Can you imagine just how easier, faster, and cheaper it will be to take the kids to school, go grocery shopping, or run errands in your busy town with a bike rather than a car?
With a good quality, safe bicycle trailer, you can do all of this easily and safely.
Bike Trailer
We have tested a number of bike trailers and have picked the multi-functional Thule Chariot Lite as our top pick.
But we have also chosen bike trailers which are suitable for carrying pets, older children, more than one child, cargo, groceries, sports and for heavy-duty hauling jobs, and for limited budgets as well, so hopefully, there will be one for everybody.
Read on to find out which are our 10 top favorite bike trailers for this year.
Best overall bike trailer for 2023
Thule Chariot Lite Cycle Stroll Trailer
This versatile high-end bike trailer from Thule is our overall favorite for 2023.
The Chariot Lite Cycle and Stroll trailer can actually be used as a bike trailer, but also for jogging, skiing, and strolling with your kids.
The package actually includes a bicycle trailer and a strolling kit. You will need to purchase the kits for jogging and strolling separately, in case you need them.
This trailer is very easy to fold up, so you can transport it or store it without any hassle and without it taking up too much space.
The conversion from one activity to another is quick and effortless, thanks to the innovative Thule VersaWing system.
The suspension system of the trailer will make the ride more comfortable both for you and for your child or children.
The trailer also has an onboard Click’n’Store storage option where you can keep the rest of the kits when not in use.
Converting the trailer into a four-wheel stroller and vice versa is very easy to do.
When you’re using the Chariot Lite as a stroller, you can put the handlebar where it’s most convenient for you. A wrist strap is included so that your child is always within easy reach.
You may feel confident taking your child cycling, skiing, jogging, or strolling near traffic thanks to the trailer’s rear and front safety reflectors.
The versatile Thule trailer weighs only approximately 27 lbs., but it can haul kids and 100 lbs. of cargo. You can draw out the weather cover in the event of rain or snow, and it’s composed of a robust fabric with large mesh windows for adequate ventilation. For added convenience and security, it also comes with a removable sunshade.
You can store some extra gear in the large back mesh pocket of the trailer.
The trailer has a five-point safety harness to keep the kids safe at all times, and also has a foot brake to keep it in place when you have stopped for a break. Also when in bike trailer mode, the bike hitch is built in a way that if anything happens to the bike, the trailer and children will not be affected.
Overall, this is the favorite multifunctional trailer we tested in 2023. You can easily convert it from one function to another, and the bike and stroller kit are already included in the package if you are looking specifically for a bike trailer.
Overall, this Thule trailer is a dream for every active parent who wants to have the kids along with no matter whether you are cycling, jogging, taking a stroll, or skiing!
Best runner-up
Schwinn Echo Child Double Tow Behind Bicycle Trailer
This comfortable and safe bike trailer can fit two children or pets weighing up to 40 lbs. each, and it has an additional storage room at the back for another 12 lbs. when you need to carry some extra gear with you on a trip or a ride.
The Schwinn Echo Kids tow behind bicycle trailer will easily fit the rear wheel of most bicycles via the included coupler. It has 2 sets of 5-point harnesses with comfy shoulder patches, and an added safety flag to keep you and the trailer visible on the road.
The trailer has a two-in-one seating canopy and a mesh screen for bug protection as well as a weather shield. The trailer also has a large rear window for proper ventilation during the ride.
It is fitted with 20-inch alloy wheels with pneumatic tires for better and smoother performance and added style. It is constructed for on-road or bike path use. The trailer has a secure parking brake.
You can fold it up, and pop it in the back seat of the car for easy transportation, or store it in your closet until the next time you go out riding with the kids.
The assembled size of the trailer is 51.8 x 31.9 x 32.5 inches.
This is an affordable bike trailer which is suitable for those of you who are occasional riders who don’t want to break the bank and yet want a trailer that is as safe and as comfortable as possible to take your kids along cycling with you.
With a capacity of carrying up to 80 lbs. of cargo and gear and a large trunk, this is the perfect bike trailer for those of you who have two children or like to travel with a lot of stuff.
Best budget choice
Burley Design Bee, 2 Seat, Lightweight, Kids Bike-Only Trailer, Yellow
The Bee Bike Trailer by Burley is a cute, comfortable, and safe trailer that you can use to transport one or two children and cargo with a total weight of up to 100 lbs.
The double bike trailer has a foldable design, so it is easy to transport and store. The 20-inch wheels can be removed easily via pushbuttons for even more compact storage.
The pretty yellow and black Bee trailer has tinted side windows which offer UPF 50+ UV protection and blocking.
It is designed and tested according to the ASTM F1975-09 safety standards and comes with everything you need to start using it immediately, including a hitch, a tow arm, and a safety flag.
