Buying a Bicycle Utility Trailer

A bicycle utility trailer is a great way to carry luggage, children or pets on your bike. They come in a range of sizes and types, from purpose-built flatbed trailers that can take large loads for camping or touring to smaller models designed to carry kids or gear. They can be attached to your seat post or rear axle, depending on the model and your preference. Check the specification carefully before you buy, as these specifications can have a big impact on how well your trailer performs and where it is suitable to use (e.g. paved roads or trails).

Bicycle trailers are usually made from aluminium, which is lighter than steel and, in some cases, more durable. Quality options will also have a weatherproof coating to keep your cargo protected from the elements. Most come with a safety flag mounted on the top of the trailer to make you more visible to other road-users.

Trailers can be single or double and attach to your bicycle in different ways, with the hitch system generally requiring no tools for quick installation and removal. It is best to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for specific directions on safely securing the trailer to your bike.

Two-wheel trailers are the most popular, as they offer much greater load carrying capacity than single-wheel designs and are more stable at speed. However, they can be wider than the towing bicycle (even wider in some cases) and will need careful positioning when passing through narrow passages.