The 12 Best Child Bike Trailers (2021 Buying Guide)

What are the features of a child bike trailer?

If you’ve never seen a child bike trailer, imagine a motorbike sidecar that attaches to the back of a bike with fabric covers. 

Much like child bike seats, trailers aren’t limited by age. Experts recommend that a child can only be seated safely in a trailer when they can sit up on their own, without assistance from cushions or pillows. The upper limit is determined by weight, with models varying quite considerably from as little as 25kg (roughly ages 7-9) up to 45-50kg. 

There are three main price brackets - budget, mid-range and luxury. While each price bracket has a varying degree of features, they all have the basics in common. They have a metal frame, two wheels towards the rear, one or two seats with harnesses, fabric covers, a mesh zip front, and attach to the bike at the rear axle via a long, articulated arm.

Here’s a handy breakdown of what features you can expect from each price bracket. Please note these are a guide and take into consideration the majority of the market. Some manufacturers are now offering typically high-end features on budget models, but lack significantly in quality by comparison.

Key considerations when buying a trailer

The 12 best child bike trailers

Now that we’ve looked at the features, benefits and drawbacks, here are our reviews of the best 12 child bike trailers - across the budget, mid-range and luxury price brackets. First lets look at the best in the budget ranges.

HOMCOM defies convention with this two-seater model by loading it with high-end features but still achieving a budget price. It comes with 20” wheels and metal rims, full suspension, waterproof coating, storage and can be converted to a stroller. However, what it offers in features, it lacks in overall quality and comfort with hammock seating and no padding. 

The Instep 2in1 trailer is a bestseller on Amazon, and another budget model that provides plenty of features you’d expect to see for a much higher price tag - 16” wheels, suspension, jogging buggy conversion and storage. It’s quite roomy inside and with a maximum load weight of 40kg it should have a longer life span for those carrying two children. 

The SAMAX 2in1 trailer is an Amazon bestseller, and another budget model that provides plenty of features you’d expect to see for a much higher price tag - 20” wheels, suspension, storage and jogging buggy conversion. It has a maximum load weight of 20kg so it doesn’t have the longest lifespan if you’re carrying two children. 

One of the cheapest on the market, the VidaXL offers a comfortable and safe ride relative to its price. Although it adds a lot of weight, the heavy-duty frame makes it stronger and more durable than most. The quick-release hitch makes it particularly simple to attach and detach from any bike, and the folding system ensures easy storage and quick get-up-and-go.

Now let's look at the best in the mid-range.

The Bee, from one of the market’s leading brands, is an excellent balance between price and overall quality. The components and materials are sturdy and durable, the hammock seat is one of the best on the market with almost no sagging at all. The side mesh windows are tinted with UV protection and there is ventilation at the back. And, it rides particularly smoothly over rough terrain despite the lack of suspension.

The Burley Encore X is a class-leader for those who are looking for extra storage with a whopping 60 litres capacity, and removable seats to create a cargo trailer. It’s light and narrow, making it nice and nimble to tow, even with two children and a full storage compartment. The Encore X copes well on rough terrain thanks to its suspension system and the well-padded seats keep the little ones comfortable.

The Bellelli B Travel is a rugged and boldly designed trailer with a patented hexagonal shape frame designed to offer greater strength and stability on rough surfaces, making it comfortable on long or short, dirt track or pathway rides. The waterproof fabric and seat padding are detachable allowing for easy cleaning. The trailer is available on its own, but this particular option includes the buggy conversion wheel and handlebar.

The Thule Coaster Xt is an excellent, simple trailer that offers Thule quality at a fraction of the cost. The buggy wheel integrates easily and the Coaster Xt’s patented ezhitch system ensures quick installation. Despite the lower price, it’s still a Thule which means UV protection, comfy seat padding, sleek design and smooth ride for rider and children. 

The stylish Hamax Outback is one of the most expensive child bike trailers on the market. Naturally, it comes with all the features you’d expect to see but excels in the comfort department. The adjustable suspension system ensures a quiet and smooth ride - ideal for younger riders who may nod off. Add that to the superbly padded bench seats and you’ve got the most comfortable ride available. 

If you love taking your wheels to the dirt tracks, the Burley D’lite is easily the best option available. Its five-coil, adjustable suspension system means you can tailor the ride to the terrain you’re riding on, and the premium 20” tyres offer more traction, ensuring a comfortable ride for the children wherever you go. The padded seats come with three-point recliners, allowing them to lay back for an even more relaxing ride. 

The Chariot Lite offers all of the quality expected from a high-end Thule trailer at the cheaper price. Although more expensive than many trailers that offer buggy and ski conversion, it is one of the cheapest that offers real quality in its build. It is light on extra features, however, with only fixed suspension, minimal padding and minimal storage. 

The multi award-winning Chariot Cross 2 is the perfect choice for active families. Whether it's cycling, jogging, walking or skiing, converting the trailer is an absolute breeze. The materials used are of the highest quality, and adjustable suspension and padded seats offer plenty of comfort too. The long list of features put the parents’ ease of use at the forefront, all but guaranteeing you’ll never be frustrated.

Child bike trailers - your questions answered

Are child bike trailers better than child bike seats?

Ultimately, the answer to that question comes down to your own personal needs. 

For many, budget is the deciding factor, making a seat the only realistic option. For those with two or more children, a two-seater trailer is likely to be their only option. But for those who do have the budget to really choose what’s best for them, it is all about looking at what you need. 

With that in mind, we’ve put this table together to help you visualise what you get from a trailer and a seat. 

Dad child bike trailer stories

There's nothing we love more than seeing dads with their kids having fun on their bike trailers. Here are some of the stories we've loved and been inspired by.