I’ve tested the most popular Bike Trailer Strollers over the past few years and truth be told, you get what you pay for.
All of the Bike Trailers in this review are Double Bike Trailers for a true Apples-to-Apples comparison.
Established brands like Burley, Thule & Schwinn have well-earned reputations and have consistently delivered products that live up to expectations.
Best Bike Trailer Strollers
So, which Bike Trailer Stroller is the best?
Here are my top three!
Burley D’Lite X – Best All-Around Option
The Burley D’Lite X is at the top of my list for good reason.
The D’Lite is definitely a premium trailer that has everything you could ask for in a bike trailer stroller, but at a more reasonable price point than the Thule Chariot Cross.
Burley D’Lite Features & Benefits:
- Premium 20-inch wheels provide a very comfortable ride
- Plenty of room for 1 or 2 children
- Adjustable Suspension cushions any bumps along the way
- Well-Padded Bench Seats
- Comfy removable seat pads with supportive headrests
- Adjustable Sunshade to keep your kiddos out of direct sunlight
- Air vents to keep your kids cool on hot summer rides
- Trailer weight – 27.6 pounds
- 100-pound weight limit on the double, 75-pound limit on the single model
- 3 position reclining seats keep kids comfortable during naps
- Water-Resistant Rain Cover
- Adjustable Handlebar
- Easily Folds for storage
- Roomy on-board storage compartment
- Note: *Separate Adapter is needed to connect this trailer to bikes with disc brakes
Thule Chariot Cross – More Expensive Option
The Thule Chariot Cross is definitely one of the best-in-class bike trailer strollers, though the hefty price tag may keep people away.
It has an impressive list of features, and in my book is the Luxury Car of bike trailers. But for the added cost, it makes the 2nd pick on my list.
Thule Chariot Cross Features & Benefits:
- 20-inch wheels for a comfortable ride
- Plenty of room for 1 or 2 children
- Adjustable Suspension cushions any bumps along the way
- Well-Padded Bench Seats – on seats only (not on backrests)
- Removable Sunshade to keep your kiddos out of direct sunlight
- Air vents to keep your kids cool on hot summer rides
- Trailer weight – 31.9 pounds
- 99-pound weight limit on the double, 75-pound limit on the single model
- 3 position reclining seats keep kids comfortable during naps
- Reemovable Water-Resistant Rain Cover
- Adjustable Handlebar
- Easily Folds for storage
- Roomy on-board storage compartment
Schwinn Joyrider – Best on a Budget
The Schwinn Joyrider is a great option for those who want a quality option with a more modest price tag.
This bike trailer earned its place on this list because of its solid build quality that’s focused on safety & comfort.
If you’ve done your research, I think you’ll find this option worth your consideration.
Schwinn Joyrider Features & Benefits:
- 20-inch wheels provide a very comfortable ride
- Plenty of room for 1 or 2 children
- Only Available in Double child model
- Well-Padded Bench Seats
- Air vents to keep your kids cool on hot summer rides
- Trailer weight – 28.5 pounds
- 80-pound weight limit
- Water-Resistant Rain Cover
- Easily Folds for storage
- Roomy on-board storage compartment
Do Bike Trailers Make Good Strollers?
Yes, bike trailers make excellent strollers and can even be more comfortable, convenient, and even sometimes safer than traditional strollers. They can even take the place of your stroller entirely!
Many parents use a double-seat bike trailer as their family’s primary stroller, and there are many reasons why.
- Large wheels – make for a more comfortable ride
- Comfortable seats designed for longer rides & strolls
- More spacious design – gives children extra legroom
- Protection from the sun, wind, and rain
- Added flexibility – are also used for bike rides
- Many fold flat for easy storage
Are Bike Trailer Stollers Safe For Babies?
No, only children over 12 months old should be riding in a baby bike trailer.
Good news! Children over 12 months are actually safer in a bike trailer than in many other forms of transportation.
I know many parents who have been riding their kids in bike trailers for years, and they all swear to their safety & stability!
The safety of your child is always the biggest concern when riding them in a bike trailer. And if you do ride with your baby in a trailer, I highly recommend the Burley Design Baby Snuggler which cuddles your baby tightly and supports their head, neck, and rest of their body from unexpected jostling that can be expected in a bike trailer.
Advantages Of Using A Bike Trailer Stroller
The biggest reason we found is the added room that bike trailer strollers offer. Your kids have more room to move and play in a bike trailer, than in a traditional stroller. .
I found that using bike trailers as your family’s go-to stroller for all of your outings, including visits to the trailers, museums, parks, the library, and especially vacations, was very easy.
Aside from the obvious benefit of being able to tow a bike trailer with any bike, there are three main advantages to using a bike trailer as a stroller:
Wheels on Bike Trailers are Large
Bike trailers have large wheels that make an excellent stroller. They’re big enough to ride over rough terrain, curbs, rocks, mud, and rain puddles with ease.
I only recommend trailers that have high-quality 20-inch rear wheels, as these provide the best possible ride comfort for your little ones.
Bike Trailers are Built with Safety in Mind
Kid’s Bike Trailers are made to withstand high-impact collisions while riding a bike, so they provide excellent protection in the event of a collision while strolling.
Bike Trailers are Convenient for Children
Bike trailers have comfortable seats that are specifically designed to keep children comfortable for long periods of time, in addition to the larger wheels.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Age Can Babies Go In A Bike Trailer?
The American Association of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that children should be one year old before riding in a bike trailer. Babies develop the neck strength necessary to support the weight of a helmet and keep their heads from bobbing when riding over bumps around the age of 12 months.
Does A Child Need A Helmet In A Bike Trailer?
Yes, children should always wear a helmet when the trailer is in Bike Mode. A helmet will protect them while also encouraging the habit of always wearing a helmet when riding.
Can You Put A Car Seat In A Bike Trailer?
A regular-sized infant car seat should fit comfortably inside most bike trailers. The base of the car seat, as well as the car seat itself, may fit in some larger bike trailers. But this depends greatly on the model of bike trailer.
Are Bike Trailers Safer Than Bike Seats?
Opinions vary on this, but I recommend bike trailers over bike seats. In my experience, they’re the safer options since they are closer to the ground and most have a protective cage. Not to mention a very secure five-point seat belt system.
Conclusion
A Baby Bike Trailer can be an amazing piece of equipment when you have the right kind, and when used properly. Check the manufacturer’s safety instructions carefully before using yours and you will be good to go!
What’s next…
If you enjoyed this article, go check out my post Kid’s Bike Trailer: A Complete Guide
Happy Cycling 🚴♀️
