Let’s face it, traditional bike trailers can be a bit… dull. They can also feel cumbersome, wide, and challenging to maneuver, especially when you’re trying to navigate tighter spaces.
The Weehoo Bike And Trailer system offers a refreshing solution to these common issues. This innovative trailer-cycle is designed to actively engage children in the ride, allowing them to pedal along and feel part of the adventure (or comfortably nap when needed!). Its narrow profile is a significant advantage, easily fitting through doorways and even opening up possibilities for mellow off-road trails.
Our family put the Weehoo Turbo trailer-cycle through its paces for several years. Over that time, it became an indispensable part of our family biking routine, consistently drawing attention and sparking conversations wherever we went, from neighborhood streets to mountain bike trails.
The Weehoo’s distinctive recumbent design is a major contributor to its popularity. Unlike conventional trailer cycles, the Weehoo positions the child in a reclined seat where they can choose to pedal or simply relax and enjoy the scenery, or even drift off to sleep. Crucially, children are securely buckled into the seat with a harness, making the Weehoo suitable for children as young as two years old.
While there are a few minor drawbacks that we’ll discuss, our overall experience with the Weehoo was overwhelmingly positive. It proved to be an excellent investment for our family, and we wholeheartedly recommend it to parents seeking a child-hauling solution that prioritizes fun and engagement.
Weehoo Bike Trailer: Quick Verdict
The Upsides:
- Fun Factor: Makes bike rides exciting and engaging for kids.
- Age Versatility: Suitable for children aged approximately 2 to 9 years.
- Reclined Comfort: Allows children to pedal, rest, or even sleep comfortably.
- Multi-Child Options: Double models are available for hauling more than one child.
- On and Off-Road Ready: Capable on paved surfaces and mellow trails.
The Downsides:
- Road Spray Exposure: Children can be exposed to dust and mud kicked up from the bike.
- Minimal Padding: Seat padding could be improved for enhanced comfort.
- Fabric Durability: Material may show wear and tear relatively quickly.
- Storage and Transport: Can be somewhat bulky to transport and store.
Pricing & Purchase:
- Typically around $499 USD (check for current pricing)
- Available at RideWeehoo.com and other retailers.
Weehoo Bike Trailer: In-Depth Review
Engaging and Fun for Children
The Weehoo child bike trailer distinguishes itself by incorporating an enclosed drivetrain that allows children to actively participate in the bike ride by pedaling. When we first started using the Weehoo, our youngest was only two years old and primarily enjoyed observing the surroundings or taking naps in the comfortable seat. However, by the age of four, he was enthusiastically pedaling along, proudly declaring that he was “biking with dad.”
This interactive element gives the Weehoo a significant edge over traditional bike trailers and bike seats when it comes to keeping children engaged and enthusiastic about bike rides. While trailers and bike seats are practical for very young children, the Weehoo emerges as a superior option for toddlers and preschoolers, typically from around 2.5 or 3 years old, who crave a more active role.
Beyond the pedaling feature, children also appreciate the convenient side pockets on the Weehoo. Our son delighted in stashing snacks, small toys, and even “treasures” collected from the trail, like rocks for his ever-growing collection. Furthermore, the handles positioned on either side of the seat provide a secure and comfortable place for little hands, contributing to a sense of independence and control for young riders.
Safety Considerations
Initially, I had some reservations about the safety of using the Weehoo, particularly on busy city streets. However, the Weehoo’s elevated seating position and the inclusion of a safety flag at the rear enhance its visibility to motorists. Naturally, it’s always advisable to prioritize routes with lower traffic volumes and, when possible, have a second adult cyclist ride behind and to the side to provide added visibility and protection.
We found ourselves using the Weehoo more frequently for longer excursions on dedicated bike paths, trails, and quieter backcountry roads, and less often for short trips around town. For urban cycling, I added a flashing LED light to the rear pocket for increased visibility. If we were to use it regularly for daily commutes in urban environments, I would also consider adding reflective tape to further enhance safety.
A key safety advantage of the Weehoo over traditional trailer-cycles is its 5-point harness system. This securely fastens the child in the seat, preventing them from unintentionally or intentionally falling out. In the event of a fall or tip-over, the robust steel frame and secure harness are designed to protect the child.
Reinforcing the Weehoo’s safety credentials, I recall hearing a story about a parent who was involved in a collision with a car while using the Weehoo. The strong steel construction of the trailer effectively shielded the child from injury, highlighting its protective design. This leads us to a closer look at its construction…
Build Quality and Durability
The Weehoo’s frame is constructed from steel, giving it a solid and durable foundation. The overall build quality is generally good, however, some aspects, particularly the materials used for the seat and panniers, could be improved.
We observed that the fabric used for the seat and pannier bags is relatively thin and has shown considerable wear on our Weehoo. The fabric has torn in several places and accumulated significant dirt and grime over time, despite regular cleaning.
In contrast, the fabric on our Thule Chariot bike trailer, which we used extensively for nearly four years, remained in excellent condition despite off-road use and frequent transportation. Upgrading the fabric quality would be a significant improvement for Weehoo, ensuring a more durable and premium product.
Assembly and Installation Process
Upon delivery, some assembly of the Weehoo is required. The provided instructions were somewhat unclear initially (although Weehoo does offer helpful assembly videos which we later discovered would have been beneficial!). Even with the slight confusion, the assembly process only took approximately 30 minutes. Lesson learned: always check for assembly videos!
The main body of the bike trailer connects to the adult bike via a swing arm. This arm is attached to the trailer with a pin and to a mount on the adult bike’s seatpost with another pin.
