Let’s face it, traditional bike trailers can be a bit of a drag, both literally and figuratively. They’re often bulky, cumbersome to maneuver, and let’s be honest, not the most exciting experience for the child passenger.
Enter the Weehoo trailer-cycle, a refreshing alternative that tackles these very issues. This innovative design allows children to actively participate in the ride by pedaling, keeping them engaged and entertained (or offering a comfy spot for a nap when needed!). Its narrow profile is a game-changer, allowing you to navigate tight spaces and even venture onto gentle bike trails.
Our family put the Weehoo Turbo trailer-cycle to the test for several years, and it quickly became an indispensable part of our biking adventures. Whether cruising around town or exploring mountain bike trails, the Weehoo consistently turned heads and sparked conversations thanks to its unique and eye-catching design.
The Weehoo’s recumbent design sets it apart from typical trailer cycles. Unlike others where children are simply passengers, the Weehoo allows them to recline comfortably and pedal along or simply relax and enjoy the scenery – even drift off to sleep! Safety is paramount, and the secure 5-point harness ensures even toddlers as young as 2 years old can safely enjoy the ride.
While there are a few minor drawbacks (which we’ll discuss later), our overall experience with the Weehoo was overwhelmingly positive. It was a fantastic investment for our family, and we enthusiastically recommend it to parents seeking a fun and functional child-hauling solution.
Weehoo Bike Trailer: Quick Verdict
The Good:
- Seriously FUN for kids!
- Accommodates a broad age range (2-9 years).
- Recumbent seating lets kids pedal or relax.
- Double model available for multiple children.
- Versatile for both on-road and off-road adventures.
The Not-So-Good:
- Child can get splashed with road debris.
- Seat padding could be improved.
- Fabric durability could be better.
- Can be a bit awkward to transport and store.
Price & Where to Buy:
- Around $499 MSRP
- Available at: RideWeehoo.com
Weehoo Trailer-Cycle: A Detailed Look
Fun Factor: Keeping Kids Engaged on the Bike Trailer
The Weehoo’s enclosed drivetrain is a game-changer, allowing children to actively pedal and feel like they’re part of the cycling experience. When our youngest, P, first rode in the Weehoo at just 2 years old, he mostly enjoyed the ride and often napped. But by age 4, he was enthusiastically pedaling alongside us, proudly declaring he was “biking with dad!”
This interactive element is where the Weehoo truly shines, surpassing both traditional bike trailers and bike seats in keeping children engaged and excited about bike rides. While trailers and seats are suitable for very young children, the Weehoo becomes the superior choice as kids reach 2.5 or 3 years old, offering them a more active and enjoyable experience.
Beyond pedaling, kids adore the convenient side pockets on the Weehoo. Our son used them to stash snacks, little treasures found on trails (rocks were a favorite!), and anything else he deemed important. The handles located on either side of the seat provide a secure and comfortable grip, making young riders feel secure and in control.
Safety First: Riding with a Bike Trailer on Roads and Trails
Initially, I had some concerns about the safety of using a bike trailer like the Weehoo on busy streets. However, the Weehoo sits high enough to be easily visible, and the included safety flag further enhances visibility for cars. Of course, prioritizing low-traffic roads is always recommended, and when riding with two adults, having one ride slightly behind to increase visibility and protection is a good practice.
We found ourselves using the Weehoo most often for longer excursions on trails or quiet backcountry roads, and less frequently for quick trips around town. For urban riding, I added a flashing rear light to the back pocket for extra visibility. If we were to use it more regularly for daily commuting, adding reflective tape would be a wise safety enhancement.
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 the seat, preventing accidental falls and offering peace of mind. In the event of a fall, the child is protected by the robust steel frame and securely held by the harness.
I even heard a story about a father and child on a Weehoo being struck by a car. The Weehoo’s strong steel frame reportedly protected the child, highlighting its robust construction and safety design. This brings us to our next point…
Built to Last? Weehoo Trailer Construction and Durability
The Weehoo’s frame is constructed from steel, giving it a solid and sturdy feel. However, some aspects of the construction, particularly the fabric components, left a little to be desired in terms of long-term durability.
The material used for the seat and pannier bags is noticeably thin and showed wear and tear on our Weehoo after consistent use. The fabric ripped in several areas and became quite dirty over time.
In contrast, the fabric on our Thule Chariot trailer, used for a similar duration and even taken off-road and on numerous trips, still looked almost brand new. Upgrading the fabric to a more durable material would be a significant improvement for Weehoo, ensuring a higher-quality product that withstands the rigors of family adventures.
Assembly and Hitching Up Your Bike Trailer
Assembling the Weehoo upon arrival requires some initial setup. While the printed instructions were a bit unclear (Weehoo’s assembly videos, which we later discovered, would have been helpful!), it only took about 30 minutes to put everything together. Lesson learned: check for online assembly videos!
The main 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 installed 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 was a bit more challenging initially. My husband even had to use a hammer to get it properly in place the first time. However, with use, this connection became easier, and no excessive force is now needed.