Thanks to its Flex Connector, your bike can be left lying flat, but the trailer will remain upright and safe, which is crucial to ensure that your babies are safe when on the road.
It has a 5-point harness system for each of the two seats, and a complete aluminum roll cage to keep your little ones safe at all times.
The frame of the Bee bike trailer is made of premium aluminum tubes and hinges, and it has a steel hitch. The design of the trailer features a front-to-rear fold for added stability and resilience.
Thanks to the special hammock style of the seats, the children will ride comfortably, with minimal vibrations. Thanks to the side battens, the little ones will be seated comfortably away from the wheels. Also, there is a recessed helmet pocket which adds more headroom for the little riders.
The wheels have added wheel guards to add to the safety of the babies, in case of obstacles on the road.
The canopy is made of 600D water-resistant polyester fabric, and so are the seats. This means that your precious ones will stay dry and that you can clean the outside and inside easily.
The trailer has reflectors and accents for increased visibility on the road on the front, rear, and on wheels.
The trailer also has a roomy cargo area of 44.3 liters and a convenient interior pocket in the seating and cargo areas too.
The Bee trailer is 32.25 x 30 x 36 inches in size, and when it is folded, it is 35.5 x 29.25 x 11.25 inches.
The weight along will all attachments, including the hitch and tow bar is 19.95 lbs.
Best bike trailer for two kids
Allen Sports Deluxe Steel Child Trailer
Another bike trailer which we love is designed for carrying two children and is made by Allen Sports.
It is available in various color options to fit every taste and has a sturdy yet lightweight steel construction which can hold one or two children weighing up to 100 lbs. in total, so you can use it for children aged 1 to 5 years old, or for pets who fit in this weight and size category.
The 16-inch rear wheel tires are very easy to pull, so no matter the weight in the trailer, your biking will not be affected. The coupler is universal, so it will fit the rear wheel of most bicycles.
Both of the seats in the trailer are cushioned and are shock absorbent, and are designed and made to meet the American safety standards for bike trailers. For added protection, there is a safety foot guard tube as well as safety harnesses for both seats.
The trailer has a rear storage compartment as well as nifty helmet pockets.
It has large front and side windows for better ventilation and visibility. You can also add the included Velcro bug shield or the weather shield when necessary.
You won’t need any tools to fold or unfold this trailer, so you can easily store and transport it.
If you have two children, you will truly appreciate this Deluxe steel trailer by Allen Sports.
Best bike trailer for older children
Weehoo Turbo Bike Trailer
If you want a bike trailer for children up to 9 years of age, we strongly recommend the Weehoo Turbo trailer. It is safe and suitable for children aged 2 to 9 years and has a load capacity of up to 80 lbs., with added cargo storage that can carry up to 14L.
The trailer itself is very light and weighs a mere 26 lbs. and yet it is safe, easy to install, and suitable for all kinds of terrains.
Thanks to the patented Turbo hitch, you can easily attach and detach the trailer from your bike. Thanks to the single-wheel design of the Weehoo trailer, it will stay in line with your bicycle which is especially convenient for narrow paths and tracks.
You can even encourage your child to pedal along with you when you are going uphill for some added joy and fun to your trip thanks to the safe pedals inside the trailer.
The seat can be adjusted to accommodate a child of the age of 2 to 9 without any effort. It has a three-point harness as well as safety foot straps for the child, and all moving parts are covered to keep the child protected during the ride.
This trailer by Weehoo will encourage your child to participate actively and hopefully enjoy your bike rides from an early age.
The snap-pin attachment is easy to use, and now the arched bar is designed to fit 29ers and rear racks as well.
Overall, this bike trailer is the right choice if you want your child to grow up loving cycling and pedaling just as much as you do!
Instep Bike Trailer for Kids, Single and Double Seat
The InStep Single or Double bike trailer is one of the finest budget-friendly options on this list.
The double-seated version has a capacity to transport two kids with a total weight of 80 lbs., and an added 12 lbs. in the rear cargo compartment.
The single-seat option has a maximum weight capacity of up to 40 lbs. for the child and up to 12 pounds for cargo and gear.
The inexpensive bike trailer has a foldable design and comes with quick-release wheels, so you can transport it or store it easily.
The canopy has a weather shield and side windows, which also double as bug screens to keep the little ones ventilated, safe from bug bites, and happy.
The seats have 5-point harnesses for added safety, and the affordable bike trailer comes with a safety flag too.
The wheels are rugged, pneumatic, with molded rims, and are 16 inches in size.
The tow-behind carrier system is suitable for most types of bikes.
The trailer has reflective elements on the rear and wheels for better visibility on the road.
The cute trailer is available in blue and red color options and in sizes for one or two children and is sold with a 1-year limited warranty.
Best bike trailer for pets
Burley Tail Wagon
If you want a trailer that will allow you to bring along your beloved four-legged friend with you cycling or on a trip, then we suggest you choose the Burley Tail Wagon.
