Allowing you to comfortably and safely transport one or two children on daily journeys or family rides, the trailer is an interesting alternative to the child bike seat. Settled into their seat, the child will enjoy exploring their surroundings, taking in the scenery and may even grab a nap if tiredness sets in. Depending on your use and how frequently you will use your bike trailer, certain models will suit you better than others. Here are a few tips to help you find your way.
THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF CHILD BIKE TRAILERS
- with or without a protective cabin;
- for one or two passengers;
- standard or modular;
- arm attachment to the seatpost or hook attachment to the rear wheel.
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT BIKE TRAILERS
Useful for taking your child along when they are not yet old enough to ride a bike, or not yet ready to cover fairly long distances, bike trailers are designed to carry one or two passengers — depending on the model — aged from 0 to 5 years.
Built around a steel or aluminium frame, child trailers can come in the form of a simple seat without protection, but most often feature a soft cabin offering protection from the sun, wind and even rain.
They are generally fitted with two 20-inch wheels. One or two small removable wheels can be added on certain models, allowing them to be converted into an urban or running pushchair, or even a pulka for cross-country skiing.
Regarding how the trailer attaches to the bike, there are two types of connection. Some models have a long arm positioned in line with the bike, which attaches directly to the seatpost, while others are fitted with a lateral tow bar and a coupling hook; the attachment point is then located at the rear wheel axle, on the left-hand side (opposite the drivetrain). Most standard bikes fitted with wheels from 26 to 29 inches / 700c (road bikes, MTBs, hybrid bikes, city bikes) can accommodate a bike trailer, but do check that the model you choose is compatible with your bike.
WHICH BIKE TRAILER SHOULD I CHOOSE FOR MY CHILD AND MY RIDING STYLE?
Comfort criteria
The first thing to consider when choosing your bike trailer is your child's comfort! Choose a model with a cabin that is large enough — depending on their age and size — for them to feel at ease inside. The interior dimensions of the trailer are important figures to take into account. If you need to transport very young children (up to 9/12 months), the trailer must also be able to accommodate an accessory (hammock, shell, support seat) to secure their position.
Manufacturers ensure their trailer cabins are well ventilated to provide maximum comfort for the child. Note that trailers with adjustable hoods are available, and that accessories — included or available separately — allow the cabin configuration to be adapted to the weather conditions (rain cover, mosquito net, sun visor...).
On certain models, the trailer frame incorporates a suspension system, useful on fairly long rides on trails.
Prioritise practicality!
The more frequently you use it, the more convenient your trailer needs to be to handle! A trailer you only use occasionally for holidays does not need to be as practical as one used on a daily basis!
Note that most bike trailers are foldable to make storage or transport in a car boot easier, for example. If you are going to use your bike trailer frequently, opt for modular models, which are the most manoeuvrable. These trailers come with pedestrian kits, urban kits or pushchair kits — depending on their name — which allow them to be converted into traditional pushchairs. These kits consist of one or two small wheels to add at the front, a wide rear handle, braking systems and a wheel lock to make them easier to manoeuvre in small spaces and secure when parked.
Safety first!
Due to its low riding position, a bike trailer is not always very visible to cars and other cyclists. That is why it is essential to equip your trailer with a warning flag, reflectors, retroreflectors, and a rear lighting system if you ride at night. For frequent use in town, it is also recommended to use trailers fitted with front and rear bumpers.
Furthermore, French regulations have required since 22 March 2017 that children under 12 years of age wear a helmet when cycling (article R. 431-1-3 of the Highway Code). The law makes no distinction between a child cycling and a child travelling as a passenger on a bike.
WHY CHOOSE A BIKE TRAILER OVER A CHILD BIKE SEAT?
Compared to other means of transporting children by bike, such as the child bike seat, the trailer has many advantages!
Well protected inside their cabin and comfortably settled in their seat, the child is less exposed to the elements such as rain or wind. They feel fewer road irregularities, especially if the trailer has suspension. The experience can also prove more enjoyable, surrounded by their little belongings, compared to a child bike seat where they may have less freedom of movement!
For parents too, fitting and removing a bike trailer can be much simpler than installing a rear child seat. Riding the bike is easier, since the weight of the trailer is not directly borne by the bicycle, as is the case with a child bike seat, which can cause imbalances. Finally, some bike trailer models can carry two children and offer additional storage space, not to mention that they free up space on the rear rack... All great advantages for multi-day family rides!
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