A few years ago, bike trailers were mainly used to transport our kids. Today they’re everywhere, and in all shapes and sizes. In cities and country areas alike, the shift to more sustainable forms of mobility is already under way.
We’re just as likely to come across utility trailers towed by bike-logistics professionals as multipurpose trailers used by regular folk. Come summer, thousands of cyclists in search of adventure stream along France’s greenways.
Would you, too, like to swap your car for a more convenient and eco-friendly means of getting around? Are you tempted to buy a bike trailer, but unsure of the best model for your requirements? In this guide, we bring you all of the information you need to choose your bike trailer.
Bike trailers: a specific model for each purpose
Whether you want to tow your children behind you, find a shopping cart or a trailer to go cycle touring, there are dozens of models to choose from. Whether you’re an urban cyclist, active retiree, cyclo-tourist or parent looking to transport your children by bike, you can be sure there’s a model that fits the bill.
The utility bike trailer
Furniture, luggage, the weekly shop: when there are heavy, bulky loads to carry, people automatically use the car. In city centres, though, downtown shoppers are increasingly likely to opt for a bike trailer.
Also known as a cargo trailer, it comes with a host of benefits:
Because it is quick to hitch and unhitch, it is eminently flexible. Some utility trailer models are extremely versatile and can be folded, dismounted or converted at will.
A utility trailer is easy to park and you can even take certain models with you.
It is easy to handle: it follows you without changing the way you ride the bike. It can descend from low footpaths, ride over speed bumps and effortlessly weave its way along narrow streets. U-turns are also child’s play. And of course it can replace the boot of your car for short trips, making them quicker and more eco-friendly.
The bike trailer for kids
This trailer model, available in single- or double-seater versions, is designed for transporting children. It adapts to all types of activities: taking the kids to school, on rides or even on family cycling holidays.
If you’re thinking of using this type of trailer on an everyday basis, your best choice is a light, compact trailer, especially if you live in a flat. Some models can even be converted into a pushchair.
Take your kids with you wherever you go: for rides in the city or the countryside, or a jog in the park. For frequent use, opt for a comfortable model, especially as children quickly drop off to sleep in a trailer.
For weekend outings or family trips, the most important factors are comfortable seating, good suspension and the available space (storage compartment, screens, etc.). If you want to be able to take it with you in a train or bus, be sure to choose a folding model.
💡 Good to know: the SNCF train company will not accept non-dismounted trailers onboard its trains.
The bike trailer for dogs
Now you can go hiking with your dog, take it to the vet or even take it on holiday with you... by bike! The bike trailer for dogs is particularly suitable for larger dogs (over 12 kg).
It’s perfect if your dog can’t run alongside you, or if the journey is too long or too dangerous (in town, for example). For your animal’s comfort and safety, opt for a model with a well-ventilated compartment and equipped with a safety leash.
The trailer for bike touring
Whether you’re travelling alone, as a couple, with friends or as a family, it takes a minimum of organisation to carry what you’ll need for several days on the bike.
Many cyclists use bike saddle bags, which are functional and not too bulky. However, if you’re travelling with your children or intend to be completely self-sufficient (so have your camping gear with you), the bike trailer may prove to be a very handy accessory.
Depending on your requirements, you have a choice of:
An all-terrain single-wheel trailer: which is perfect for travelling over rough ground because it can’t roll over. It leans in like your bike, but generally carries a lighter load and is more noticeable in bends.
A multipurpose transport trailer: this more conventional trailer can carry heavier loads. It is equally at home travelling over dirt tracks as paved roads. It is stable and pleasant to drive.
💡 Choosing a trailer type based on its main purpose and your requirements is therefore the first step. But don’t forget to check each model’s technical specifications. Some criteria may seem less important but are actually major factors in your choice of bike trailer.
The seven technical features to take into consideration
The choice of a trailer, like that of a bike, is based mainly on technical criteria. Bear in mind that, if the trailer doesn’t do the intended job, it will end up gathering dust in the garage. So, here’s a list of the key specifications.
1 - The payload and the volume of material to be carried
If you intend to use your trailer for work purposes or if you regularly carry heavy loads, opt for a cargo trailer built to carry heavy loads. There is a wide choice of options for payloads from 50 kg to over 100 kg. Naturally, the bigger the load to be carried, the greater the trailer’s volume.
