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Best bike trailers for kids: safe and comfy seats for cycle rides and school runs
No need to quit cycling when you become a parent. Whether you’re planning a weekend family bike ride, want to cycle on the school run or would simply rather leave the car at home, a bike trailer allows you to transport your children safely and comfortably from A to B, while fitting in an exercise session too. Here’s our pick of the best bike trailers for kids.
By Tammy Jacks | Last updated Jan 3, 2024
Looking for a spot of adventure on two wheels? Or perhaps you’re using a bicycle for exercise, transport or as an environmentally-friendly alternative to a car? No matter the reason, a bike trailer allows you to safely and comfortably bring your children along for the ride.
While some parents might prefer the simplicity of a bike seat for children, many Mumsnetters like the additional safety features of a bike trailer such as the sturdy frame and fabric cover, roll cage and five-point safety harness system. Plus, they’re more spacious for carrying two children and additional items such as groceries, toys and snacks.
Bike trailers come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some are the perfect outdoor companion and excel off-road on rugged terrain, while others are more streamlined for city riding and can convert to buggies when you’re not on the bike.
With so many great features to choose from, we’ve spent time searching for bike trailers that come highly recommended on the Mumsnet forums by parents using these products daily. We also consulted countless expert and consumer reviews for valuable and trusted user testimony and, of course, scrutinised all the safety features of each model to narrow down the best bike trailers to suit a variety of lifestyles and budgets.
If you're heading out on foot, you might want to check out our handy guides to the best baby carriers and the best baby carrier backpacks. We've also got roundups of the best child bike seats, the best pushchairs, the best lightweight strollers, the best travel systems, the best running buggies, the best baby car seats, and the best 360 swivel car seats, all featuring products tested by parents.
Best bike trailers at a glance
Best overall bike trailer for kids: Burley Bee Bike Trailer | £269
Best budget bike trailer for kids: HOMCOM 2-in-1 Bike Trailer | £99
Best bike trailer for younger children: Bellelli Bike Taxi Child Bike Trailer | £250
Best convertible bike trailer for kids: Axkid Grand Tour | £750
Best off-road bike trailer for kids: Schwinn Joyrider Child Bike Trailer | £529
Best double bike trailer for kids: Hamax Traveller Twin Child Bike Trailer | £499
Best bike trailer for holidays: Bike Original Bike Trailer | £300
Best versatile bike trailer for kids: Thule Chariot Cross Single | From £949
Best spacious bike trailer for kids: Burley D’Lite X | £727
1. Best overall bike trailer for kids: Burley Bee Bike Trailer
Price: RRP £379 | Latest deals from Evans Cycles
Key specs
Seating capacity: 2 | Dimensions: 81.9cm x 76.2cm x 91.4cm | Weight of the unit: 9kg | Weight capacity: 45kg
What we like
Lightweight and nimble
Durable
Corners well
Suitable for older children
Flex connector (which allows the trailer to remain upright while the bike lays flat)
Tested to meet or exceed ASTM F1975-09 safety standards
What we don't like
Doesn’t come with extra rain covers
Fabric over trailer may be tight initially
Needs a solid bike to tow with
What Mumsnet users say
“I have a Burley Solo - I picked it because it was light, packed easily/compactly (I store it in my car boot) and was suitable for on and off road. It’s been amazing. I would really recommend it. It’s covered about 5,000 miles and other than the cover being faded is still in great condition, which is testament to build quality and robustness. It handles like a dream - I’ve been down some big mountain road passes and round hairpins at speed and it corners well. It also tows really well off-road especially on rooty, rocky trails. It has three levels of suspension which you adjust as your child grows” - tried and tested by Mumsnet user, noodlmcdoodl
Our verdict
Trusted bike trailer brand, Burley, has been designing quality bike trailers and accessories for over 40 years, so it comes as no surprise that the Burley Bee Bike Trailer (a newer version of the Burley Solo) is a firm favourite among parents.
