Find the best bike trailer for kids with this guide

In this guide you’ll learn all there is to know about the different types of kid’s bike trailers, and how to choose the best bike trailer for kids that fits your lifestyle. Thule kid’s bike trailers are great for bringing kids along on the daily bike commute or going for weekend excursions.

What is a kid’s bike trailer?

A kid’s bike trailer is a trailer that attaches to the back of a bike and can transport kids, cargo or pets. Parents can also use most Thule bike trailers for multiple activities, such as strolling, biking, jogging, or cross-country skiing. At Thule, there are two types of kid’s bike trailers, trailers for multiple activities and trailers for commuting.

• Trailers for multiple activities: These are child bicycle trailers that help active parents do sports together with their kids. Out of the package, they come equipped with stroller wheels and bike kit, ready for effortless strolling and biking. Together with an additional jogging or skiing kit, they allow parents to jog, bike or cross-country ski with their kids.

• Trailers for commuting: These are bike trailers for everyday life that can transport kids or even dogs and cargo. These bike trailers are perfect for strolling and biking and have ample cargo storage so that parents can bring everything they need on the daily commute. All Thule bike trailers are ready for biking and strolling right out of the box, with two extra strolling wheels included for effortless strolling, no extra kit required.

Finding the best child bike trailer

The initial question you should be asking yourself when choosing a kid’s bike trailer is: what do you want to use the bike trailer for? Is it to bring your child to kindergarten, or to go on long bike expeditions on the weekend? If you want to use your bike trailer for chores and to transport groceries and other items, commuting bike trailers are perfect. If you want to use it to be more sporty and active with your child, then a bike trailer for multiple activities is a good option. If you want to transport your dog, a dog bike trailer is a great solution - the Thule Courier together with the additional Thule Courier dog trailer kit accessory (sold separately) can also transport a dog.

How old does a kid have to be to ride a kid bike trailer?

All our child bike trailers allow for growing kids. They are made to transport one or two kids up to a total weight of 22 kg per kid. Parents can usually start cycling with their child around 10-12 months but always consult with a paediatrician if your baby is under 1 year. Also, the age depends on activity.

• Cycling: Parents can start cycling with their child the moment they can sit upright unattended. This obviously differs from child to child but is usually around 10-12 months. Parents should consult a paediatrician if their child is less than one year old, and the child must always wear a helmet when riding behind the bike.

• Jogging: Parents can start jogging with a child at six months using the Thule Infant Sling or in the reclining seat position (if available) with a Thule Baby Supporter. We recommend sticking to smooth paths until the child is at least one year old.

• Cross-country skiing: Parents can start cross-country skiing at six months old on trails groomed for cross-country skiers.

When strolling with your baby, put the Thule Chariot Carrier in the reclining seat position and combine it with a Thule Baby Supporter or Thule Infant Sling in order to start strolling with your child. Note: Parents must always consult a paediatrician if their child is less than one year old. The child must always wear a helmet when riding behind the bike.

Bike trailers for multiple activities

Trailers for multiple activities – these are bike trailers that help active parents do sports together with their kids. Together with an additional jogging or skiing kit, they allow parents to jog, bike or cross-country ski with their kids. These bike trailers also can be used for strolling. See the different types below: 

Thule Chariot Lite - For everyday activities.

• Biking and premium strolling kit
• Ventilation vents and light
• Suspension
• Adjustable handlebar
• Simple compact fold

Optional jogging and cross-country skiing kit converts the trailer into a jogging stroller/ski pulk 

Thule Chariot Cross - For an active lifestyle

• Biking and premium strolling kit
• Ventilation vents and light
• Suspension
• Adjustable handlebar
• Simple compact fold
• Reclining seat
• Adjustable suspension
• Dedicated cargo space

Optional jogging and cross-country skiing kit converts the trailer into a jogging stroller/ski pulk 

Thule Chariot Sport - For athletes and their kids

• Biking and premium strolling kit
• Ventilation vents and light
• Suspension
• Adjustable handlebar
• Simple compact fold
• Reclining seat
• Adjustable suspension
• Dedicated cargo space
• One hand activated disc brakes
• Removable side panels/windows
• Fully padded seats

Optional jogging and cross-country skiing kit converts the trailer into a jogging stroller/ski pulk: The Thule Chariot Sport comes with hand-activated brakes already installed, you can add them to the Thule Chariot Lite and Thule Chariot Cross thanks to the Thule Chariot Brake kit, an accessory sold separately. Jogging and skiing skits are sold separately.

