Tech & Gear Accessories The Best Bike Trailers to Transport Whatever You Need By Alex Temblador Alex Temblador University of Central Oklahoma and University of Louisiana at Monroe Alex Temblador is a freelance journalist specializing in travel, the outdoors, and arts/culture. TripSavvy's editorial guidelines Updated on 09/19/22 Share Pin Email We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. TripSavvy / Chloe Jeong Cycling around your neighborhood or hitting the open road on your bike is much more fun when you have additional accessories–like a top-notch bike trailer. Bike trailers are designed for a variety of uses. Some will haul new purchases from a nearby store or help take a picnic basket to your favorite park. With touring bike trailers, you can pack an overnight bag for cycling trips through the great outdoors. Not to mention, there are bike trailers for families with kids and fur babies! For this guide, we pedaled into the world of bike trailers, gathering our favorites among the different styles and types. Peruse the list below to find a bike trailer that fits your cycling needs. The Rundown Best Overall: Burley Cub X Bike Trailer + Stroller Kit at Amazon Jump to Review Best Budget: Allen Sports Hi-Viz Bicycle Trailer at Amazon Jump to Review Best Splurge: Burley D’Lite X Bike Trailer at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Kids: Schwinn Kids Joyrider Bike Trailer and Stroller at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Bike Touring: Topeak TTR-TX Journey Trailer TX and Drybag at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Pets: Burley Bark Ranger Dog Bike Trailer at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Cargo: Retrospec Rover Hauler at Amazon Jump to Review Best Lightweight: Burley Bee Bike Trailer at Amazon Jump to Review Table of contents Expand Our Picks What to Look For FAQ Why Trust Tripsavvy Best Overall Burley Cub X Bike Trailer + Stroller Kit Back Country View On Amazon View On Backcountry.com What We Like Adjustable suspension and spacious storage area Five-point harness safety belts and can also be a stroller or cargo hauler Rugged wheels and a plastic bottom Super padded seating with headrests, seats recline with three settings Water-resistant cover and tinted side windows What We Don’t Like Expensive The Burley Cub X Bike Trailer + Stroller Kit’s versatility and features make it our pick for the best bike trailer overall. You can use this bike trailer to transport kids with either a regular bike or an e-bike and convert it to a stroller upon arriving at your destination. The seats are removable, too, which means it can also move cargo or pets. When it comes to kids, the bike trailer has two padded seats that independently recline in three different positions. The padded five-point harness system boosts safety. Rugged wheels and an adjustable suspension keep the kiddos comfortable riding on any terrain. A heavy-duty plastic base with drain holes for easy cleaning is not usually outfitted on a bike trailer, but it’s an additional layer of undercarriage protection that could be very useful. Windows are tinted, and there is a sunshade and weather-resistant cover to protect riders from rain, wind, and harsh weather. The spacious storage compartment allows you to bring supplies and gear along for the ride. The Burley Cub X Bike Trailer easily breaks down into a compact shape. Simply push a button to remove the wheels. If you can afford the cost of this pricey accessory, it’ll serve you well. Price at time of publish: $1,050 Weight: 37.9 pounds | Wheel size: 20 inches | Weight Limit: 100 pounds | Dimensions: 36 x 31 x 38.3 inches Best Budget Allen Sports Hi-Viz 2-Child Bicycle Trailer Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart What We Like Safety flag included, five-point harness belts, and weather-resistant cover A footguard tube protects children’s feet Foldable design for transport and storage What We Don’t Like No storage Lacks padding on seats or harness The Allen Sports Hi-Viz 2-Child Bicycle Trailer can transport two children up to 100 pounds combined. Although the seats lack padding, a five-point harness system (also not padded) and a footguard tube protect your children’s feet. A weatherproof shield provides some protection against wind or rain. There is no additional storage, but the bike trailer does come with a safety flag and a reflector. This lightweight trailer has two 16-inch quick-release wheels, so they’re easy to remove when you want to fold down the trailer. Price at time of publish: $154 Weight: 21.45 pounds | Wheel size: 16 inches | Weight Limit: 100 pounds | Dimensions: 27.4 x 25.5 x 5.3 inches Best Splurge Burley D’Lite X Bike Trailer Erik's View On Amazon View On REI What We Like Adjustable suspension and undercarriage storage Super lightweight construction Sunshade and water-resistant cover Padded headrests and seats that recline It can be used as a bike trailer, stroller, or cargo hauler What We Don’t Like Pricey Soft base The Burley D’Lite X Bike Trailer is not as expensive as the Cub X, but it’s still pretty pricey. And that’s because it offers nearly all the same features as the Cub X with a few differences. It, too, can be used as a bike trailer, stroller, or cargo hauler if you remove the seats. The seating is padded, as is the five-point harness. While the Cub X has a plastic base, the D’Lite X Bike Trailer comes with a removable floor mat that you can clean as you see fit. This bike trailer has spacious storage, tinted side windows, and a sunshade for sunny days. On rainy days, you can opt for the water-resistant cover. When storing the bike trailer away, fold it flat and remove the wheels with a push of a