Known for it’s safe, durable and thoughtful design, this bike trailer is large enough to comfortably seat two children (plus carry plenty of additional toys and snacks), yet its compact fold flattens the trailer for easy storage and transportation. It’s also incredibly light, weighing in at under 10kg, making it a great choice for off-road riding.
Made with good suspension and a solid aluminium roll cage frame, UPF 50+ tinted windows to reduce glare and rear window ventilation, the bike only trailer is ideal for school runs, quick trips to the shops or longer family adventures. We also like that it’s made with hammock-style seats which offer additional suspension over bumps and undulating terrain.
Some great standard features on all Burley bike trailers include a hitch, tow arm and safety flag, five-point harness, ample storage space with interior pockets, plus a 600D polyester wind- and water-resistant cover ideal for all seasons.
If you’re looking for a Burley bike trailer that converts into a double buggy, it may be worth considering the Burley Encore X instead.
Read next: The best baby carrier backpacks to buy
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2. Best budget bike trailer for kids: HOMCOM 2-in-1 Bike Trailer
Price: RRP £120 | Latest deals from Amazon
Key specs
Seating capacity: 1-2 | Dimensions: 142cm x 85cm x 105cm | Weight of the unit: 17.8kg | Weight capacity: 40kg
What we like
Safe and sturdy
Seats one to two children
Offers good ventilation
Multi-use (converts to a jogger)
Extra storage capacity behind the sea
What we don't like
Quite heavy
Too wide to get through a standard door
Can be tricky to put together
Our verdict
While it may not come with all the bells and whistles of pricier models like the Burley Bee, the HOMCOM 2-in-1 Bike Trailer is strong, durable and doesn’t compromise on safety.
It’s made with a sturdy steel frame as well as reflectors on the outside wheels and a flag for increased visibility, plus a five-point safety harness, hand brake and removable canopy to help protect from the sun, rain, wind and dust.
From a weight perspective, this bike trailer is fairly bulky so, if you sit at the lower end of the scales, you might want to look for a lighter option. The good news is that it converts to a jogging trailer that you push as you run and comes with a good-quality weather-resistant cover too.
Suitable for children over 18 months, the HOMCOM 2 is ideal for toddlers.
Read next: The best baby carriers to buy, as tested by parents
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3. Best bike trailer for younger children: Bellelli Bike Taxi Child Bike Trailer
Price: RRP £250 | Latest deals from Halfords
Key specs
Seating capacity: 1-2 | Dimensions: 142cm x 85cm x 105cm | Weight of the unit: 14kg | Weight capacity: 35kg
What we like
Good value for money
Ideal for one to two children
All fittings and brackets included
Comes with extra bug and weather shield
Side pockets for additional storage
What we don't like
Doesn’t come with a middle buckle for single passengers
Wide – won’t fit through a doorway
Doesn’t convert to a stroller
May require to adults to assemble and collapse
What Mumsnet users say
“If you want to exercise with a baby and walking with the pushchair isn't doing it, a bike trailer can be brilliant and practical, depending on where you live. They are better from 12 months of age really” - recommended by Mumsnet user, JojobaFromOctober
Our verdict
Ideal for children from nine months to six years of age, this mid-range bike trailer is a safe, reliable option for younger passengers. The Bellelli Bike Trailer’s lightweight aluminium frame can comfortably carry one to two children with a combined weight of 25.5kg, while the roomy design allows for 10kg of extra load (think picnic items, toys and umbrellas).
It’s made with a harder base than some other models for better protection against bumps and wet weather and has great padding for little bodies. While it’s not the lightest bike trailer out there, its slimline design makes it simple to ride with, particularly if you’re on a road or touring bike.
One of the great things about this bike trailer is that it also doesn’t require any tools to assemble and folds down well for quick storage.
