Bike trailers are a fantastic way to include toddlers and older children in your cycling adventures, offering a secure and stable means of transport. Having personally put over 40 child bike trailers to the test over the past 13 years, from leading brands like Thule and Burley to popular options from Hamax, Schwinn, InStep, and Allen, we’ve accumulated extensive experience riding, running, walking, and even skiing with them.
What distinguishes a budget-friendly $100 trailer from a premium $600 model? The answer lies in versatility and features. Some kids bike trailers are ideally suited for smooth, paved surfaces in pleasant weather. Others are built to conquer rough terrain, withstand various seasons, and even transform into strollers and joggers. Considering features like baby compatibility also impacts the price, but these additions significantly enhance comfort and adaptability.
To help you navigate the options, we’ve compiled a list of the best bike trailers for kids across different categories and price points, followed by a comprehensive buying guide.
| Bike Trailer | Why We Love It | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level: Trailer Only | ||
| Burley Bee* | Incredible quality for the price | $349+ |
| Retrospec Rover Plus | Easy to fold, modern styling | $189+ |
| Allen Sports Deluxe | Best design on a super budget | $140 |
| Entry Level: Trailer Stroller | ||
| Burley Honey Bee* | Impressive quality and ease of use | $479 |
| Allen Sports Premier | Best design on a super budget | $209 |
| Mid-Range: Multi-Sport Trailer | ||
| Burley Encore X* | Tons of cargo space | $649 |
| Hamax Outback* | Most roomy | $649+ |
| High-End: Multi-Sport Trailer | ||
| Thule Chariot Cross* | Best Overall | $1,299+ |
| Thule Chariot Lite* | Best Bang for Your Buck | $599+ |
| Burley D’Lite X* | Best for all-terrain families | $899+ |
| *ebike compatible trailer, Green Prices = Sales Price, not MSRP |
Visual learner? Check out our Kids Bike Trailer Buying Guide video below to see side by side comparisons of all the different features found on kids bike trailers, including wheel size, stroller conversions, and seat type.
If you’re new to bike trailers and need guidance, our buying guide is here to assist you! Jump to our Bicycle Trailer Buying Guide to learn everything you need to know about choosing the perfect bicycle trailer.
And if you’re also in the market for a bike to pull your new trailer, explore our 10 Best Bikes for Women page for personally tested recommendations!
Our Top Bike Trailer Picks by Price Range
Entry Level Bike Trailers – Trailer Only
For families seeking a reliable and efficient bike trailer for casual biking, entry-level trailers provide exceptional value. These budget-conscious options focus on essential performance, allowing you to maximize your spending and your family rides.
While numerous entry-level trailers are available online, especially on platforms like Amazon, we prioritize quality and ease of use. Therefore, we recommend sticking with reputable brands like Burley or Allen if you’re on a budget.
Best basic trailer!
Burley Bee
$349 (single), $379 (double)
BEST FOR: Budget-conscious families seeking a user-friendly bike trailer for regular use.
CONVERSION KITS: None
WHEEL SIZE: 20″
eBIKE Compatible: Yes (15 mph max)
STANDOUT FEATURES: UV windows, durable and smooth-pulling design, easy folding for transport.
View on Burley View on Amazon Our Review
What We Love About the Burley Bee
The Burley Bee surpasses typical budget trailers in terms of quality. Although it’s priced higher than the most basic options, its enhanced durability, ease of handling, and robust safety features make it a standout choice.
For families who plan to bike regularly, the Bee’s superior design and features greatly improve the experience for both parents and children. Its robust construction and durable polyester fabric ensure longevity, lasting through years of use and multiple children.
Available in single and double configurations, the Burley Bee is also incredibly convenient for transport, folding down quickly for easy storage in your car.
Easy to fold!
Retrospec Rover Plus
$189 (single), $219 (double)
BEST FOR: Families wanting a comfortable, user-friendly, and easily foldable trailer.
