The Best Dog Bike Trailers – Buyer’s Guide
If you love to go bike riding and you would love to take your dog along to see the sites, a dog bike trailer could be a fantastic solution. A dog bike trailer is simple a wagon attachment to the back of your bike that generally has two wheels and mesh windows for ventilation. It’s a much safer option to take your dog cycling than using a dog leash attachment where your dog runs next to your bike. It can be used by perfectly healthy dogs, senior dogs or injured dogs who have limited mobility but still need to get outside for fresh air.
Table of Contents
Quick Picks – The Best Dog Bike Trailers
| Highlight | Link |
| Our Top Pick | ibiyaya 2-in-1 Heavy Duty Dog Stroller/Pull Behind Bike Trailer for Medium & Large Dogs |
| Best Value Dog Bike Trailer | PetSafe Happy Ride Steel Dog Bike Trailer |
| Best Dog Bike Trailer For Small Dogs | Schwinn Rascal Bike Pet Trailer |
| Best Dog Bike Trailer For Large Dogs | Burley Design Tail Wagon Bike Trailer, Yellow/Black |
What To Look For In A Dog Bike Trailer
Installation Suited For Your Bike
This is the most important feature to look for in a dog bike trailer! While some trailers say that they have a universal bike attachment, they still might not work for every type of bike. Double check that the trailer is suitable for your bike model before purchasing.
Weight Capacity
Like any dog product, you need to check that the size and weight capacity is suitable for your dog. Not all dog trailers can hold a very high weight as some are specifically designed for small dogs. Before purchasing always check that the product is suitable for your dog’s weight.
Pneumatic Tires
Pneumatic tires is just a fancy way to say air filled tires. For dog bike trailers you can get either pneumatic tires of solid tyres. Again this is personal choice, however generally pneumatic tires are a sign of a better quality product as they provide cushioning while riding over uneven or bumpy surfaces.
Good Suspension
If you want your dog to enjoy the bike ride, it is super important to look for a product with excellent suspension. This will allow for a smoother ride compared to a bike carrier without this system.
Collapsable/Foldable
A collapsable or foldable dog bike carrier is good for people who want to take their bike to specific locations to ride. With a collapsable dog bike carrier you can easily store it in your car or in your home as well.
Mesh Screens
Mesh screens are super important to allow your dog to get adequate fresh air while sitting in their dog bike trailer. They also protect your dog from bugs and other annoying insects while out and about.
Raincover
Not all dog bike carriers are made from waterproof fabric so they might have an additional plastic rain cover instead. This simply goes over the outside of the carrier to keep your dog dry if you are riding in the rain.
Suitable Floor Material
There are two main types of floor material for dog bike trailers either a fabric bottom or a solid floor. It is personal preference for what one you choose however there are advantages and disadvantages to both types. A fabric bottom floor is better if you want a lighter weight bike carrier that is collapsible while a solid floor is better if you want your dog to have more support.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bike Trailers
Are bike trailers safe for dogs? Yes, bike trailers are safe for dogs if they have been properly assembled and are tightly secured to the bike. As long as you ride slowly and do not go over rough terrain that is no designed for a bike trailer, your dog will be safe.
Do dogs like bike trailers? Yes, most dogs really like bike trailers as it is a fun adventure out of the house. Bike trailers are especially loved by injured dogs who can’t get out for walks. As long as the bike trailer is large enough and comfortable inside, your dog should like it.
The Best Dog Bike Trailers
- Ibiyaya 2-in-1 Dog Stroller and Bike Pet Trailer for Medium and Large Dogs From Amazon
- PetSafe Happy Ride Steel Dog Bike Trailer From Amazon
- Burley Design Tail Wagon Bike Trailer, Yellow/Black From Amazon
Can I put my dog in a child bike trailer? No, you should not put a dog in a child bike trailer as it is not designed for that purpose. Dog bike trailers have specially designed flaps/doors at the side and top of the trailer so they can easily get inside and also sit up.
How much weight can a dog bike trailer handle? Most dog bike trailers can hold around 30kg. However not all dog trailers can hold a very high weight as some are specifically designed for small dogs. Check the weight capacity before purchasing a dog bike trailer.
