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Sep 27, 2023

Best Bike Trailers for Dogs 2023

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Your four-legged friend rides in style with trailers that hitch behind your bike.

For casual riders, serious cyclists, two-wheeled commuters, and everyone in between, nothing beats riding a bike. You get to take in the fresh air, enjoy a great cardio workout, and you can even save on gas. But there's just one thing missing: your four-legged sidekick.

Riding your bicycle with your dog running alongside can certainly work for some breeds, but it's not practical for most dogs. A select few canines can handle the high impact exercise and reliably ignore distractions, but for the rest of the pack, there are bike trailers. These attach to the rear axle of your bike so your pup can go along for the ride with their ears flapping in the breeze.

Bike trailers are perfect for puppies who are prone to growth plate injuries from high impact activities like running alongside a bike. Trailers are also great for seniors with limited mobility. But did you know that they’re also suitable for young, healthy adult dogs too? Riding in a trailer can make it easier for you to get exercise without worrying about your dog getting overexerted or pulling you off-course in pursuit of a squirrel.

My recommendations feature budget picks for casual riders that start at $119, high-end trailers for serious adventurers that go for $600 or more, and specialty trailers to fit every need in-between. All are reliable and fully featured to make bike rides with your dog as convenient, safe, and as fun as possible. You can find the perfect trailer for your crew whether you have just one small dog, a pack of pups, or a larger canine companion.

Always check the trailer's weight limit to be sure it can safely support your dog or multiple dogs at their combined weight. Some trailers also have height limitations, which are usually measured at your dog's shoulder.

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All of these dog bike trailers come with a universal coupler that connects to your bike's rear axle. Almost all bikes with a quick release axle, including e-bikes, should be compatible with any of these trailers. If your bike has a thru axle, you’ll need to purchase a thru axle adapter to connect a trailer. A thru axle adapter will cost about $50-$70 depending on the size you need which is etched on side of your bike's existing axle. Adult tricycles are usually not compatible with trailers unless fitted with a rear bracket.

You want your dog's trailer to be large enough for them to comfortably sit or lie down during the ride, but too large, and it's going to add unnecessary bulk, weight, and drag.

The majority of these trailers have an aluminum frame. Aluminum is lightweight, sturdy, and highly resistant to corrosion. Steel is harder than aluminum and less expensive, but it's also heavier. The extra weight of a steel frame might not make much of a difference if you’ll be toting a small dog, but if you’re hoping to keep your load as light as possible, aluminum would be the better choice.

If your dog's bike trailer is too difficult to attach, too bulky to fit in your car, or seems uncomfortable for you dog, it may just end up collecting dust in your garage. As I researched trailers, reached out to manufacturers, and collected customer reviews from pet parents like you, I learned about the features and capabilities that you’ll want to look for while you shop. I also took my own dogs, Matilda and Cow, for their first-ever trailer ride and drew from my experiences.

Key Specs

The DoggyRide Novel dog bike trailer earns its top recommendation with innovative safety features like a patented tip-proof center connection and pivoting mechanism that keep it smooth, stable, and upright over any terrain. It meets the existing ASTM standards while taking it a step further with a design that's specialized for dogs. But it's the little details that made us fall in love with it, from the padded chin rest to the roomy pockets. It's used, reviewed, and adored by senior dog parents, long distance cyclers, and commuters. With optional, separately sold add-ons including a stroller conversion kit, cargo roof rack, and kickstand, it can be adapted for any adventure.

Key Specs

The Happy Ride Bike Trailer from PetSafe has a wide, roomy cab with a low center of gravity, preventing tipping even with large breed dogs up to 110 pounds. It features mesh windows on all sides for plenty of airflow and a top window that opens so your pup and stick their head out. You can choose from aluminum or steel. The aluminum version is lightweight at just 29.5 pounds, while the steel version is ten pounds heavier and slightly more robust. Some reviewers found the bottom to be too soft to support heavy dogs, but adding a piece of plywood provides the missing stability.