CONVERSION KITS: None
WHEEL SIZE: 16″
eBIKE Compatible: Not recommended
STANDOUT FEATURES: Ample rear storage, stylish aesthetics, helmet pocket, adjustable height straps.
View on Amazon View on Retrospec
What We Love About the Rover Plus
The Retrospec Rover Plus is an excellent choice if you prioritize easy folding and passenger comfort. It boasts a padded seat, adjustable shoulder straps, and a simple five-point harness, all within a sleek, modern design.
Equipped with 16″ tires, it’s best suited for relaxed neighborhood rides with a maximum speed of 10 mph. For faster speeds, consider the Allen Premier trailer (yellow version), whose 20″ tires increase the max speed to 15mph, which is the standard maximum for bike trailers.
Like many in its class, the Rover Plus has a weight limit of 40 lbs per seat. However, its cabin height is 6″ shorter than the Burley Bee, so taller children might outgrow it height-wise before reaching the weight limit.
Best budget!
Allen Sports Deluxe Steel Child Bike Trailer
$139
BEST FOR: Budget-conscious families seeking a simple bike trailer for local use. (Less portable for car travel to trails.)
CONVERSION KITS: None
WHEEL SIZE: 16″
eBIKE Compatible: No
STANDOUT FEATURES: High-quality features for an affordable price.
What We Love About the Allen Sports Deluxe Steel
The Allen Sports Deluxe Steel trailer is the best option under $200, offering a smoother and quieter ride than other budget brands. Its harness and padded seat are also notably more comfortable and of higher quality than trailers from InStep, Schwinn, and Retrospec.
Compared to the Allen Sports Premier Trailer Stroller, the Deluxe has smaller 16″ wheels, limiting the recommended speed to 10 mph. Its shorter cabin also makes it less suitable for older or taller children.
Entry Level Bike Trailer Strollers
The stroller conversion feature is incredibly useful for active families. If you’re biking to destinations like markets or malls, simply convert your trailer to a stroller upon arrival!
Best overall!
Burley Honey Bee
$479 (double)
BEST FOR: Families desiring the occasional stroller functionality in their bike trailer.
CONVERSION KITS: Stroller (included)
WHEEL SIZE: 20″
eBIKE Compatible: Yes (15 mph max)
STANDOUT FEATURES: Integrated stroller wheel stored on the tow arm, adjustable handlebar height, generous storage capacity.
View on Amazon View on Burley Our Review
What We Love About the Burley Honey Bee
The Honey Bee combines all the great aspects of the Bee with added stroller versatility. The stroller wheel, while basic, conveniently rotates up and out of the way when not needed. The Honey Bee’s quality, design, functionality, and ease of use are unmatched in its category. Note that the Honey Bee is exclusively available as a double trailer stroller.
Best budget!
Allen Sports Premier
$210 (double)
BEST FOR: Budget-minded families needing a decent trailer and basic stroller.
CONVERSION KITS: 3-wheel stroller on chassis (included)
WHEEL SIZE: 20″
eBIKE Compatible: No
STANDOUT FEATURES: Large 20″ wheels with metal rims, higher speed capacity than the Allen Deluxe Trailer.
What We Love About the Allen Sports Premier
The Allen Sports Premier trailer offers a spacious interior with ample headroom and a comfortably padded hammock seat. It pulls smoothly and steadily and features a user-friendly 5-point harness system, superior in quality to those found in Schwinn bike trailers and other budget models.
In comparisons with Schwinn and InStep trailers within the under $300 price range, Allen Sports trailers consistently outperform in smoothness, ease of loading/unloading, harness quality, and extended helmet pockets for enhanced child comfort.
Mid-Range Bike Trailers – Multi-Sport
For families seeking top-tier quality without the premium price of high-end features like reclining seats and adjustable suspension, mid-range bike trailers are the ideal balance. These trailers are compatible with stroller and jogger conversion kits, making them a more affordable multi-sport solution.
Best mid-range!
Burley Encore X
$649
BEST FOR: Active families needing a versatile trailer for jogging, strolling, and biking without extra frills.
