Cargo Bike Trailer vs. Cargo Bike: Which is Best for Your Family?

During our initial foray into a carfree lifestyle, a bike trailer was our trusty companion for transporting our children around town. For fourteen months, this Cargo Bike Trailer served us well. However, about a year ago, my deep dive into the world of family biking led me to acquire a brand new cargo bike. Ever since, I’ve been frequently asked: which do I prefer, and why did we make the switch to a cargo bike after using a bike trailer? Today, I aim to address the cargo bike trailer versus cargo bike dilemma for families. Let’s begin with the bike trailer, as it was our starting point.

Exploring the Bike Trailer for Kids – A Cargo Bike Trailer Alternative

(It’s important to note that my experience with a bike trailer is based on the Chariot Cougar 2. This is a premium, high-quality model and the only type I would recommend for families who intend to use a bike trailer for more than just occasional park trips on pleasant days. The Chariot Cougar 2 is designed for families serious about using it as a primary mode of transport. If you’re only seeking a trailer for infrequent use, a basic model might suffice. Remember, the bike trailer kit is typically sold separately from the trailer chassis.)

Learn about the differences between a bike trailer and a cargo bike to get your kids and/or gear around town! Each has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Image Alt Text: Bike trailer attached to a bicycle, showcasing a practical cargo bike trailer solution for families.

The Upsides of a Cargo Bike Trailer (Bike Trailer)

Weather Protection: Bike trailers excel in shielding children from the elements. Featuring a built-in rain shield, these cargo bike trailers ensure kids remain warm and dry, even in inclement weather. I’ve cycled in freezing temperatures, and with hand warmers, blankets, and the rain cover deployed, my children arrived at our destination snug and comfortable. On sunny days, the trailer’s vents allow for airflow while still providing vital UV protection. This weather-proof feature makes a cargo bike trailer a reliable choice year-round.
Cost-Effectiveness: Compared to dedicated cargo bikes, a bike trailer presents a more budget-friendly entry point into family cycling. You can acquire a brand-new bike trailer and a new bicycle to pull it for around $1,000. Opting for used equipment can significantly reduce this cost, making a cargo bike trailer an accessible option for many families looking to embrace a car-light lifestyle.
Versatility Beyond Cycling: A significant advantage of many bike trailers, particularly models like the Chariot Cougar 2, is their convertibility into a stroller. This 2-in-1 functionality proved invaluable for us. When cycling to places like nature reserves, we could easily lock up the bike, convert the trailer to stroller mode, and explore walking trails. This versatility also meant we could replace our separate strollers, utilizing the Cougar for walks and shopping trips – a true space and cost saver! Furthermore, with additional kits, these trailers can transform into jogging strollers or even cross-country skiing trailers, enhancing their utility.
Compact Storage: Storage is often a concern, especially for apartment dwellers. Bike trailers address this by typically collapsing almost flat. This feature allows for easy storage in closets or even under beds, a considerable advantage over the bulkier nature of cargo bikes.

The Downsides of a Cargo Bike Trailer

Weight and Hills: While modern bike trailers like the Cougar glide smoothly and incorporate suspension, the weight can become a significant challenge, especially on inclines. Pulling a bike trailer with 100+ pounds of combined kid and trailer weight uphill can be strenuous. We used our trailer until our children were 2.5 and almost 5 years old. While they still fit comfortably, their combined weight approached 85 pounds. Adding daily gear pushed us close to, or even over, the trailer’s weight capacity, making uphill cycling quite demanding.
Setup and Convenience: Daily setup can become tedious. Living in a smaller apartment meant we had to collapse the trailer after each use and reassemble it for the next outing. Although the process only took a few minutes, this daily routine became a minor annoyance. This issue would likely be less relevant for those with garage storage where the trailer could remain assembled and readily accessible.

Transitioning to a Cargo Bike: A Different Approach to Family Cycling

(Again, my cargo bike experience is specifically with the Xtracycle Edgerunner. I selected this model over other cargo bikes for several reasons, which I can elaborate on in a separate article.)

Image Alt Text: A cargo bike, illustrating a robust alternative to a cargo bike trailer for transporting children and cargo.

Cargo Bike Advantages:

Superior Carrying Capacity: Cargo bikes offer a significantly higher carrying capacity compared to bike trailers. The Edgerunner, for instance, can handle up to 250 pounds of children and cargo. This substantial capacity became essential as our family grew and our transportation needs increased.
Effortless Heavy Loads: Transporting heavy loads feels considerably easier on a cargo bike. Positioning the children directly above the rear wheel, and in the Edgerunner’s case, utilizing a smaller rear wheel that lowers the seating position, effectively lowers the center of gravity. This design makes carrying heavier loads feel more stable and manageable, especially when compared to pulling a trailer.
Greater Overall Cargo Space: Beyond weight capacity, cargo bikes often offer more versatile space for carrying various items. Our cargo bike includes two large saddlebags with impressive volume. Grocery shopping trips are transformed; I can easily transport the equivalent of a car trunk full of groceries. Cargo bike users have been known to haul everything from other bicycles to even Christmas trees, showcasing the remarkable cargo versatility.
Enhanced Interaction with Kids: Having children positioned on the bike with me fosters easier communication during rides. We enjoy spontaneous conversations, sharing knock-knock jokes, math problems, and observations about our surroundings as we cycle. This interactive aspect elevates the cycling experience into a shared family activity.
Convenience and Simplicity: As a single, integrated unit, a cargo bike is simpler to maneuver in and out of our apartment and to lock up at destinations. With only two wheels instead of the four of a bike and trailer combination, there are fewer components and potentially fewer things to manage or go wrong.

If you have any further questions, please leave a comment below! I’m always happy to discuss the nuances of bike trailers and cargo bikes in greater detail. If you have personal experiences with either setup, please share your insights!