Kids' Bike Trailers

Kids' bike trailers are a fantastic investment for families who enjoy cycling, particularly if you have young children who aren’t old enough to ride on their own or for longer distances. The best kids’ bike trailers provide a safe and comfortable way for young kids to enjoy the outdoors on a bike ride while being protected from the elements. They also offer a great way to get some exercise and fresh air together as a family. While they require an initial investment, the benefits in terms of family fun, fitness, and convenience make them well worth it!

When choosing a kids' bike trailer, prioritize safety features like a sturdy frame, a five-point harness system, and bright colors with reflectors or a safety flag for visibility. Consider the trailer's weight and how easily it folds for storage and transport. Look for features that enhance comfort, such as padded seats, good ventilation, and wide, lugged tires to absorb bumps. A trailer with ample storage space is also a good idea, so you can carry snacks, toys, diapers, wipes, or other necessities. Finally, choose a trailer that accommodates the number of children who will be passengers. Our Rover and Rover Plus trailers come in both single and double sizes!

Enclosed kids’ bike trailers are extremely safe if used properly. The safety of a kids’ bike trailer comes down to the adult rider who is towing the trailer, but per the American Academy of Pediatrics, bike trailers are the best option to transport a child by bicycle, and are much safer than placing a young child in a bike seat.

It’s certainly harder than riding a bike normally, but pulling a kids’ bike trailer is nothing to be afraid of. Expect added resistance when getting started and when climbing hills, but on relatively flat terrain, you shouldn’t have a problem! Start with shorter rides on flat terrain to get used to the feeling of pulling the trailer. Be sure to shift to lower gears when starting, stopping, or climbing hills. In addition, you’ll need to leave added stopping distance when towing a trailer, and be extra cautious when turning or maneuvering in tight spaces. If you’re concerned about the added weight of a trailer behind your bike, look into an electric bicycle, which can do the pedaling for you!

Yes! It depends on the type of bike, but the overwhelming majority of retrospec bicycles and electric bicycles are compatible with our kids’ bike trailers, as well as our pet trailers and cargo trailers. A simple, secure coupler fits any bike wheel from 20” to 29” in diameter, though these trailers are not recommended for bikes with thru-axles. See the “Specification” section at the bottom of each trailer’s product page for a full list of compatible bike models.

This varies from product to product, but our kids’ bike trailers have a recommended weight limit of 40 pounds (single trailer) or 80 pounds (double trailer).

Children should be at least one year old to be towed in a bike trailer, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. By this age, they should be able to sit well unsupported and have a neck strong enough to support a lightweight helmet. Be sure the helmet you purchase adheres to U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards.

While children should be at least one year old to ride in a trailer (see above) there is no fixed upper age limit for a kids’ bike trailer. Instead, there are weight limits. Our Rover and Rover Plus kids’ bike trailers can accommodate single passengers up to 40 pounds. So once your child is over this weight, they may not be able to ride in a bike trailer. However, this generally comes at an age (4-6 years) when a child will begin riding their own bike!

Most kids’ bike trailers can hold one or two passengers. Our Rover and Rover Plus kids’ bike trailers are available in both single child and double child models, with 40 pounds and 80 pounds of weight capacity, respectively.

Helmet laws for children vary by state, but regardless, children should always wear a bike helmet when riding in a bike trailer. Even with careful riding, accidents can happen. A helmet can protect against head injuries in case of a fall, collision, or rollover. Wearing a helmet in the trailer also helps children establish a habit of wearing a helmet whenever they're on wheels, promoting lifelong safety.

No, you should not place a carseat in a bike trailer. Kids’ bike trailers have built-in harnesses, so there is no need to add a seat, and doing so will increase risk of injury in an accident. Our kids’ bike trailers have integrated five-point padded harnesses to keep your child secure and comfortable during rides.

Yes, kids can (and often do) sleep in bike trailers! The best bike trailers for kids are designed with features that make them comfortable for napping, such as padded interiors, ventilated mesh, and sturdy, weather-resistant canopies that block direct sun, wind, rain, and bugs.

To keep your kids cool in a bike trailer, ensure the trailer has good ventilation, with mesh windows and open areas for airflow. Use the trailer's sunshade to block direct sunlight and prevent overheating, and dress your little riders in light-colored, breathable clothing. Bring plenty of water and offer frequent drinks to keep them hydrated. You can also plan your rides for cooler times of the day, such as mornings or evenings, and take breaks in shady spots when needed.

While there's no single speed limit for riding with a kids' bike trailer, it's crucial to prioritize safety and use common sense. Most manufacturers recommend a maximum speed of 10 to 15 mph, but it's best to adjust your speed based on the terrain, traffic conditions, and your child's comfort level. Be especially careful on bumpy roads or when making turns, as this can destabilize the trailer. Remember that a trailer adds weight and affects your bike's handling, so braking distances will be longer.

Yes! The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends young children ride in bike trailers instead of bicycle seats, so if bike trailers are safe enough for humans, they’re definitely safe enough for dogs, too! Introduce your dog to the trailer gradually, don’t exceed the maximum weight capacity, and make sure to take rest stops during rides. However, don’t use a kids’ bike trailer to carry your dog. Instead, use our Rover Waggin’ Pet Bike Trailer, which features an internal leash, wide bed, and anti-slip floor to keep your furry friend secure and safe. A rear doggy door provides no-hassle entry and exit. Meanwhile, the weather-resistant shell includes 2-in-1 canopy and mesh shielding, so your pup can enjoy the view without unwanted critters or rain!