Best dog bike trailer

If you love getting out on your bike but feel bad about leaving your dog at home, investing in a dog bike trailer could be the perfect solution.

It would be great to have your dog run alongside you on a leash in an ideal world as you cycle. But many dogs aren’t biking savvy and will think nothing of pulling to one side or even running across the front of the bike. In short, the combinations of dog, bike, leash, and speed are an accident waiting to happen.

Even if your dog can be let off-leash, you still may have to travel some distance before you get to a safe place to let them free. That’s where dog bike trailers come in handy. Our top choice of best dog bike trailer is the Aosom Elite II as it offers versatility and quality for the investment.

Are Dog Bike Trailers safe?

Apart from making cycling safer for both you and your dog, there are other benefits of using a dog bike trailer. Not only does it mean that you can take your dog on longer journeys, but it also means that dogs that would otherwise not be able to keep up can come too.

So here are some of the benefits of a bicycle trailer;

Perfect for growing puppies as they can come with you but not overdo exercise
Ideal for older dogs who may not have the physical stamina to keep up
Great for short-nose breeds as they can enjoy the ride even on warm days
Dogs recovering from illness or surgery still get to enjoy the fresh air
You get to explore for longer without having to get back for your dog

What to Look for in the Best Dog Bike Trailer

As your dog will be traveling behind you where you can’t see what’s going on, safety must be the number one priority.

If you’ve never used a bike trailer before, it’s worth hitching it up and going out for a few rides without your dog to get used to it. Although most trailers are easy to pull even when your dog is loaded, cornering often needs practice.

In this article, we’ll be reviewing the following best dog bike trailers:

But to help you choose, here are the main trailer features to look out for when picking the best dog bike trailer;

Safety

A wide wheelbase, secure bike connection, internal leash connectors, and supportive flooring all ensure a safe and smooth ride for both you and your dog. What’s more safety reflectors, and flags go a long way to make your dog visible to other road users.

The Hitch

The bike hitch is the mechanism that connects the trailer to your bike. Most dog bike trailers offer a universal hitch, but some trailers go further and offer secondary straps or a supplementary brake system for additional security. Hitch height is particularly important as it can make the difference between a level trailer or an unstable trailer.

Size and capacity

Always check the dimensions inside the trailer. Ideally, you want your dog to be able to sit up and lie down if they want to. Perhaps even more important, though, is to check the weight capacity of the trailer. Keeping to the recommended weight limit will ensure you don’t overload the trailer and keep your dog safe.

Construction

Biking with your dog takes its toll, especially if you want to use the trailer for off-road adventures. Choose a sturdy frame and durable materials, and your bicycle trailer will last a lifetime.

Weather Protection

Unless you’re a fair-weather cyclist, you’ll want to consider how weather-proof your choice of dog bike trailer is. A waterproof rain cover will keep your dog dry in wet weather, and adequate ventilation ensures your dog has a comfortable ride on warm days.

Portability and usage

Many dog bike trailers can be folded for easy transportation. Not only that, but some models double up as a dog stroller and trailer too. If you’re looking for a versatile dog bicycle trailer, keep in mind the primary function that you’re buying it for. If you have a large dog, it’s worth thinking about how easy the entry and exit are to access. While small dogs can easily be lifted into dog trailers, large dogs need to get themselves in and out.

Upkeep

How easy is it to clean the bike trailer? After many hours on the road, the last thing you want to do is to spend time cleaning. Easy care materials make it easy to keep your trailer in good shape.

We’ve rounded up 5 of what we think are the best dog bike trailers based on the above criteria.

Schwinn Rascal Bike dog bike Trailer
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Schwinn has been making cycles for over one hundred years, so it’s no surprise that they’ve used their extensive experience to develop dog bicycle trailers too.

The Schwinn Rascal pet trailer features a sturdy stainless steel foldable frame and a wide wheelbase. It includes an internal adjustable safety leash to keep your dog secure and a safety flag and rear reflector to ensure other road users give you some space.

Your dog has plenty of ventilation with a doggy door at the back, side windows, and a bug and weather protection sunroof, which can be unzipped and rolled back to give your dog the ultimate sight-seeing experience.

Inside, the trailer features a non-slip and removable inner liner which makes it easy to clean, and there’s enough room to add a dog bed or extra padding to make your dog even more comfortable.

The unique folding frame and quick-release wheels mean that you can fold the trailer down for easy storage and the universal coupler means that it will connect to most cycles.

Pros

Suitable for dogs up to fifty pounds
Easy to assemble and connect
It can be folded for easy storage

Cons

No shock absorbers, so it can be a bumpy ride for your dog
Strong smell – needs a few hours to air before you put your dog in it
Fabric is thin; it won’t withstand dogs that dig or chew

PetSafe Happy Ride dog bike trailer
LIGHTWEIGHT ALUMINUM: A light, durable aluminum constructed frame lets you easily go for bike rides with your best friend in tow
A RIDE WITH A VIEW: Let your pet enjoy the view while looking out the back, front and side ventilated windows while give them shade from the sun
SAFE AND SECURE: A safety tether inside the trailer attaches to your furry friend’s harness to keep them safe when hitting the trails; weather-resistant trailer has reflectors for added visibility
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ThePetSafe Bicycle Trailer comes in two sizes which is ideal if you have a larger dog. With a maximum weight capacity of one hundred and ten pounds, it means that even the biggest of dogs can enjoy a ride-a-long.