The seatpost mount is straightforward to install, easily sliding onto the seatpost. Attaching the swing arm to this mount can be a little more challenging the first time. Initially, some force, even requiring a hammer, was needed to get it properly in place. However, with repeated use, this connection has become smoother and now requires no excessive force.
Transportation and Storage Considerations
When disassembled, the Weehoo can be conveniently transported in the back of a standard SUV, such as our Ford Escape. Reassembling it at our destination is quick, taking only about 5 minutes before we’re ready to ride.
For day-to-day storage, the Weehoo does occupy more space than a simple bike seat. If you have ample garage space, you can likely store it assembled in a corner.
For those with limited storage space, vertical storage is a practical solution, which is what we adopted. We detach the swing arm for storage and then hang the trailer vertically from a hook in the ceiling or on a shelf. This method effectively keeps the Weehoo out of the way when not in use.
Effortless Towing Experience
For quite some time after acquiring the Weehoo, I relied on my husband for all the towing duties. It initially appeared to be too heavy and cumbersome for me to manage.
However, once I finally mustered the courage to try towing it myself, I was pleasantly surprised. It’s actually quite easy to haul! If your child is old enough and willing to pedal along, you’ll hardly notice the added weight of the bike trailer.
If your child decides to relax or nap during the ride, you will feel the extra weight, but it’s comparable to towing a traditional child bike trailer like the Thule Chariot. It’s definitely manageable, even for smaller adults.
Ample Storage Capacity
One of the standout features of the Weehoo is its ability to carry more than just your child. This versatility made it our go-to choice for longer outings. We’ve utilized it for overnight bike camping trips and day trips, carrying our child’s bike, towels, picnic supplies, extra clothing, snacks, and more.
Our Weehoo iGo Turbo model comes equipped with two pannier bags that offer substantial storage. There’s also additional space between the seat and the rear wheel (depending on the seat position), providing opportunities to creatively strap on extra items.
For those requiring even more cargo capacity or primarily planning to use the Weehoo for extensive bicycle touring, the Venture version offers enhanced storage options.
Off-Road Cycling Adventures
As a family passionate about mountain biking, the Weehoo’s off-road capability was a major draw for us. When our son began to outgrow the iBert front-mounted bike seat, the Weehoo was the natural next step. Our Weehoo has accompanied us on countless miles of singletrack, doubletrack, and dirt roads, proving to be a reliable choice for mountain biking families.
However, it’s important to acknowledge some limitations when using the Weehoo for mountain biking. For most users who primarily ride on roads and paved bike paths, these drawbacks will likely be irrelevant.
Firstly, the Weehoo’s relatively long wheelbase can make navigating tight switchbacks challenging, although this becomes easier with practice. A more significant issue is the potential for a less-than-ideal ride experience for the child in dusty or muddy conditions. The standard fender provides minimal protection, resulting in a face full of dirt and spray. Sunglasses and wet wipes are highly recommended for off-road adventures.
Secondly, the ride quality on rougher trails can be quite bumpy for the child. We limit our off-road Weehoo use to gentler, smoother trails. We also upgraded to a more robust tire and, for longer rides like our bike camping trip, added egg-crate foam padding to the seat to improve comfort.
Adapts as Your Child Grows
Unlike some other child bike carriers, the Weehoo trailer-cycle accommodates a broad age range. A standard bike seat simply cannot accommodate both a 2-year-old and a 9-year-old!
The Weehoo’s seat easily slides forward or backward, without tools, to adjust to your child’s leg length as they grow. This adjustability makes it a worthwhile long-term investment, providing years of use as your child develops.
Resale Potential
Once your child has outgrown the Weehoo, or your family’s needs change, you can recoup some of your investment by reselling it in local classifieds or online marketplaces. Used Weehoos tend to sell quickly on platforms like Craigslist and eBay, indicating good resale value.
Double the Fun with the Weehoo Two
Beyond cargo bikes, options for transporting multiple children simultaneously are limited. The Weehoo Two addresses this with a double version that allows you to carry two children with a combined weight of up to 80 pounds. The Weehoo Two has a dedicated and enthusiastic following among families with multiple young children.
Useful Accessories to Enhance Your Weehoo
Depending on your intended usage of the Weehoo, considering some of the available accessories can be beneficial. We added the kickstand to our Weehoo, and it proved to be an invaluable addition. The kickstand provides stability when loading and unloading your child. Without it, balancing the bike and trailer while buckling in a child felt precarious.
Weehoo also offers a rain cover, which we haven’t personally used, but would likely be a wise investment, particularly for those planning to use the Weehoo for daily commuting in varied weather conditions.
Final Verdict
The Weehoo trailer-cycle is a fun, interactive, and practical solution for biking with children. Its generous storage capacity makes it particularly well-suited for weekend outings and longer trips where carrying extra gear is essential.
It’s versatile enough for bike path riding, commuting, bicycle touring, and even venturing onto gentle off-road trails. If you’re searching for a child carrier for children aged approximately 2 to 9 years, the Weehoo should definitely be high on your list of considerations.
Explore More Child Hauling Options
About Us
The Rascals are our family: Kristen (mom), Blair (dad), and Parker (kiddo). We launched Rascal Rides shortly after Parker was born because we were determined to continue our passion for biking as a family. As we learned and explored the world of family cycling, we shared our experiences. Over the years, we’ve tested hundreds of kids’ bikes, helmets, bike trailers, and various other cycling gear.
Kristen is a certified USA Cycling coach and is passionate about sharing her love of biking with other families. Blair is our resident bike enthusiast, mechanic, and mountain bike aficionado. Parker is our dedicated product tester and constant source of inspiration.
If you happen to see us out on the trail, please don’t hesitate to say hello!
