Best Bike Trailer For Kids (2023)

If you’re in a hurry and just want to find out what the best bike trailer for kids is, I’d recommend the Burley Bee Child Trailer.

Bike-riding is an excellent outdoor activity for the whole family, and you don’t have to wait until your kids get big enough to pedal on their own. When you hit the trails, bring the kiddos along! All you need is just a little bit of equipment: safety helmets and a bike trailer. 

Like everything these days, there are so many different trailers to choose from. Before you take the plunge, take a moment to think about what you need out of a trailer.

Here are the Bike Trailer for Kids I will be reviewing:

• Burley Bee Child Trailer
• Allen Sports Deluxe Steel Child Trailer
• Instep Bike Trailer
• Schwinn Echo Bike Trailer
• Weehoo 2016 iGo Blast Tag-Along Trailer
• Burley D’Lite Seat Trailer/Stroller
• Clevr Deluxe 3 in 1 Double Bicycle Bike Trailer/Jogger/Stroller
• Aosom Elite 360 Swivel 2-in-1 Trailer and Jogger
• Booyah Strollers Bicycle Trailer and Stroller II
• Thule Chariot Cheetah XT Multisport Trailer
  

Safety

Bike trailers sit closer to the ground and are typically very stable. In order to maximize the protection for your child, you’ll want to find one that has at least a 3- point (5 point is even better) harness to secure little ones in the back safely. 

Trailers with a ball and socket joint feature, sometimes called a rollover hitch, ensure that even the trailer stays upright, even if your bike falls over. Even if you have one of these, you will still want to make sure your trailer has a roll bar, so that in the event it does tip over, the frame remains sturdy and in place. 

When it comes to safety, the most important thing is to make sure your child is wearing a bike helmet any time you go for a ride. It’s good to get them in the habit of wearing a helmet now so that when they’re big enough to ride a bike of their own, they’re already used to the idea.

Ease of Use

Let’s be real; after safety, ease of use is really the most critical factor. Consider how quickly you can attach the trailer to your bike. Now factor in a crying child or two, and you’ll have a decent idea of how long it will take you to get ready to hit the road. 

You’ll most likely want a trailer that can be hitched and unhitched quickly and without any needed tools. 

Strength and Weight

Adding a trailer to your bike will increase the weight and offset its center of gravity. These changes will affect how your bike steers and maneuvers. The length and width of your bike space will also grow.

Bike trailers made of aluminum or steel tend to have the frame strength you need to protect your precious cargo. Thankfully, both metals are relatively lightweight, making it easier to haul your load. 

Space

There are trailers designed for single riders, and others with space for two. Most trailers have similar weight limits, regardless of the number of passengers. If your kids are in those higher percentile ranges, make sure to choose one that will work as they grow. 

You’ll also want to think about storage. If you’re going to throw a diaper bag in the trailer or bring along a packed lunch (plus the necessary 10,000 snacks), then you’ll need a trailer that has extra space to stow away your stuff. 

Terrain, Location, And Weather

You will also want to consider where you might ride your bike. Paved sidewalks and roads require less aggressive treads than their off-road counterparts. Wheel sizes also vary and can affect the speed and smoothness of the rides. 

Think about whether or not you need a suspension system. This will keep the trailer from being repeatedly jarred when you hit bumps or holes along the road, particularly unpaved ones. 

Do you live in an area with a lot of rain? Is it extra sunny? Your climate might dictate the weather features you need. Many bike trailers are water-resistant, but your toddler might not enjoy getting a little shower mid-ride. If it’s hot and sunny, the UV protection might save you some sunscreen heartache. 

Convertible Or Not?

A bike trailer is likely to be one of the more expensive pieces of equipment you purchase for your family, and it’s worth it to consider what you really need. 

If you already have a stroller that you love and are strictly looking for a bike trailer, you can choose an option without all the convertible models’ bells and whistles. 

If you’re looking for one thing that does it all, you will want to check out the options that convert from trailer to a jogger and stroller. These come with removable wheels, handlebars, and a few other items to give you a one-stop-shop outdoor adventure vehicle. 

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t worry! To get you started on your search, we have reviewed some of the most popular bike trailer options.

My “Just the Trailers” Reviews

First up, we have several excellent options that are just bike trailers. These are bike trailers that are not convertible into another form.  But rest assured, they are excellent ones!

