Tag along bikes, trailer bikes, trailer cycles – no matter what you call them, these bike attachments for kids offer a unique and adventurous alternative to traditional bike trailers. Tag along bikes let kids enjoy the open air and actively participate in the ride! They are also a fantastic option for older children who have outgrown traditional bike trailers.
Bike tow bars and tow ropes provide a more DIY approach to tag along biking. By using your child’s own bike, you can attach it to your bike, helping them cover longer distances or tackle terrains that would be challenging on their own. Deciding whether a true tag along bike or a towing option is best for your family depends largely on your child’s abilities and your family’s cycling goals.
Four different bike attachments for kids are showcased: a child riding a tag-along bike attached to an adult bike, a child in a recumbent trailer cycle pulled by an adult, a child’s bike attached with a tow bar to an adult bike, and a child being towed with a tow rope by an adult, highlighting various bike attachment options for families.
8 of the Best Bike Attachments for Kids
| Bike Attachment | Why We Love It | MSRP |
|---|---|---|
| Tag Along Bikes – (Ages 4 to 9) | ||
| WeeRide Co-Pilot | Great quality on a budget | $289 |
| Burley Kazoo,Piccolo | Very stable and easy to attach | $379+ |
| Tow Bars – (Ages 3 to 7) | ||
| Trail Gator | Good for shorter rides | $109 |
| FollowMe Tandem | Stable for longer rides | $330 |
| Tow Rope – (Ages 3 to adult) | ||
| TowWhee | Best overall | $49 |
| Recumbent Trailer Cycle – (Ages 2 to 10) | ||
| Weehoo Turbo | Best option for older riders | $499 |
Which Bike Attachment is Right for Your Kids?
The best bike attachment for your kids can evolve as they grow and your family’s riding style changes. We utilize a recumbent trailer cycle for our 3-year-old, alongside a tow bar for when she wants to ride her own bike. For our older children, tow ropes are invaluable when tackling long, steep trails, whether paved or mountain bike paths.
Exploring Kids Bike Attachment Styles
Click on an option below to learn more about our top product recommendations, pros, and cons for each style of bike attachment.
OPTION 1: TAG ALONG BIKES · Top Picks · FAQ
OPTION 2: BIKE TOW BARS · Top Picks · FAQ
OPTION 3: BIKE TOW ROPES · Top Picks · FAQ
OPTION 4: RECUMBENT TRAILER CYCLE · Top Picks · FAQ
Want to see our top picks in action? Watch our video showcasing our favorite bike tag along and towing options. See our kid bike testers in action and discover what we love about each towing option on our list.
TAG ALONG BIKES
Great Quality!
A woman is biking and pulling a young boy behind her on a red WeeRide Co-Pilot tag-along bike, showcasing the tag-along bike attachment in use for family cycling.
KaZAM WeeRide Co-Pilot
$289
BEST FOR: Parents of 4 to 9-year-olds seeking a bike attachment for neighborhood rides or shorter paved adventures.
WEIGHT: 24 lb.
Pros:
- Wide age range fit thanks to adjustable seat and handlebars.
- Easy to mount, unmount, and folds for storage convenience.
- Comfortable, soft saddle.
- Includes splash guard and safety flag for added safety.
- Budget-friendly price point.
- Available in multiple colors.
Cons:
- Seat post hitch can be less stable than rack-mounted hitches like Burley.
- Adult saddle may rotate after turns.
What We Love About the WeeRide Co-Pilot
The Co-Pilot Tag Along Bike is a fantastic and affordable option for enjoyable rides around the neighborhood, school commutes, or even longer paved family outings.
Offering solid quality at a budget-friendly price, the Co-Pilot features adjustable seat height and handlebars, along with a splash guard and safety flag. It stands as a quality alternative to the more expensive Burley Piccolo or Kazoo.
Attaching to the seat post, it is expectedly more wobbly compared to the rack-attached Burley models. It also features a heavier steel frame compared to Burley’s lighter aluminum.
