Which bicycle trailer suits me?
The new rolling companions are modern and lively and make many a transport route easier. The increasing demand makes clear how popular this type of load transport has already become, and it is not stopping – quite the opposite!
Environmental awareness, but also the joy of movement and, last but not least, health itself, are increasing demand and ultimately also expanding the colourful range of products. Manufacturers have long since focused on the individual needs of users and created solutions for various obstacles.
For our children, we become a good role model, and we quickly present our contribution to active environmental protection to the entire neighbourhood. If we ultimately find only two of the three imitators, we have initiated far more than we initially hoped for. Because further positive effects usually remain hidden from us … but they are there!
First of all, the focus is on which trailer is suitable for your purposes. You don’t have to make any compromises, because the market is full to bursting with variants. You will certainly be able to find the perfect model tailored to your needs.
Choose your favourite!
First answer the following question:
Which bicycle trailer suits me? The daily transport of the little ones to kindergarten or a big shopping trip to the DIY store should be child’s play with the right trailer. There is a suitable trailer for every application, so it is important to find out exactly what type of trailer is needed before buying. There are cargo trailers, dog trailers for our hairy companions or travel trailers for extended tours – you can find the right trailer here.
We would then like to look at three important areas of transport options, such as:
Transport and cargo trailers
A cargo trailer offers a lot of storage space and a stable frame. Two tyres filled with air and attached to the centre axle provide the necessary stability. With a load capacity of up to 100 kg, purchases and objects can be transported safely over longer distances.
Child trailer
Safety is the top priority for a child trailer. Equipped with shock absorbers, safety belts and reflectors, they offer space for up to two children. Especially when they are still too small to ride on their own, a trailer is a good choice for an extended bike ride through nature or the city. There are now several models available that can be converted in a few easy steps to transport our little ones while jogging or walking. With a large wheel diameter (at least 16 or 20 inches) and a wide track width, you get a smoother ride and improved stability.
Children must wear a helmet in the trailer, and harnesses must be worn. According to the law, the driver must be at least 16 years old. In addition, mutual consideration in road traffic is a prerequisite for a safe ride. Children’s trailers may be used in public road traffic without further ado and do not necessarily have to be used only on cycle paths.
If the bike’s hitch should fail, an attached safety line prevents the drawbar from getting stuck on the ground and also prevents the trailer from rolling over.
Here you will find a selection of transport trailers, dog trailers and child trailers
Test seals and use abroad
When buying a trailer, look for meaningful test seals, certificates or standards (TÜV, GS, etc.) This will save you unexpected trouble, e.g. at police roadside checks. When using a trailer abroad, the respective rules and regulations of the country must be observed, because in some countries the use of bicycle trailers is prohibited.
In which countries is riding with a bicycle trailer prohibited or restricted?
- Greece
- Ireland
- Croatia
- Luxembourg
- Spain
- Czech Republic
- Cyprus
- Italy (up to a width of 70 cm allowed)
With so much to choose from, it’s hard to make a decision. To make it easier for you to choose, we have summarised various facts:
Advantages of child trailers:
- The child is ideally protected from wind and weather
- Less risk of injury than with a child seat
- Relaxed seating position and the children can play or sleep
- Extended transport options
- Comfortable even on long tours
Disadvantages of child trailers:
- Simple bicycle seats are cheaper to buy
- A trailer requires more space for storage and on the road
- Needs getting used to when braking and cornering
- Some cycle paths are not so well developed for riding with a trailer
With so much to choose from, it’s hard to decide. To make your choice easier, we have summarised various facts:
Advantages of a bicycle seat:
- Cheaper than a trailer
- You have the little ones under better control or in your field of vision.
- Greater freedom of movement for the rider
- Easy to fit
Disadvantages of bicycle seat:
- Higher drop height in case of accident or when securing the child
- No protection from wind or rain
- Restricted carrying of additional luggage
- Uncomfortable sitting position on longer tours
Which is safer: bicycle trailer or child seat?
The safest transport option for children is the trailer. For everyday use and short journeys, the classic child seat is more flexible, but offers less protection. In any case, the technical condition of the bicycle and correct operation should be guaranteed in order to manoeuvre the family safely through traffic.
Single-track trailer (swivel trailer)
A swivel trailer is only attached to one side of the bicycle and has only one wheel. Compared to a two-track cargo trailer, it forms a fixed connection with the frame and thus offers a sportier ride in curves and off-road. This two-point suspension is particularly suitable for bulky and long pieces of luggage that can be stowed in a tip-proof manner.
Dog trailer
On long tours with a dog, it is a good idea to give the pelt-nose a break. Especially when the dogs are older or even sick, a place to retreat is ideal. The trailers are usually equipped with a large opening and a non-slip pad or carpet to provide a firm grip during the journey. The total permissible load of a dog trailer is 50 – 55 kg. For dog owners who are on the road a lot, a trailer that is easy to assemble and can be folded up for transport in the car if necessary is a good choice.
Our Croozer dog trailers may be just what you are looking for!
What guidelines must a bicycle trailer meet?
- At the front and with a width of more than 60 cm, 2 white reflectors must be fitted with a maximum distance of 20 cm between them.
- A yellow reflector must be fitted to each tyre.
- One red rear light (flashing function is permitted), on the left side
- Two red reflectors with a maximum distance of 20 cm from the outer edge (marked with “Z”).
- The lighting system must be independent of the bicycle
- A parking brake or wheel lock acting on both tyres must be provided.
- The trailer must be single-axle. Multi-axle trailers are not permitted!
- The total weight of an unbraked trailer must not exceed 40 kg.
- For braked trailers, the max. total weight of 80 kg applies.
Additional guidelines for child trailers:
- Trailers must be equipped with seat belts.
- Helmets are compulsory for children under 12 years of age
- Attachment of a flexible bicycle pole with signal pennant (at a height of at least 1.5 m)
- Covering of spokes and wheel arches
- Device against leaning out and contact of the legs with the ground must be avoided
- A suitable hitch to ensure that the trailer remains upright if the bicycle tips over.
- Children up to the age of 7 may be transported and only in a bicycle trailer intended for passenger transport.
- The minimum age is six months. In this case, a baby seat or hammock must be used (please refer to the manufacturer’s instructions).
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