Frequently Asked Questions about Bike Child Trailers

Safety Appropriate Ages Bike Compatibility Activities

Safety:

Should my child wear a helmet inside the trailer?

When being pulled behind the bike, yes. Bike speeds are certainly significant enough to warrant it. And, of course, to be a good role model, you should also wear yours. It is not as important when the trailer is being used as a stroller or jogger. Depending on how fast you ski, you may decide it is necessary as well.

What are some of the important safety features to look for in a child trailer?

Most of the important safety features listed below are common to all of the major trailer manufacturers, and the trailers you will find on this site. Where manufacturers tend to differ is on features unrelated to safety.

• Five-point harnesses, with two shoulder straps, crotch strap, and lap belt
• The trailer frame should completely surround your child like a roll cage
• Look for features meant to enhance visibility, such as reflective materials, bright colors, and flags
• Fabric panels should be free of any gaps, protecting your child from the moving wheels
• Some sort of hitch safety-strap ensures that the trailer will remain attached in the event of a hitch failure
• Covers should protect your child from road debris, like gravel, or water that your tires may kick up
• Quality child trailers meet the safety requirements of the ASTM (American Society of Testing Materials)

Appropriate Ages:

How old should my child be before we can use our trailer in...

...bike trailer mode?

Most manufacturers recommend that children be at least one year before riding in a child trailer. This is to ensure that they're able to hold their own head up and keep themselves upright. This is very important when traveling at bike speeds on varying surfaces. This is, of course, an estimate, and not a substitute for an assessment of your child's ability to sit upright and/or hold their heads up properly. Your child should always wear a helmet when the trailer is being pulled behind a bicycle. Check with your pediatrician if you are unsure.

...stroller mode?

Because strolling speeds are much slower than cycling your child can, on smooth surfaces, generally ride in a stroller as a newborn. Most manufacturers sell kits which offer infants and younger children the support they need to be safe and comfortable. This is, of course, an estimate, and not a substitute for an assessment of your child's ability to support themselves. Check with your pediatrician if you are unsure.

...jogger mode?

Jogging is generally faster than strolling, so your child will need to be at least four to six months old before riding in a jogger-equipped trailer. This is, of course, an estimate, and not a substitute for an assessment of your child's ability to sit upright and/or hold their heads up properly. Check with your pediatrician if you are unsure.

...ski mode?

Six months is a good estimate of when your child can ride in a ski-equipped trailer. Again, they need to be able to support their head and sit upright. This is, of course, an estimate, and not a substitute for an assessment of your child's ability to sit upright and/or hold their heads up properly. Check with your pediatrician if you are unsure.

You should also consider the fact that while you're skiing away, your child will be sitting still, so be sure to keep them warmly dressed and covered.

Bike Compatibility:

How do I attach a child trailer to my bicycle?

As long as your bicycle conforms to a few general, modern design principles, attaching a child trailer should be a snap. Most trailer manufacturers utilize hitch brackets that attach to the left (non-drive) side of your bike's rear axle. They are held in place by either the axle's quick-release skewer or axle nuts, if you have a solid axle. Alternative hitches are also usually available for tricky features, such as Breezer-style dropouts. Disc brakes may seem like they would pose a problem, but they seldom do. Feel free to give us a call at 1.800.717.2596 if you have questions about your bike.

Activities:

Is the trailer I'm interested in compatible with a particular activity?

Most of the child trailers we sell can be adapted to allow you to bring your child along on all sorts of adventures. Conversion kits are available to allow trailers to be used while cycling, strolling, jogging, hiking, and cross-country skiing. Please see our Comparison Chart for more on which activities your particular model is compatible with.