Last Updated on 8 September 2024 by Cycloscope
8 small and large dog bike trailers. The best bike trailers for dogs of all sizes
how to choose a bicycle cart or lightweight stroller for your pet
Bike trailers for dogs are specifically designed to transport our pets while cycling. These carts are typically made with sturdy and durable materials, have a spacious and comfortable interior, and have safety features such as reflective stripes and brakes.
When choosing a bike trailer for your pet, consider the size and weight of your four-legged friend, as well as the type of terrain you’ll be riding on.
It’s also paramount to check the manufacturer’s recommendations for maximum weight capacity to ensure the trailer is suitable for your dog. If you want to bring your puppy jogging or walking, you might also want to consider a convertible carrier/stroller.
According to the American Kennel Club, biking is a great way to enjoy the outdoors with your dog, but it must be done in safety and with a piece of basic knowledge and understanding; after all, we all love our pets as members of our family.
Bike Dog trailers are not only for elderly dogs with limited mobility but for every kind of puppy. Running too much could damage their growth plates, muscles, hips, and elbows, especially for certain breeds.
Here we have selected the 11 best bike trailers for small and large dogs, based on the firsthand experience of our collaborators, technical analysis, and public user experience feedback. The majority of the frames in this list are lightweight aluminum, there is also some steel option, stronger but heavier. They are compatible with quick-release axles, you might need a hitch adapter for certain bikes.
At the end of this guide, we’ll give you some tips for making your dog comfortable in a bike trailer.
check also
> Biking With Your Dog: Tips And Safety Advice
The best dog’s bike trailers in a nutshell
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How we compile our gear guides: during the almost 10 years of cycloscope.net our team personally tested dozens of similar pieces of gear. For what we can't test personally, we involve other people in the cycling community to give their feedback and opinion about gear they have used. Our decade-long experience in bicycle touring enables us to find the key cons and pros of every product we mention.
- Burley Tail Wagon Pet Bike Trailer – best for quality
- Aosom Elite II Pet Dog Bike Trailer – best budget bike trailers for medium/large dogs
- Schwinn Rascal Bike Pet Trailer – cheap/budget bike trailer for small/medium size dogs
- Burley Design COHO XC, Single Wheel Cargo Bike Trailer – best off-road dog bike trailer
- Thule Chariot Lite Sport Bike Stroller – best high-quality trailer for dogs
- Allen Sports Deluxe – best lightweight trailer for dogs
- Retrospec Rover Waggin’ Pet Bike Trailer – best for small dogs
8 Best Bike Trailers for Small and Large Dogs
1. Burley Tail Wagon Pet Bike Trailer
Best for quality
Dimension and Weight:
Weight: 20.9 Pounds/9.5 Kg
Dimension: 33.5 x 27.75 x 31.5 inches
Size folded: 5.5 x 25.8 x 11 inches.
Wheel size: 16”
Burley Design specializes in designing and manufacturing outdoor recreation products such as bike trailers, child carriers, and jogging strollers.
The Tail Wagon has a sturdy steel and aluminum frame and a durable polyester fabric cover that can hold up to 75 pounds of weight. It has a padded, removable, and washable floor, sides to provide comfort for your pet, and a mesh screen on the front and back to allow for ventilation.
The sunshade will protect your pet from the sun and rain. It gives a really impressive stable and smooth ride even if you have, like us, a very exuberant dog. Also, a very interesting feature is the connector which allows you to keep the trailer upright when the bike is lying flat.
To attach the Tail Wagon to your bike, you’ll need a Burley hitch, which is included with the trailer, it is compatible with bikes that use a quick-release axle but it is always advisable to check with the manufacturer before the purchase. You can have a look at the Burley hitch and adapter guide for more specific information.
Pro:
- Easy to assemble and fold.
- Excellent quality.
- Protection from sun and rain.
- Sustainable materials.
- Lightweight.
Cons:
- No loops to attach a leash.
- No wheel locking mechanism.