Read next: The best bikes for kids
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4. Best convertible bike trailer for kids: Axkid Grand Tour
Price: RRP £750 | Latest deals from Kiddies Kingdom
Tested by Mumsnet: Read our full Axkid Grand Tour review
Key specs
Seating capacity: 2 | Dimensions: 80 x 91 x 143cm | Weight of the unit: 18.8kg | Weight capacity: 45kg (22kg per seat)
What we like
Can be used in four different ways
Fits two children up to 22kg per seat
Up to 60 litres of storage
Handles bumpy terrain very well
Adjustable suspension
What we don't like
Not suitable from birth
Handlebar stiff to adjust
Expensive
What Mumsnet users say
"As a bike trailer, it’s extremely enjoyable to cycle with and you can hardly feel the extra weight of the trailer when you’re on the move. [...] The air-filled tyres successfully handled everything from potholes in the road to gravel on the local canal and cycling path during testing" - tried and tested by parent tester, Laura
Our verdict
Versatile and stylish with exceptional safety features, the Axkid Grand Tour is a 4-in-1 bike trailer that converts to a double buggy, running buggy and spacious cargo carrier with up to 60 litres of storage.
As a bike trailer, it offers a smooth and comfortable ride, even on uneven roads and rough terrain, and has a tight turning circle that makes changing direction a breeze.
As a regular pushchair and running buggy, it's more compact than many double prams on the market, with spacious seats suitable for two children up to the age of four or five.
While it's expensive and can't be used with newborns or small babies under six months old, the fact that it can be used in four different ways and offers good longevity makes it more than worth the price tag in our opinion.
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5. Best off-road bike trailer for kids: Schwinn Joyrider Child Bike Trailer
Price: RRP £529 | Latest deals from Amazon
Key specs
Seating capacity: 1-2 | Dimensions: 83.8cm x 77.4cm x 22.8cm | Weight of the unit: 17.5kg | Weight capacity: 35kg
What we like
Durable aluminium frame
Large 20-inch wheels
Compact design
Canopy is easy to open and close
Quick-release wheels and frame for easy foldability
What we don't like
Too wide to fit through a standard door
Quite heavy
Pricey
Our verdict
If you’re looking for a versatile bike trailer that can handle both on and off-road riding, the Schwinn Joyrider won’t disappoint.
It comes with large 20-inch wheels for extra traction and stability, plus ergonomically designed seats and padded shoulder straps that can accommodate two children with a combined weight of 36kg. It also has plenty of internal space as well as a full weather shield and bug screen for added protection.
We like that the bike trailer comes with a Schwinn Universal Coupler, making it attachable to just about any bicycle out there. This model also converts to a three-wheel buggy, where the front wheel swivels for extra manoeuvrability on any terrain.
Read next: The best baby car seats, as tested by parents
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6. Best double bike trailer for kids: Hamax Traveller Twin Child Bike Trailer
Price: RRP £499 | Latest deals from Tredz
Key specs
Seating capacity: 1-2 | Dimensions: Not stated | Weight of the unit: 13kg | Weight capacity: 47kg (total)
What we like
Suitable for children from six months
Easy-to-clean, removable seat padding
Mesh fabric for extra ventilation
Quick, compact folding
What we don't like
Pricey
Seats don’t recline
Need to purchase a separate jogger kit to run with the trailer
What Mumsnet users say
“We have a Hamax bike trailer that converts to a double buggy which held my seven- and two-year-old (up to 50kg)... It is wide but fits in 90% of shops” - vetted by Mumsnet user, Confrontayshunme
Our verdict
When it comes to bicycle gear and accessories, Hamax is a popular brand amongst Mumsnetters who also gave a thumbs up to the Hamax Caress bike seat. If you have children of varying ages (and sizes) that you need to transport at the same time, it’s important to choose a big trailer with plenty of internal space, which is where the Hamax Traveller comes in. It has extra space in the front, which is great for older children with longer legs, plus the trailer itself has suspension features large wheels for a smooth ride.
If need be, the trailer easily converts to a stroller for walks or shopping trips. Another great feature is the height-adjustable handle and front swivel wheel for easy walking.