Burley Bee Child Trailer

The Burley Bee Child Trailer is engineered to be a top-notch bike trailer, and it delivers. It’s not hampered by trying to serve a variety of different purposes. It does just one job, and does it well.

The trailer is easy to assemble right out of the box. Once set up, easily fold it flat to store in your garage or the back of your car. The trailer even has push-button wheels for easy removal!

The tinted windows and front screen provide excellent UV and water protection. However, the fabric portions are not waterproof. A long rainy ride will get the kiddos a bit wet. A plus in warm climates, it’s a little concerning for cooler ones!

The Burley Bee doesn’t have as much padding as its D’Lite when it comes to the sitting area. The five-point harnesses keep kids secure, but not necessarily comfy. You can purchase additional padding separately. Luckily, they’ll still be easy to remove for cleaning! 

The helmet pocket does offer some additional comfort for children. With a recessed area to allow for the extra bulk, kids won’t sit at an awkward angle. The drawback is that it’s a little high for smaller ones. However, if you put a small pillow behind your child’s back, you’re still good to go. 

Since kids come with a lot of gear, the “trunk” storage space in the trailer comes in handy. It’s big enough to fit backpacks or diaper bags. Small items might get lost in the large area, so don’t just toss your phone in for the ride!

If you’re strictly looking for a bike trailer instead of a convertible, this is a real winner.

Allen Sports Deluxe Steel Child Trailer

The Allen Sports Deluxe Steel Child Trailer is very budget-friendly and an excellently made option for family biking adventures. Even with the lower price tag, you still get quite a few fantastic features. It’s easy to assemble out of the box, and you’ll be able to hook it up to your bike in no time with the universal coupler included.

The steel-frame construction is lightweight and built with full side and front windows, so there’s lots of area for your passengers to look out and see what’s going on. The foot bar is one of my favorite features. It protects the kiddo’s feet and makes it a little more comfortable if their legs are on the longer side. 

While the trailer has storage pockets both inside and out, the interior space isn’t very expansive. Bigger kids may feel a little cramped, especially if they like to bring any stuffed animals and toys along with them. 

Another thing to be aware of is that the wheels are only 16 inches. While that’s big enough to handle rough terrain, it’s significantly smaller than your bike wheels, so it will hold you back from hitting some of the faster paces.

Because of the design, the trailer also tends to pull just a little bit to the right. You can compensate for that while riding, but it’s something to consider.

Overall, this is a good, budget-friendly option for toddlers and preschoolers.

Instep Bike Trailer

There are a lot of things to love with the Instep Bicycle Trailer. It’s lightweight enough to keep you from feeling weight down while pulling it, and it provides a super smooth ride on flat surfaces.

The weather shield works well to keep rain and mud off of kiddos in inclement weather, and kids will also appreciate the bug shield on those sunny days. I love that there’s room for two, but you can also use it with only one child without messing up that trailer’s balance. 

Unfortunately, there are also some drawbacks. There isn’t enough shock absorption to ride on unpaved trails without causing some serious discomfort for your little ones.

Another important note is that this trailer is only made to be used with bikes with wheel sizes 26 or smaller. Anything larger will put the trailer at risk of tipping while turning. While there are lots of bikes with wheels in that size, you’ll definitely want to take that into consideration before purchase. 

The air-filled tires are ideal for absorbing shock and have molded rims. However, because of the rim design, the tires sometimes pop off just a little bit. While this doesn’t keep your trailer from going, it does cause severe damage to the tires. Watch out for this, unless you want to replace your tires often. 

The bottom line, this trailer is a steal if you’re planning to use it on paved trails and have a smaller bike.

Schwinn Echo Bike Trailer

A trusted name in bikes, the Schwinn Echo Bike Trailer has all the excellent trailer hallmarks for kids. The five-point harnesses keep your little ones safe and secure as they ride, and the canopy will protect them from both weather and bugs along the way.

When the weather shield is down, it can get a little stuffy inside the trailer, so there is a rear ventilation window that you can open to help with airflow if you live in a warmer climate. Regardless of whether the canopy is down, the side windows let your tagalongs look out and see what’s going on outside!

For comfort, know that there’s not much extra space back there, so bigger kids might have a tight squeeze. Without a helmet pocket, kids might also feel pushed forward and uncomfortable, but you can put a small cushion behind them to help alleviate that issue. 