2. Aosom Elite II Pet Dog Bike Trailer
Best budget bike trailers for medium/large dogs
Dimension and Weight – Large Version:
Weight: 41.30 lbs
Dimension: 61 x 32.75 x 42.5
Maximum height: 42.5 Inches
Wheel size: front wheel 10″, rear wheel 20”
The Aosom Elite II Pet Dog Bike Bicycle Trailer is another option for those looking to take their dogs on long bike rides but without investing an eye on the purpose. It can be used as a bike trailer or as a stroller, the 360-degree front wheel helps with maneuverability even in difficult conditions.
This trailer has a weight capacity of up to 66 pounds, which should be sufficient for most dogs. The Aosom Elite II Pet Dog Bike Bicycle Trailer appears to be a good choice for those looking for a feature-rich bike trailer for their dog at a very convenient price.
You can choose from 4 different colors: blue, red, green, and white.
Some users report difficulties in understanding the assembly instructions.
Pro:
- Folding aluminum frame.
- Good ventilation.
- Well-constructed design.
- Value for money.
Cons:
- Some users report difficulties in understanding the assembly instructions.
- There are reviews stating the tubes are not of good quality
4. Schwinn Rascal Bike Pet Trailer
Cheap/budget bike trailer for small and medium size dogs
Dimension and Weight – Small Version:
Weight: 25.9 Pounds
Dimension: 53.35 x 25.79 x 26.38 inches
Maximum height: 26.4 Inches
Wheel size: 16”
The Rascal Bike Pet Trailer is Schwinn’s attempt to enter the pet transport trailer market. It is made by Schwinn, a well-known company that specializes in designing and manufacturing a wide range of bicycles and related accessories.
With a weight capacity of up to 50 pounds, it is a good option for those looking to take smaller dogs on bike rides. There is also a large version holding up to 100 lbs, for about 100 USD more.
Some dogs might like it more with clear windows. This trailer is cheap and easy to assemble, a good option for those on a budget.
Ideal for dogs who are too old or too small to keep up with you on long rides, or for pets who need to be transported to the vet or other appointments.
Pro:
- Padded floor and sides for comfort.
- Very spacious.
Cons:
- Cheap zipper.
5. Burley Design COHO XC, Single Wheel Cargo Bike Trailer
Best Off-Road Dog Bike Trailer
Dimension and Weight:
Weight: 21.23 Pounds
Dimension: 66.5 x 17 x 21.25 inches
Wheel size: 16″
The Burley Design COHO XC is a single-wheeled bike trailer designed for off-road adventures. It is specifically designed for off-road adventures and can be used to transport one or two children or pets.
The COHO XC has a sturdy aluminum frame and a durable fabric cover that can hold up to 100 pounds of weight. It has a padded floor and sides to provide comfort for your pet or gear, and a mesh screen on the front and back to allow for ventilation. The trailer also has a sunshade to protect your pet or gear from the sun and rain, and a flag for visibility.
The Burley Design COHO XC is a well-designed and durable bike trailer that is ideal for off-road adventures. It’s a great option for transporting your pet or gear on rough terrain, and it’s built to withstand the demands of off-road cycling. The axle is sold separately.
Pro:
- Solid design
- Adjustable suspension and kickstand
Cons:
- No weather protection
- A bit heavy
6. Thule Chariot Lite Sport Bike Stroller
best high-quality trailer for dogs
Dimensions and Weight:
Weight: 27.5 Pounds
Dimension: 37 x 31.5 x 45 inches
Foldable Size: 34.2 x 25.6 x 15 inches
Wheel size: rear wheel 16”
The Thule Chariot Lite Sport Bike Stroller is a multi-sport trailer that can easily convert into a stroller. It’s a popular choice among those looking to take their children or pets on bike rides.
The Chariot Lite Sport is a versatile product that can be used as a jogger, stroller, or ski trailer, in addition to a bike cart. It has a sturdy aluminum frame and a durable fabric cover that can hold up to 75 pounds of weight.
It boasts a padded seat and headrest to provide comfort for your child or dog, and a fully adjustable suspension system to smooth out the ride.