This 16-inch tail wagon can carry a dog and cargo of up to 75 lbs. while the trailer itself weighs only 28 lbs.
It has a very useful removable floor which makes it effortless to wash as well as optional tie-downs for securing your canine friend while on the road.
The tailgate flips up and down for easy loading and unloading, and there are added side battens for even more stability for your fur baby. The wagon has leash loops on the front and back for securing the dog.
It has a safety flag as well as 360-degree reflectors so that the wagon is visible from any side of the road.
The wagon has an all-weather protective cover with waterproof zippers and a heavy-duty mesh cover on all four sides for sufficient ventilation for your dog.
The 16-inch alloy wheels provide a steady and smooth ride for you and your pet. The wagon can be folded quickly and very simply for storage or transportation, and it is also compatible with a stroller kit.
It comes with a 3-year warranty for the parts and 1 year for the fabric.
So, if you want to take your dog along the next time you head off for a bike ride, you should seriously consider purchasing this safe, comfortable and versatile Burley Tail Wagon.
Best cargo bike trailer
Burley Nomad Cargo Trailer
Do you need a bike trailer to carry your cargo when going on a trip? The Burley Nomad Cargo trailer is one of the leading ones we tested in 2023.
Although the Nomad weighs just 15 lbs. thanks to its design and flatbed construction, it has the capacity of carrying up to 100 lbs. of gear and cargo.
Thanks to the water-resistant cover, your gear will remain dry during the ride, no matter what the weather is, and it will also prevent your stuff from falling out on rougher roads or trails. The cover has handy D-rings inside and out so you can tie the gear down, even more, when needed.
It has a nifty divider for better organization of your stuff, as well as interior mesh pockets for smaller items.
The cargo trailer by Burley has 16 inches spoke alloy wheels and is very easy to collapse flat when needed for easier transport or storage.
It is designed to hook into a forged hitch on the quick release of your bike.
It is fitted with a flag and reflectors for added safety and visibility when riding in traffic.
The Nomad cargo trailer is definitely our top pick when it comes to bike trailers for carrying gear and luggage for 2023.
Best heavy duty bike trailer
Wike Heavy Duty Flatbed Bike Trailer
Do you need a heavy-duty trailer for your bike, so you can move cargo for your trips, for your home, or for work? With Wike’s heavy-duty flatbed bike trailer, you can do all that effortlessly and safely.
The construction of this trailer is very sturdy thanks o the removable double aluminum frame and 20-inch alloy wheels with steel spokes, which are also removable for a lower profile and for easier storage.
The cargo trailer has two large reflectors on the rear for safety on the road. It has a quick hitch to attach it and lock it to your bicycle.
The trailer weighs only 19 lbs. but has a storage capacity of up to 125 lbs. and can carry push land mowers, dog kennels, logs, equipment, camping gear, and tools whenever you need to transport them with your bicycle.
Its dimensions are 32 x 45 x 32 inches, with the platform size being 24 x 30 inches and the side profiles 4 inches. The floor is made of hard and durable plastic with UV protection.
The heavy-duty cargo bike trailer by Wike is sold with a 15-day money-back guarantee, a lifetime warranty on the frame, and a 1-year warranty on the parts.
This is a very nifty trailer to have as it will allow you to carry heavy loads with your bicycle and is sold at an affordable price. While you are not using it, you can fold it flat and easily store it away.
Best bike trailer for grocery shopping
Burley Travoy Bike Trailer
Did you know you could go grocery shopping with your bicycle instead of your car? Not only will it help you save money for fuel, but it will help you stay fit and active. With the Burley Travoy bike trailer, you can do your daily or weekly shopping without worrying about how you are going to get all your groceries home without a car.
This is a lightweight cargo trailer (only 10 lbs.) that can carry up to 60 lbs. of cargo. It has a 45-degree angle structure which allows for better and more even distribution of the weight so that you can ride with the cargo easily.
When folded, it can be stored in a compact tote bag the size of a briefcase provided with the trailer. You can also turn it into a rolling cart which you can wheel inside the store and separately from the bike.
The trailer has a Travoy for quick and easy attachment to the bike seat post hitch. It is stable and yet flexible, so you can safely and easily handle curves when carrying cargo.
This is the perfect bike trailer for city dwellers and for everybody who prefers to get around by cycling rather than driving, even when running errands.
Best bike trailer for sports
Thule Chariot Cross Multisport Trailer
As our top pick for the best overall bike trailer for 2023, this one is another Thule Chariot Cross trailer that is very versatile and can quickly be converted into a stroller, bicycle trailer, skiing sled, and stroller for jogging.
It comes with a bicycle trailer kit and a strolling kit, the other ones you will need to purchase separately if you need them.
