Let’s face it, when you think of bike trailers, “exciting” isn’t usually the first word that comes to mind. They can often be cumbersome, wide, and frankly, a bit of a drag, both literally and figuratively. However, the Weehoo Trailer For Bike is designed to change that perception.
The Weehoo trailer stands out by addressing the common downsides of traditional bike trailers. It’s engineered to be narrow for easy maneuvering, even in tighter spaces, and uniquely, it allows children to actively participate in the cycling experience by pedaling along. This engagement keeps them entertained and makes family bike rides more enjoyable for everyone. For those moments when little legs get tired, the Weehoo also provides a comfortable, reclined seat for resting or even napping on the go. Our family has personally used the Weehoo Turbo trailer-cycle for several years, and it has become an essential part of our biking adventures. We’ve garnered considerable attention both around town and on mountain bike trails, a testament to the Weehoo’s distinctive design and appeal.
The Weehoo’s recumbent design is a key differentiator. Unlike conventional trailer cycles, it allows children to choose between pedaling and relaxing. Children are securely buckled into a 5-point harness, making it safe for kids as young as two years old. While there are a few minor drawbacks, which we’ll discuss, our overall experience with the Weehoo trailer for bike has been overwhelmingly positive. We wholeheartedly recommend it to parents seeking a child-hauler that combines fun, practicality, and adventure.
Weehoo Trailer for Bike: Quick Review
The Upsides:
- Fun Factor: Keeps kids engaged and excited about biking.
- Age Versatility: Suitable for children aged 2 to 9 years.
- Comfort and Engagement: Reclined seating allows for pedaling or relaxation.
- Multiple Kids Option: Double models available for hauling two children.
- Versatile Terrain: Performs well on roads and off-road trails.
The Downsides:
- Road Spray Exposure: Children may experience dust and mud spray.
- Minimal Padding: Seat padding could be improved for enhanced comfort.
- Material Durability: Fabric may show wear over time.
- Transportation Challenges: Can be slightly cumbersome to transport and store.
Pricing and Purchase Information:
- MSRP: $499
- Where to Buy: RideWeehoo.com
Weehoo Trailer for Bike: A Detailed Look
Fun and Engaging Ride for Children
The Weehoo trailer for bike is designed with an enclosed drivetrain, enabling children to pedal and actively participate in the bike ride, or simply sit back and enjoy the scenery. When our youngest was just two years old, he primarily enjoyed the ride, often napping comfortably in the reclined seat. As he grew to four, he became an enthusiastic pedaler, thrilled to be “biking with dad.”
This interactive element sets the Weehoo apart from both traditional bike trailers and bike seats. While trailers and seats are suitable for very young children, the Weehoo becomes the superior choice for toddlers and preschoolers around 2.5 to 3 years old, who crave more engagement and independence during family bike rides. It transforms a passive experience into an active adventure, fostering a love for cycling from a young age.
Beyond pedaling, kids adore the convenient side pockets on the Weehoo. Our son used them to store snacks and small treasures collected on our rides, like rocks for his ever-growing collection. The handles located on each side of the seat offer a secure and comfortable place for little hands, contributing to a sense of security and control for young riders.
Safety Features of the Weehoo Trailer
Initially, we had some concerns about the safety of using a trailer for bike, specifically the Weehoo, on busy city streets. However, the Weehoo sits high enough to be easily visible to motorists, especially with the included safety flag. For added precaution, we recommend prioritizing routes with low traffic volume. When biking with two adults, having one ride slightly behind and to the side can further enhance visibility and protection.
Our family primarily used the Weehoo for longer excursions on trails and quieter backcountry roads, rather than daily commutes in urban environments. For city riding, we added a blinking rear light for increased visibility. If you plan to use the Weehoo trailer for bike more frequently for commuting, adding reflective tape would be a wise safety enhancement.
A significant safety advantage of the Weehoo over traditional trailer-cycles is its 5-point harness system. This secure harness prevents children from accidentally or intentionally falling out, a crucial feature for peace of mind. In the event of a fall, the robust steel frame and harness are designed to protect the child, essentially creating a roll cage effect. We even heard a firsthand account of a Weehoo protecting a child in a car accident, where the sturdy steel frame shielded the child from harm.
Construction and Durability
The Weehoo trailer for bike boasts a well-constructed and robust steel frame, ensuring durability and stability. However, the quality of other components, particularly the fabric, leaves room for improvement.
The material used for the seat and panniers is relatively thin and has shown significant wear and tear on our Weehoo. The fabric has ripped in several areas and tends to get quite dirty. In comparison, the fabric on our Thule Chariot trailer remained in excellent condition after four years of extensive use, including off-road adventures and frequent transport. Upgrading the fabric quality would be a valuable improvement for Weehoo to ensure a more durable and premium product.
Assembly and Bike Attachment
Upon arrival, the Weehoo trailer for bike requires some initial assembly. While the printed instructions were a bit unclear, Weehoo provides helpful assembly videos online, which we highly recommend watching. With the video guidance, assembly takes approximately 30 minutes.
The trailer body connects to the adult bike via a swing arm. A pin secures the arm to the trailer, and another pin attaches the arm to a mount on the adult bike’s seatpost. The seatpost mount is straightforward to install, easily sliding onto the seatpost. Attaching the swing arm to the mount can be slightly trickier initially. The first time, it required some force, but it has become easier with use and now requires no extra effort.
Transport and Storage Considerations
When disassembled, the Weehoo trailer for bike fits conveniently in the back of a standard SUV like our Ford Escape. Reassembling it at our destination takes about five minutes, making it reasonably portable for family outings.
