The 5 Best Dog Bike Trailers

Recent Reviews November 16, 2023
5 Best Dog Bike Trailers

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The 5 Best Dog Bike Trailers

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 5 Best Dog Bike Trailers

Although bike riding with your canine friend can be great fun and a way to develop a good connection, it involves some risks. Similar to the case with all outdoor activities, ensuring both your pet’s safety and comfort is important. With only a little effort into getting the right gear, you can be ready for an excellent road trip.

Dog owners are increasingly using bike trailers to enable them to ride along with their furry friends. A pet bike trailer is like a cart that you can attach to a bicycle with the aid of a coupler. This allows your dog to ride along with you safely.

There are many trailer models on the market. To help you make a good buying decision, we have come up with a list of some of the best models you can choose from.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Pet Bike Trailers for Dogs

We highly recommend looking at the comparison table we have below, where we have highlighted the features of each product. You’ll also find more detailed information about each product later in the article.

Compare Best Dog Bike Trailers

BEST OVERALL
Instep Bike Trailer for Kids, Single and Double Seat, Single Seat, Green/Grey

1. Instep Bike Trailer for Kids, Single and Double Seat, Single Seat, Green/Grey

BEST AFFORDABLE
Schwinn Rascal Bike Pet Trailer, For Small and Large Dogs, Small, Orange

2. Schwinn Rascal Bike Pet Trailer, For Small and Large Dogs, Small, Orange

BEST FOR LARGE DOGS
PetSafe Happy Ride Steel Dog Bicycle Trailer

3. PetSafe Happy Ride Steel Dog Bicycle Trailer

BEST FOR SMALL DOGS
Best Choice Products 2-in-1 Pet Stroller and Trailer w/Bike Hitch, Suspension, Safety Flag, and Reflectors

4. Best Choice Products 2-in-1 Pet Stroller and Trailer w/Bike Hitch, Suspension, Safety Flag, and Reflectors

BEST FOR TREK BIKES
Aosom Dog Bike Trailer Pet Cart Bicycle Wagon Cargo Carrier Attachment for Travel with 3 Entrances Large Wheels for Off-Road & Mesh Screen - Red/Black

5. Aosom Dog Bike Trailer Pet Cart Bicycle Wagon Cargo Carrier Attachment for Travel with 3 Entrances Large Wheels for Off-Road & Mesh Screen - Red/Black

Weight capacity
40 lb + 12 lb in storage area
Weight capacity
50 lb + 20 lb in storage area
Weight capacity
50 lb (M), 110 lb (L)
Weight capacity
66 lb
Weight capacity
66 lb
Overall dimensions
32.5 x 20.8 x 6.8 inches (folded)
Overall dimensions
32 x 20.5 x 9 inches (folded)
Overall dimensions
46 x 23 x 28 inches (M), 55 x 33 x 33 inches (L)
Overall dimensions
33 x 9 x 28 inches (folded without wheel & handle)
Overall dimensions
31 x 28 x 35.5 inches
Frame material
Steel
Frame material
Steel
Frame material
Aluminium
Frame material
Steel
Frame material
Steel
Number of doors/flaps
2
Number of doors/flaps
2
Number of doors/flaps
3
Number of doors/flaps
3
Number of doors/flaps
3
Leash hook
Leash hook
Leash hook
Leash hook
Leash hook
Foldable/collapsible
Foldable/collapsible
Foldable/collapsible
Foldable/collapsible
Foldable/collapsible
Price Range
$
Price Range
$
Price Range
$$
Price Range
$$$
Price Range
$
Cabin dimensions
Cabin dimensions
Cabin dimensions
26 x 17 x 20 inches (M), 33 x 22 x 26 inches (L)
Cabin dimensions
24 x 27 x 22 inches
Cabin dimensions
31 x 22 x 25 inches

Top 5 Best Rated Dog Bike Trailers

Your pets deserve royal treatment as they ride along with you out on the streets. There are a lot of pet bike trailers available on the market, but not all will suit your pet perfectly. Also, not all reach high standards of quality.

With this in mind, we have come up with some of the best models you can find right now, both in stores and online.

BEST OVERALL
1.

Instep Bike Trailer for Kids, Single and Double Seat, Single Seat, Green/Grey

Product Info

  • Weight capacity: 40 lb + 12 lb in storage area
  • Overall dimensions: 32.5 x 20.8 x 6.8 inches (folded)
  • Frame material: Steel
  • Number of doors/flaps: 2
  • Leash hook:
  • Foldable/collapsible:
  • Price Range: $
Pros
  • It is very easy and quick to put together
  • Highly portable
  • Very versatile and can connect to almost all bikes
  • Sturdy construction
Cons
  • The seat is not very comfortable
  • The tire tubes are thin and cannot be blown to the psi mentioned
InStep’s Sync Single Bicycle Trailer is constructed with steel and rubber to provide excellent performance and style. It comes with a 2-in-1 shade that has a bug screen to protect your dog from sand, mud, and pebbles as you ride along. The canopy also has a weather shield, which you can pull down to provide protection from the rain and wind.

