kid’s Cub. The manufacturer features great brake systems, sun-shield and weather-proof outer cover, allowing a safe and comfortable ride for your children.
Nevertheless, looking at the weight of this trailer can make many people hesitate. It is quite heavy, so it can pose some difficulty on the ride. Besides, the ventilation of this trailer is nothing exceptional – no side ventilated covers.
Pros
- Good safety system
- Spacious seating area
- Large storage
Cons
- Not good ventilation
Product Specs
Allen Sports Premier Kid Bike Trailers
If you are looking for a child bike trailer with good weight capacity and reasonable price – look no further. This spacious trailer will fit for two children giggling and watching the scenery through the side windows, making the trip even more light-hearted. Furthermore, the frame of this model is made of aluminum, giving this trailer a lighter weight but still sturdy and practical.
It can be used as both trailer and jogger, but the durability of this product is only on a decent level. In general, this Allen Sports model is suitable for occasional use.
Pros
- Cheap
- Good weight capacity
- Lightweight
Cons
- Not durable
Product Specs
The Ultimate Guide To Choosing Best Bike Trailers For Kids In 2021
Trailer Type
Bike trailers can be categorized into these types:
- Multi-sport: the most modern and expensive. It often includes a conversion kit to change the trailer into joggers or strollers. It is suitable for anyone seeking a high-quality ride with kids and wants to use the trailers as joggers or strollers, too.
- Trailer with jogger or stroller: this type of trailer offers additional parts, namely stroller wheel or jogging wheel. This will allow parents to use the trailer as a basic alternative stroller or jogger, but it will not be as comfortable as a real one.
- Trailer: This is, by its name, only a trailer. No additional attachment is available, and you can convert the trailer.
Size
There are single and double trailers. A single trailer can only carry one kid, but in general, it is quite spacious and light. Double trailers are designed for two children, so it will be a bit cramped and heavy.
Parents should also mind the weight capacity because each brand will have a different number. Typically, it will be around 80lb – 100lb.
External Covers And Venting
The fabric of the trailers is another thing you should pay attention to. Normally, the covers will either be plastic rain covers or sunshade. Some models even offer windows for a better view.
Storage
At the back of a trailer, there is typically storage. You should consider the capability of the storage according to your usage before getting a bike trailer. Spacious storage can be a big help for a long ride.
Wheels
The size of the wheel will also affect performance. On the market, 16’’ and 20’’ are the options for bike trailer tires. The performance of a 20’’-tire trailer is typically better and faster than a 16’’.
Brakes
Brakes are something people often pass on – but they should not. A brake can be life-saving in a dire situation:
- Parking brake help to keep the trailers rolling away when getting parked. It is normally in the form of a nylon strap wrapping the rear tire.
- Foot brake will lock the rear tire without making the trailer go slower – a better choice than parking brake.
- Hand brake usually comes as an upgrade option for trailers, since it will help to stabilize and slow down the trailer.
Adjustable Handlebars
If you are interested in using your bike trailer as a stroller, you might want to consider a trailer with adjustable handlebars to make the ride easier. They can be multi-height or dual handlebars.
FAQs
What age can a child go in bike trailer?
Even though some brands claim that their bike trailers are safe for infants, the right age to put your kids into the trailer is 12 months old and more.
The reason is that every infant has a soft, prone-to-injure spot on the head. Before 1 year old, using a bike trailer may expose the child to damage on that spot for various causes, even from the vibration of the ride.
Are child bike trailers safe?
In general, bike trailers are safe. They do not trip easily, and with the helmet and safety belt, your kids are safe and comfy.
However, child bike trailers should only be used on some routes only, for example, sidewalk or bike tracks. Other bumpy surfaces can potentially cause harm to your kids.
Can car seats go in bike trailers?
Yes and no. Because of the difference in sizes of bike trailers and children’s car seats, sometimes they won’t fit in together.
But if you get the right car seat, it can be put easily into a kid bike trailer. The car seat provides extra safety for your kids, so don’t hesitate to attach one to your trailer.
Do kids need helmets in bike trailers?
A big yes. It is recommended that parents should wear helmets for kids in the bike trailer. It will give additional safety, reduce all the possible damage for the small peers.
Some people say that helmet will make kids hot, or their necks get pushed awkward. But good helmets have a ventilated structure, and most of the bike trailers have space for kids wearing helmets.
So, don’t forget your kid’s helmet.
Are bike trailers safer than bike seats?
Generally speaking, bike trailers are much safer than bike seats. Although both types have their pros and cons, bike trailers surpass bike seats regarding many aspects.
Because bike trailers are just above the ground, getting in accidents and falling onto the road will result in less damage for kids. Besides, the vibration from the ride will be much less comparing to a bike seat.
A bike trailer gives off a better balance to the bike. A child seat on a BMX bike can be a nuisance since it adds unnatural weight in front of or on the back of the bikers. Meanwhile, it won’t be a problem for a bike trailer attached at the end of the bike.
And lastly, a bike trailer promises more protection from the helmet, the seatbelt and the trailers itself. And your kids will be cocooned in a framed, shock-proof fabric aiming to reduce the injury in an accident. For a bike seat? Not so much protection.
Can a 6-month-old ride in a bike trailer?
Even when a certain number of manufacturers claim that their bike trailers are safe for infants and newborns, the fact is that a 6-month-old should not ride in them.
Infants around 6 months old have not fully developed and are exceptionally prone to vibrations and shock as a threat to internal systems. So a ride in a bike trailer can be risky. There is no concrete evidence, but it’s better to take precautions.
How do child bike trailers attach?
Each product of bike trailers may have a slightly different way to attach on your bike, but they work on the same method. Basically you need to secure coupling to the bike’s rear axle quick release. A long articulated arm will attach the trailer to your bike.
And that will end our list of the best 21 children bike trailers in 2021. We hope that you will find this useful in choosing the best piece of equipment for your family. Good luck and have a nice ride!