With a light rust-proof aluminum frame that folds down for easy storage, it has a wide wheelbase and low center of gravity that make it nice and stable.

There’s plenty of ventilation provided by a front door with both a mesh screen and waterproof layer, as well as a rear door with a mesh screen and a generous sunroof.

To keep your dog comfortable, the trailer includes a removable and washable cushion and an internal adjustable leash hook to keep them safe. Although it doesn’t come with a safety flag, you do get two reflectors included helping make you more visible to other road users.

If you’re looking for a combined bike trailer/pet stroller, you can get a conversion kit for the trailer at an additional cost, making it a good investment for an aging dog.

Pros

Stable and comfortable
Side pockets are a nice addition
Convertible to a stroller at additional cost

Cons

The base of the trailer isn’t sturdy, so you may need to add extra support
No shock absorbers so bumpy on uneven ground
The internal cushion isn’t secured in any way, so it shifts around
No safety flag

Lucky Dog bike trailer
Transport pets up to 85 lbs. while riding your bike
Pneumatic rubber tires ensure a smooth ride for your pooch
Large front and back mesh zippered screen doors
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This bike trailer from Rage Powersports really does fold down almost flat (without wheels), so if storage is an issue, this is the trailer to choose.

There’s a front and back entrance to allow your dog easy access. And there’s plenty of ventilation and protection with mesh windows and clear plastic roll-down window covers.

It holds an impressive eighty-five pounds of weight ideal for larger dogs and comes with a safety flag and rear reflectors. Made from a sturdy steel tube support frame and a water-resistant nylon fabric, it’s perfect for all-weather cyclists and their dogs.

Pros

Easy to assemble
Sturdy and stable
Plenty of ventilation

Cons

It needs to be well aired before use
Despite the 88lb weight limit, you may want to reinforce the bottom for heavier dogs.

Aosom Elite II 2-in-1 Pet Dog Bike Trailer
2-IN-1 DESIGN: Can be used as a bike stroller that you push as you run, or it can be attached to your bike as a bike trailer for a cycling adventure.
KEEP YOUR PET COMFORTABLE: This bike cart is made with tough and durable oxford fabric and a strong steel frame.
EASY ENTRY AND VENTILATION: Let your pet enjoy the breeze with the roomy sunroof on the bike wagon! Your pet can easily enter through the zippered front and back door and stick their head out.
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If you’re looking for a 2 in 1 option, the Aosom Elite II is a great choice. This unit is a stroller and trailer in one and has a useful swivel when you’re walking and a fixed wheel for when you want to take your dog for a jog.

It comes with adjustable handlebars, safety flag, internal leash hook, plus suspension in the back wheels, making it a safe and comfortable ride for your dog.

There’s plenty of ventilation and three entrances which makes getting your dog in and out a breeze. A separate rain guard on the front door protects your dog from the elements, while the mesh underneath allows for maximum airflow and visibility.

The Aosom Elite handles weight up to eighty-eight pounds, so it’s capable of carrying large dogs in its sturdy stainless-steel frame. Versatile, foldable with comfort built-in, there’s a lot to like about this model.

Pros

Convertible to stroller and jogger
The suspension makes it more comfortable for your dog
Storage pockets are a nice touch
Plenty of ventilation
Hand-brake
Foldable

Cons

The flooring is flimsy, so that you may need additional support
It needs to be supported when your dog gets in and out as it easily tips back
Assembly instructions need some interpretation and patience

Best Choice dog bike trailer
2-IN-1 STROLLER: Bring your furry friend with you on evening strolls with comfortable push handles, or hitch the stroller to your bike as a convenient bike trailer
MEDIUM TO LARGE PET SIZE: You can easily use this stroller for a large animal, or multiple little ones, up to 66 lbs. A removable cushion keeps your pets comfortable during the ride
PET-READY STROLLER: A flag and reflectors on the wheels promote stroller visibility in low-light conditions. An interior leash helps keep pets in place. An additional fabric covers the front opening...
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Our second choice of a 2 in 1 bike trailer and stroller is from Best Choice. Like the Aosom, the front wheel can be used in a fixed position for jogging or a swivel position for strolling and then tucked away when using a bike.

The trailer has three openings, front, back, and top, allowing plenty of ventilation as well as easy access for your dog. It comes with a bug screen and is weather-resistant, and has a hand brake for extra stability when stopped.

What’s more, it comes with a safety flag and reflectors to let other road users know you’re there and an internal leash to keep your dog secure.

Holding up to sixty-six pounds, it comes with a removable cushion and folds down for easy storage.

Pros

It doubles up as a stroller
Plenty of room even for larger dogs
Side pockets are a nice addition
Suspension means a smooth ride for your dog

Cons

It’s large – make sure you measure carefully
The unit tips back when used as a stroller but OK when used as a bike trailer.
No locking mechanism for the brake; you have to hold it on
The instructions are poor

Once you’ve decided to invest in a bike trailer for your dog, remember to take time to get your dog used to it before you take them for a ride.

While some dogs will adapt well to riding in a trailer, others need a bit more time and patience. And it’s not only your dog that needs to get used to their new mode of transport. If it’s your first time using a trailer, hook it up and take it out for a spin before loading your dog.

Not only are you going to be pulling extra weight, but you’ll need to adapt your speed and cornering technique to keep the trailer stable. Our top choice is the Aosom Elite II as it offers both versatility and quality for the investment.

Last update on 2023-06-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Best dog bike trailer – trouble free travel

Are Dog Bike Trailers safe?