While the trailer is designed for two kids, you can put just one rider in the middle. If you’re planning on using it for a double, know that the maximum weight is 80 lbs, and each seat is only meant to carry 40lbs. So if you have one big kid and one little one, the weight capacity might not be enough. 

The 20-inch wheels will help you pull the trailer’s extra weight without costing you too much speed, and the spoked rims make it easy to replace the inner tube if you have any issues. The larger tires give a smooth ride on roads, but it’s a little too bumpy on dirt trails without suspension. 

Overall, this is a reasonably priced functional bike trailer but doesn’t have some of the extra comforts.

Weehoo 2016 iGo Blast Tag-Along Trailer

The Weehoo trailer is like no other trailer on this list. Instead of having a cab-like design to contain your kids and protect them from the elements, this one gives kids more of the feel of riding their own bike. Wind and rain in the face included!

Because it’s a sleeker product, it’s incredibly lightweight and much more comfortable to pull behind than the bulkier covered cab trailers. With only one kid (and no extra gear tossed in), it’s going to be easier to haul no matter what.

Of course, this open design has its pros and cons. Kids will enjoy the feeling of being able to look around and see things clearly, without windows and mesh in their way. However, they are more likely to get cold and will get wet if it rains. 

It does seem like your child won’t be as well protected in the event of a fall as they might be in a trailer. However, it would be similar to falling off a very low bike, which is why you should always make sure your child is buckled safely in and wear their helmet!

For a family that goes on a lot of bike rides, this is a great way to include younger members and make them feel as if they’re a part of the group, as opposed to being closed off. If you were on the fence between getting a bike seat to tote along your little one or choosing a trailer because it’s lower to the ground,  this might be the compromise you need!

My Convertible Bike Trailer Options

Now it’s time for those bells and whistles. If you want to get more use out of your trailer, all of the following products convert into a stroller or jogger with just a few additional items.

Burley D’Lite Seat Trailer/Stroller

The Burley D’Lite Seat Trailer/Stroller is a premium product with high safety ratings and lots of versatility. The design comes in both one-seat or two-seat options, letting you choose what works best for your family.

From a safety standpoint, this is a great choice. The trailer has a low center of gravity to prevent rolling. A lightweight but durable frame protects your precious cargo. The trailer has been crush and drop-tested to ensure its excellent safety standards. 

The seats come with the standard five-point harness for a secure ride. To keep your child comfy, there is extra padding, including a head-rest for supported sleeping. Thankfully, the designers foresaw the need to make the pads removable and easy to wash.  

Most bike trailers are best on roads or your standard sidewalk trail, but this one gives you more options. With 20-inch wheels and a wide tread, it can handle a variety of terrains. Feel free to explore the unbeaten path!

This trailer can also convert to a stroller. The standard stroller wheel adjustment is included. If you want to use the trailer as a jogger, you’ll need to purchase the extra jogging kit. The accessory kits are a little on the pricey side but do give you some more choices.  

While the initial trailer assembly is a bit difficult, the conversions are straightforward and easy to execute. So if you’re planning to utilize this as more than a bike trailer, you won’t have to slow down much between excursions. 

If you want to invest in a multi-use product, then this one is a good bet. But make sure the options and versatility are worth the price tag for your family.

Clevr Deluxe 3 in 1 Double Bicycle Bike Trailer/Jogger/Stroller

The Clevr Deluxe 3 in 1 Double has it all. You get a double bike trailer, stroller, and jogger all in one for a very reasonable price. What more could you want?

The trailer features two 5 point harnesses for your kiddos, with pockets on each side to hold water bottles, toys, and snacks for your little passengers. It’s hard to use as a bike trailer with just one child since the leg strap isn’t centered in the middle, but it’s perfect if you have two!

With a recommended minimum age of 18 months, instead of the typical 12-month recommendation, you will need to wait a little longer to use this, but once you do, you’ll be able to go anywhere!

Thanks to the 20-inch wheels, you’ll be ready to rock no matter what path you take. If used as a stroller, the added front wheel has the option to lock or swivel, giving you a lot of flexibility when it comes to maneuvering. 

While it’s a bulky trailer, it does have the option to fold flat for transportation. You will have to remove the handlebars, safety knobs, and pins to fold it down, but you can do all of that relatively quickly and without any tools. 