Best Tag Along!
A mother and son are enjoying a bike ride together on a paved path, with the son pedaling on a blue Burley Kazoo tag-along bike that is securely attached to his mother’s bike, demonstrating a stable and enjoyable bike attachment for kids.
Burley Kazoo/Piccolo
$289
BEST FOR: Ages 4 – 8. The Kazoo (single-speed) is ideal for younger riders, while the Piccolo (geared) suits older children who can handle gear shifting.
WEIGHT: 18 lb. (Kazoo)
Pros:
- Hitch allows smooth pivoting in all directions, enhancing maneuverability.
- Rack attachment provides superior stability compared to seat post mounts.
- Easy to assemble, mount, and unmount.
- Quick-release attachment to the adult bike is a standout, user-friendly design.
- Available in geared and non-geared versions.
Cons:
- The proprietary rack is not compatible with child bike seats.
What We Love About the Burley Tag Alongs
Burley products are renowned for their quality, and their trailer cycles are no exception. The Burley Piccolo and Kazoo are premium options, but a worthwhile investment for families who plan to use a trailer cycle frequently. Burley’s unique mounting system makes the Kazoo and Piccolo significantly more stable than many competitors.
Mounting to a rack rather than a seat post, we experienced minimal leaning or wobbling, especially when compared to seat post-mounted tag along bikes. This enhanced stability makes Burley trailer cycles easier to use and more enjoyable for both parent and child.
Beyond stability, the rack mount enables the Piccolo/Kazoo to pivot smoothly in all directions, easily navigating tight corners. A bonus feature is the Piccolo/Kazoo’s ability to pivot fully, allowing it to sit compactly next to the adult bike on a bike rack.
Note that Burley’s proprietary rack is not compatible with child bike seats, preventing simultaneous use.
FAQ: Tag Along Bikes
What is a Tag Along Bike?
Tag along bikes are bike attachments designed to convert an adult bike into a tandem bike for use with a child. These “half” bikes include handlebars, pedals, and a rear wheel, along with a frame that attaches to the rear of the adult bike. They may also be known as trailer cycles, trailer bikes, or trail-a-bikes, depending on the brand.
What Type of Terrain are Tag Along Bikes Best For?
Tag along bikes allow children to actively participate in pedaling while also having the option to let the adult handle all the work! Ideal for leisurely family rides on paved trails or quick trips to school, they are generally best suited for pavement but can manage occasional packed dirt paths.
What’s the Best Age for a Tag Along Bike?
To safely ride a tag along bike, children must be able to reach the pedals. Our testing indicates that the optimal age range is approximately 4 to 8 years old.
Unlike standard bikes, it’s acceptable if your child cannot reach the ground while seated on a tag along bike. The adult rider provides the necessary balance during mounting, starting, stopping, and dismounting, though children may need help getting on and off.
The seat height of the tag along is adjustable, like a regular bike. Some models also feature adjustable handlebars to accommodate growing children.
For safety and enjoyment, ensure your child is mature enough to sit steadily on the bike seat without sudden movements or abrupt dismount attempts. As children get older and heavier, they become harder to pull and contribute more to the “wobble effect,” discussed below.
Does a Tag Along Bike Need Gears?
Gears are an available feature on some tag along or trailer bikes, though geared options are limited (Burley Piccolo). As tag alongs are most often used with younger children, gears can often be too complex. For most families, gears are not essential.
However, gears can be beneficial if you plan to ride in hilly areas or on rugged terrain, provided your child is ready for the challenge. A geared tag along can also be used to teach a child about gear shifting.
What Else Do I Need to Know about Tag Along Bikes?
A common drawback of tag along bikes is the “wobble effect.” While some models perform better than others, the tandem section of the bike can wobble during rides, which is noticeable to the adult rider. While not a deal-breaker, it’s an important consideration when choosing the best bike attachment for your family.
BIKE TOW BARS
Good for Short Rides!
