10 Best Bike Trailers for Kids and Babies Reviewed in 2024
Ana
Once you’ve started a family, the maintenance of it can feel like a full-time job. But it’s important that, somewhere in that endless to-do list, you include items that benefit your own health and well-being. Doing a moderate amount of exercise each week has been statistically proven to improve health in both adults and children. But what do you do when your little ones aren’t quite old enough to work out alongside you? There are plenty of solutions out there. While some parents love a good morning jog, others prefer to take their bicycles out for a spin. If you want to get out there and pedal your way through the neighborhood or park, consider a ride-along trailer to take your kids out with you.
In a Hurry? The test winner after 19 hrs of research
Tinted screens
Hitch and arm included
Safety flag included
Safety mirrors on wheels
10 Best Bike Trailers for Kids & Babies Reviewed
1. Burley Design Bee Yellow
Tinted screens
Hitch and arm included
Safety flag included
Safety mirrors on wheels
This model does not include a parking brake
Riding two behind you in a bike trailer is something that parents want to do and also make sure that their little ones are safe and comfort. This two child sitting bike trailer provides that and even more. It features a nimble design that is easy to use and it a perfect addition to bike exploring. The bike trailer also allows parents to include their children in their excursions knowing that their little ones and safe and the bike trailer provide the durability to give them a stable ride from beginning to end.
Read moreDesign
Inside the bike trailer, you will find a hammock style sitting. This provides the little ones with the stability that gives them a comfortable ride plus keeps them from sitting on the floor of the bike trailer. Each of the seats features a pocket that their head and helmet fit perfect in plus a five point harness system that keeps them seated and safe. There also is additional Velcro placed on the inside and around the seat. This can be sued to add additional padding accessories.
Accessories
It also comes with darkly tinted screens that wrap around the trailer on all sides, so your little one is completely protected from the hot sun.
Safety
You just can’t beat this model’s high-quality craftsmanship along with their exceedingly high industry standards. The company has been a driving force within the field for raising minimum safety standards, and they have consistently exceeded them. Without proper air ventilation, bike trailers can quickly become dangerously hot for your child. The multiple ventilated windows and screens on this model offer superior breathability and comfort for your child during hot summer days.
2. Schwinn Echo Double Tow
Two Seater
Double screen protection
Safety flag included
Shoulder support for kids inside
Cannot convert into a stroller
This is a tow behind the style of a bike trailer. It features a universal coupler that adjoins the trailer with the bike from the rear wheel. It fits most bikes and makes it easy to connect the two items together. Inside the trailer, you will find five point harnesses that feature shoulder patches for extra comfort. On top of the trailer, there has been a safety flag that has been added for extra visibility. All these features come together in a lightweight and collapsible design. The frame comes together to collapse and the wheels can be removed for easy storage and portability
Read moreDesign
This well-known company understands the importance of convertible features; every unique detail gives you multiple options for customizing the ride experience. A tough outer screen works double duty by repelling both the weather elements and those annoying insects.
Accessories
There’s nothing worse than getting a trailer that doesn’t hitch to your bike. But with this model, you’ll never have to be disappointed again. The included arm and hitch function were made to be extremely versatile and easy to attach to many different bike styles. Whether it’s a large cruiser or leaner urban bike meant for off-road trails, this universal hitch design can be safely and securely attached and detached without compromising the safety of your kids.
Safety
The large side windows give your kids plenty of opportunities for sight-seeing while you’re towing them along your favorite trails. And best of all, you’ll never have to worry about them overheating thanks to the side and back air vents that keep the breeze circulating within the cabin.
3. Schwinn Trailblazer Single
Twelve pounds of storage in back
Spoked wheels
Versatile arm hitch
Wheels detach
Not compatible with mountain bikes
Featuring a two in one canopy the design of this bike trailer is reliable and is great for the next family trip. It features a uniquely designed frame that folds up compactly along with the quick release wheels it is easy to take along anywhere that the road takes the family. The canopy has two designs that can be used. The bug screen is perfect for keeping items out but also allowing the kids to have extra air flow then there is the weather shield that is just the perfect protection from all the elements. From the design of the portability to the canopy this bike trailer makes a great addition to any biking family.