💡 Good to know: the number of wheels plays a role in keeping your load stable. For inner-city use, prefer trailers with two or three wheels (especially if you will be carrying heavy loads). Note also that, for payloads in excess of 60 kg (trailer included), your trailer must be equipped with a braking system (as per the current EU standard).
2 - The weight of the trailer
Would you like to transport your children by bike on a daily basis? Are you planning to take your children bike touring on your next holidays? For frequent or long-distance trips, the weight of the trailer is one of the first factors to take into consideration. Travelling by bike will be much easier if you use a lightweight bike trailer.
3 - The quality and durability of the materials
Depending on your choice of model, the structure of your trailer will be made of steel, aluminium or, less frequently, wood. Steel is the most hard-wearing material, but it is less resistant to corrosion and heavier than aluminium.
If you use your trailer often, opt for a model made of high-quality materials and obtain information about the following points:
Where was the trailer manufactured?
Where were the materials sourced?
Does the manufacturer sell spare parts in the event of breakage or loss?
4 - The type of hitch
Depending on the trailer model, there are two ways of hitching the trailer to the bike:
On the seat post: this type of attachment is generally found on light trailers. The bike remains responsive and its handling is unaffected.
On the rear wheel hub: this type of attachment provides good stability for transporting heavy loads or your children, or for riding on a rough path. It’s often quicker to use this type of hitch, but it means installing an extra part on your bike. Remember to buy several hitches if you intend to use your trailer on different bikes.
5 - The form factor
As city dwellers are all too aware, every square metre counts. If you don’t have a storage facility or garage in which to keep your trailer, opt for a compact, folding bike trailer. That way, it’ll be easy to store in the entry to your flat or underneath a piece of furniture.
If you live in town, choosing a compact trailer means you can use all types of cycle tracks, even the narrowest ones.
6 - Passenger comfort
Are you planning to go on bike trips with your children? If so, it’s important to make the ride comfortable for them. Trailer passengers will feel the bumps and stones encountered on the way even more keenly. A good suspension and a padded seat will cushion the bumps. Your kids will thank you for it!
7 - Safety
All bike trailers for children and animals come equipped with safety features for their passengers (canopy sidewalls, hoop guards and safety belts, regulation lights and reflectors). In addition, your children must wear a bike helmet up to the age of 12.
Just as you would for your bike, regularly check that the mechanical parts of your trailer are in good condition (trailer coupler, hitch connector, wheels, etc.).
Lastly, if you are transporting equipment, be sure to check that your load is properly secured before setting off!
The final criterion for choosing a bike trailer: the budget
The budget you allocate to your bike trailer often depends on how frequently you will be using it. For everyday use, the quality and durability of a trailer are essential features.
The price of a bike trailer ranges from €100 for a entry-level model to over €1,500 for a top-of-the-range item. Unsurprisingly, product quality and the country of manufacture are the main determinants of the product’s end price. By buying a trailer that, though more expensive is also more versatile, you are more likely to recoup the cost of your investment.
The four key steps to choosing your bike trailer
Not all bike trailers are equally worth the money. So what’s the key to making a wise choice? Here are a few pointers:
Start by reviewing your requirements as a basis for choosing your type of trailer (is it for transporting goods, your children, biking as a leisure activity, etc.).
Study the setting of your journeys (main roads, small country roads, trails, hilly roads, etc.).
Work out how frequently you’d like to use your bike trailer.
Use this information to rank the models that meet your criteria and are within your budget.
Armed with this information, you are now in a position to choose a bike trailer that will do the intended job!
💡💡Good to know: at ODILO, we’ve prioritised our trailer’s convenience, quality and multipurpose practicality with a view to optimising your journeys and your investment. Our trailer is:
your everyday shopping trolley ;
your cargo bike for transporting just about everything ;
your bike-touring companion ;
and a kennel-on-wheels for your dog!
In short, your all-purpose trailer that, once folded, can be stashed away beneath your couch! 😄
Psst: we don’t carry children yet, but that could change. Stay tuned!
Ready? Let’s go, everyone!
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