For daily storage, the Weehoo does require more space than a simple bike seat. If you have ample garage space, storing it fully assembled in a corner is an option. For those with limited space, vertical storage is a space-saving solution. We detach the swing arm for storage and hang the trailer vertically from a ceiling or shelf hook. This method keeps the Weehoo out of the way and maximizes garage space.
Effortless Towing Experience
Initially, I assumed the Weehoo trailer for bike would be heavy and difficult to tow, leaving the towing duties primarily to my husband. However, once I tried it myself, I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it is to haul. If your child is old enough and willing to pedal along, you’ll hardly notice the extra weight.
Even when our child decided to relax and nap, the towing effort was comparable to a traditional trailer like the Thule Chariot. It’s definitely manageable, even for smaller adults. The weight distribution and design of the Weehoo make it surprisingly easy to pull, even with a child on board.
Ample Storage Capacity
One of the standout features of the Weehoo trailer for bike is its built-in storage capacity, making it more than just a child carrier. We often chose the Weehoo for longer outings specifically for its storage capabilities. We’ve used it on overnight bike camping trips and day trips to carry our child’s bike, picnic supplies, towels, spare clothing, snacks, and more.
Our Weehoo iGo Turbo model comes with two pannier bags, providing substantial storage space. Additionally, the space between the seat and the rear wheel (when the seat isn’t fully extended back) offers extra room for strapping on larger items. For even greater storage capacity, particularly for serious bike touring, the Weehoo Venture version offers expanded storage options.
Off-Road Riding Capabilities
As a family passionate about mountain biking, the Weehoo trailer for bike’s off-road capability was a major draw. When our son outgrew the iBert front-mounted bike seat, the Weehoo was the logical next step for continuing our trail adventures together. Our Weehoo has accompanied us on countless miles of singletrack, doubletrack, and dirt roads, proving to be a solid choice for mountain biking families.
However, there are a few considerations for off-road use. For those primarily using the trailer on paved roads and bike paths, these points will likely be irrelevant.
The Weehoo’s wheelbase is quite long, which can make navigating tight switchbacks challenging, although it becomes easier with practice. A more significant issue for off-road riding is the child’s exposure to dust and mud. On dusty or muddy trails, children are likely to get their faces quite dirty, as the stock fender offers minimal protection. We highly recommend equipping your child with sunglasses and bringing wet wipes for trailside cleanups.
Furthermore, the Weehoo provides a somewhat bumpy ride on rougher trails. We limit our off-road adventures to gentler, smoother trails when using the Weehoo. To improve comfort, we upgraded to beefier tires and even added egg-crate foam padding to the seat for longer rides, such as our bike camping trips.
Grows Along with Your Child
Unlike some other types of child bike carriers, the Weehoo trailer for bike accommodates a broad age range. A single bike seat certainly cannot accommodate both a 2-year-old and a 9-year-old! The Weehoo’s adjustable seat slides forward and backward to adapt to your child’s leg length as they grow, requiring no tools for adjustment. This adjustability makes the Weehoo a worthwhile investment, as it provides years of use from early toddlerhood to elementary school age.
Resale Value of the Weehoo
Once your child outgrows the Weehoo trailer for bike, or your family’s needs change, you can recoup some of your investment by reselling it in local classifieds. Used Weehoos tend to sell quickly on platforms like Craigslist and eBay, indicating good resale value and continued demand for these trailers.
Double Weehoo Option for Multiple Children
Beyond cargo bikes, options for hauling multiple children simultaneously are limited. The Weehoo Two trailer for bike addresses this need, allowing you to transport two children at once. The double version of the Weehoo has a dedicated following, accommodating two children weighing up to 80 pounds combined. This is a fantastic solution for families with two young children close in age.
Useful Weehoo Accessories
Depending on your intended use, Weehoo offers several useful accessories to enhance the trailer experience. We added the kickstand to our Weehoo, and it proved to be an invaluable addition. The kickstand stabilizes the trailer while loading and unloading your child, making the process much safer and easier, especially when buckling in a squirmy toddler while balancing your bike and the trailer.
Weehoo also offers a rain cover, which we haven’t personally used, but would be a practical purchase, particularly for those planning to use the Weehoo trailer for bike for daily commuting in varied weather conditions.
Final Verdict: The Weehoo Trailer for Bike
The Weehoo trailer-cycle is a fun, interactive, and practical way to enjoy bike rides with your child or children. Its ample storage space makes it ideal for weekend outings and adventures where you need to carry extra gear. It’s versatile enough for bike path riding, commuting, bike touring, and even light mountain biking. If you’re searching for a child carrier for children aged 2 to 9, the Weehoo trailer for bike should definitely be high on your list of considerations.
More Options for Hauling Your Kids
About Us: Rascal Rides Family
We are the Rascal Rides family: Kristen (mom), Blair (dad), and Parker (kiddo). Rascal Rides began when Parker was born, fueled by our desire to continue our passion for biking as a family. We learned as we went and shared our experiences along the way. Over the years, we’ve rigorously tested hundreds of kids’ bikes, helmets, bike trailers, and various other cycling gear.
Kristen is a certified USA Cycling coach and loves to share her enthusiasm for biking with other families. Blair is our resident bike geek, mechanic extraordinaire, and mountain bike enthusiast. Parker is our invaluable product tester and the inspiration behind Rascal Rides.
If you spot us on the trail, please don’t hesitate to say hello!