CONVERSION KITS: Stroller (3-wheel included), jogger, ski
WHEEL SIZE: 20″
eBIKE Compatible: Yes (15 mph max)
STANDOUT FEATURES: Supportive bench-style seats, suspension system, sunshade, exceptionally smooth ride, abundant storage space.
View on Burley View on Amazon Our Review
What We Love About the Burley Encore X
The Burley Encore X combines high-quality components with user-friendly design, ensuring a comfortable experience for both parents and children. Its bench seat and high-quality harness make securing kids easy, and the Encore X is Burley’s most affordable trailer with suspension.
UV windows and a sunshade offer protection from sun exposure, while a thoughtfully designed mesh cup holder provides easy access to drinks and snacks. These details contribute to an exceptional child bike trailer at a reasonable price. Like the premium Burley D’Lite X, the Encore X’s seat folds down, converting it into a bike wagon for cargo.
Most roomy!
Hamax Outback
$699 (single), $749 (double)
BEST FOR: Families prioritizing an easy-to-use trailer that excels as a stroller, especially for taller children due to its extra headroom.
CONVERSION KITS: Stroller (3-wheel included), jogger, ski
WHEEL SIZE: 20″
eBIKE Compatible: Yes (15 mph max)
STANDOUT FEATURES: Tall interior cabin, rubber floor mat, modern European style, thick cushioning tires.
View on Hamax View on Amazon Our Review
What We Love About the Hamax Outback
The Hamax Outback stands out with its sleek, modern design and surprising agility, making it the “SUV” of bike trailers. Offering the most headroom in its class, along with adjustable suspension, extra-thick tires, plush interior, and supportive seats, it delivers exceptional passenger comfort.
While not as smooth as Burley or Thule in trailer mode (it’s also heavier), it excels as a stroller. The Outback also features excellent ventilation and a top peek-through window.
High-End Bike Trailers – Multi-Sport
These represent the pinnacle of bike trailers, offering comprehensive features and exceptional performance across all activities. From adjustable sunshades and reclining seats to UV windows and conversion kits, high-end trailers are the most durable and well-engineered options available.
These are not only the best trailers but also the best bike trailer strollers and joggers, designed for years of reliable use.
Multi-sport trailers in this category are also frequently used for more adventurous activities like bike packing, snow fat biking, and cross-country skiing.
Best overall!
Thule Chariot Cross 2
$1,199
BEST FOR: Active families with babies and young toddlers seeking a stroller and jogger that perform equally well as a trailer. Also our top pick for ski trailers (single model only!).
CONVERSION KITS: Stroller (included), jogger, ski
WHEEL SIZE: 20″
eBIKE Compatible: Yes (15 mph max)
STANDOUT FEATURES: Reclining seats, plush cushioning, adjustable suspension, top view window, infant sling compatibility for stroller mode, industry-leading weather covers.
View on Amazon View on REI Our Review
What We Love About the Chariot Cross
The newly updated Thule Chariot Cross 2 is the premier bike trailer, delivering unmatched quality and handling. Features like an upgraded hitch, adjustable suspension, true reclining seats, optional infant sling, durable fabric, superior adjustable sunshade and rain cover, and ample interior height make the Cross truly the best.
The Cross includes onboard storage for stroller and jogger kits for easy transitions on the go, without compromising storage space. For enhanced stopping power in jogging mode, the Thule Chariot Cross is uniquely equipped with a rear-wheel hand brake upgrade.
Considering the Thule Chariot Sport or Lite? The Lite is a more budget-friendly, slightly simplified version of the Cross. Our comparison review of the Thule Chariot Cross vs. Thule Chariot Lite details all their differences.
The Thule Chariot Sport offers premium upgrades not essential for most families: (1) Removable side panels for extra ventilation, (2) Disc brakes on rear wheels (primarily beneficial with the jogging kit), (3) Extra-padded seats.
Best all-terrain!
Burley D’Lite X
$899 (single), $999 (double)
BEST FOR: Families seeking top-tier performance for jogging, strolling, and biking on and off paved paths.