This trailer from Thule is a good choice for parents who love sports and want to keep their children engaged in their favorite outdoor activities from an early age.
The trailer has a reclining seat that can be effortlessly adjusted with one hand so that your baby can take a nap on the go.
It can easily be converted in between activities thanks to the unique VersaWing system, and it folds up into a very compact storage size, and its wheels come off, so you can pop it in your car or store it at home.
The ride of your child will be as comfortable as ever in this Chariot Cross Multisport trailer because it has an adjustable spring suspension and soft and padded seats, which can be removed for cleaning. The kid will stay safe thanks to the 5-point safety harness on the seat.
You will also get extra-large storage space which can be removed when you are not using it, as well as a Click’n’Store system to keep all of the activity kits onboard of the trailer.
With this multifunctional bike trailer, you will continue leading an active life full of sports even after you have a child, and you will be able to get your kid engaged in your favorite sports from a very early age without fear for its comfort and safety.
Features to consider when you are shopping for a bike trailer
As you can see, there are so many types and models of bike trailers available, that it can get bewildering when it comes time to choose the great one for yourself.
Here are the main features and factors to point your attention to when you are picking the finest one for you.
What you will be using it for
Obviously, what you are planning on using the trailer for is the number one factor to take into consideration. Are you planning to take your baby riding with you? Do you want a trailer for your pet? Do you need one which can fit older children or more than one child? Or are you in need of a cargo trailer, a groceries trailer, or a heavy-duty one?
We have picked the best options available for many of these common needs, so hopefully, you can pick the one which you like the most from our top 10 list of the top bike trailers for 2023.
A reliable and durable connector
You may attach any of the available bike trailers to the back of your bike with the help of the reinforced connectors. If you intend to use the trailer for your kids, pets, or expensive stuff, you should look for one that has a secure and safe connection.
The connector needs to be built of a strong material like aluminum or steel, and it should have safety features to safeguard the trailer in the event that the bike is damaged.
Types of housing
The housing of a bike trailer made for children or animals is not only a matter of looks and comfort but of safety too. The housing should have weather protection, side protection, and other protective elements when you will be using it for carrying children.
Naturally, you will need to find a trailer with sufficient ventilation which will provide enough fresh air for the child or pet when on the go.
Some trailers have bug protection screens, others have foot bars for added protection.
Cargo trailers may or may not have protective covers to keep your gear and cargo dry when it is raining. Some trailers are flat-bedded and have no covers, but are made of heavy-duty materials which are able to carry loads of up to 125 lbs. like the ones, we have picked on our list.
Wheels and suspension type
Look for trailers with reinforced wheels. Strong pneumatic tires will ensure a smooth ride no matter the terrain. They will ensure that you can use the trailer on all sorts of terrains too. The wheels should be large enough, have sufficient traction, and be wide enough to stay stable on the road. The less bouncing the trailer experiences the longer it will last, and the smoother the ride will be for you as well.
Ease of assembly and storage
Since you are most likely to have to store away the trailer when not in use and may need to transport it from one place to another, it is essential to pick a bike trailer that disassembles or folds down, so that it is easy to move or put away. Most of our top picks are very easy to fold and have removable wheels, so they become almost completely flat, which makes it much easier when it comes to taking the trailer somewhere or when you are storing it.
Versatility
Since everybody wants to get the best deal for their money, it is natural that you look for a bike trailer that is as versatile as possible.
Out top pick – the Thule Chariot Lite Cycle, as well as the Thule Chariot Cross Multisport can actually be converted into bike trailers, skiing sleighs, jogging strollers, and regular strollers.
Some of our other picks like the Burley Travoy trailer can be converted into a separate wheeled shopping bag when not attached to the bike.
Most of the trailers for children can be converted into strollers too.
Look at our other picks to see which one will be the most useful for you, and pick one which you can use for as many purposes as possible.
Comfort and safety
Of course, if you will be carrying your child in the trailer, you should choose one with fortified safety belts, padded seats, and all possible kinds of protective elements such as signal flags and reflective elements. If the trailer is for your pet – look for trailers that allow for attaching the leash of the dog or keeping it tied down safely during the ride.
Some trailers which come with pedals for older children need to have enough protection to keep the child from being injured by the moving mechanisms inside.
Pneumatic tires will provide a smoother ride for your children and your pets.
Remember that all children need to wear helmets when riding in a trailer, no matter how safe you think they are!
Final Words
So, now that you have read through our reviews, we sincerely hope that you have picked that perfect bike trailer that you have been dreaming about.
You will love just how convenient these trailers are for enjoying rides with your children or pets, running errands, going on trips, or doing your job.
Just ensure that you pick the one which is most suitable for your needs and for your budget, and we are pretty sure that you will be on the road with your new bike trailer in no time at all!
Good luck and enjoy the ride with your brand-new bicycle trailer!
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Last update on 2023-09-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API