Best Bike Trailers for Riding With Your Kids (2026)
Four child bike trailers, from simple steel models to multisport chariots, plus age, helmet and hitching safety basics.
Riding With Kids in a Trailer
A bike trailer lets you take young kids along on rides before they can pedal themselves. Kids sit in a covered cabin behind your bike, strapped into a harness, with room for snacks and toys. Trailers sit low and usually stay upright even if the bike tips over. Choose between single and double seats, bike-only or multisport designs that convert to strollers or joggers, and simple steel frames versus lighter, more refined models.
Looking for a rack to carry bikes behind a camper or travel trailer instead? See RV bike racks and hitch bike racks.
Burley Bee
Best overall
- 1 and 2 seat versions
- Lightweight
- One-click 5-point harness
Thule Chariot Cross 2
Best multisport
- Bike, jog, stroll and ski
- Modular seating
- FlipWing system
InStep Take 2
Best budget double
- Double seat
- Folding steel frame
- Canopy with bug screen
Bike Trailers Compared
| Trailer | Seats | Modes | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burley Bee | 1 or 2 | Bike only | Lightweight, one-click 5-point harness |
| Thule Chariot Cross 2 | 2 | Bike, jog, stroll, ski | Modular seating, FlipWing (jog and ski kits sold separately) |
| InStep Take 2 | 2 | Bike | Folding steel frame, universal coupler, bug screen |
| Allen Sports Steel Child Trailer | 2 | Bike | Steel frame, 16" quick-release wheels, up to 100 lb |
The Best Bike Trailers
1. Burley Bee
Burley is one of the best-known trailer brands, and the Bee is its streamlined bike-only model. It comes in one- and two-seat versions, is lightweight and uses a one-click 5-point harness that makes buckling kids in quicker.
Good to Know
- Light and easy to tow
- Single or double
Watch Out For
- Bike only, no stroller mode
2. Thule Chariot Cross 2
A premium multisport trailer that works for biking, jogging, strolling and skiing. The jog and ski kits are sold separately. Modular seating adapts to your kids, and Thule's FlipWing system makes switching between modes easier.
Good to Know
- One trailer for many activities
- Refined design
Watch Out For
- Kits cost extra
- Bulkier to store
3. InStep Take 2
An affordable double trailer with a steel frame that folds for storage, a universal coupler and a canopy with a bug screen. A practical choice if you ride occasionally.
Good to Know
- Budget-friendly
- Folds for storage
Watch Out For
- Heavier than premium models
4. Allen Sports Steel Child Trailer
A simple, sturdy steel-frame trailer with 16-inch quick-release wheels, built to carry two children up to 100 lb combined.
Check Price on AmazonHow to Choose a Bike Trailer
- Seats: a double gives room for two kids, or one kid plus gear.
- Multisport: worth it if you also want a jogging stroller or ski pulk.
- Weight: lighter trailers are easier to tow up hills and lift into a car.
- Suspension: smooths rough paths and gravel.
- Harness: a 5-point harness that's easy to use and adjust.
- Weather protection: rain cover, sun shade and bug screen.
- Hitch compatibility: check your bike's axle type before buying.
- Folding and storage: measure your car trunk and storage space.
Bike Trailer Safety
- Follow the trailer's minimum age and weight limits, and ask your pediatrician about very young children.
- Kids should wear properly fitted helmets.
- Always buckle the harness, even for short rides.
- Use the safety flag and add lights for visibility.
- Check the hitch and safety strap before every ride.
- Ride on paths and quiet roads, and take corners wide and slow.
- Don't exceed the load limit.
Trailer vs Child Bike Seat
| Trailer | Child Seat | |
|---|---|---|
| Kids carried | 1 or 2 | 1 |
| Weather protection | Covered cabin | Little |
| Effect on bike handling | Minimal steering effect, adds drag | Raises center of gravity |
| Width | Wide | Same as bike |
| Storage | Needs space | Small |
Ready for them to ride on their own? See balance bikes and kids' mountain bikes. Hauling gear instead? Try bike panniers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age can a child ride in a bike trailer?
Many manufacturers and pediatric guidance suggest waiting until a child can sit up unassisted and wear a helmet, often around 12 months. Follow your trailer's manual and ask your pediatrician.
Do kids need helmets in a bike trailer?
Yes, most trailer makers recommend it, and some laws require it.
Are bike trailers safer than child bike seats?
Trailers sit low and usually stay upright if the bike falls, but they're wider and lower, so visibility to drivers matters. Use a flag and lights.
Will a bike trailer fit my bike?
Most use a hitch that attaches at the rear axle. Check compatibility with your axle type, especially thru-axles.
Can bike trailers carry cargo instead of kids?
Child trailers can carry gear, but dedicated cargo trailers are built for heavier loads.