A five-year-old girl is happily riding her bike while being towed by her mother using a Trail Gator tow bar, demonstrating how bike tow bars facilitate family bike rides by connecting a child’s bike to an adult’s bike.
Trail-Gator
$115
BEST FOR: 12″-20″ bikes (without hand brakes) with riders weighing up to 70 pounds.
WEIGHT: 18 lb. (Kazoo – This weight likely refers to the Kazoo from the previous section and may be an error here, Trail-Gator weight should be checked)
Pros:
- Compact and easy to store, ideal for “just-in-case” scenarios.
- Child can be easily attached or detached at any point during a ride.
- Child experiences the feeling of riding independently alongside a parent.
Cons:
- Installation is straightforward but can be time-consuming.
- Not recommended for kids’ bikes with hand brakes.
- Less stable than traditional trailer cycles.
- Children might engage coaster brakes, causing drag.
What We Love About the Trail Gator
The Trail Gator is a unique alternative to traditional tag along bikes. It consists of a metal arm that connects an adult bike to a standard kid’s bike with 12″-20″ wheels.
This opens up exciting possibilities, such as towing children too small for traditional tag along bikes, or enabling rides where a child can ride independently for parts of the journey but be towed through challenging or less safe areas.
When removed, the arm is compact and easily stored. The Trail-Gator’s portability has been a lifesaver on numerous occasions with tired children nearing the end of a ride.
It’s also an excellent option if you desire both a child bike and a trailer cycle but have limited storage. However, be aware that this setup is noticeably less stable than traditional tag along bikes.
Best for Longer Rides!
A mother and daughter are pictured biking together in a park, their bikes connected by the FollowMe Tandem, showcasing a secure and stable bike attachment for longer family rides.
FollowMe Tandem
$320
BEST FOR: 12″ to 20″ bikes, suitable for both long and short paved rides.
WEIGHT: 18 lb. (Kazoo – Again, likely an error referencing Kazoo weight; FollowMe Tandem weight should be verified)
Pros:
- High-quality design and durable construction.
- Incredibly secure connection points on both bikes.
- Very smooth and stable ride.
- Compatible with a wide range of kids’ bike sizes (12″ – 20″).
- Stores on the adult bike when not in use, convenient for “just in case” scenarios.
Cons:
- More expensive compared to other tow bar options.
- Connecting mid-ride requires several steps, although still manageable.
What We Love About the Trucavelo
The FollowMe Tandem is similar to the Trail Gator in that it allows towing a child on their own bike and offers mid-ride connection and disconnection.
However, the FollowMe Tandem features a significantly higher quality design, resulting in a much more stable and smoother ride. If you plan on frequent bike towing on paved trails, investing in the FollowMe Tandem is highly recommended.
FAQ: Bike Tow Bars
What is a Bike Tow Bar?
Bike tow bars are devices that allow you to attach your child’s bike to your bike using either a bar or a robust coupler. These kits essentially transform the child’s bike into a tag along bike, keeping it upright and at a fixed distance from the adult bike.
Unlike tag along bikes, tow bars enable kids to ride their own bike during family outings. If they tire, you can simply connect them and tow them home! You can also choose to tow a child for the entire ride.
Tow bars are securely stored on the adult bike, allowing you to use them at any point during a ride.
What’s the Best Terrain for Riding with a Tow Bar?
The ideal terrain depends on the tow bar’s quality. The Trail Gator is recommended for paved roads only. The higher-end FollowMe Tandem can handle dirt trails, though it’s not designed for serious mountain biking.
What’s the Best Age for a Tow Bar?
Tow bars are best suited for young riders on 12” to 16” bikes, especially those new to pedals. They can also be used with 20” bikes but are not compatible with 24″ bikes or adult bikes.
What Else Do I Need to Know About Tow Bars?
Similar to tag along bikes, tow bars can be somewhat wobbly, although the premium FollowMe Tandem provides a very stable and smooth ride.