CONVERSION KITS: Stroller (3-wheel included, 4-wheel available), jogger, ski, fat tire kit
WHEEL SIZE: 20″
eBIKE Compatible: Yes (15 mph max)
STANDOUT FEATURES: Waterproof zipper, all-terrain tires, reclining seats, adjustable suspension, single stroller wheel tucks away neatly.
View on Burley View on Amazon Our Review
What We Love About the Burley D’Lite X
The double-capacity Burley D’Lite X prioritizes comfort and comes standard with features like independently reclining seats, premium seat pads, adjustable suspension, full-length tinted windows, aggressive-tread 20″ tires, and easy-to-use quick receivers for stroller transitions.
With wider, more aggressive tires than the Cross, the D’Lite X is better suited for off-pavement adventures. Burley also offers a 16″ fat tire kit for backcountry excursions. Its versatile seats fold down to convert it into a cargo trailer or bike wagon.
We also appreciate Burley’s commitment to sustainability; as of spring 2023, 55% of the Burley D’Lite X’s soft goods are made from recycled materials, primarily recycled plastic water bottles!
How to Choose the Best Kids Bike Trailer
Whether you plan to use your bike trailer solely for biking or also for strolling and jogging, consider these 15 key criteria to find the best trailer for your family: 1) trailer type, 2) budget, 3) use with infants, 4) single or double, 5) weight capacity, 6) seat type, 7) wheels, 8) external covers & venting, 9) suspension, 10) storage, 11) stroller wheel attachments, 12) stroller brakes, 13) adjustable handlebars, 14) folding, 15) hitch style.
1. Trailer Type – How do you plan on using it: Bike, Stroller, Jogger, Ski?
Beyond standard bike trailers, many models offer conversions to 3 or 4-wheeled strollers, joggers, and even ski trailers. There are three main trailer categories:
- Multi-Sport (Bike, stroll, jog, ski)
- Trailer + Stroller
- Trailer Only
The ideal bike trailer aligns with your intended activities. Multi-sport trailers with stroller and jogger upgrades are perfect for active families. Others may prefer dedicated bike trailers and separate strollers/joggers.
Define your activity needs before researching to ensure you choose a trailer that fits your lifestyle.
If you’re unsure if a bike trailer is right for you, explore our list of 8 different styles of bike carriers for babies and kids.
2. Budget – Good, Better, Best Bike Trailer
Bike trailer prices range from around $100 to over $1,000. Generally, price reflects quality and performance. Higher-end trailers offer more features and a smoother ride for both parent and child, but are more expensive.
Lower-end trailers are adequate for paved surfaces but lack safety and comfort features found in mid-range and high-end options. Top brands include Thule Chariot and Burley, with Hamax and Wike also offering excellent choices.
The best trailers are easier to pull, more comfortable for children, offer upgrades like hand brakes and drink consoles, and convert to strollers or joggers. Similar to car features, only top-tier bike trailers provide top-tier features.
Advantages of Buying a More Expensive Bike Trailer
Trailers from brands like Thule, Burley, or Hamax are significantly superior to most others, justifying their higher price. With trailers, you truly get what you pay for. Frequent use warrants investing as much as possible.
If budget-constrained, prioritize a pull-behind bike trailer with 20″ wheels and metal rims. Many budget trailers use inferior 16″ wheels with plastic rims, resulting in a bumpier ride.
16″ Wheels with Plastic Rims vs. 20″ Wheels with Metal Rims
3. Baby Bike Trailer Inserts and Restrictions
It is not safe to pull a baby in a bike trailer until they are 1 year old. However, trailers can be used for strolling with infants as young as 6 weeks when equipped with a baby insert for proper head and neck support.
These inserts are typically used until the baby is at least 6 months old, or longer.
The baby insert in the Thule Chariot Cross is highly recommended for enabling activity with young infants. Burley’s Baby Insert is comparable but prevents trailer folding when installed. The Burley Baby Snuggler allows folding but offers less support and is recommended from 3 months onward.