button.As the name implies, the bike trailer is “lightweight,” at least in comparison to the Cub X. The D’Lite X weighs 30 pounds, whereas the Cub X is 37.9 pounds. It may be smaller in terms of depth compared to the Cub X, but the D’Lite offers two more inches of interior seat height, which is a positive for taller children. Price at time of publish: $1,000 Weight: 30 pounds | Wheel size: 8 inches (front) and 20 inches (back) | Weight Limit: 100 pounds | Dimensions: 38.25 x 33.25 x 31.25 inches Best for Kids Schwinn Kids Joyrider Bike Trailer and Stroller Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Basspro.com What We Like Sun and bug shield 12-pound storage pocket Doubles as a stroller Cozy, padded seating for two It folds down for compact storage What We Don’t Like It could use a rear vent Not a lot of storage room The weight limit is less than 100 pounds Schwinn is a leading name in bicycles, so it makes sense that they’d offer the Schwinn Kids Joyrider Bike Trailer and Stroller, a mid-priced bike trailer and stroller for cycling families. Both seats are padded, and the front shield functions as a 2-in-1 bug screen and weather shield. A universal coupler makes it easy to attach the trailer to almost any bike. When you need to store the bike trailer away or place it in the car, you’ll find that it folds down easily. This bike trailer could have used a rear vent for more ventilation and a larger storage area. As it stands, the storage pocket can only hold 12 pounds, which isn’t exceptionally roomy if you’re transporting kids to and from places and need space to pack kid-friendly essentials. Price at time of publish: $550 Weight: 38.75 pounds | Wheel size: 20 inches | Weight Limit: 92 pounds | Dimensions: 33 x 30.5 x 9 inches Best for Bike Touring Topeak TTR-TX Journey Trailer TX and Drybag Amazon View On Amazon View On Sears.com What We Like Super lightweight Waterproof drybag Rear fender with light clip Quick release fittings on 12-millimeter rear thru-axles What We Don’t Like Pricey Light not included on the rear fender When it comes to bike touring, we thought it best to look for a trailer that could withstand the elements, and we found that in the Topeak TTR-TX Journey Trailer TX and Drybag. When you hook up this single-wheel trailer, it essentially becomes a stable extension of your bike. The SlideLock quick-release fitting can be attached to 12-millimeter rear thru-axles under 180 millimeters in length–which most bikes have. The trailer weighs only 16 pounds, so it’s not going to hold you back when you’re on the open road. Outfitted with a durable and waterproof Journey Drybag, you can rest assured that your items are clean and safe. Upon arrival at your destination, the bag can be removed and used as a piece of luggage. The rear fender has a light clip, but you’ll have to outfit it with your own light. From what we’ve seen, the Topeak TTR-TX Journey Trailer TX and Drybag is a bit on the pricier end; however, it’s difficult to find a bike touring trailer with a bag or buggy made with waterproof materials such as this one. Price at time of publish: $474 Weight: 16 pounds | Wheel size: 16 inches | Weight Limit: 70 pounds | Dimensions: 41.34 x 19.29 x 14.57 inches Best for Pets Burley Bark Ranger Dog Bike Trailer Amazon View On Amazon View On Backcountry.com View On Competitivecyclist.com What We Like Mesh windows Doubles as a kennel and stroller It can be folded for compact storage The floor can be removed for cleaning Available in 75- or 100-pound weight capacities What We Don’t Like It lacks a weather shield With the Burley Bark Ranger Dog Bike Trailer, you can take Spot, Fido, or any other pet out on the town. It doubles as a stroller and a kennel (when the quick-release wheels are removed), making it a versatile tool for pet owners. Pets under 75 pounds will fit in the Standard size trailer, while the XL trailer accommodates pets up to 100 pounds. Unzip the trailer’s mesh windows to let your pets feel the wind in their fur as you pedal down the road. Just keep in mind that the trailer lacks a weather shield, so if it starts to rain on your journey, your pets may get wet. While it may seem like a small perk, the removable floor can come in handy if your pet has an accident during the ride and you want to clean it out quickly. Price at time of publish: $700 Weight: 26.6 pounds | Wheel size: 20 inches | Weight Limit: 75 pounds | Dimensions: 36.5 x 28.5 x 32 inches Best for Cargo Retrospec Rover Hauler Cargo Bike Trailer Amazon View On Amazon What We Like Foldable and compatible with most bikes It has a weather-resistant cover Includes safety flag and reflectors Four-point inner D-rings to secure your items What We Don’t Like It has an 80-pound weight limit The Retrospec Rover Hauler Cargo Bike Trailer is the best option to move big or small items around town. This cargo trailer is spacious and offers four-point D-rings on the internal side of the storage box so you can secure anything that might break or topple on the ride. The storage box is made with weather-resistant fabric and includes a cover to keep your items clean and dry. A safety flag and reflectors are great safety additions, while the foldable design allows you to easily store the trailer away without taking up too much space. Yes, this cargo bike trailer has only an 80-pound weight limit (some have weight limits upwards of 100 pounds), but how often will you need to haul something heavier than that? We decided that a weather-resistant cover is worth the 20-pound offset. Price at time of publish: $140 Weight: Not listed | Wheel size: Not listed | Weight Limit: 80 pounds | Dimensions: 27 x 24.5 x 20 inches Best Lightweight Burley Bee Bike Trailer 5 Amazon