Read moreDesign
In a bright cherry-red shade, you’ll always be the first one noticed on the trail in busy bike traffic. For those times when you have no choice but to drive to a special trail, this model takes the hassle out of packing by collapsing quickly and easily into a compact form. Then just detach the wheels and you’re ready to go! The arm and hitch attachment on this model are made to be compatible with most bikes.
Accessories
Wanna pack a picnic but not sure you have enough room? This nifty trailer is designed with an astonishing twelve pounds of storage space in the back for all your gear needs! Whether it’s snacks, helmets, or sports accessories, this one can pack it away without overcrowding your kids in front.
Safety
Best of all, the headrest area inside the cabin is not pushed forward at all, so your kids inside can still maintain a healthy sitting posture that doesn’t push their neck forward during the ride.
4. Allen Sports Deluxe Steel
Two seats
Foot protection
Reflective mirrors
Top comes off
Wheels aren’t the button release model
For the little ones inside, you’ll want to make sure they can see the beautiful scenery going by. This model comes with large enough windows so your child can easily see the landscape without straining for a glimpse.
Read moreDesign
There’s no tougher material than steel, and the frame on this model is made with 100% steel that also manages to be completely lightweight, making it easy to transport on longer journeys. Both kids can come along and fit comfortably in this highly recommended two-seater. For an even better outdoor experience, this option lets you take the top down so your kids can really enjoy the wind on their faces. It comes easy to assemble, with most parents saying it took just anywhere between ten and thirty minutes.
Accessories
Usually, bike trailer does feature a canopy design, but the design of this canopy sets this trailer aside from the other models. It has a canopy that has been designed with a super large front window along with two side windows as well. This is great for providing the kids with a cabin that is bright and has plenty of airflow along with all the protection that they need along the trail.
Safety
The ultimate comfort of your little one also depends on the foot area inside the trailer. If there is no real support for their feet, this can lead to injury due to dangling toes. Thankfully, this model already comes with a molded foot protection bar that prevents your child’s feet from getting caught in any of the gears below. It is wide and sturdy enough for them to rest their feet comfortably in front of them during the ride, thereby providing better overall posture while sitting for long periods of time.
5. InStep Sync Single
Comes with bicycle arm
Amazon’s Choice
Detachable wheels
Double screen protection
Can’t hitch safely to bike wheels larger than twenty-six inches
Bring your little one on your next adventure and every adventure after with this awesome bike trailer. It has been designed with a canopy that provides the little ones with both protection from the elements and a mesh screen that keeps everything out that should not be in there in the first place plus keeps the air flowing on your long adventures. Even if it is raining the canopy design on this bike trailer will keep your little ones dry and completely out of the elements.
Read moreDesign
This model is a single seater, so this option would be ideal for smaller families. The other good news is that this one comes at a bit lower of a price as well, but it’s still another Amazon’s Choice! Three colors allow you to choose among attractive earth-toned hues to suit your unique style.
Accessories
This one comes with a highly functional bicycle arm attached, it’s easier than ever to hitch it up to any adult bike. The included safety harnesses inside the trailer act like padded seat belts, cushioning your child against any sudden bumps.
Safety
There’s nothing worse than being constantly shaken about and jolted when you’re a passenger, and the best way to avoid that is to get a bike trailer that has buoyant wheels that are air-filled. These ones are a whopping sixteen inches large, providing your child with one of the smoothest rides ever. The wheels are also easily detachable, so you can fold it neatly away when traveling. The thick inner frames make these extra tough and durable, while the attached reflective safety mirrors in the wheel frame increase the trailer’s visibility.
6. Instep Take 2 Foldable
Affordable
Amazon’s Choice
Two seats
Double screen for added protection
This model does not convert into a stroller
For parents on the fence about investing in a quality bike trailer, this popular model is a prime example of both reasonable affordability and excellent engineering.
Read moreDesign
In fact, it’s such a well-liked model that it has been honored with the Amazon’s Choice award, and has over one-thousand reviews by families just like you! There are four earthy colors to choose from, perfect for the active parents on the go who like to blend in.