Safety-wise, we like that this trailer is made with front and rear reflectors and a five-point harness, as well as reflective lines on the sides and rear.
Read next: The best kids' bike helmets to keep young riders safe
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7. Best bike trailer for holidays: Bike Original Bike Trailer
Price: RRP £300 | Latest deals from Decathlon
Key specs
Seating capacity: 1-2 | Dimensions: 130cm x 80cm x 75cm | Weight of the unit: 13.3kg | Weight capacity: 41kg
What we like
Good value for money
Quick set-up
Sturdy with good suspension
20” wheels
Folds flat for easy storage
What we don't like
Some say the harness and straps are uncomfortable
Back storage compartment is a little small
Doesn’t convert to a buggy
Not suitable for children under 12 months
Our verdict
The fact that this bike trailer weighs in at under 15kg and is so simple to set up (no tools needed), folds flat and fits in almost any car boot makes it a worthy companion for day trips and holidays. We like that it can be used to explore new areas, both on and off-road thanks to its large 20” wheels and robust design. Plus, it only needs one person to assemble. Bonus!
While not suitable for children under the age of 12 months, it’s roomy enough to fit an older child plus a toddler with additional storage space at the back, and is made with mesh fabric and large windows for great visibility.
This bike trailer also has a safety flag, back reflectors, a five-point harness and protective top cover to ensure children are safe and snug inside.
Read next: The best double buggies, as recommended by parents
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8. Best versatile bike trailer for kids: Thule Chariot Cross Single
Price: RRP From £949 | Latest deals from John Lewis
Key specs
Seating capacity: 1 | Dimensions: 114.5cm x 65cm x 94cm | Weight of the unit: 13.8kg | Weight capacity: 22kg
What we like
A versatile multi-use travel system
Built for long-term performance
Quiet and lightweight
Adjustable handlebar design for jogger
Easy-to clean, removable padding
What we don't like
Pricey
Not suitable for serious mountain biking trails
Infant sling for babies sold separately
What Mumsnet users say
“We’ve gone for one which converts to a pram that you can run with (so it has a detachable front wheel). We use ours for camping/festivals and cycling. We use it to cycle with my daughter at least twice a week and are planning on doing Hadrian’s wall with it.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user Espoleta)
Our verdict
Pricey? Yes. But, when it comes to impeccable design and functionality, you can’t go wrong with Thule. The well-known Swedish brand has been designing and developing quality outdoor adventure products since 1942 and their bike trailers are made according to the highest quality and safety standards.
Thule’s high-end Chariot Cross is a fantastic all-round bike trailer, jogger and stroller with additional ski touring accessories. It’s made with a clever VersaWing system, which is a winged-shaped aluminium piece that enables a seamless conversion between these activities for fun family outings year-round.
The single bike trailer is substantially lighter than the Thule Cross 2 Double Trailer (13kg versus 14.5kg) yet is spacious enough for a child weighing up to 22kg, with extra storage space. We like that the front mesh cover seals shut at the bottom – so the cabin can be loaded with snacks and toys without the risk of anything falling out.
More impressive features include fully reclining seats and a leaf spring suspension for a comfier ride, rear reflector lights for visibility, a solid roll cage in case of an accident, a durable rain cover and sunshade that fits snugly, plus strategically placed air vents for better airflow within the trailer.