The trailer features a coupler which is very versatile and attaches to most adult bicycles. It sports 16-inch pneumatic tires with molded rims that can perform well on both paved roads and dirt trails.

InStep has designed this model for both pets and babies, with a 40 lb weight limit. The trailer is collapsible and portable, which makes for easy storage and allows families to easily take it along on trips.
BEST AFFORDABLE
2.

Schwinn Rascal Bike Pet Trailer, For Small and Large Dogs, Small, Orange

Product Info

  • Weight capacity: 50 lb + 20 lb in storage area
  • Overall dimensions: 32 x 20.5 x 9 inches (folded)
  • Frame material: Steel
  • Number of doors/flaps: 2
  • Leash hook:
  • Foldable/collapsible:
  • Price Range: $
Pros
  • It is very simple to assemble
  • Portable and easy to store
  • Light in weight
  • The plastic screen is great protection from winds and even a little rain
Cons
  • Not compatible with some Schwinn bikes
  • Strong chemical smell upon unpacking
Schwinn has designed the Rascal Pet Trailer to offer a safe way to bike ride with your pooch. It can contain a dog weighing up to 50 pounds. This trailer features a unique frame made of steel that is collapsible for easy storage and transport – if you are going on vacation, your dog can come along on every bike ride.

The Schwinn pet trailer has a front/top flap and a rear door for easy entry and exit. The wheels have 16” rims made of aluminum while the tires are air-filled and can be pumped with a basic bicycle wheel pump. Other notable features include an adjustable plastic bug screen, internal leash, and a safety flag.
BEST FOR LARGE DOGS
3.

PetSafe Happy Ride Steel Dog Bicycle Trailer

Product Info

  • Weight capacity: 50 lb (M), 110 lb (L)
  • Overall dimensions: 46 x 23 x 28 inches (M), 55 x 33 x 33 inches (L)
  • Cabin dimensions: 26 x 17 x 20 inches (M), 33 x 22 x 26 inches (L)
  • Frame material: Aluminium
  • Number of doors/flaps: 3
  • Leash hook:
  • Foldable/collapsible:
  • Price Range: $$
Pros
  • It is very simple to assemble
  • Portable and easy to store
  • Light in weight
  • The plastic screen is great protection from winds and even a little rain
Cons
  • Not compatible with some Schwinn bikes
  • Strong chemical smell upon unpacking
Schwinn has designed the Rascal Pet Trailer to offer a safe way to bike ride with your pooch. It can contain a dog weighing up to 50 pounds. This trailer features a unique frame made of steel that is collapsible for easy storage and transport – if you are going on vacation, your dog can come along on every bike ride.

The Schwinn pet trailer has a front/top flap and a rear door for easy entry and exit. The wheels have 16” rims made of aluminum while the tires are air-filled and can be pumped with a basic bicycle wheel pump. Other notable features include an adjustable plastic bug screen, internal leash, and a safety flag.
BEST FOR SMALL DOGS
4.

Best Choice Products 2-in-1 Pet Stroller and Trailer w/Bike Hitch, Suspension, Safety Flag, and Reflectors

Product Info

  • Weight capacity: 66 lb
  • Overall dimensions: 33 x 9 x 28 inches (folded without wheel & handle)
  • Cabin dimensions: 24 x 27 x 22 inches
  • Frame material: Steel
  • Number of doors/flaps: 3
  • Leash hook:
  • Foldable/collapsible:
  • Price Range: $$$
Pros
  • Very simple and easy to put together
  • Excellent suspension
  • It is sturdy and roomy
  • Extremely comfortable for pups
Cons
  • The handle and wheels need to be taken off before folding
  • Tips backwards if dog sits towards back in stroller mode
The Best Choice Products 2-in-1 Pet Stroller and Trailer is a dual-purpose trailer. Whenever you decide to go for a stroll with your pooch, you can easily add the third wheel to switch it to a stroller.

It comes with a panel of waterproof polyester and an all-weather canopy with a bug screen. The interior lining is cushioned and can also be easily removed for washing. A dual-door design means your pet can enter and exit the trailer easily.

The trailer has a weight capacity of 66 pounds. Safety features include a hand-lock brake system that keeps the trailer steady when you stop, reflectors for visibility in low light, and a safety flag.
BEST FOR TREK BIKES
5.

