Now that our daughter is married and loves to ride her bike I started to wonder how she could share the experience with her kids in the future. So, I started looking at ways she could bring her future kids with her when she goes out for a bike ride.
I did not realize there were so many options available today. So many, that I will split this into two posts; this one talks about child trailers and another one will talk about child bike seats.
Although this post is about folding bike child carrier trailers, I thought talking a little about adding front and rear seats to a folding bicycle would be prudent. All folding bikes have a maximum recommended weight that they can carry. Be sure that after adding an infant seat to the bike that you, plus the infant, plus the seat are under this recommended weight.
If, by chance, you were looking for Bicycle Touring Trailers then look on this page instead.
Front-Mounted Seats
Front-mounted child bike seats are built primarily for children between the age of nine months and two years old. Those ages are a guide, but more specifically seats and carriers are built with a certain weight limit in mind. If the child is near or over the weight limit set by the seat or the combined weight limit of the folding bike then a child carrier trailer is probably a better option.
Pros
- Your child is in plain view and you can see them at all times.
- You can better anticipate weight shifts.
- Your child has a view of what is in front of them.
- You can carry a backpack or you can use your luggage carrier on the back of the bike.
Cons
- Front-mounted seats raise a bike’s center of gravity, handling and dismounting the bike is a little more difficult.
- There is less knee-to-pedal room because of your height or because the folding bike has a shorter frame length.
- There is also the possibility of the child interfering with your steering.
- It is more dangerous for the child if there is a head-on accident.
- Lower maximum weight.
Rear-Mounted Seats
Pros
- A rear-mounted seat will give you leg room.
- Rear-mounted seats offer excellent stability, cushion and head support.
- Most rear-mounted seats can carry children up to 70 pounds.
- Child is more protected from debris, dust, and wind.
- Usually designed with more cushion for a better ride.
Cons
- A rear-mounted seat affects your bike’s balance and makes mounting and dismounting difficult.
- You are unable to see your child while riding.
- It is more difficult to talk to your child while riding.
- Loss of space on the rack carrier.
- Unable to carry a backpack.
Bike Trailers
Child bike trailers are essentially little sidecars attached to the rear of your bike allowing you to tow your kids with a decreased risk of falling. Bike trailers come in an assortment of shapes and sizes that can carry one or two kids.
The rear axle is the most common mounting location and is often the quickest for trailer installation and removal. Trailers put little stress on bike frames.
Seatpost mounting trailers have a tighter turning circle as they pivot closer to the front of the bike.
Most of the trailers below are foldable and make them easy to pack in the car if you want to use them on vacation. You can also convert the child bike trailer into a trailer for carrying a hiking pack or other large items. However, there will be a separate post that covers bike trailers for hauling things specifically.
Pros
- Safety is the number one advantage for bike trailers.
- Unlikely to tip over in the event of a fall.
- More room for your child, allowing them to take toys and games along for the ride.
- Has less affect on the balance of the bike.
- Can keep your child protected from the weather.
- Can be used to transport groceries and cargo and other things.
- Good resale value.
Cons
- Difficult to back up and park.
- Unable to speak to your child.
- Child is less able to see and view the surroundings during the ride.
- Expensive.
Here is a list of the 10 best folding bike child trailers as found on Amazon by best sellers in 2018:
InStep Sync Single Bicycle Trailer
This trailer has 16 inch wheels, a folding frame design, and quick release. The 2-in-1 canopy includes a bug screen and weather shield. The maximum weight for this carrier is 40 pounds. This bike trailer is made to be pulled behind bikes with 26 inch or smaller tires. Larger tired bikes may tip over the trailer on turns. On Amazon the InStep Sync Single Bicycle Trailer is rated 4.3 out of five stars with 1,173 reviews.
Clevr Red Collapsible 2 Seats 3-in-1 Double Bicycle Trailer
This trailer has 20 inch wheels, a folding frame design, and quick release. The 2-in-1 canopy includes a bug screen and weather shield. The maximum weight for this carrier is 88 pounds. Trailer remains upright even if bike tips over. Reflectors are included on all four sides for extra safety in low night condition. Equipped with two 5-point harness safety belts. There is a suspension system at the rear wheels of the trailer. The trailer is available in five different colors. On Amazon the Clevr Red Collapsible 2 Seats 3-in-1 Double Bicycle Trailer is rated 4.1 out of five stars with 64 reviews.
Aosom Elite 2-in-1 Double Child Bike Trailer
This trailer has 20 inch wheels, a folding frame design, and quick release. The 2-in-1 canopy includes a bug screen and weather shield. This trailer fits two riders and a total of 57 pounds. The trailer also features a small storage space behind the seat for water bottle or some cargo. The trailer is available in three different colors. On Amazon the
Aosom Elite 2-in-1 Double Child Bike Trailer is rated 3.8 out of five stars with 186 reviews.