Read next: The best trikes for babies and toddlers
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9. Best spacious bike trailer for kids: Burley D’Lite X
Price: £727 | Latest deals from Amazon
Key specs
Seating capacity: 1-2 | Dimensions: 84.6cm x 79.5cm x 97.3cm | Weight of the unit: 13.8kg | Weight capacity: 45kg
What we like
Competitive price point for a high-end bike trailer
Easy conversion to a stroller or jogger
E-bike-friendly
Stroller kit included
Ample cargo storage
What we don't like
Can be tricky for one person to put together
Converting to a jogger requires a bit more work
Jogging kit not included
Too wide to fit through a standard door
What Mumsnet users say
“Ours is a Burley D’Lite - quite an old model since my children are both teenagers. Still handy for shopping trips though. We've used it on quite a range of bikes with no issues, other than a few paint scratches where the hitch fastens up” - tried and tested by Mumsnet user, LunchWithAGruffalo
“I used a Burley D'Lite for several years of school runs. As a bike trailer it's great, and I didn't find it affected my balance while riding. However, it’s considerably wider than my Maclaren double. There have been quite a few places I've not been able to get through gaps. It folds down reasonably easily but, even with the wheels off, it's a challenge to fit it in the back of the car” - recommended by Mumsnet user, LaughingHyena
Our verdict
Burley deserves another spot on our recommendations with their ultra-spacious D’Lite X. While this bike trailer is wide so as to carry two older children comfortably, it’s still easy enough to pull with a road bike or touring bike thanks to its seamless design and large 20” wheels.
Like the Thule Chariot Cross, the Burley D’Lite X is another premium bike trailer that comes with a whole host of features to ensure a smooth, safe and relaxed ride such as the critical five-point safety harness, a flag and reflectors around the trailer, fully independent reclining seats (with three adjustable positions), a suspension dial to tweak if you’re travelling over more rugged terrain and pads for neck and back support. It also has plenty of room inside the cabin for children with wider shoulders to move around easily.
Another safety bonus is that you can fold the handle (used for running) over the top of the bike trailer when riding. This offers additional protection for your child should the trailer tip or roll, which is highly unlikely with a premium model like the D’Lite X. The trailer also has a high-quality braking system which ensures the trailer stays put around sharper bends or even when stopped on an incline.
But perhaps one of the best features of this bike trailer is that it’s large enough to comfortably carry a push bike inside the storage unit at the back, so children can ride themselves should they wish.
Read next: The best bike locks to buy
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At what age can a child go in a bike trailer?
Models and sizes vary, but most bike trailers are safe for children from the age of 18 months. You will, however, find models specifically designed to accommodate little ones, such as the Hamax Avenida (from the age of six months) and the Bellelli Bike Trailer, which is suitable for children from the age of nine months.
Read next: The best baby carrier backpacks to buy
Are bike trailers safer than bike seats?
Generally, yes. Unlike bike seats which offer little to no protection over a child’s body, bike trailers are lower to the ground (versus a high bike seat) and are made with sturdy steel or aluminium roll cages which help to prevent scrapes or bruises in the event of a fall or accident.
Trailers rarely tip or roll, and most models come with additional safety features such as tall flags and reflective lights which tend to go all the way around the trailer. When using your bike trailer, it’s important to follow some of these general safety guidelines outlined by Bike Original’s safety manual:
Inspect your trailer and its parts before and after each use.
When assembling the trailer, make sure that the wheels are installed properly. Inflate the tyres to the right pressure and check before each use. Over-inflation may cause the trailer to bounce or turn over.
Attach the hitch connector securely to your bicycle frame.
Be sure that the bicycle you use to pull the trailer is in good working condition and has reliable brakes. A bicycle shop can help you with inspection and maintenance.
Avoid overloading the trailer, especially if you’re carrying two children.
Let your children know that they shouldn’t bounce, rock or lean as such movements may cause the trailer to lean or flip.
Pulling a bike trailer can affect how you ride. For instance, stopping, starting and turning can feel different depending on the weight of the cargo. To familiarise yourself with these changes, load the trailer to capacity and practice in a safe area. Don’t use your trailer until you’re used to riding with it.
Read next: The best child bike seats to buy
How do I choose the best bike trailer?
When deciding which bike trailer will best suit your lifestyle, there are a few factors to consider:
Budget: Bike trailers range from £200 to £1000, depending on their size, style and quality. Some models are very basic and offer the bare minimum, while others have special features such as reclining seats, extra storage space, adjustable handles when used as a stroller or jogger, additional safety features and more.