Aosom Dog Bike Trailer Pet Cart Bicycle Wagon Cargo Carrier Attachment for Travel with 3 Entrances Large Wheels for Off-Road & Mesh Screen - Red/Black

Product Info

  • Weight capacity: 66 lb
  • Overall dimensions: 31 x 28 x 35.5 inches
  • Cabin dimensions: 31 x 22 x 25 inches
  • Frame material: Steel
  • Number of doors/flaps: 3
  • Leash hook:
  • Foldable/collapsible:
  • Price Range: $
Pros
  • It is very easy to set up
  • Sturdy and durable
  • Waterproof polyester fabric
Cons
  • A little bulky and heavy
  • Strong chemical smell
The Aosom Elite Pet Bike Carrier has a solid steel frame that is covered with a heavy-duty, waterproof polyester fabric.

There are dual mesh doors – on the front and back of the trailer. Apart from the ease of entry and exit, this allows your pet to enjoy the breeze if the weather is fine. The front door also has a plastic cover for protection from the rain and wind. The trailer also has a top flap.

The safety features of the trailer include a safety strap, a leash hook, and a safety flag. The trailer weighs about 32 pounds, with the ability to carry a maximum of 66-pounds. Finally, the Aosom bike trailer comes in an easy to fold and store design that you can easily travel with.

Key Considerations when Buying a Pet Bike Trailer

Apart from the safety measures listed above, there are other factors you need to consider before paying for any trailer. Some of these factors include the following:

  • Portability and Storage: When you have limited storage space, having a collapsible trailer that is easy to stow away is very convenient. A portable trailer is also easy to carry along on vacations.
  • Weight Capacity: Trailers come with a recommended maximum weight capacity. It is important to check this out before you pay for any trailer. A large dog may be very uncomfortable in a small trailer, and this may also cause harm to your pet and damage to the trailer. On the other hand, if you use a large trailer for a small dog, you will be hauling unnecessary weight.
  • Door Design: This has to do with how your pet gets in and out of the trailer. There are some models that come with a dual-door design that enables your pup to enter and exit the trailer from both the back and front doors. Always choose the ones that offer more flexibility when it comes to the entry and exit of your pet. If your pet has a mobility issue, considering entrance and exit options is even more important.
  • Pneumatic Tires: The type of tires that come with the bike trailer will, to some extent, determine how much your pet enjoys the ride. Pneumatic tires are air-filled and so have a cushioning effect, making bike rides comfortable for pets. These are a better option compared to plastic tires.
  • Weather Shield: Your pet deserves protection from harsh weather conditions, just like humans do. Therefore, the construction of the trailer should be such that it is able to protect your furry friend from the scorching sun or pouring rain.
  • Suspension: If you plan to ride on dirt roads or uneven ground often, pneumatic tires won’t be enough to cushion your passenger’s ride. In this case, a trailer with suspension is a great idea.
  • Versatility: It also helps to know whether the bike trailer can be used in other ways. For instance, there are some bike trailers you can easily convert into strollers.

Must-Have Safety Equipment for Your Pet Bike Trailers

This should be foremost on your checklist: make sure your bike trailer is properly equipped with the necessary safety features. The following are must-haves for a safe ride:

  • Safety Flags: A safety flag is what makes your trailer more noticeable to other road users during the day. The flag attaches to a pole that extends beyond the height of the trailer.
  • Reflectors: These increase visibility in low-light conditions. Having reflectors on your trailer means motorists and other road users will be able to notice the trailer easily during the dark hours after dusk.
  • Interior Leash Hooks: The leash hook is what you need to have your pet firmly attached to the carrier. Securing your dog will prevent him from moving around too much in the trailer and also from jumping out.
  • Safety Straps: You have to be very sure that your trailer is firmly connected to the bike. One way to do this is by attaching a sturdy strap to the hitch system. This is meant to serve as a backup plan in case the main hitch fails.
  • Parking Brakes: A parking brake keeps the carrier steadily in position when not in motion. It will stop the wheels from turning when you are getting your pet in and out of the trailer.

Final Thoughts

Whether you are shopping for your vacation or just looking for something your pet can ride around the neighborhood in, make sure you check for safety features and keep in mind the key considerations we have listed in this article.

If you and your pet also go off-road on foot, you will love this article about the best dog harnesses for hiking. While you read up on more fun ways to connect with your pet, we bid you happy biking!

Anne is a wellness writer with a lifelong love of animals large and small. As a former veterinary technician, she has a passion for your pet’s well-being. Anne rescues and rehabilitates animals in need. She shares her farm with lots of critters including horses, sheep, dogs, cats, rabbits, and chickens
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