Not all trailers offer baby insert upgrades. Thule, Burley, and Hamax trailer/strollers are ideal if you plan to stroll with a young infant.
Learn more about the benefits of the Thule infant sling for new mothers!
4. Single Bike Trailer or Double Bike Trailer
Choose a single bike trailer if you primarily transport one child. They are narrower and lighter, making them easier to pull.
Double bike trailers are better for growing families or those needing extra space for a friend or cargo. Note that most double trailers lack a center buckle, requiring a single child to sit on the right side, which can feel less spacious. Single trailers offer more personal space for one child.
Internal Cabin Dimensions
Trailer cabin dimensions vary significantly. A few inches difference can greatly impact headroom and shoulder room, especially for older or taller children.
The Burley Bee is notably tall, while the Schwinn Trailblazer is shorter. Burley D’Lite X models have bowed sides for extra shoulder space. WIKE trailers are larger overall, accommodating older children, including those with special needs.
Compare shoulder space and sitting height to ensure your chosen trailer will comfortably fit your child as they grow.
5. Trailer Weight Capacity
Manufacturer-stated weight capacities can be misleading. Most single trailers list 75 lbs, and doubles 100 lbs, including children and cargo. Lower-end trailers may have lower limits.
However, these figures include both children and cargo, and safety ratings specify maximum child weight limits. For instance, the Burley D’Lite single has a 75 lbs total capacity but a 40 lbs maximum child weight. The Burley D’Lite X double has a 100 lbs capacity with an 80 lbs combined child weight limit.
These specific child weight limits are usually in user manuals. Never assume the manufacturer’s website limit is solely for child weight.
6. Seat Type – Hammock vs. Bench Seats
Hammock Seats: Budget trailers typically use “hammock-style” seats—fabric stretched across the frame. These seats often sag and offer minimal support.
Bench Seats: High-end trailers feature padded bench seats that prevent sagging. These supportive seats are more comfortable and provide better legroom, making loading and unloading easier as the bench supports the child’s weight.
7. Wheels & Maximum Speeds
Bike trailers come with 16″ or 20″ wheels. 20″ wheels are a worthwhile upgrade as they absorb road bumps better than 16″ tires, resulting in a smoother ride. 16″-wheeled trailers often have plastic rims to reduce costs, which are prone to damage.
20″ wheels on metal rims offer superior performance and are available across price ranges. 20″-wheeled trailers generally have a 15 mph maximum speed, while 16″ wheels are limited to 10 mph.
8. External Covers – Protection from the Elements
Rain Covers
While avoiding rain is ideal, weather protection is important. Most bike trailers have a built-in, roll-up rain cover. Lower-end models use elastic bands, while mid- and high-end models use zippers.
Burley trailers, based in rainy Oregon, offer excellent weather protection with zippered rain covers on their Encore X, D’Lite X, and Cub X models. The Bee and Honey Bee use simpler Velcro systems.
Thule’s lower- and mid-range Coaster, Cadence, and Cheetah XT models use Velcro rain covers, while high-end Lite and Cross models have fully removable rain covers secured by elastic bands. Thule’s removable cover provides comprehensive rain, wind, and cold protection.
Canopy/Sunshade
High-end trailers include sunshades to shield children from harsh sunlight. Burley’s sunshade system is integrated and slides up and down on D’Lite X and Cub X models, but is fixed on the Encore X.
The Thule Chariot’s high-end sunshade snaps on/off and slides along the front rails. It’s longer and considered the best sunshade, a significant advantage of the Thule Chariot Cross or Lite.
Windows
All trailer side windows are plastic. UV-blocking windows are standard on Burley and Thule trailers but not on entry-level models like Allen or InStep.
9. Suspension – Do you need it?
Suspension significantly impacts ride comfort. For smooth pavement, it’s less crucial. But for varied terrain, it’s a game-changer.
Various suspension systems exist, with little performance difference observed. Adjustable suspension is found on Burley D’Lite X, Cub X, Thule Chariot Cross, and Hamax Outback, ideal for families with very light or heavy children.