Bike trailers for dogs and cargo

These are bike trailers for everyday life that can transport kids or even dogs and cargo. These bike trailers are perfect for strolling and biking and have ample cargo storage so that parents can bring everything they need on the daily commute. Trailers for commuting are bike trailers for everyday life that can transport kids or even dogs and cargo. 

Thule Courier - The versatile bike trailer for active family life​

• Biking and premium strolling kit
• Flip flat technology converts the bike trailer into a cargo trailer
• Adjustable handlebar
• Simple compact fold
• Adjustable rain and mesh cover

Bike trailer accessories

For sport and all-terrain activities to do more with your bike trailer? The Thule Chariot Jogging kit transforms your bike trailer into a great jogging stroller and the Thule Chariot Cross-country skiing kit makes it possible to bring your kids for a ski trip on snowy days.

• For extended bike usage -  Want to get the most out of your Thule bike trailer? Thule Axle mount hitch makes it possible to easily move your cycling-ready carrier from one bike to another – great if two parents use the trailer! Thule Bike adapters simplify using the bicycle trailer kit, with any bike type you want.

• For child comfort - Make it comfy and cozy for your kids, and they will love riding with you in the bike trailer! There are several accessories that make life in the bike lane even better. If you want to get a head start, you’ll need the Thule Chariot Infant Sling for your baby's lateral support and maximum stability. For kids 6-18 months old, Thule Baby Supporter adds padded sides and head support to ensure your baby sits comfortably upright. Thule Chariot Padding increases comfort and Thule Footmuff or Thule Footmuff Sport adds that extra warmth for colder days.

• For added convenience and storage - Your life pattern is yours alone – personalize your bike trailer to make it perfect for both busy times and leisurely days! Thule Chariot Brake Kit is a hand activated band brake that increases control of your Thule Chariot. Thule Chariot Lock Kit lets you lock the trailer to the bike for that extra safety. Add a water bottle attachment with Thule Bottle Cage and bring the gear you need with Thule Cargo Rack. For busy training days, Thule Organizer Sport adds a zippered pocket and built-in cup holder to your Thule child carrier. Sometimes, though, you do need a break. Thule Storage Cover is a durable fabric cover that protects your Thule child carrier while not in use.

Bike trailer and bike compatibility

The low-down: Bikes with 5mm Quick Release Skewers are fully compatible with our bike trailers. Bikes with 12mm Thru-Axles, Internal Gear Hub Adapters or unusual frame geometries or bike stands need an adapter. See below which adapters work with which bike styles, download the PDF for full information.

How a bike trailer attaches to a bike

1. Bikes with 12mm Thru-Axles
2. Bikes with internal gear hubs
3. Bikes where the geometry of the bike frame makes it difficult to fit our hitch cup

Important accessories for bike compatibility

There are certain bike accessories that expand the bike compatibility of our bike trailers.

• Thule Axle Mount Hitch™ Cup with Quick Release Skewer - Makes it possible to easily move a bike trailer from one bike to another – great if two parents use the trailer!
• Thule 3D Dropout Adapter - 10mm Spacer - Enables customers to attach a bicycle trailer kit to bicycles with hooded dropouts. Tends to be the case for bikes with a bike stand.
• Thule Internal Hub Hitch Adapter Shimano - Enables customers to attach a Bicycle Trailer Kit to bicycles with an internal hub.
• Thule Thru Axle Shimano M12 x 1.5 black - Allows customers to attach their bike trailer to a bike with 12mm Thru-Axles

Hopefully this guide helped you learn all there is to know about bike trailers so that you feel confident to go out there and buy your own! Your kids are going to love it, we promise.