Bike trailers, let’s face it, often get a bad rap. They can be cumbersome, wide, and frankly, not the most exciting addition to your family cycling adventures. But what if there was a bike trailer that changed the game? Enter the Bike Trailer Weehoo.
The Weehoo trailer is designed to tackle the common complaints about traditional bike trailers head-on. It’s engineered to be narrow and maneuverable, even on tighter paths. More than that, it actively engages your child in the biking experience. Instead of just being a passive passenger, your little one can pedal along, becoming a real part of the ride, or simply relax and enjoy the scenery – even taking a nap if the journey calls for it!
Our family put the Weehoo Turbo trailer-cycle to the test for several years. Over that time, it transitioned from a new gadget to an essential element of our family bike rides. Whether we were cruising around town or exploring mountain bike trails, the Weehoo consistently turned heads and sparked conversations. Its unique design is a definite conversation starter.
What makes the Weehoo so attention-grabbing? It’s the recumbent design, setting it apart from typical trailer cycles. This design allows children to pedal comfortably or recline and rest. Crucially, children are securely buckled in, making the Weehoo suitable for kids as young as two years old.
While there are a couple of minor drawbacks to consider, which we’ll discuss, our overall experience with the Weehoo was overwhelmingly positive. It was a fantastic investment for our family, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to any parent in the market for a top-notch child-hauling solution.
Weehoo Bike Trailer: Quick Pros & Cons
The Upsides:
- Seriously Fun Factor: Keeps kids engaged and excited about biking.
- Age Versatility: Suitable for children aged 2 to 9 years old.
- Pedal or Relax: Recumbent seat allows kids to pedal or rest comfortably.
- Double the Fun: Double models available for hauling two children.
- On and Off-Road Ready: Versatile enough for various terrains.
Things to Consider:
- Dust and Spray: Child can be exposed to road dust or mud.
- Minimal Padding: Seat padding could be improved for longer rides.
- Material Wear: Fabric durability could be better.
- Transport and Storage: Can be a bit bulky to transport and store.
Pricing & Purchase:
- Around $499 (List Price)
- Available at: RideWeehoo.com
Weehoo Trailer-Cycle: A Deep Dive Review
Let’s delve into the specifics of what makes the Weehoo bike trailer stand out.
Engaging and Fun for Your Child
The Weehoo trailer features an enclosed drivetrain, enabling children to pedal along actively. When our son, P, first started using the Weehoo at just 2 years old, he mostly enjoyed the ride, taking in the sights or even dozing off. However, by the time he turned 4, he was pedaling regularly and enthusiastically, thrilled to be “biking with dad.”
This interactive element is where the Weehoo truly shines compared to both traditional bike trailers and bike seats. While trailers and bike seats are perfectly functional for very young children, the Weehoo becomes the superior choice as kids reach 2.5 or 3 years old. It keeps them engaged and fosters a love for bike rides.
Beyond pedaling, kids adore the convenient side pockets on the Weehoo. Our son used them as personal treasure chests, stashing snacks and trail finds like rocks. The handles on either side of the seat provide a secure and comfortable grip, making younger riders feel secure and in control.
Safety First Design
Initially, I had some reservations about the safety of using the Weehoo on busy streets. However, the trailer sits high enough to be visible, and the included safety flag enhances visibility further. Of course, prioritizing low-traffic roads is always recommended. When riding with two adults, having one parent positioned slightly behind and to the side can provide an extra layer of visibility and protection.
Our family primarily used the Weehoo for longer excursions on trails and quieter backcountry roads, reserving it less for everyday commuting in urban environments. For city riding, adding a flashing light to the rear pocket is a smart safety enhancement. For regular commuting, reflective tape would further improve visibility, especially in lower light conditions.
A key safety feature of the Weehoo, unlike traditional trailer-cycles where children are unrestrained, is the 5-point harness system. This securely holds the child in place, preventing accidental falls. In the event of a fall, the robust steel frame and harness are designed to protect the child.
Reinforcing its safety reputation, I once heard a story about a father and child in a Weehoo being struck by a car. The Weehoo’s strong steel construction reportedly shielded the child from harm, highlighting its protective design.
Robust Construction, Some Material Considerations
The Weehoo’s frame is constructed from steel, giving it a solid and durable feel. However, the fabric and material components are areas where there’s room for improvement.
The fabric on the seat and panniers on our Weehoo has shown considerable wear and tear. It has ripped in several spots and accumulated significant dirt and grime over time.
In contrast, the fabric on our Thule Chariot trailer remained in excellent condition after four years of heavy use, including off-road adventures and travel. Upgrading the fabric quality would be a valuable improvement for Weehoo to ensure a longer-lasting, high-quality product.