For average families with average-weight children, non-adjustable suspension on Thule Chariot Lite and Burley Encore X models is usually sufficient.
10. Storage – How much do you need to carry?
Storage needs are personal. More storage is generally better, accommodating scooters, helmets, lunches, and jackets.
Trailer shape affects storage. Burley’s spacious, flat-bottomed storage is larger than most, great for carrying larger items. Burley X model seats fold down, converting the trailer to a cargo wagon.
Thule Chariot Lite and Cross storage is smaller but the trailer is less bulky.
Handlebar consoles offer convenient storage for water, keys, and phones in stroller/jogger mode. Burley and Thule offer these as upgrades. Thule’s console is frame-mounted, while Burley’s moves with the handlebar.
11. Stroller Wheel Attachments
Trailers are versatile beyond biking. Strolling is a popular use. Stroller wheel types vary widely. If strolling is important, choose a trailer with your preferred stroller conversion.
(1) Tow Arm Swivel Wheel
A small swivel wheel attaches to the tow arm, flipping up for biking and down for strolling. The arm extends about 1.5 feet past the trailer, less ideal for crowded areas. Examples: InStep Sierra Double, Burley Honey Bee.
Basic quality on budget trailers like InStep or Schwinn, but smooth on higher-end models. Standard on Burley stroller-convertible trailers.
(2) Attached Single Swivel Wheel
Similar to tow arm swivel, but attached to the trailer body. Smooth pushing, but less maneuverable than four wheels on uneven surfaces.
(3) Dual Swivel Bike Stroller Wheels
The most functional stroller type. Two small wheels attach under the trailer front, offering easy steering and maneuverability. Standard on Thule Chariot models, and a Burley multi-sport upgrade.
(4) Jogging Kit
Jogging wheels are fixed for straight tracking while running, and are at least 10″ and pneumatic for smooth rolling.
Turning a jogging trailer requires tilting it onto its rear wheels and pivoting. All multi-sport trailers offer a jogging wheel option, like Thule Chariot Cross and Burley Encore X.
12. Bike Trailer Stroller Brakes
Trailers with stroller options must have a parking brake. Brake types range from simple straps to handlebar hand brakes. Brakes are crucial for stroller/jogger use, especially on hills.
Foot Brake
Like stroller brakes, foot brakes lock rear tires. They don’t slow the trailer, only park it. Found on all price ranges, foot brake designs vary.
Hand Brake
Hand brakes slow down, not stop, the trailer. Essential for joggers and stroller use on hills. The most universal hand brake is a Thule Chariot upgrade for stroller and jogging modes. The Hamax Outback jogging kit uniquely includes a front-wheel hand brake, but only for jogging mode.
13. Adjustable Handlebars
Adjustable stroller handlebars greatly improve stroller/jogger usability. Most trailers offer at least two heights by flipping and reattaching the handlebar.
The best bike trailers, including all Burley strollers, Thule Chariot Cross and Lite, and Hamax Outback, feature swiveling handlebars with multiple heights, ideal for families with height differences. Swivel handlebars adjust quickly, while dual-height systems are slower and less precise.
14. Folding Frame – How small does it get?
Easy folding is crucial for trailer usability and transport. Folded dimensions determine car compatibility.
For example, a Thule Cross Single requires folding down a Honda Pilot’s back seat, limiting passenger space.
Most kids’ bike trailers fold somewhat for easier transport.
15. Hitch
Hitch design affects ride smoothness. Standard hitches are used by InStep, Schwinn, Allen Sports.
High-end brands (Thule, Burley) use unique, precise designs for less trailer “give” and smoother rides. All US-sold hitches flex to allow bike tilting while keeping the trailer upright for loading/unloading.
Related Child Bike Trailer Articles
Burley vs. Thule Chariot Comparison Guide – A comparison guide to help you choose between these top brands.
International Bike Fund – Child Bike Seats vs. Trailers for Infants: A discussion on bike seat vs. trailer safety for infants by a non-profit biking group.
