Key takeaways
- Best all-around family choice: Burley Encore X, a two-seat trailer with a 100-pound maximum load and a useful stroller conversion.
- Best for one child and limited storage: a single-seat trailer, such as the Burley Bee, when lower weight matters more than extra room.
- Best for frequent running and outdoor use: Thule Chariot Lite 2, particularly when you want a more substantial suspension and accessory ecosystem.
- Best for dogs: Burley Tail Wagon, whose lower entry, washable floor, and pet-oriented interior are more suitable than a child trailer.
- Best for grocery runs: Burley Travoy, a compact upright cargo trailer that folds small and attaches near the bicycle’s seatpost.
- Best value for occasional use: a basic single- or double-seat trailer with a universal rear-axle hitch, provided its frame, harness, and wheels are adequately protected from weather.
The best bike trailers depend on one question: do you need a two-child cabin, a pet-friendly floor, or a compact cargo hauler? For most families, choose a double child trailer rated around 100 pounds; choose a dedicated pet trailer for animals; and choose an upright cargo trailer when groceries, not passengers, are the priority.
Our top picks
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Ratings are shown as listed on Amazon.
Quick picks by situation
- Best all-around family choice: Burley Encore X, a two-seat trailer with a 100-pound maximum load and a useful stroller conversion.
- Best for one child and limited storage: a single-seat trailer, such as the Burley Bee, when lower weight matters more than extra room.
- Best for frequent running and outdoor use: Thule Chariot Lite 2, particularly when you want a more substantial suspension and accessory ecosystem.
- Best for dogs: Burley Tail Wagon, whose lower entry, washable floor, and pet-oriented interior are more suitable than a child trailer.
- Best for grocery runs: Burley Travoy, a compact upright cargo trailer that folds small and attaches near the bicycle’s seatpost.
- Best value for occasional use: a basic single- or double-seat trailer with a universal rear-axle hitch, provided its frame, harness, and wheels are adequately protected from weather.
What separates the best bike trailers?
Weight capacity is only the first filter. A trailer’s usable capacity is limited by its interior width, door opening, wheel clearance, and how much room remains after a child’s helmet or a dog’s movement is considered. A nominal 100-pound rating does not mean two large children, a cooler, and luggage will fit comfortably.
Hitch design matters just as much. Most child and pet trailers use a flexible arm connected to a hitch at the bicycle’s rear axle. This keeps the trailer level and lets it lean naturally when the bike turns. A seatpost hitch, used by compact cargo trailers such as the Travoy, is convenient when the bicycle has a compatible seatpost and the load sits behind the rider, but it can be less appealing with a dropper post, carbon seatpost, or unusually low saddle.
Finally, measure folded size rather than trusting the word “compact.” Wheel removal, a folded tow arm, and a detached flag may be necessary to reach the advertised dimensions.
Head-to-head comparison
| Trailer type or example | Typical load rating | Approx. empty weight | Hitch type | Approx. folded size | Best use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burley Encore X, double | 100 lb / 45 kg | About 26 lb / 12 kg | Rear-axle hitch | About 36 × 31 × 14 in | Two children, or one child plus equipment |
| Burley Bee, double | 100 lb / 45 kg | About 20 lb / 9 kg | Rear-axle hitch | About 35 × 30 × 11 in | Frequent bike-only use where low weight matters |
| Thule Chariot Lite 2 | About 100 lb / 45 kg | About 27 lb / 12 kg | Rear-axle hitch | About 36 × 31 × 14 in | Two children and regular mixed-surface riding |
| Burley Tail Wagon | 75 lb / 34 kg | About 20 lb / 9 kg | Rear-axle hitch | About 37 × 29 × 12 in | One medium or large dog |
| Burley Travoy | 60 lb / 27 kg | About 10 lb / 4.5 kg | Seatpost hitch | About 20 × 14 × 4 in | Groceries, commuting, and compact storage |
Dimensions and weights can vary by model year, wheel package, and included accessories. Treat these figures as shopping benchmarks and confirm the current manufacturer specification before ordering, especially if a trailer must fit a closet, elevator, or vehicle.
Best bike trailers for one child versus two
Choose a double when flexibility has value
A double trailer is the safer long-term choice for families who may carry two children, a child and a friend, or one child with bulky luggage. The second seat also provides side-to-side space for a helmet, jacket, or small day bag. The tradeoff is meaningful: doubles are wider, heavier, and usually harder to carry up stairs.
The Burley Encore X and Thule Chariot Lite 2 are sensible midrange choices for parents who will ride often and want a trailer that can also function as a stroller. Suspension, adjustable seating, and a better rain cover raise the price, but they can improve day-to-day usability on cracked pavement and packed paths. A two-seat trailer generally costs roughly $300 to $1,000 or more, depending on suspension, stroller hardware, and brand.
