Best bike trailers for kids: Trailer options to bring your kids along for the ride
The Best bike trailers for kids let them come along for the ride comfortably and safely
The Best bike trailers for kids help you bring your wee ones on a ride with you from a young age. Many will have options to carry really young children, even before they're ready to sit up. Once they can sit comfortably, they'll love sitting in their buggy behind you and, who knows, they may soon want to pedal too.
We've got options below that have that covered right through until they can ride along with you on one of the best kids' bikes. An alternative to a bike trailer is a cargo bike, many of which have accessories to convert them for passenger use.
The best bike trailers for kids can be pricey, but they're durable and will see you through until all your offspring are self-propelled. Once that happens, you may be able to convert your trailer to carry pets or cargo. If not, there's a ready-resale market to tap into.
Below, you'll find our selection of the Best bike trailers for kids, all of which we've used extensively ourselves. We've also got a separate guide to the best kids' bike helmets, which we'd recommend you always use. Further down the page, we have recommendations on how to choose the best bicycle trailer for your children.
Quick list
The Thule Courier is durable and comfortable, with options for very young kids. Once your children have grown out of it, you can easily convert it to carry pets or cargo.
The Burley D'Lite X is lightweight and short, so it's easy to move around. You can quickly convert it to use as a stroller once you reach your destination.
The Weehoo Turbo gives them pedals, so they can help with the riding. If they don't want to pedal, they can fall asleep comfortably in the reclined chair.
Recent updates
Last updated on 21st of February 2025
This Best bike trailers for kids guide was checked and small updates were made to ensure all the bike trailers were still available. Bike trailers don't change much from year to year. We last reviewed this guide in April 2024, when all of the options listed below were still available.
Best bike trailers for kids
The best bike trailer overall
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ You want to convert to a stroller: The Thule trailer converts quickly from trailer to stroller.
✅ You want a trailer for very young kids: There's an optional infant sling, so the trailer can be used before they can sit up.
❌ You only want space for one: The Thule trailer has two seat only.
❌ You want a smooth ride: There's no suspension, so kiddo will be bumped around on uneven roads.
While most kids bike trailers have a somewhat limited use period, the Thule Courier could really be yours for a lifetime. While most bike trailers will require your child to be at least a year old, Thule offers an infant sling. When they are really tiny, start there. As they grow you can move to the baby supporter which adds neck support for kids older than infants but still too small to sit upright comfortably. After that, you've got the expected time period where kids are old enough to sit upright and support their own heads.
During this time, converting to a stroller is as easy as flipping the front wheels down. Even once your child ages out of it there's still plenty of use options though. The conversion to carrying cargo is as easy as the stroller conversion, and an extra purchase adds pet carrying capabilities too. It's an expensive purchase but it can last a long time and find a lot of use.
The best lightweight bike trailer for kids
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ You want low weight: The Burley trailer is easy to move around.
✅ You want easy storage: The low weight and short length make storing easy.
❌ You want your kids to see more: There's limited forward vision for the passenger.
❌ You want better waterproofing: The D'Lite X isn't as weatherproof as some.
If you are looking for a lightweight trailer to pull and move around then the Burley D’Lite X bike trailer is the best option for you. Part of what makes it lighter is that it's short, which also makes it more manoeuvrable too. There is a single or a double size option and when it's time to convert between a bike trailer and a stroller it's just a matter of folding down the front wheel as with the Thule option above.
If you wanted to bike somewhere then lock the bike up and push kids around in the trailer you'd have everything you need to do that. The one downside to the design is that there is a lot of opaque areas that creep into the viewing area for the passenger(s).
The best bike trailer for kids that want to pedal
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ You want your kid to ride along: Pedals make for a more involving ride.
✅ You want them to be able to sleep too: With a standard seat, pedalling is optional.
❌ You want more stability: With only one wheel, when they move your bike rocks.
❌ You want easier loading: It's tricky to balance both the bike and the trailer when not moving.
If you like the idea of a bike trailer for kids that lets them pedal but you want more of a traditional trailer, this is your best bet. My son started with the Burley Bee right around his first birthday but by two he was spending a lot of time in the Weehoo bike trailer. Since they are sitting down, they can fall asleep just like any other bike trailer. However, when they aren't sleeping, they can pedal. It's really a win-win situation and kids love it. The other helpful thing about the Weehoo are the options available; you can add a rain cover, and if you've got two kids then there's a two-seat model also.
The only downside is that the more weight you carry, the more it influences the feel of the adult bike. Meaning as they get bigger the shifting of their weight will move your bike around a bit. For this article my son and I actually spent time with the Weehoo again and at 10 years old and just below the weight limit he still loved it but my bike was a handful. It's a lot easier when they are little though.