Safety features: The more safety features your bike trailer has, the better for yourself and your family. Look for a model with a safety flag, five-point harness, bright reflectors (preferably on the tyres and around the trailer itself), a solid aluminium roll cage, durable tyres with good tread and a waterproof cover that sits taut when zipped or strapped down. You’ll also want to ensure that the trailer hitch is attached securely to your bicycle and that all the separate parts of the trailer are tightened in the right places.
Size and weight: Will you need a single or double trailer? Sometimes double trailers work well for single children who need more space or wish to carry more toys and snacks on the journey. The weight of the bike trailer should also be a consideration - the lighter the trailer, the easier to tow.
Riding routes: Will you be heading along the same road route to school every day or are you keen to take your children on off-road adventures? Your riding routes will affect your choice of trailer. A bike trailer with added suspension is a must for all off-road riding, and larger 20” wheels are generally recommended.
Chosen bicycle: Bike trailers should ideally be pulled by road, touring or gravel bicycles. It’s also important to only use bikes with 26-inch or 28-inch wheels. If you have a bulky, heavier bicycle, consider a lightweight trailer such as the Burley Bee.
Lifestyle: Planning to travel a lot and take your bike trailer along to various holiday spots? Then a lightweight trailer that doesn’t take up too much space and that can be assembled and folded with ease, such as the Bike Original Original Bike Trailer, is a good idea. However, if you’re looking for something a little more sturdy and spacious that’ll simply sit in the garage until it’s used, the Burley D’Lite X will work well for you.
Your lifestyle (and chosen sports) will also determine the trailer you pick. If you’re looking to run and ride then your best bet is a multi-sports trailer such as the HOMCOM 2-in-1 Trailer, and for those who love to ski too, the Thule Chariot Cross or Burley D’ Lite X are ideal.
Read next: The best school bags to buy, as recommended by parents
What is the weight limit for a bike trailer?
The most spacious bike trailers can accommodate children with a combined weight of up to 50kg, but most models recommend no more than 45kg.
Do bike trailers fold up?
All the bike trailers on our list of recommendations fold up for easy storage. Some cheaper, older models (not listed here) may not fold up.
What is the best kids’ bike trailer?
The best overall kids’ bike trailer is the Burley Bee Bike Trailer. It’s the lightest bike trailer on our list which makes it simpler to handle and pull than all the rest. It’s also packed with features to make the ride more comfortable for you and your children, including push button wheels for quick removal, a simple compact fold system, hammock-style seats with more space for passengers, tinted windows with loads of ventilation and a very spacious rear cargo area for larger toys (such as balance bikes) and groceries.
As Mumsnet parents agree, it handles like a dream on most terrain thanks to the larger wheels, and is light and nimble enough to corner well while staying grounded. We like that it meets and exceeds ASTM F1975-09 safety standards.
How we chose our recommendations
We looked at in-depth reviews of bike trailers online, particularly in the cycling press, to see which brands were impressing the experts most.
We then trawled the Mumsnet forums to find out which of those bike trailers Mumsnetters themselves were recommending, looking at how easy they were to ride with, how well they lasted over time and whether they have multi-use functions such as converting to a stroller.
We consulted expert advice on safety, durability and what to look for in a kids’ bike trailer. We then applied those criteria to our shortlist to come up with a final list of the best bike trailers.
About the author
Tammy Jacks has 15+ years' experience in the publishing industry, enjoying a long and fruitful career as Managing Editor and Health & Beauty Editor for Woman & Home magazine in South Africa.
She later went on to become Assistant Editor of popular South African parenting title Living and Loving, and has written for numerous lifestyle publications including Oprah Mag SA, Health Intelligence, Your Family, Longevity and pharmaceutical company Clicks Clubcard Magazine, as well as edited books for popular fitness influencers and health professionals.
Tammy has always been passionate about fitness, wellness and nutrition and is a keen marathon runner and cyclist. She is also a mum to a busy six-year-old girl.
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