Pro:
- Smooth and comfortable ride for their children or pets
- Versatility: Thule Chariot trailers can be used for a variety of activities, including biking, strolling, jogging, and even cross-country skiing.
- Well-constructed and durable
- Ease of use
Cons:
- Relatively expensive compared to other bike trailers on the market.
7. Allen Sports Deluxe
best Lightweight Trailer for Dogs
Dimensions and Weight:
Weight: 32.8 pounds/14.9 Kg
Dimension: 27.95 x 6.1 x 20.08 inches
Maximum height: 6.69 Inches
Wheel size: 16″
The Allen Sports Deluxe bike trailer is generally well-regarded by users for its value and performance. We have not tried this specific trailer but we have experience with many products from this brand and never had any issues.
It is made by Allen Sports, a company that specializes in designing and manufacturing a wide range of bicycle-related products such as racks, trailers, and carriers.
The Deluxe trailer has a sturdy steel frame and a durable fabric cover that can hold up to 100 pounds of weight. It has a padded seat and headrest to provide comfort for your child, and a five-point harness to keep them securely in place. Like all the products in this list, it has weather protection features and a flag for visibility.
The Allen Sports Deluxe is a well-designed and convenient bike trailer that is ideal for families who enjoy bike rides together. It’s a great option for transporting your child or pet safely and comfortably, and it’s built to withstand the demands of regular use.
Pros
- Brilliant five-point safety harness
- It features a rear storage pocket
- Easy to install front stroller wheel.
Cons
- The trailer may not handle weight properly
8. Retrospec Rover Waggin’ Pet Bike Trailer
Best for small dogs
Dimensions and Weight:
Weight: 27.5 pounds/12.5 Kg
Dimension: โ32 x 8 x 20 inches
Wheel size: 16”
The Retrospec Rover Waggin’ Bike Trailer is a good value-for-money product, it has all the basic necessary features: internal storage, an internal leash, a foldable frame, and weather resistance.
Probably not the best in terms of quality materials but it is really cheap compared to the other products on the market, which is ideal if you are looking for a trailer to be used on rare occasions.
It can hold up to 80 pounds of weight, but the recommendation is to go up to a maximum of 50 pounds. It has a padded no-slip floor and a rear door to make your dog safe.
Pro:
- Sturdy
- Quick assembly
- Rain cover
- Washable rubber mat
Cons:
- Nothing significant
How to make your dog comfortable in a bike trailer
Of course, not all dogs are the same, but we have tried to list some tips for making your dog comfortable in a bike trailer:
- Introduce the trailer gradually: Start by allowing your dog to investigate the trailer while it’s stationary. You can put treats or toys inside to encourage them to go in.
- Make the trailer comfortable: Add a soft pad or blanket for your dog to lie on and make sure the trailer is well-ventilated.
- Practice short rides: Once your dog is comfortable going in and out of the trailer, start taking short rides around the neighborhood. Gradually increase the length of the rides as your dog becomes more comfortable.
- Use positive reinforcement: Give your dog treats and praise during and after rides to associate the trailer with good things.
- Keep your dog secured: Use a harness or leash to secure your dog in the trailer to prevent them from jumping out or getting injured.
- Take breaks: If you’re going on a long ride, make sure to stop and give your dog breaks to stretch their legs and go to the bathroom.
- Be patient: It may take some time for your dog to become comfortable in the trailer. Be patient and continue to reward and praise your dog for its good behavior.
Why buy a bike trailer for dogs?
There are several reasons why someone might consider buying a bike trailer for their dog:
- Exercise: A bike trailer allows your dog to join you on your bike rides, which can be a great form of exercise for both you and your dog.
- Transportation: A bike trailer can be a convenient way to transport your dog to the park or other destinations, especially if you don’t have a car or if your dog is too large to fit in a bike basket.
- Safety: A bike trailer can help keep your dog safe while you’re cycling, as it provides a secure place for your dog to ride and keeps them away from the wheels of your bike.
- Comfort: A bike trailer can be more comfortable for your dog than riding in a bike basket, especially for longer rides.
- Bonding: A bike trailer can be a great way to bond with your dog and spend quality time together.