Best for older kids
4. Burley 7-Speed Piccolo Trailercycle
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ You want a tag-along for an older child: The Piccolo provides a more active ride than a sit-in trailer.
✅ You want easy storage: The Piccolo is easier to store than a trailer.
❌ You want them to be able to sleep: They have to stay awake to stay on.
❌ You want easier attachment: You need a bike with a rack to attach the tow.
Just about every list out there that covers bike trailers for kids has one big omission, there's no option for kids that are just a little bit bigger and more capable. We've covered some of the best options for kids when they are really young but it doesn't take many years before that age is gone forever. If you've got a kid that's big enough to sit upright and hold a bike position then you can get them learning to ride with a bike trailer for kids that's modelled after a regular bike.
You can start them pretty young and the act of pedalling will help them learn to transition to their own bike. There's even gearing on the Piccolo but if they are too young, they don't need to use it. The same is true of the actual pedalling. If they want to, great, and if not, that works just as well. The handlebars are adjustable in height as another way to accommodate a wide age range and the rear rack attachment does limit the adult bike selection but it's a much more stable way to connect a single wheel bike trailer to an adult bike.
Best balance of price to function
5. Burley Bee bike trailer
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ You want durability: The Bee is built to last.
✅ You want a simple design: The trailer is no-frills and low in weight.
❌ You want suspension: Burley doesn't include suspension in this model.
❌ You want stroller conversion: The Bee doesn't convert.
If you are thinking about a bike trailer for kids there is nothing more iconic than the Burley Bee. It's a product that's been around since the late 90s and it's not even all that unusual to see those early generations still in use. I used the Burley Bee for years when my son was little. It carried him through warm weather and through rain and when it was time to pass it to a friend it barely looked used even years later. The connection to the adult bike is simple to operate and works with a thru-axle with an optional adapter.
There isn’t any suspension in this model but compared to most budget options the wheels on the Burley are a big upgrade. Given that this is the least expensive Burley option, it's not luxurious inside but it's sufficiently comfortable and there's room for a kids helmet so they can sit upright. What's really nice about the Burley Bee is that it's small, simple and low-weight. The lack of features is actually a positive if that's all you want.
There are one-seater and two-seater versions of the Bee. The Burley Honey Bee (pictured above) is a two-seater that adds a front wheel and push bar, so it can be used as a stroller too.
How to choose the Best bike trailers for kids for your needs
You can trust Cyclingnews Our experts spend countless hours testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.
Next, we'll suggest the key questions which we think will help you to choose the best bicycle trailer for your children.
How many kids do I want to transport?
Do you need a one or two-seat trailer?
What age are they and how long do I plan to use it?
Some trailers can be set up to hold very young children, others are better if they are older and want an active ride. Also, check the weight limit.
Do I want suspension?
If you live somewhere with poor road surfaces or plan to head onto tracks, suspension will make things more comfortable for the passenger. Adding suspension will add weight and cost though.
How weatherproof does the trailer need to be?
If you live somewhere wet, cold or hot, you'll want to make sure that your child is adequately protected or else there might be tears.
How will I hitch the trailer to my bike?
You may need a thru-axle converter, a rack or other kit to attach the trailer to your bike, while others have more universal seatpost mounts. Check with the manufacturer to ensure that the trailer your interested in will fit your bike. Its also worth considering how easy it is to attach and remove the trailer from your bike.
Where will I store it?
Some trailers are quite bulky, others are easier to store due to smaller dimensions or by folding down. Before investing it's with checking that the trailer will fit in your intended storage area. Don't forget to check that the trailer will fit in your car too in case you want to drive to the start of your ride.
Will I have to lift it?
A larger, heavier trailer may be cumbersome to move around, as will more bulky designs. If you think you will need to carry it a lot, choose a lighter trailer or one that folds down making it more manageable in small stair ways.
Do I want a trailer that converts to a stroller?
It may be handy to be able to use a trailer without a bike sometimes.
Frequently asked questions
What age can a child be in a bike trailer?
You'll want to make sure that they are old enough to support their neck and back as the trailer moves. The recommendation for when that happens, according to the American Association of Pediatrics (AAP), is twelve months of age.
This recommendation is exactly why we have the Thule Courier on our list as it has accessories for infants and for babies. With the right solutions it is possible to ride with kids younger than one year but if you are looking to make use of a standard seat in a standard bike trailer, that's the recommendation.
Can you convert a bike trailer for kids into a stroller?
Most bike trailers for kids do convert to a stroller, but not all of them. Among the options that do there are also a variety of conversion styles. Some choices will come with everything you need in the box and some will require an additional purchase. If you are looking for a running stroller then a single wheel that doesn't turn is the best option. That style will track straight while you run and doesn't require two hands at all times. If you are looking to use the bike trailer as more of a general use stroller then you'll want wheels that rotate easily and aren't far out front.