Key Specs

The Rover Waggin' Pet Trailer from Retrospec is sturdy and reliable, especially for its affordable price. It's fast and easy to put together and folds down for storage or transportation. Some reviewers struggled to put it together due to misaligned holes, though I didn't run into this issue. However, the leash tether was too long, even when adjusted to its shortest possible length, and there's no sunroof, allowing my dogs to jump through the front window if I tried to ride with it open. If you intend to use it for open-air rides, you may need a shorter leash.

Key Specs

A few dog trailers can be converted into a stroller, but Booyah does it best with a front tire that swivels and locks in place, dual braking and suspension system. The stroller kit is included, making it an incredible value for the price. It offers a smooth ride whether used as a stroller or trailer with shocks on both tires that keep the trailer steady over just about any terrain. With its sturdiness comes extra bulk, though. It's heavier than other trailers and some reviewers struggled to fit it through doorways.

Key Specs

The Mini DoggyRide is equipped with the same patented safety features as the larger option from Dutch Dog Design with a small, lightweight frame that weighs just 20 pounds. Its narrow design makes it easier to turn tight corners. I love that it has the same features, high safety standards, and sturdy materials as the larger DoggyRide trailers, just shrunken down for smaller dogs.

Key Specs

Schwinn is known for their reliable, affordable bikes for over 100 years and their dog trailer does not disappoint. The large version has mesh on all sides so dogs get a 360-degree view of their surroundings, plus a sunroof opening so they can stick their head out, but the smaller version lacks those features. Both sizes have a wide interior with enough floor space for multiple dogs. As with the other bike trailers, though, you’ll need to add additional leashes or a coupler to secure more than one rider.

Key Specs

The Tail Wagon from Burley is suitable for dogs up to 75 pounds, yet it's the lightest pick on our list at just 21 pounds when empty. The lightweight yet sturdy aluminum frame and "drum-tight" fabric cover keeps dogs secure without adding extra drag on your bike or putting a strain on your e-bike's motor. Its low-profile, aerodynamic shape keeps rides light and breezy. Due to its close proximity to the rear wheel of the bike tire, it's best used while zipped up or with the back door open for a rear-facing view.

Key Specs

The Bark Ranger from Burley is perfect for keeping older dogs on the move. It features a large rear tailgate and low clearance, making it easy for dogs to get in and out, even if they have limited mobility due to arthritis. Though it's the most expensive trailer on this list, you get a lot of bang for your buck, as it includes a stroller conversion kit and can also be used as a kennel.

BI: Can dog bike trailers be used for other purposes when not transporting a pet?

LP: Other reviewers have had success using their trailer to carry groceries, camping supplies, or snacks when their dog is not riding with them. Just make sure you’re not carrying anything that could damage the mesh or otherwise cause a safety issue when your dog rides again. Also note, human children should not ride in dog trailers.

BI: Would I want a trailer with dividers for more than one dog to go along at a time?

LP: I haven't seen any dog trailers with dividers, for multiple dogs you’ll just need an extra leash or a dual leash coupler.

BI: Is a kickstand a must-have?

Yes. While the arm of the trailer will have a spring to help keep it from tipping, it can warp if you lay your bike down with it attached. You’ll need to use a kickstand to keep the bike stable while your dog enters or exits the trailer.

BI: What if your dog needs a drink of water while on the ride?

LP: It wouldn't be possible to keep a water bowl from tipping during a ride. You should take breaks at least every hour, more often in hot weather, to check on your dog and offer them water.

BI : Are bike trailers for dogs tested for safety?

LP: Some dog trailers are tested to meet or exceed American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards, though those guidelines are for trailers that carry children. No specific standards exist for pet trailers. Most trailers have, at the minimum, some built-in safety features such as reflectors, a flag, and an internal leash.

BI: Any tips for helping anxious dogs enjoy the ride?

LP: If your dog's trailer sits flat on the ground when the tires are removed, you could add a cushion and use it indoors as an extra bed. That way your dog can warm up to it for a few days leading up to their first ride. Then, you can start with very short rides down the block and work your way up to longer adventures. Some dogs take to riding in a bike trailer right away, while others just need more time to get used to it.

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