Accessories
Planning on towing more than one kiddo? No problem! This one comes with two padded and comfortable seats that can accommodate kids who each weigh up to forty pounds. Give your family the gift of fresh air with this adaptable and economic model that is sure to please your little ones.
Safety
The tires on this one are pumped full of air for maximum shock control and absorbency, so there’s no need to worry if you accidentally hit any bumps. This also helps to create a much smoother ride for your kids inside, making the experience all the more enjoyable. They come at a wider and more stable size of sixteen inches, which helps to keep the trailer upright and level during sharp turns or corners. The included reflective safety mirrors embedded in the tires is an added bonus, and the carefully designed tire frames increase the overall wheel performance.
7. Schwinn Pacific Trailblazer Double
Easy to pack up and store or travel with
Tires with real molded rims
Can hold two children up to 40 lbs each
Attachable handle/front wheel for stroller conversion
Bug screen and weather shield keep your family comfortable and protected
“Universal” coupler attachment is not compatible with a great deal of modern bikes’ rear hubs
From one of the largest well-known names in the biking industry comes this trailblazer bike trailer. It is a lightweight designed bike trailer with an aluminum frame that is perfect for easy handling. The wheel on the bike trailer features tires that are 20 inches and have a pneumatic rim that is great for the best performance possible. Between the lightweight design and the stabile ride that the tires provide this is a wonderful bike trailer for bikers that ride on different types of terrain.
Read moreDesign
This bike trailer features a parking brake that adds an extra level of safety to the trailer when it is in stroller mode. The trailblazer model has additional safety features that provide parents with the peace of mind that they are looking for in a bike trailer. The deluxe harness system that is featured for both kids along with the extra added paddling also provides the kids with the most comfortable ride yet.
Accessories
The tires air-filled tires measure 16 inches and boast molded rims to ensure a smooth and pleasant ride. The unit will hold up to two children weighing forty pounds each, plus an additional twelve pounds of accessories and gear. Attach the handle and front wheel to convert the product from a bicycle trailer to a stroller, convenient for walks and jogs.
Safety
The canopy features a bug screen and weather shield, so whether it’s bright and sunny or getting cold outside, your little ones are protected from the elements.
8. Pacific Cycle InStep Quick N EZ
Stroller conversion kit
Parking brake strap
Easy fold-down mechanism
Holds up to 80 pounds
Two in one canopy
A little too big to fit through doorways when fully constructed
The opening is buttons and velcro, not a zipper (children will wake if you have to take them out during a nap)
The InStep Quick n EZ Double Bicycle Trailer folds down for easy storage to make marrying your life as an active cyclist to your life as a parent that much easier.
Read moreDesign
This trailer hooks up universally to the rear of most bike frames, can hold up to eighty pounds in weight, and has space for two children to sit comfortably.
Accessories
This product comes with a parking brake, which operates via a strap through the rear wheel and around the trailer frame. Fasten the brake strap clip to the opposite end of the brake strap and your unit is hunkered down until you’re ready to hit the road again.
Safety
Providing your kids with a lifelong of memories is what childhood should be all about. That means that taking them along for the ride is an experience that they will never forget having with their parents. Along the way, you also want to make sure they are safe doing it. This bike trailer provides kids with a five point safety harness for a secure and comfortable ride plus on the rear of the trailer a safety flag has been added for extra visibility.
9. Pacific Cycle InStep Sierra Double
Pneumatic wheels with molded rims for a smooth ride
Harness and seat padding for child comfort and safety
Two-in-one weather screen
Stroller kit included
Parking brake
After about a year, customers complain of cracking and deflating wheels
Run, walk, and bike with your little ones at your side, well at your reach with this bike trailer. It features a design that is comfortable for two kids to ride along. Plus it has a canopy with a two in one design that keeps them cozy and out of the elements. The collapsible frame makes it easy to take along anywhere and adds to the means to take the little ones along on just about all your adventures on land.
Read moreDesign
The Sierra Double Bicycle Trailer does it all. Convenience: quick release mechanisms and a folding frame make this item easy to pack up and tote about. The trailer can hold up to eighty pounds total, mounted on a sturdy metal frame and two pneumatic tires with molded rims.
