Best Dog Bike Trailers
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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
1. Instep Bike Trailer for Kids, Single and Double Seat, Single Seat, Green/Grey |
BEST AFFORDABLE
2. Schwinn Rascal Bike Pet Trailer, For Small and Large Dogs, Small, Orange |
BEST FOR SMALL DOGS
4. Best Choice Products 2-in-1 Pet Stroller and Trailer w/Bike Hitch, Suspension, Safety Flag, and Reflectors |
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 |
|
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.
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: $
- It is very easy and quick to put together
- Highly portable
- Very versatile and can connect to almost all bikes
- Sturdy construction
- The seat is not very comfortable
- The tire tubes are thin and cannot be blown to the psi mentioned
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.
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: $
- 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
- Not compatible with some Schwinn bikes
- Strong chemical smell upon unpacking
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.
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: $$
- It is very simple to assemble
- Portable and easy to store
- Light in weight
- The plastic screen is great protection from winds and even a little rain
- Not compatible with some Schwinn bikes
- Strong chemical smell upon unpacking
The Schwinn pet trailer has a front/top flap and a rear door for easy entry and exit. The wheels have 16” rims made of aluminum while the tires are air-filled and can be pumped with a basic bicycle wheel pump. Other notable features include an adjustable plastic bug screen, internal leash, and a safety flag.
Best Choice Products 2-in-1 Pet Stroller and Trailer w/Bike Hitch, Suspension, Safety Flag, and Reflectors
Product Info
- Weight capacity: 66 lb
- Overall dimensions: 33 x 9 x 28 inches (folded without wheel & handle)
- Cabin dimensions: 24 x 27 x 22 inches
- Frame material: Steel
- Number of doors/flaps: 3
- Leash hook: ✓
- Foldable/collapsible: ✓
- Price Range: $$$
- Very simple and easy to put together
- Excellent suspension
- It is sturdy and roomy
- Extremely comfortable for pups
- The handle and wheels need to be taken off before folding
- Tips backwards if dog sits towards back in stroller mode
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.
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: $
- It is very easy to set up
- Sturdy and durable
- Waterproof polyester fabric
- A little bulky and heavy
- Strong chemical smell
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!