Best Bike Trailers for Kids & Cargo 2026
A quality bike trailer extends what you can do on two wheels — hauling children to school, groceries on errands, or gear on camping trips. We compared the best child bike trailers and cargo trailers from Burley, Thule, Allen Sports, and more.
In This Guide
- Burley D'Lite X Child Bike Trailer — Best Overall Kid Trailer
- Thule Chariot Lite 2 Multisport Trailer — Best Premium
- Allen Sports Premier Aluminum Child Trailer — Best Budget Kid Trailer
- Schwinn Elm Child Bike Trailer — Best Budget
- Radio Flyer 3-in-1 Go-Anywhere Stroller Wagon — Best 3-in-1
- Burley Flatbed Utility Cargo Bike Trailer — Best Cargo Trailer
- Bike Trailer Buying Guide
- FAQ
1. Burley D'Lite X Child Bike Trailer
The Burley D'Lite X is the benchmark for child bike trailers — it's what the industry measures everything else against. The extruded aluminum frame is lightweight and rigid without flex. The suspension fork absorbs road bumps before they reach the seat, which is a meaningful comfort upgrade over no-suspension trailers on gravel and rough pavement. It converts from bike trailer to stroller with the included accessory kit. The padded harness system holds children securely. Fits one or two children up to 100 lbs total. The interior is large enough for two average-size car seats if needed. At around $649, it's expensive for a bike trailer, but Burley's quality and resale value make it the lowest long-term cost.
Pros
- Suspension fork — absorbs road bumps
- Converts to stroller with included accessories
- 100-lb capacity for one or two kids
- Burley quality and resale value
Cons
- $649 — premium price
- Heavier than budget trailers (17 lbs)
- Suspension adds cost without always being necessary
2. Thule Chariot Lite 2 Multisport Trailer
The Thule Chariot Lite 2 is for parents who want a multisport trailer — one that truly converts between biking, jogging, skiing, and hiking modes. The patented VersaWing mounting system swaps between sport kits in minutes without tools. The suspension system is more sophisticated than the Burley's — coil-spring front and torsion-bar rear provide genuine off-road comfort. At around $1,099, it's the most expensive trailer in this roundup by a wide margin, but for an active family that cycles, jogs, and skis, it consolidates four pieces of equipment into one.
Pros
- VersaWing swap system — biking, jogging, skiing, hiking
- Dual suspension (front coil + rear torsion bar)
- Premium Thule build quality
- Multi-sport eliminates buying separate equipment
Cons
- $1,099 — highest price here
- Sport kits sold separately add to cost
- Heavier than single-sport trailers
3. Allen Sports Premier Aluminum Child Trailer
The Allen Sports Premier is the best budget bike trailer for families who want child trailer functionality without the Burley price. The aluminum frame is lightweight (11 lbs), folds compactly, and attaches to most adult bikes via the included universal coupler. No suspension, but adequate for smooth pavement and light gravel at moderate speeds. Two-child capacity up to 88 lbs. The safety flag, five-point harness, and weather cover are all included. At around $159-179, it's a fraction of the Burley price and adequate for casual neighborhood riding and bike paths. Not for serious trail use or daily high-speed commuting with kids.
Pros
- ~$159-179 — most affordable option
- Lightweight at 11 lbs
- Folds flat for storage
- Flag, harness, weather cover all included
Cons
- No suspension — rough on bumpy roads
- Lower weight limit (88 lbs) than premium options
- Less refined hitch system vs Burley
4. Schwinn Elm Child Bike Trailer
The Schwinn Elm is for first-time bike trailer buyers who want a recognizable brand name and adequate quality at an entry price. The steel frame is heavier than aluminum alternatives but robust. The 16-inch wheels are appropriately sized for a single-child trailer. The folding design stores reasonably flat. Safety flag, five-point harness, and rain cover included. At around $139-169, it's the entry price for a new bike trailer from a brand you recognize. The Schwinn reputation is more retail than cycling performance these days, but the Elm delivers what a first-time trailer user needs.
Pros
- ~$139-169 — entry price point
- Recognizable brand
- 16-inch wheels for stability
- Folds for storage
Cons
- Heavier steel frame
- No suspension
- Single-child capacity limited vs. competitors
5. Radio Flyer 3-in-1 Go-Anywhere Stroller Wagon
The Radio Flyer Stroller Wagon occupies a unique category — it's not a traditional bike trailer but a large-format wagon that attaches to a bike, converts to a push stroller, and can be used as a standalone wagon. The extra-large interior fits multiple children, oversized gear loads, or child-plus-dog configurations that a standard two-person bike trailer can't accommodate. The canopy provides sun protection in stroller or wagon mode. At around $349-399, it's positioned between budget trailers and premium Burley/Thule options, and it serves use cases neither covers.
Pros
- Large interior for multiple kids or gear + kid
- Bike trailer, stroller, and wagon in one
- Sun canopy included
- $349-399 — mid-range price
Cons
- Heavier and wider than standard trailers
- Less aerodynamic at bike speed
- Not suitable for rough trail use
6. Burley Flatbed Utility Cargo Bike Trailer
The Burley Flatbed is a cargo trailer rather than a child trailer — designed to haul groceries, gear, lumber, camping equipment, and anything else you'd normally throw in a car. The 100-lb payload capacity and 8.5 cubic feet of cargo space transform a bicycle into a legitimate cargo vehicle. The low, flat deck makes loading and unloading easy. The universal coupler works with virtually any adult bicycle. The sides and rails fold down for easy loading of long items. At around $299, the Flatbed is the tool for cyclists who want to replace car trips for errands, camping runs, and equipment transport without a cargo e-bike.
Pros
- 100-lb payload capacity
- 8.5 cubic feet of cargo space
- Sides fold for easy loading
- Universal coupler — works with any adult bike
Cons
- ~$299 — mid-range cargo price
- No child capacity
- Cargo shifts without tie-down straps (sold separately)
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age can children ride in a bike trailer?
Most manufacturers recommend 12 months as the minimum age — children must have sufficient neck strength to support a helmet. A child who cannot sit up unassisted should not ride in a bike trailer. Always use a properly fitted bicycle helmet for children, even in a trailer with a roll bar.
How fast can I safely tow a child bike trailer?
Most manufacturers recommend a maximum of 15 mph for child trailers. Children experience the ride differently than adults — what feels like a minor bump at speed is amplified in the trailer. Moderate speeds on smooth surfaces and slow speeds on rough terrain is the safe approach.
Can I use a bike trailer on an e-bike?
Yes, with caveats. Verify that the trailer hitch system is compatible with your e-bike's axle type. E-bikes typically have thicker rear axles (thru-axle) that require specific adapters. Also check that the trailer's rated tongue weight doesn't exceed your e-bike's tow capacity (listed in the e-bike manual). The additional motor assistance makes trailer towing significantly easier on hills.
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