Choose a single when every pound and inch counts
A single-seat trailer is easier to store and easier to pull with a lighter bicycle. The Burley Bee is a bike-focused example: it avoids some stroller-oriented equipment and keeps weight comparatively low. For a child who is already comfortable sitting independently, that simpler design can be a better match than paying for features used twice a year.
Do not use a child trailer as a pet carrier simply because its dimensions look suitable. A dog can damage mesh with claws, shift weight unexpectedly, or need a floor that can be removed and disinfected. A dedicated pet trailer is usually the more durable and practical option.
Pet trailers: measure the dog, not just the weight
For a pet, standing height and turning space are as important as the load rating. Measure from the floor to the top of the head while the dog is standing, then measure body length from chest to the base of the tail. The interior should allow the animal to sit, lie down, and turn without pressing continuously against the mesh.
The Burley Tail Wagon is built around those needs, with a washable floor and an opening suited to loading a dog. Its 75-pound rating is a limit, not a recommendation to carry a 75-pound animal in every bicycle situation. A heavy dog raises braking distance and affects balance, particularly on hills. Begin with short rides on quiet, level surfaces and use the trailer’s internal restraint as directed; never attach a leash in a way that could tighten around the neck or allow the dog to jump out.
Grocery and cargo trailers: upright versus platform designs
An upright trailer such as the Burley Travoy is efficient for groceries because bags can be secured vertically and the unit folds to a fraction of the size of a child trailer. Its 60-pound capacity is enough for a typical supermarket trip, but it is not intended for loose, shifting loads. Use the supplied straps or separate cargo nets, keep heavy items low, and place fragile food away from the wheels.
Platform cargo trailers carry larger boxes and awkward objects, but they usually occupy more storage space and expose the load to rain unless you add a cover. They are preferable for gardening supplies, recycling, or flat-packed goods. Before choosing one, check whether the hitch is designed for a rear axle, seatpost, or dedicated cargo-bike mounting point.
Decision matrix: match the trailer to your routine
| Your situation | Recommended format | What to prioritize | What to avoid |
|---|---|---|---|
| One child, small apartment, weekly rides | Light single trailer | Folded width under 32 inches, low empty weight, quick axle attachment | A large double with unused stroller hardware |
| Two children or uncertain family plans | Double child trailer | 100-pound rating, shoulder-width seating, five-point harnesses, ventilation | Buying a single and expecting it to carry two |
| Dog rides several times per month | Dedicated pet trailer | Washable floor, low entry, reinforced mesh, internal tether | Unmodified child trailer with exposed fabric flooring |
| Groceries in a small home | Folding upright cargo trailer | Folded thickness, 40–60-pound capacity, tie-down points | Carrying tall, unsecured bags |
| Rough paths or frequent long rides | Suspended child or pet trailer | 16-inch or larger pneumatic wheels, suspension, replaceable tires | Small hard wheels and a loose axle hitch |
Setup and ownership details that affect safety
Allow about 10 minutes for a careful first setup. Attach the hitch to the correct side of the rear axle, reinstall the wheel fully, and check that the hitch cannot rotate independently of the axle. Clip the safety strap around the bicycle frame, not merely around a removable accessory. Assemble the tow arm, insert the retaining pin, and pull firmly on every connection before loading anyone or anything.
Inflate pneumatic tires to the pressure printed on the sidewall. Underinflation increases rolling resistance and can make the trailer feel unstable; overinflation reduces comfort and raises the risk of a harsh ride. Check tire pressure before each loaded trip, particularly after storage over winter.
The parts that commonly wear first are tires and tubes, wheel bearings, hitch bushings, fabric fasteners, and mesh panels. Mud and pet hair accelerate wear. Shake out debris, wipe the floor after pet or grocery use, and let fabric dry completely before folding. Do not store a wet trailer in a sealed bag. Inspect the hitch for cracks and unusual play every few rides, and replace damaged safety flags, pins, or harness components rather than improvising repairs.
A simple capacity calculation
Suppose two children weigh 38 and 42 pounds, and you want to add 8 pounds of coats and supplies. The total is 88 pounds, leaving 12 pounds below a 100-pound trailer rating. That appears acceptable, but you still need to confirm the manufacturer’s child-age requirements, interior fit, and bicycle braking ability. A trailer’s rating does not make an overloaded or poorly braked bicycle safe.
For a 60-pound cargo trailer, a grocery load of 45 pounds leaves 15 pounds of nominal capacity. Keep heavier items low and centered; a load that is within the rating can still handle badly if a single bag is placed high at the rear.
Bottom line
Buy a lightweight single trailer for one child and tight storage, a 100-pound double for family flexibility, a purpose-built pet trailer for dogs, and a folding upright cargo trailer for groceries. Compare the hitch with your actual bicycle, measure the folded package against your storage space, and leave practical capacity below the printed maximum. Those three checks matter more than extra accessories or a long feature list.
Write Your Review
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!