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A woman stands next to a bike with a Thule Chariot Cross 2 bike trailer attached.

Find the best bike trailer for kids with this guide

In this guide you’ll learn all there is to know about the different types of kid’s bike trailers, and how to choose the best bike trailer for kids that fits your lifestyle.

Thule kid’s bike trailers are great for bringing kids along on the daily bike commute or going for weekend excursions.

In this article


Bike trailers for kids

These are bike trailers designed for strolling and riding in comfort with your child. Features like optimal suspension provides a smooth trip for kids, and the ventilation makes sure they don’t get too hot. All this and more make these trailers ideal for your kids.


Bike trailers for cargo and dogs

These bike trailers are specifically designed to carry your four-legged friend, or heavy cargo like groceries or sports gear. What features make them more equipped to do this?

Some of the features that make it easier to carry a dog include the flat surface so that your dog can lie down comfortably. Also the leash hook ensures your dog won’t escape.

The cargo carrying bike trailers also have a flat surface so that you can optimize space and carry lots of gear.


Multisport bike trailers

These are bike trailers that help active parents do sports together with their kids. Together with an additional jogging or skiing kit, they allow parents to jog, bike or cross-country ski with their kids. 

All of our Thule Chariot 2 bike trailers have similar premium features. However, of the three multisport trailers, Thule Chariot Lite is considered the most basic model, while Thule Chariot Cross 2 is considered the mid-range option and the Thule Chariot Sport 2 is the trailer packed with the most features for athletic parents.

All the Thule Chariots have the following features

All of our Thule Chariot bike trailer series have the same set of standard features no matter which one you get.

Standard features for Thule Chariot Lite, Thule Chariot Cross 2 and Thule Chariot Sport 2

  • Biking and premium strolling kit*
  • Ventilation vents and light
  • Optimal suspension
  • Adjustable handlebar
  • Simple compact fold

Thule Chariot Cross 2 and Thule Chariot Sport 2 have the following features

These two Thule Chariot bike trailers have slightly more advanced comfort features than the Thule Chariot Lite.

Comfort features for Thule Chariot Cross 2 and Thule Chariot Sport 2

  • Reclining seat
  • Adjustable suspension
  • Dedicated cargo space

Thule Chariot Sport 2 has the following features

This bike trailer is the ultimate trailer for athletes and their kids. Thule Chariot Sport 2 is designed to excel in every aspect, from ease of use and clever features to safety and durability. It´s the The flexible training partner. That’s why it is packed with the Sport Features.

Included in the Thule Chariot Sport 2

  • One hand activated disc brake
  • Removable side panels/windows
  • Fully padded seats

Though Thule Chariot Sport 2 comes with hand-activated brakes already installed, you can add them to the Thule Chariot Lite and Thule Chariot Cross 2 thanks to the Thule Chariot Brake kit, an accessory sold separately. Jogging and skiing skits are sold separately.

Please note that all cross-country and jogging kits need to be purchased separately as accessories.

Also, you can add hand-activated brakes to the Thule Chariot Lite and Thule Chariot Cross using Thule Chariot Brake kit accessory.


Bike trailers for commuting

These bike trailers are perfect for strolling and biking and have ample cargo storage so that parents can bring everything they need on the daily commute.

Thule Coaster XT is considered the most basic of the commuting bike trailers, then comes the Thule Courier and the Thule Chariot Cab, which are both premium bike trailers that have different perks depending on what you want to use them for.

All our commuting trailers have the following features

All our commuting bike trailers have the same basic features

  • Biking and basic strolling kit
  • Adjustable handlebar
  • Simple compact fold
  • Extra storage compartment

Features of the Thule Courier

This is the versatile bike trailer for active family life. It can easily carry kids, cargo and a dog (with the additional dog trailer kit). 


It has the following unique features that none of the other bike trailers have:

  • Flip flat technology converts the bike trailer into a cargo trailer
  • Adjustable rain and mesh cover
  • Optional dog trailer kit accessory converts Thule Courier into a dog trailer

Features of the Thule Chariot Cab

This is a robust and roomy trailer for daily commutes. Together with the additional jogging kit, it’s perfect for walking in all types of terrain, or in the rain, sleet and snow.


It has the following unique features that none of the other bike trailers have:

  • Ventilation vents and light
  • Suspension
  • Reclining seat
  • Adjustable suspension
  • Robust design with hard floor and more than 100-liter cargo space
  • Optional all terrain wheel and cross-country skiing kit converts the trailer into an all-terrain stroller/ski pulk

Get our tips for bike commuting

New to bike commuting? Read more about our tips for being safe out on the road here!


Bike trailer and bike compatibility

Our bike trailers fit most traditional bikes. Check out our article on bike trailer compatibility, to see which adapter you might need if your bike is not a traditional geometry.


How old does a kid have to be to ride a kid bike trailer?

How old does a kid have to be to ride a kid bike trailer?

All our child bike trailers allow for growing kids. They are made to transport one or two kids up to a total weight of 22 kg per kid. Parents can usually start cycling with their child around 10-12 months but always consult with a pediatrician if your baby is under 1 year. Also, the age depends on activity.

A baby sleeps inside a rain coat sitting in an infant sling inside a child bike trailer.

Cycling

Parents can start cycling with their child the moment they can sit upright unattended. This obviously differs from child to child but is usually around 10-12 months. Parents should consult a pediatrician if their child is less than one year old, and the child must always wear a helmet when riding behind the bike.

Jogging

Parents can start jogging with a child at six months using the Thule Infant Sling or in the reclining seat position (if available) with a Thule Baby Supporter. We recommend sticking to smooth paths until the child is at least one year old.

Cross-country skiing

Parents can start cross-country skiing at six months old on trails groomed for cross-country skiers.

When strolling with your baby, put the Thule Chariot Carrier in the reclining seat position and combine it with a Thule Baby Supporter or Thule Infant Sling in order to start strolling with your child.

Note: Parents must always consult a pediatrician if their child is less than one year old. The child must always wear a helmet when riding behind the bike.

Accessories for using your bike trailer with a baby

Accessories like the Thule Infant Sling and the Thule Baby Supporter allow you to start strolling with your child as soon as they can hold up their own head.


Bike trailer accessories

Expand the possibilities of your bike trailer with an accessory! We have accessories that keep you kids warm, help make it easier to move the bike trailers between bikes, or that let you even go jogging with your trailer.