Assembly and Bike Attachment
Assembling the Weehoo upon arrival does require some initial setup. The included instructions can be a bit unclear. However, Weehoo provides helpful assembly videos online, which are highly recommended. With the videos, assembly takes around 30 minutes. Lesson learned: watch the assembly videos first!
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’s seatpost.
The seatpost mount is straightforward to install, sliding easily onto the seatpost. Attaching the swing arm to the mount can be a bit more challenging initially. The first time, some force (a hammer was used) might be needed to get it properly in place. Over time, this connection becomes easier, and brute force is no longer necessary.
Transport and Storage Solutions
When disassembled, the Weehoo fits comfortably in the back of a standard SUV like a Ford Escape. Reassembly at your destination is quick, taking only about 5 minutes to get ride-ready.
For day-to-day storage, the Weehoo does occupy more space than a simple bike seat. If you have ample garage space, simply tucking it into a corner might suffice.
For those with limited space, vertical storage is a space-saving option. We remove the swing arm for storage and hang the trailer from a ceiling or shelf hook. This keeps the Weehoo out of the way and maximizes space.
Surprisingly Easy to Pull
For a while after getting the Weehoo, I always defaulted to my husband for towing duties. It initially looked quite heavy to manage.
However, once I finally tried towing it myself, I was pleasantly surprised. It’s not difficult to pull at all! If your child is old enough and willing to pedal along, you’ll barely notice the added weight.
Even if your child decides to relax or nap, the weight is comparable to a traditional child bike trailer like the Thule Chariot. It’s 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 makes it ideal for longer outings. We’ve used it on overnight bike camping trips and day trips, carrying our son’s bike, towels, picnic supplies, extra clothes, snacks, and more.
Our standard iGo Turbo model provides good storage with two pannier bags. There’s also space between the seat and the rear wheel (depending on seat position) for creatively strapping on additional items.
For even greater storage capacity, especially for dedicated bicycle touring, the Venture version of the Weehoo is worth considering. It offers significantly more space for gear.
Off-Road Adventures with the Weehoo
As a family passionate about mountain biking, the Weehoo’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. Our Weehoo has tackled countless miles of singletrack, doubletrack, and dirt roads, proving itself as a solid choice for mountain biking families.
However, there are a few considerations for off-road use. For riders primarily using the trailer on roads and paved bike paths, these are unlikely to be concerns.
The longer wheelbase 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. The included fender offers minimal protection. Sunglasses and wet wipes are essential for keeping your child comfortable and clean on dusty or muddy trails.
Furthermore, the ride quality off-road can be quite bumpy. We recommend sticking to gentler, smoother trails. Upgrading to a more robust tire can help, and for longer rides, adding extra padding like egg-carton foam to the seat can improve comfort.
Grows Along with Your Child
Unlike some other child bike carriers, the Weehoo trailer-cycle accommodates a broad age range. A standard bike seat simply can’t carry 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.
Good Resale Potential
Once your child outgrows the Weehoo, you can recoup some of your investment through resale. Used Weehoos tend to sell quickly on platforms like Craigslist and eBay, indicating good resale value.
Double the Kids, Double the Fun with the Weehoo Two
Beyond cargo bikes, options for hauling multiple children are limited. The Weehoo Two solves this problem, allowing you to carry two children simultaneously. The double version has a dedicated following and can accommodate two children weighing up to 80 pounds combined.
Practical Accessories Enhance the Experience
Depending on your intended Weehoo usage, certain accessories can be valuable additions. We added the kickstand to our Weehoo, and it proved to be incredibly useful. The kickstand stabilizes the trailer for loading and unloading your child. Without it, buckling in our son while balancing the bike and trailer felt precarious.
Weehoo also offers a rain cover, which we haven’t personally used but would be a wise purchase, especially for regular commuters, to protect your child from rain and wind.
Final Verdict: The Weehoo Bike Trailer – A Top Choice
The Weehoo trailer-cycle is a fun, engaging, and practical way to enjoy bike rides with your child or children. With ample storage, it’s particularly well-suited for weekend outings where you need to carry extra gear.
Its versatility extends to bike paths, commuting, bicycle touring, and even gentle mountain biking. If you’re searching for a child carrier for children aged 2 to 9, the Weehoo should definitely be high on your list.
Explore More Child Hauling Options
About Us: Rascal Rides Family
We are the Rascals: 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 share our experiences and knowledge gained along the way. Over the years, we’ve rigorously tested hundreds of kids’ bikes, helmets, bike trailers, and other cycling gear.
Kristen is a certified USA Cycling coach, passionate about sharing her love of biking with families. Blair is our resident bike geek, mechanic, and mountain bike enthusiast. Parker is our invaluable product tester and constant source of inspiration.
If you spot us on the trail, please say hello!