Accessories
The versatile coupler attaches to most bike frames, and an included stroller kit (swiveling front wheel and handlebar) allow you to quickly morph your bike trailer into a stroller so that you can take your precious cargo on your walks or jogging sessions.
Safety
Comfort: the two-in-one canopy acts as both a bug shield and weather screen to give them shade, relief from the wind and cold, and a safe-haven where pesky little insects can’t get to their sensitive skin. Safe: a parking brake offers additional security when the trailer is operating in stroller mode and the padded seats and harness keep your children strapped in and cushioned.
10. Aosom Elite II 3in1
Rear-wheel locks
Easy folding for travel
Can be used as a bike stroller, trailer, or jogger
Three-point safety harness
Two seats and holds up to 88 pounds
No emergency braking system, careful on incline
Sharing experiences with your kids is what having children are all about and this three in one designed bike trailer makes that possible. It is great for joggers, walkers, or bikers it is perfect. It supports up to 88 pounds of carriage which are perfect for one or two riders. From a walk around the neighborhood to a jog at the park, this stroller plus bike trailer design will be the kids the new best way to travel.
Read moreDesign
This handy accessory works as a bike stroller, a trailer, and a jogger, so you can mix up your routine and keep your body working in multiple disciplines. The trailer itself is lightweight with a 100 percent steel frame and smooth-rolling 20-inch wheels. Bumpy terrain? The Aosom can handle it. The seat supports up to 88 pounds total, with room for two child occupants to ride safely.
Accessories
A hand-lock brake system on the rear wheels lets you lock the stroller in place at rest stops, and an all-weather canopy uses top-notch plastic and mesh to protect children, rain or shine. Headed out to the beach or on a family trip? The Aosom Elite folds flat without any tools, and weighs only 44 pounds, making it an easy travel companion.
Safety
With a locking swivel front wheel and a full suspension system, kids will enjoy a safe, comfortable ride wherein mom or dad has total control. This double-seat trailer allows the whole family to tag along on their favorite errands or scenic biking routes. It protects children from various weather conditions and gives parents full control of steering, navigation, and braking.
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Design
Nothing impacts the ultimate safety performance of a bike trailer more than the structure of the trailer itself. This is why the majority of children’s bike trailers on the market today are designed with similar structures that are low to the ground with curved roofs and flat bottoms for better stability. Just as important is the material used for the trailer’s internal frame; steel and aluminum are both popular options within the industry because of their toughness and reliability.
In addition, many manufacturers now include extra structural details like reinforced edges or joints, safety locks, and metal wheels. Plastic is often rarely used in the structural design except for small conjoining parts or extra rigging. When buying a bike trailer for kids, always look for one that has a metal frame, as this provides the best stability for the structure.
Accessories
While it’s important and necessary to evaluate a bike trailer first and foremost on its safety design and structure, the next category of evaluation should be on any extra features which can make the experience more enjoyable for both you and your child. Many of these extra features are designed to increase the comfort level inside the trailer, reducing the degree of uncomfortable vibrations and friction for your child during the ride.
Some examples of simple yet intelligent design features are included foot rails inside the trailer which protect your child’s feet, safety flags, and wheels that can detach from the trailer to make packing easier during traveling.
Sun protection is also a common concern among parents, and luckily today’s bike trailers feature darkened or tinted windows that help to shield your child from too much sun exposure. This also ensures they stay cool and don’t overheat during rides on longer trails.
Safety
Not all child bike trailers are created equally, so it was critical for us to spend a significant amount of time researching the trailers that had the best reputation for safety and security. Thankfully, there are several modern innovative features and details that are now considered standard, such as included safety flags, hitch systems that keep the trailer upright even if the bike falls, and internal protection cages that keep your child from injury in the case of a crash. Many of the bike trailers on our list have gone through rigorous testing by the manufacturer to ensure it is truly invulnerable. Such tests include simulated bumps repeated countless times, as well as simulated sharp turns and winding curves. All of these tests are designed to push the trailer under some of the most challenging conditions, thereby guaranteeing a safer ride for you and your family.