If you intend to tow different children with various bikes, a tag along bike might be more convenient. Tow bar mounting hardware is needed for each bike you plan to tow. For the FollowMe Tandem, the adult bike attachment might also require adjustment when switching between children’s bikes.
BIKE TOW ROPES
Best Tow Rope!
A teenager is using a TowWhee tow rope to pull a younger girl uphill on a paved trail, demonstrating the effectiveness of tow ropes for assisting children on inclines during bike rides.
TowWhee
$49 – We highly recommend purchasing the Kids Connect version, which includes a lanyard.
BEST FOR: All bike sizes from 12″ to 20″ bikes and beyond, suitable for both long and short paved rides and even mountain biking.
WEIGHT: 18 lb. (Kazoo – Another likely error, TowWhee weight is significantly less and should be checked)
Pros:
- Small and compact, easily carried for on-the-go use.
- Suitable for all ages and skill levels.
- Maintains consistent tension when in use.
- Installs in seconds.
Cons:
- When fully extended, sudden braking by the child can be startling – ensure you instruct them beforehand.
What We Love About the TowWhee
The TowWhee is the simplest and most affordable option listed, and it’s also the easiest to carry for “just-in-case” scenarios. Extending from 56″ to 180″ when fully tensioned, the TowWhee keeps your child close while still providing enough space for more independent riding.
The TowWhee is particularly ideal for mountain biking families tackling challenging terrain or climbs with young ones who lack the stamina to keep up. Instead of sticking to easy, flat trails, parents can provide that extra boost of energy when their little rider gets tired. It allows eager young riders to continue developing mountain biking skills without being discouraged by difficult climbs.
NOTE: Tow ropes are designed for uphill assistance only and should not be used on downhill or flat sections.
FAQ: Bike Tow Ropes
A child is being towed uphill on a dirt trail by their mom on a mountain bike, utilizing a Kids Ride Shotgun tow rope, illustrating tow ropes’ utility in mountain biking to assist children on uphill sections.
What is a Tow Rope?
Tow ropes connect an adult bike to the headset of a child’s bike using a thin line or bungee cord. Primarily designed for mountain biking, they help tow less confident or tired riders up steep trail sections, not for long distances or flat terrain.
What is the Best Terrain for Riding with a Tow Rope?
Tow ropes are primarily intended for mountain bike trails, but we’ve also used them for long climbs on paved roads. They should only be used on inclines.
What is the Best Age for a Tow Rope?
Unlike trailer bikes and tow bars, tow ropes require the child rider to maintain complete control of their bike while being towed. This includes maneuvering around obstacles and braking to avoid hitting the adult rider. While technically usable with any age (or even adults!) on pedal bikes, it’s more about the rider’s ability than age.
What Else Do I Need to Know About Tow Ropes?
The maximum speed with tow ropes is much lower than other bike attachments, topping out around 8 mph. They are not intended for towing over entire rides, but rather for short bursts on challenging uphill sections.
Tow ropes are not ideal for flat trail sections because it’s easy for the towed bike to run into the lead bike when it slows down or stops.
RECUMBENT TRAILER CYCLES
Best Recumbent!
A mother is pulling her 3-year-old child in a red Weehoo Turbo recumbent trailer cycle on a scenic trail, highlighting the comfort and stability of recumbent trailer cycles for young children during family bike rides.
Weehoo
$399
SUGGESTED AGE: 3 to 9 years old
BEST FOR: Families on the go, especially those riding single-track trails or paths with narrow passages.
WEIGHT: 27 lb.
Pros:
- Recumbent seat offers kids a safe, carefree, and relaxed ride.
- Quick and easy mounting, requiring only a seat post attachment.
- Height-adjustable harness with chest strap ensures a secure fit.
- Narrow footprint compared to bike trailers, preventing snagging on narrow trails.
- Single-wheel design allows smooth tracking over uneven surfaces.
Cons:
- Bike must be kept upright when loading a child.