View On Amazon View On REI What We Like Foldable and includes a weather shield Super lightweight Spacious cargo area Tinted rear and side windows Pockets in the cargo area and sitting area What We Don’t Like It can’t be used as a stroller Hammock-style seating isn’t all that comfortable Cycling with kids sounds fun, but you needn’t wear yourself out to do it. That’s why a lightweight trailer is critical. Our pick is the 20-pound Burley Bee Bike Trailer. This foldable bike trailer fits two kids and has a weight limit of 100 pounds. The hammock-style seating isn’t padded, so it may not be very comfortable for long trips, but you can always install padded seating that Burley separately sells. The spacious cargo area and seating section have interior pockets for more organized storage. Plus, the rear and side windows are tinted, and the front screen is outfitted with an optional weather protectant shield. Price at time of publish: $350 Weight: 20 pounds | Wheel size: 20 inches | Weight Limit: 100 pounds | Dimensions: 36.5 x 33.5 x 31.25 inches What to Look for in Bike Trailers Weight limit All bike trailers have a weight limit that shouldn’t be exceeded. The weight limits range from 60 to 100 pounds on average. You’ll find that bike trailers for pets or kids typically have a 100-pound weight limit, though not always. Consider what you’ll be hauling around. When in doubt, we think it’s always best to go to the top end of the weight range. Type Some bike trailers are designed to merely haul cargo, and others are made to transport kids or pets. Bike touring trailers typically have a single wheel, making it an extension of the main bike. We did include some bike trailers on this list that double as strollers and cargo haulers. Price Most bike trailers are priced between $110 to $1,100. We’ve seen a few bike trailers that cost $89, but we’d advise you to do your research before investing in one at such a low price. Bike trailers below $200 are considered budget picks, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re poor quality. For a cargo bike trailer, you can find a well-made one for less than $150. High-quality bike trailers for kids are typically more than $400. Bike touring trailers can cost anywhere from $150 to $500. Size & Weight When choosing a bike trailer, consider its size and weight. Although all the bike trailers we listed are foldable, they may not be as compact as you need to store or transport them properly. Always check the compact size of the bike trailer before buying. Take note: Children’s bike trailers that double as strollers are typically too wide to fit through regular-sized doors. Bike trailers designed for kids or pets are typically the largest and heaviest bike trailers. Make sure that you can pull the weight of the bike trailer you’re considering–plus the added weight of your pets or children. The same goes for cargo haulers. As for bike touring trailers, we recommend ones less than 25 pounds so that the additional weight does not tire you out on long rides. Frequently Asked Questions How do I make sure my bike trailer is safe? Safety is always a concern when using a bike trailer, especially when bringing kids or pets along for the ride. No matter the bike trailer, it’s a good idea to have it outfitted with a safety flag and reflector lights. An additional flashing light wouldn’t hurt, either—the more safety items that make drivers and other cyclists aware of the bike trailer, the better. Before every use, ensure that the bike trailer tires are aired to the proper psi and that all the fittings are locked into place. If you have a bike trailer designed for kids, it should come equipped with a harness system to buckle the children in. Bike trailers with padding and adjustable suspension will be more comfortable for children, especially on bumpy rides. Always look for children’s bike trailers labeled as “fulfilling ASTM safety requirements.” This means that ASTM International has put the bike trailer through a series of safety tests and deemed them “safe.” How do I care for, maintain, and clean my bike trailer? How you care for your bike trailer will depend on the type of trailer you purchase. No matter the kind of bike trailer, always remove mud and dirt from the wheels and the connection point. If necessary, you can use a water hose and a brush with soap to clean those parts thoroughly. Bike trailers designed for kids or pets are essentially large fabric boxes with an aluminum or steel frame. They may have a removable bottom or mat that catches crumbs, messes, and spills. With this feature, you can remove the mat or bottom part and wash it before returning it to its proper place. Some bike trailers have removable hammocks or seats that are machine washable or can be hand cleaned with water and soap. Other than that, it might be a good idea to vacuum out the bike trailer occasionally. Use light water and soap or a stain remover on any fabric stains. Why Trust Tripsavvy Author Alex Temblador is an outdoor and travel journalist who lives in Texas. In addition to working out–running, lifting, hiking, kayaking, and more–at least five days a week, Alex seeks out adventurous travels all around the world. Throughout her career as an outdoor and travel journalist, she has rappelled in Mexico, kayaked in Puerto Rico and Thailand, skied in Telluride and Montana, surfed in Zihuatanejo, scuba dived in Bonaire, hiked in Peru and Switzerland, and completed a one-day, 100-mile cycling event in 100-degree weather in North Texas. The Best Padded Bike Shorts of 2023, Tested and Reviewed Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Share Pin Email Tell us why! 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