Transporting and Storing Your Bike Trailer
When disassembled, the Weehoo is surprisingly compact and fits easily in the back of our Ford Escape SUV. Reassembling it at our destination takes only about 5 minutes, getting us ready to ride quickly.
For day-to-day storage, the Weehoo does require more space than a simple bike seat. If you have ample garage space, simply tucking it into a corner is convenient.
For those with limited storage, vertical storage is a space-saving solution we adopted. We detach the swing arm for storage and hang the trailer vertically from a ceiling or shelf hook. This method effectively keeps the Weehoo out of the way and maximizes space.
Surprisingly Easy to Pull: Even for Smaller Riders
Initially, I assumed the Weehoo would be too heavy for me to pull, leaving the towing duties to my husband.
However, once I finally tried it myself, I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it is to haul! If your child is old enough and willing to pedal along, you barely notice the added weight of the bike trailer.
If your child decides to relax and take a nap, you’ll definitely feel the extra weight, but it’s comparable to pulling a traditional trailer like the Thule Chariot. It’s absolutely manageable, even for smaller adults.
Ample Storage: More Than Just a Child Carrier
One of the standout features of the Weehoo is its ability to carry more than just your child. We frequently chose the Weehoo for longer outings specifically for its storage capacity. We’ve used it on overnight bike camping trips and day trips, hauling our child’s bike, towels, picnic supplies, extra clothes, snacks, and more.
Our Weehoo iGo Turbo model comes with two pannier bags offering substantial storage space. Additionally, the space between the seat and the rear wheel (if the seat isn’t pushed all the way back) allows for creative strapping of larger items.
For even greater storage capacity, or if you primarily plan to use the Weehoo for bicycle touring, the Venture version is worth considering. It offers even more space for gear.
Taking the Bike Trailer Off-Road: Trail-Ready Family Adventures
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 natural next step. Our Weehoo has tackled countless miles of singletrack, doubletrack, and dirt roads, proving itself as a solid choice for adventurous mountain biking families.
However, there are a few considerations when using the Weehoo for mountain biking. It’s important to note that these are primarily relevant for off-road use and won’t be issues for most users sticking to roads and paved bike paths.
The longer wheelbase can make navigating tight switchbacks a bit tricky, although it becomes manageable with practice. A more significant issue is the ride quality for your child in dusty or muddy conditions. They are likely to get quite dirty as the stock fender provides limited protection. Sunglasses and wet wipes are essential accessories for off-road adventures.
Additionally, the ride can be somewhat bumpy on rougher trails. We limit our off-road Weehoo adventures to gentler, smoother trails. We upgraded to a beefier tire and even added egg-crate foam padding to the seat for extra comfort on longer rides, like our bike camping trips.
Grows with Your Child: Years of Use from One Bike Trailer
Unlike some other child bike carriers, the Weehoo trailer-cycle is designed to accommodate a wide age range. You certainly can’t use a standard bike seat to carry both a 2-year-old and a 9-year-old!
The Weehoo’s seat easily slides forward or backward, adjusting to your child’s leg length as they grow – no tools needed. This adjustability makes the Weehoo a worthwhile investment, providing years of use as your child grows.
Resale Value: Recouping Your Investment
Once your child outgrows the Weehoo, or your family’s needs change, you can still get some value back by reselling it in local classifieds. Used Weehoos tend to sell quickly on platforms like Craigslist and eBay, indicating good resale value.
Double the Fun: The Weehoo Two Bike Trailer
Aside from cargo bikes, options for hauling multiple children are limited. The Weehoo Two offers a solution, allowing you to carry two children simultaneously. The double version of the Weehoo has a dedicated following and can accommodate two children weighing up to 80 pounds combined.
Useful Accessories: Enhancing Your Bike Trailer Experience
Depending on how frequently you plan to use your Weehoo, considering some of their accessories can be worthwhile. 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 less precarious, especially when trying to buckle in a squirmy child while balancing your bike and the trailer.
Weehoo also offers a rain cover, which we haven’t personally used, but seems like a practical purchase, particularly if you plan to use the Weehoo for daily commuting and want to protect your child from the elements.
Final Verdict: Is the Weehoo Bike Trailer Right for You?
The Weehoo trailer-cycle is a fun, interactive, and practical way to enjoy bike rides with your child or children. With its ample storage, it excels on weekend outings and longer adventures where carrying extra gear is essential.
Its versatility extends to bike path riding, commuting, bicycle touring, and even light mountain biking. If you’re looking for a child carrier for children aged 2 to 9, the Weehoo should definitely be high on your list of options.
Explore More Ways to Haul Your Kids
About Us: Rascal Rides Family
We are the Rascals: Kristen (mom), Blair (dad), and Parker (kiddo). Rascal Rides was born when Parker arrived, and we were determined to continue our passion for biking as a family. We learned along the way and wanted to share our experiences. Over the years, we’ve rigorously tested hundreds of kids’ bikes, helmets, bike trailers, and more.
Kristen is a certified USA Cycling coach, dedicated to sharing her love of biking with other 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!