- Low-lying seat can expose kids to dust – sunglasses are recommended (fender included to prevent rock debris).
- No suspension, which can result in a bumpy ride on rougher terrain.
- Not compatible with dropper posts.
What We Love About the Weehoo
Standard trailer cycles often sway and lack harnesses, compromising child safety in case of falls. Weehoo addresses these issues!
The Weehoo Turbo, built lower to the ground, is significantly more stable than most standard trailer cycles. It also features a wide, recumbent seat with a height-adjustable harness, ensuring kids are secure and safe.
Beyond safety, the recumbent seat allows children to relax or actively participate with optional pedals. Kids can choose to pedal or simply enjoy the ride.
While enjoyable on paved paths, the Weehoo truly excels on unpaved and single-track trails.
Compared to a bike trailer, the Weehoo’s narrow profile navigates narrow trails easily without getting caught on obstacles. Its single-wheel design also tracks smoothly over uneven surfaces, unlike two-wheeled trailers that can bounce and create an uncomfortable ride.
FAQ: Recumbent Trailer Cycles
What is a Recumbent Trailer Cycle?
While technically a tag along bike, the Weehoo brand of recumbent trailer cycles are unique. They position the child in a recumbent posture (slightly reclined), with their body lower to the ground and pedals positioned in front rather than underneath. They also include a harness, similar to standard bike trailers.
What’s the Best Terrain for Riding in a Recumbent Trailer Cycle?
The child’s lower position makes Weehoo trailer cycles more agile and the best option for families wanting to explore single-track trails with young children. With a single rear wheel, they handle rough terrain better than traditional bike trailers. They are also excellent on paved trails.
What’s the Best Age for a Recumbent Trailer Cycle?
With a high-back seat and a 3-point shoulder harness, Weehoos keep young children secure, even if they fall asleep. We’ve used the Weehoo Turbo with children as young as 2 years old!
With an 80 lbs weight capacity, some models are also a great option for older children with special needs who benefit from the security of a high-back seat and harness.
What Else Do I Need to Know About Recumbent Trailer Cycles?
Riding with a Weehoo is notably smoother than with a standard tag along bike, with minimal impact on the adult’s balance. Among all bike attachments for kids, the Weehoo is the top choice for mountain biking with toddlers.
Can you use a tag along bike with a rear rack on the adult bike?
Many kids bike attachments are incompatible with bikes that already have a rear rack due to clearance issues. The FollowMe Tandem is an exception; it can be used with a rear rack and even a child bike seat on that rack! If you have a rear cargo rack or plan to install one, ensure it’s compatible with your chosen bike attachment.
Can you transport more than one child at a time?
For transporting a younger child along with a tag along rider, a front-mounted child seat is the best option as it doesn’t interfere with the tag along bike. Tag alongs are generally incompatible with rear-mounted child seats because the child seat obstructs the connecting arm.
Two scenarios for transporting multiple children while biking: on the left, a mother is biking with a child on a trailer cycle attached to the rear and a smaller child in a child bike seat mounted at the front; on the right, a mother is biking with an older child on a trailer cycle at the rear, which is further connected to a bike trailer carrying a smaller sibling behind, illustrating different configurations for biking with multiple kids.
You might be able to attach a bicycle trailer behind the trailer cycle. However, this “road train” configuration is lengthy and harder to maneuver, requiring cautious riding on bike trails or less trafficked areas. Always check your trailer cycle’s manual first, as some explicitly advise against using bike trailers with them.
The FollowMe Tandem stands out as the only child bike attachment that allows simultaneous use of a rear child bike seat and towing a child on a pedal bike. This is because it mounts to the rear axle of the adult bike, not the seat post or rear rack.
If you need to transport two older children on trailer cycles, consider a two-seater trailer cycle like the Weehoo Turbo.
Which bike attachment for kids is best for you?
If you have younger children and are considering other options like bike trailers, child bike seats, and cargo bikes, explore our guide to the Best Bike Carriers for Kids and Babies.