Aosom Elite II 3in1 Double Child Bike Trailer
This trailer has 20 inch wheels, a folding frame design, and quick release. The 2-in-1 canopy includes a bug screen and weather shield. This trailer fits two riders and a total of 88 pounds. The trailer also features a small storage space behind the seat for water bottle or some cargo. Equipped with two 5-point harness safety belts. There is a suspension system at the rear wheels of the trailer. The trailer is available in four different colors. On Amazon the Aosom Elite II 3in1 Double Child Bike Trailer is rated 3.9 out of five stars with 333 reviews.
Weehoo iGo Blast Bike Trailer
This trailer has a 20 inch wheel. The maximum weight for this carrier is 80 pounds. One of the biggest criticisms for this carrier is that the straps come easily undone, so it is recommended to use some form of secondary backup to the straps. The other criticism is the difficulty in putting it together based on the provided instructions. The Weehoo Bike Trailer is mounted on the seat post. On Amazon the Weehoo iGo Blast Bike Trailer is rated 3.7 out of five stars with 33 reviews.
Weehoo Turbo Bike Trailer
This trailer has a 20 inch wheel. The maximum weight for this carrier is 80 pounds. Equipped with a three point harness. The biggest criticisms is the difficulty in putting it together based on the provided instructions. The Weehoo Turbo Bike Trailer comes in red. The Weehoo Bike Trailer is mounted on the seat post. On Amazon the Weehoo Turbo Bike Trailer is rated 4.1 out of five stars with 75 reviews.
Schwinn Echo Kids/Child Double Tow Behind Bicycle Trailer
This trailer has 20 inch wheels, a folding frame design, and quick release. The 2-in-1 canopy includes a bug screen and weather shield. This trailer fits two riders up to 40 pounds each. The trailer also features a small storage space behind the seat for water bottle or some cargo. You need 2 mm on your rear axle outside of the nut in order to attach the trailer. On Amazon the Schwinn Echo Kids/Child Double Tow Behind Bicycle Trailer is rated 4.6 out of five stars with 159 reviews.
Schwinn Joyrider Double Bicycle Trailer
This trailer has 20 inch wheels, a folding frame design, and quick release wheels. The 2-in-1 canopy includes a bug screen and weather shield. This trailer fits two riders at 40 pounds each and an additional 12 pounds of gear. The trailer also features a small storage space behind the seat for water bottle or some cargo. Equipped with two 5-point harness safety belts. There is no suspension system at the rear wheels of the trailer. The Schwinn Joyrider only comes in red. On Amazon the Schwinn Joyrider Double Bicycle Trailer is rated 4.6 out of five stars with 34 reviews.
Burley Kids’ Honey Bee Trailer
This trailer has 20 inch wheels, a folding frame design, and quick release wheels. The 2-in-1 canopy includes a bug screen and weather shield. This trailer fits two riders at a total of 100 pounds. The trailer also features a small storage space behind the seat for water bottle or some cargo. Equipped with two 5-point harness safety belts. There is no suspension system at the rear wheels of the trailer. The Honey Bee Trailer only comes in red color. On Amazon the Burley Kids’ Honey Bee Trailer is rated 4.5 out of five stars with 49 reviews.
Burley Kids’ Piccolo Bike
This Burley bike trailer has a 20 inch wheel and is more of a tandem bike than an actual trailer. The maximum weight for this carrier is 85 pounds. It is recommended for children aged four to 10 years old. It is a rear rack-based hitch connection that comes with a Burley rack. The Piccolo Bike comes in lime green color. On Amazon the Burley Kids’ Piccolo Bike is rated 4.0 out of five stars with 15 reviews.
Ride safe and may the wind be at your back!
FAQ
Can a folding bike pull a trailer?
Yes, many folding bikes are designed to pull trailers. However, it’s essential to check the bike’s weight capacity and compatibility with the trailer hitch before attaching one.
Are kids bike trailers worth it?
Kids bike trailers can be worth it for families who enjoy cycling together. They offer a safe and enjoyable way to bring young children along on bike rides.
What age can a child go in a bike trailer?
Most bike trailers are suitable for children aged 1 to 6 years. However, always check the manufacturer’s guidelines and safety recommendations for the specific trailer model.
What is the best trailer bike?
The best trailer bike varies based on individual preferences and needs. Look for one with sturdy construction, adjustable features, and appropriate safety measures to ensure a comfortable and safe ride.
How much weight can a folding bike handle?
The weight capacity of folding bikes can vary, but many models can handle riders weighing up to 220-250 pounds (100-115 kilograms). Always check the bike’s specifications to know its weight limit.
Will a bike trailer damage your bike?
When used correctly and within weight limits, a bike trailer is unlikely to damage the bike. However, prolonged use or excessive weight could potentially strain some components, so it’s essential to use the trailer appropriately.
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