The Best Bike Trailers

The best bikes trailers are very useful for transforming ordinary bikes into serious load carrying vehicles. Some of the best bike trailers are designed specifically for carrying children, featuring canopies for sunlight exposure, and many are equipped with plenty of pocket and packing room for any extra necessities.

Bikes can tow a remarkable amount of weight — loads in excess of 880 pounds (400 kilograms) have been hauled behind bikes along flat surfaces. Generally though, 300 pounds (140 kilograms) is considered the upper threshold for hauling. Even large pieces of furniture that won’t fit in a car can comfortably be pulled behind a bicycle with the right kind of trailer! Here are some the different kinds of bike trailers available:

One Wheeled Bike Trailers

For small-sized loads you can try something like a B.O.B trailer, which is a single-wheeled trailer that attached to the back of most bikes. These are practical trailers that are good for carrying light to medium-weight loads (up to 77 pounds or 35 kilograms). A single wheel reduces resistance and allows for narrower riding surfaces, so they are a popular choice for long-distance cyclists.

When overloaded, the single wheel trailer transfers too much weight to the bicycle and riding becomes unstable. Also, heavily loaded trailers can cause frame or hub damage to your bicycle due to the torsion forces transferred through pivoting hitch.

Two Wheeled Trailers

Two wheeled trailers have the potential to carry more weight because they create a more stable platform, and the weight can be distributed right over the trailer wheels, taking the burden off your bicycle. Two wheelers also utilize multi-directional pivoting hitches (since they don’t rely on the bike to keep them upright) which don’t transfer torque through to your bike frame. These trailer are often used to carry children or groceries. Here are some of the top rated two-wheel trailers:

Chariot Bike Trailers

Chariot Carriers, made in Canada, are known for their design quality and functionality. Chariot produces a wide range of single and double child trailers. They are also more expensive than most trailers — you can expect to pay $400-$800 for a Chariot trailer. What you get for this price is a trailer designed with great attention to detail.

Many parents like Chariot’s unique SideCarrier, which puts the carrier directly beside the bike, allowing for more conversation and interaction with one’s child.

You can find Chariot Bike Trailers online at Amazon.

The Classic Burley Honey Bee Bike Trailer

Burley is the most recognized name in child trailer, so much so that people refer to any child trailer as a Burley. In my experience Burley trailers, hold up well after years of use.

The Burley Honey Bee Bike Trailer has room for two kids, with a towing capacity of 100 pounds. Its five point harnesses keep kids safe while the storage pockets provide room for any extra gear. It’s equipped with two 20-inch wheels, and features a folding construction that easily collapses for convenience. There are windows with UV protection included and a safety flag is also added to alert motorists of your towing.

Users appreciate the value and the comfort for their kids, but many complained that without the extra stroller add-on they felt a bit robbed, as many other trailers included the kit with the price. However, many owners noted the ease of construction and lauded the durability of the product.

The Burley Honey Bee Bike Trailer is available at Amazon for $375.

The Transformable Schwinn Joyrider Bicycle Trailer

The Schwinn Joyrider Bicycle Trailer doubles as a stroller, allowing users to convert this best bike trailer into a regular running buggy with an included kit. There is room for extra baby gear, such as bottles and diapers, and its canopy protects your child from the harsh UV rays. This best bike trailer can hold a child up to 50 pounds, and its aluminum frame is sturdy enough to take on any bumps in the road. There is also a zippered shield that can be pulled down in case of a downpour.

Users absolutely love this best bike trailer, giving it a four star review at Amazon. They love the conversion to a regular jogging stroller, and they also appreciate the value that the comfortable seats bring. While some users note that the lap belt may be too short for their kids, it really depends on how old the child is. Many users say it’s made for very small children.

The Schwinn Joyrider Bicycle Trailer is available at Amazon for $325.

The Rustproof InStep Quick N EZ Bicycle Trailer

This best bike trailer, the InStep Quick N EZ Bicycle Trailer fits two small children comfortably, and features a zip up shield against inclement weather. It weighs a meager 28 pounds and provides plenty of space for any needed cargo. Its 16-inch wheels can handle 100 pounds of weight, and its steel frame is easily foldable for any storage needs.

Amazon users really found a lot they liked about this best bike trailer, rating it four and a half stars. Owners liked using it as both a stroller and a trailer, and while they didn’t love the seats, they found it to be quite usable and durable. Some users note that the small wheels translate into a rough ride at time.

The InStep Quick N EZ Bicycle Trailer is available at Amazon for $119.

The Lightweight Schwinn Trailblazer Double Bicycle Trailer

The Schwinn Trailblazer Double Bicycle Trailer can handle 100 pounds of weight on its 20-inch wheels. It can be transformed into a simple stroller without the need for any external tools. This best bike trailer can hold two small kids, and its aluminum frame is lightweight and resilient. It features a rapid-discharge of the wheels for easy storage. The hitch is also universal and will fit most bikes.

Users lauded this best bike trailer, noting that its inside cupholders are a great addition for kids. While some users noted that the safety strap can sometimes ride up high on smaller kids, they found that its super easy to assemble. Many users also mentioned that this trailer produces quite an even ride to their kids, giving it a four star rating at Amazon.

The Schwinn Trailblazer Double Bicycle Trailer is available at Amazon for $171.

Other Bike Trailers

There are also two-wheeled trailers available which can carry loads of 260 pounds (120 kg) or more. A company that makes heavy-duty trailer is Bikes At Work.

There are also more simplistic trailers make to smaller loads: Carry Freedom Y-Frame and Cycle Tote.