This question does require a warning though. Typically, the idea is that bike trailers are expensive and if you can combine the use that helps shoulder the cost burden.
The problem is that kids' bike trailers don't really compete with strollers in even the best-case situations. They work well as running strollers but even an inexpensive stroller will tend to be a better choice for errands. They are lighter, they fold smaller, and they are more compact. If you are the kind of parent that tends to use baby wearing options and only needs a stroller for an occasional trip then it works. It’s also a great area if you bike somewhere then want to transition to a stroller and leave the bike locked up. For everyone else, leave the kids' bike trailers to sports use and look for an everyday stroller.
What safety standards apply to child bike trailers?
There is a battery of internationally agreed safety tests that all kids' bike trailers need to pass to be sold. Those include not just roll and drop tests, but also ensure that the hitch and secondary bike hook-up are robust, that kids can't put their fingers in moving spokes and more.
Are bike trailers safer than bike seats?
Yes, according to Consumer Reports in the US. A bike seat puts your kiddo up on your bike with you. It's easy because there's less to carry and manage but should you happen to fall, your child will fall with you and the distance is substantial compared to their size.
On the other hand, a bike trailer with two wheels will tend to stay upright even if the parent bike falls. There's usually enough mobility in the connection to the bike that the trailer won't flip. If it happens to flip, it's built like a roll cage and your child has a restraint system. They can happily hang upside down, or sideways while you get the situation in hand.
The extra safety extends to the single wheeled options on our list as well. If it's a trail-behind bike, it's much closer to the ground and they aren't strapped in. If they fall, they might catch themselves and if they do hit the ground, it's from a lower height.
Bikes are pretty safe though, so it's unlikely you will just fall. What's more likely is that you've fallen because a car has hit you. In that case, because a bike trailer keeps your child behind you, they may stay safe even if you don't. When a car hit me, my child fell as the bike fell but he was okay and out of the way.
Is a bike trailer a better choice than a cargo bike?
Alongside a kids' bike trailer, a cargo bike or an electric cargo bike is a good option for transporting children. While a trailer will always put your child behind you, some cargo bikes will allow you to seat them in front of you, so you've got a better view of them and they've got a better, probably more interesting view of the road ahead.
But a trailer has the advantage that you can use your bike without it too, whereas a cargo bike is a single piece item. A removeable bike trailer is lighter, easier to move around and probably easier to store than a cargo bike. A bike plus trailer will probably be cheaper than a cargo bike too.
Unless you have an alternative use for a cargo bike, it may be redundant once your child has their own bike to ride.
Do kids need to wear a helmet in a bike trailer?
Our recommendation is that children wear a helmet on every bike ride, even if they are in a trailer. Bikes are safe and trailers are even safer but it's best to err on the side of even more safety. We always wear a helmet and we recommend the same for kids. Starting young with regular helmet use will also pay off later by normalising the experience.
Read our recommendations for the best kids' bike helmets if you're not sure what to buy.
What kind of bikes do kids bike trailers connect to?
Kids bike trailers connect to bikes using either the seat post or the axle. The only one that differs from that is the Burley Trail Behind Bike that mounts with its own rack. For the vast majority of options, that means you will be able to attach to most bikes but there are some considerations. If your bike uses a thru-axle, you may need an adapter. That's becoming less of an issue as thru-axles become more ubiquitous but it's worth looking into.
For those that attach to a seatpost you will likely want a seat post that's not carbon and is round. As far as the rest of the bike, the more stable your bike is, the easier it's going to be to ride with a trailer. I rode for years on a Cannondale CAAD race bike with a Weehoo but it's not the best experience. In most situations one of the best hybrid bikes will work better.
How did we test the best bike trailers for kids?
My son is 10 now, going on 11 and my journey into fitness and cycling with him in tow is how I came back to cycling after he was born. We spent hours and hours riding with him attached to my bike in various bike trailers including the Burley Bee and the Weehoo Turbo Bike Trailer. For this collection, I relied on my experience and we also spent some time riding with each of the options.
He's technically still below the maximum weight limits even though he's also much too big. We had a lot of fun figuring out how everything worked and seeing which options were the best for which situations. Anything you choose from this list is a product we feel good about recommending.
You can head to our how we test page for more details about Cyclingnews' testing methodology.
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Josh hails from the Pacific Northwest of the United States but would prefer riding through the desert than the rain. He will happily talk for hours about the minutiae of cycling tech but also has an understanding that most people just want things to work. He is a road cyclist at heart and doesn't care much if those roads are paved, dirt, or digital. Although he rarely races, if you ask him to ride from sunrise to sunset the answer will be yes. Height: 5'9" Weight: 140 lb. Rides: Salsa Warbird, Cannondale CAAD9, Enve Melee, Look 795 Blade RS, Priority Continuum Onyx
