Best Dog Bike Trailers 2022

Ride a bike; Courtesy Retrospec

For casual cyclists, serious cyclists, two-wheeled commuters and everyone in between, nothing beats the bike. You can breathe fresh air, get a great cardio workout, and you can even save gas. But there’s only one thing missing: your four-legged sidekick.

Riding a bike with your dog running alongside can certainly work for some breeds, but it’s not practical for most dogs. A few select dogs can handle high impact exercise and reliably shrug off 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 for a ride with their ears flapping in the breeze.

Bike trailers are great for puppies that are prone to growth plate injuries from high impact activities like running alongside a bike. The trailers are also ideal for elderly people with reduced mobility. But did you know that they are also suitable for healthy young adult dogs? Riding in a trailer can make it easier for you to exercise without worrying about your dog overworking itself or getting you blown off course chasing a squirrel.

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

Best dog trailers

The Expert: I reviewed, wrote, and obsessed with pet products for years as a pet industry writer and blogger. When I’m not typing on my laptop, I like to hang out and make memories with my Matilda and Cow puppies. In my endless search for the best pet gear, I’ve found the top-rated bike trailers that will meet any dedicated dog parent’s high standards for safety, comfort, and reliability.

What to consider with dog bike trailers

dog size

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

More bike gear: best kickstands • best bike locks • best rear bike lights

Compatibility

All of these dog bike trailers come with a universal coupler that connects to the rear axle of your bike. Almost any bike with a quick-release axle, including e-bikes, should be compatible with one of these trailers. If your bike has a thru-axle, you will need to purchase a thru-axle adapter to connect a trailer. A thru-axle adapter will cost around $50-$70 depending on the size you need that is stamped into the side of your bike’s existing axle. Adult tricycles are generally not trailer compatible unless equipped with a rear rack.

Interior dimensions

You want your dog’s trailer to be big enough for him to sit or lie down comfortably during the ride, but too big and it will add unnecessary bulk, weight and drag.

Frame material

The majority of these trailers have an aluminum frame. Aluminum is light, strong and highly resistant to corrosion. Steel is harder than aluminum and cheaper, but it is also heavier. The added weight of a steel frame might not make much of a difference if you’re carrying a small dog, but if you’re hoping to keep your load as light as possible, aluminum would be the best bet.

How we rated

If your dog’s bike trailer is too difficult to attach, too bulky to fit in your car, or seems uncomfortable for your dog, it may end up gathering dust in your garage. By researching trailers, contacting manufacturers, and collecting customer reviews from pet parents like you, I’ve learned the features and capabilities you’ll want to look for when shopping. I also took my own dogs, Matilda and Cow, for their very first trailer ride and learned from my experiences.

Best overall

DoggyRide Novel Dog Bike Trailer

Budget choice

Rover Waggin Pet Trailer

Ideal for small dogs

DoggyRide Mini Dog Bike Trailer

Ideal for multiple runners

Rascal Bike Pet Trailer

Doubles as a stroller

Extra Large Pet Bike Trailer

Ideal for e-bikes

caboose

Ideal for older dogs

Ranger Bark

Ideal for large breeds

Happy Ride Pet Bike Trailer

Want your best friend to be with you? Our expert Lindsay Pevny helps equip you with the right bike trailer for your dog.

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

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

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

LP: I haven’t seen any dog trailers with splitters, for multiple dogs you will just need an extra leash or a double leash coupler.

BI: Is a kickstand essential?

Yes. Although the trailer arm has a spring to prevent it from tipping over, it can bend if you put your bike down with it attached. You will need to use a kickstand to hold the bike steady while your dog gets in or out of the trailer.

BI: What if your dog needs a glass of water during the trip?

LP: It wouldn’t be possible to prevent a bowl of water from tipping over during a ride. You should take breaks at least every hour, more often in hot weather, to watch your dog and offer him water.

BI : Are dog bike trailers tested for safety?

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

BI: Any tips to help anxious dogs enjoy the ride?

LP: If your dog’s trailer lays flat on the ground when the tires are removed, you can add a cushion and use it inside as an extra bed. This way, your dog can warm up there for a few days before his first outing. Then you can start with very short walks around the block and progress to longer adventures. Some dogs get into a bike trailer right away, while others just need more time to get used to it.

This content is created and maintained by a third party, and uploaded to this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content on piano.io

Source link