The trailer hitches onto your bike effortlessly with the universal connector that keeps the bike trailer up, even if the bike tips over. However, the manufacturers do point out that you should not use this trailer on quick-release bikes. 

This trailer may not be the top of the line multi-use option from Burley; it’s a fraction of the cost and works very well.

Aosom Elite 360 Swivel 2-in-1 Trailer and Jogger

The Aosom Elite 360 Swivel is another jogger/trailer combo. A few features make this one stand out from the rest of the pack with several positive attributes.

The first is the wheel storage. The front-wheel used to convert the trailer into a jogger has a storage space on the back of the trailer, so it’s easy to bring along on your ride and then pop on to continue your adventures on foot. 

Next up is the bench seat. Unlike the sling seats many of the trailers boast; the bench is a refreshing change. It’s sturdy and keeps your kiddos in place and supported during the ride.

Initial assembly is a bit difficult, as the instructions are a little vague, but you’re good to go once it’s up and running. You can fold it flat for transportation and storage with minimal effort, but it is heavy and hard to maneuver when folded. 

When it’s set up to ride or push, the distributed weight makes it relatively lightweight and easy to move.  

As with the other trailers that only have one bar to attach to the bike, the ride can get a little choppy thanks to the pull, but it’s doable. 

Depending on your climate, the ventilation may be a bit of a drawback. The weather shield is effective and will keep your kiddos snug and dry, but there isn’t a ventilation window, so when the shield is down, it can get a bit stuffy. 

This one is a real winner for a budget-friendly convertible, especially if you live in a mild climate.

Booyah Strollers Bicycle Trailer and Stroller II

In the convertible category, the Booyah stroller is a real contender. Your kids will love the comfortable ride this offers, thanks to the neck cushions and helmet pockets. It also has a bench seat to keep them lifted and supported on their rides.

Along with large windows in the front and on the sides, there is a rear mesh window to increase the cab’s airflow when the plastic canopy is down for weather protection. 

Like the Aosom, there is a storage area on the back of the trailer for the front wheel so you can convert on the road, and I appreciate this added practical feature. 

As with most of the others, his trailer has some cons. Because of the rigid seating, the recommended age is 18 months, as opposed to 12, so you might have to wait a bit on some of your adventures. 

The Booyah trailer does fold down for storage, but not flat, making it heavy and bulky to keep in your garage, as well as challenging to put in your trunk to take to another location. If you don’t have a lot of trunk space, you’ll be limited to biking or strolling from your house. 

The hitch included isn’t a universal attachment, so you’ll want to make sure your bike is compatible, or get another hitch so that you’re ready to go when you get it. 

Overall, it’s a sturdy, well-made trailer with extra comforts for your kiddos, but you’ll need some space to accommodate it.

Thule Chariot Cheetah XT Multisport Trailer

The Thule Chariot Cheetah is a multisport trailer designed to bring your little one along on your athletic pursuits. It’s a serious trailer, with lots of convertible options.

The stroller convertible kit is included, but it’s not a jogger. That kit is available, with a large front wheel, but must be purchased separately. You can also convert the trailer onto skis with the purchase of a ski kit. This is an extra perk if you live in a colder climate with lots of snow. 

Initial assembly goes smoothly with this model, thanks to included blueprints. It truly is intuitive to put together. 

As a bike trailer, it’s made for a smooth ride for both the passenger and the biker. The wheels are spoked with inflatable tires that easily keep up with the bike, and it’s exceptionally made overall. The aerodynamic design makes pulling it much easier than some of the bulkier trailer options.  

The price tag on this one is hefty, especially when you consider that the jogger converts aren’t included, but it’s durable and will last a long time. If you’re a multisport person, it might be with the investment.

Ready to Ride

The best bike trailer is the Burley Bee Child Trailer. It comes with all the comfort features and an incredibly high safety rating. However, if you’re looking for a budget model, I suggest the Instep Bike Trailer. 

As far as convertibles go, the Burley D’Lite Trailer/Stroller gets top marks. Once again, this is top of the line both in features and price. For a convertible that is more wallet-friendly, try the Aosom Elite 360 Swivel. 

It’s never a one size fits all situation when it comes to kid equipment. If your needs are a little different, then pick the one that’s the right match for you! The open road is calling you. Get outside and get moving with the whole family.