Design Accessories Safety 
Even though your child will be inside the trailer, it is still advised that they wear a helmet
While many of the trailers provide sun protection, you should still apply sunscreen to your child's skin.
Other Factors to Consider
Adjustability
These days, there are several different variations of hitches and attachments that allow you to choose how you want the trailer attached to your bike. Each may have its pros and cons depending on how much access you want to the hitch and arm. This can be a crucial deciding factor for many parents who want quick and easy contact to the hitch in case of an emergency.
Whether the trailer attaches to the rear wheel of the bicycle via an axle mount or mounts to the frame of the bike itself, these and other attachment capabilities are the results of painstaking design research and leading-edge experimentation on behalf of the industry. There are even bike trailers that use adjustable straps which attach to the seat post of your bike. All of the bike trailers on our list feature these and several other attachment mechanisms, so you can feel confident no matter which one you choose.
Frequently Asked Questions
q: I’ve never used a bike trailer before, so which one would be a good first introduction?
If it’s your first time trying out a bike trailer with your child, it’s understandable that you’d be a bit nervous. For this reason, it’s probably best to buy one that is moderately priced since you will be testing it out to see if you like it long-term.
But you also want one that doesn’t skimp on the quality design and safety features of the more expensive options, so, for this reason, the InStep Take 2 Double Bicycle Trailer would be a great option. It is an Amazon’s Choice bike trailer with over 1,000 reviews, so it’s definitely a worthy buy.
q: I’m concerned about the safety of my kids. How securely do these bike trailers attach to a bike?
Safety is the #1 priority for all of the bike trailer manufacturers on our list. That’s why all of them come with included safety precautions to ensure that the hitch and arm attach securely to almost any bicycle.
Many of them come with an extra strap or safety harness in the rare case the bike becomes detached from the trailer and reinforced tightening locks that help to fasten the hitch securely to any bike wheel. You can rest assured that all of these bike trailers have passed the most stringent testing and have gone through endless scrutinization by both engineers and families.
q: How old does my child have to be before I can take them for a ride in a bike trailer?
The general rule of thumb is that any child taken for a ride in a bike trailer should be old enough to wear a helmet, which excludes all children under 1 year of age. This is because children under 1 year simply aren’t developmentally ready to wear a helmet, and taking them for a ride in a bike trailer is putting them at serious risk for injury.
It’s best to wait until they’re at the bare minimum of 2 years of age when they are able to wear a helmet comfortably. Most bike trailers for kids are made to accommodate children up to 6 years old.
q: What is the maximum weight that these bike trailers can carry?
The maximum weight capacity that the bike trailers on our list can carry vary from brand to brand. Generally, however, most bike trailers for kids can carry a weight range of anywhere between 85 to 125 pounds. Many parents find that this is quite a generous weight capacity given that most small children under 6 years old rarely reach the maximum weight. This is also great for families who like to use their bike trailers as occasional gear carriers, especially on camping trips or extended trail rides. With all that room for weight, some people even put their labrador retriever in these bike trailers with zero problems!
q: Since these bike trailers are low to the ground, does that make them less visible to other cyclists or cars?
Yes, they can be slightly more difficult to see because of their low height. However, this is why it’s extremely important to avoid taking your child near or on any heavily trafficked vehicle roads. Cars will have the hardest time seeing any bike trailers, so it’s best to stick to bike trails when taking your little one for a spin. And even though bike trails are always safer, it’s always recommended to attach a tall orange safety flag to your child’s bike trailer before starting.
q: If I take my older child in a bike trailer, do they still need to wear a helmet?
Absolutely. A child should never be riding in a bike trailer without a helmet, although they may seem old enough for a helmet to be unnecessary, it’s always wiser to avoid the risk of any injuries. Most bike trailers are not made to accommodate any child older than 6, which means that a helmet is still definitely required. And remember: it’s better to be safe than sorry!
Sources
- , Beginner's guide to cycling with kids, Guide
- , How to Choose Bike Trailers, Advice Article
- , Bike Trailer Safety, Online Article
- , Should You Take Your Baby Along?, Informative article
- , Baby On Board: Keeping Safe on a Bike, Informative Online Article