How can I take my dog on a bike ride? The safest way to take your dog on a bike ride is in a dog bike trailer. A dog bike trailer is a wagon attachment to the back of your bike that has two wheels and mesh windows. Alternatively you can use a dog bike basket.
How do you secure a dog in a bike trailer? Most dog bike trailers come with a dog seat belt located inside. You can secure your dog inside a bike trailer by attaching the seat belt to the back of your dog’s harness. In addition, zip up the side flaps so your dog can’t fall out.
How do you bike with a big dog? The best way to bike with a big dog is to put him in a dog bike trailer. A dog bike trailer is a wagon attachment to the back of your bike that has two wheels and mesh windows. This is a better option than using a dog bike basket.
How do you introduce a dog to a bike trailer? Introduce your dog to a bike trailer inside your house. Start by leaving the brakes on the trailer so your dog won’t be startled by it moving. Encourage your dog to go inside with treats. Then start pushing it around your house. Gradually build up to going out with the trailer attached to a bike.
Step-by-Step Guide For Introducing Your Dog To A Bike Trailer
- Introduce your dog to the bike trailer inside your house
- Start by leaving the brakes on the trailer so your dog isn’t startled by the movement
- Encourage your dog to go inside with treats.
- Then start pushing it around your house.
- Gradually build up to going out with the trailer attached to a bike
Can you put two dogs in a bike trailer? Yes, some dog bike trailers are designed to carry more than one dog. Generally you can only put two dogs in a bike trailer if they are small dogs that get along. You also need to make sure that the two dogs don’t go over the weight capacity.
The Best Dog Bike Trailers Reviewed
1. PetSafe Happy Ride Steel Dog Bike Trailer
Overview
The PetSafe Happy Ride dog bike trailer is a blue carrier that has mesh windows on five sides, an internal safety tether, external storage pockets and is collapsible for easy storage. The main material is 600d polyester and the frame is made from steel.
Price
Find Out The Current Price On Amazon Here
Specifications
- Steel frame
- 600d polyester
- Back, front and side ventilated windows
- Air filled tyres
- Safety tether inside that attaches to harness
- Reflective material for visibility
- Trailer hitch to connect to bike
- Collapse trailer for storage
- 3 storage pockets on outside
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| I read through the 5 star reviews on Amazon and I found out that people really liked this product because: • There are 2 solid anchor points • There is a short internal leash • Easy set up • Easy to mount to bike • Trailer rides very smoothly • Can fit two dogs One person said that this product was super helpful to transport their dog which had partially tore his ACL. | I also read through the more negative reviews. These were some common complaints: • Dog tried to climb out of the roof flap • Trailer tipped when going around corners too fast. • Need large car boot/trunk to fit into car • Zippers are not the best quality There was one account of how their bike trailer tipped while going around a corner. Luckily their dog didn’t get injured. I think this is a good lesson to ride slowly and carefully with a dog. |
2. Schwinn Rascal Bike Pet Trailer, For Small and Large Dogs
Overview
The Schwinn Rascal Bike Pet Trailer is a dog carrier that comes in two sizes either for small dogs (up to 50lbs) or large dogs (up to 100lbs). It is a bright orange and grey design and features a folding frame, quick release wheels, 4-way mesh windows and a roll up rain-cover.
Price
Find Out The Current Price On Amazon Here
Specifications
- Folding frame
- Quick release wheels for compact storage
- Pneumatic tires, inflatable with standard bike pump
- Internal leash that is adjustable
- Additional safety flag
- Rear dog door for entrance and exiting
- 4 way mesh windows for ventilation
- Roll up plastic cover for rain
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| At the time of writing this article, this dog bike trailer had 80% 5-star on Amazon with 1631 reviews. In these reviews people said: • Few minutes to put together • Small strap to attach to harness for safety • Very smooth ride • Very sturdy product One person recounted how their dog was a very happy boy when the front was unzipped and he could look out the front and enjoy the view. | I also read through the negative reviews on Amazon. I found out that: • Towing mechanism is not well engineered for all turning situations • Dog barks constantly with it fully zippered closed • Can tip over if going too fast around corners/taking sharp turns I have found it a common problem with dog trailers is them tipping over after reading negative reviews on many different products. Remember to ride slowly and take corners easy if you have your dog with you. |
3. ibiyaya 2-in-1 Heavy Duty Dog Stroller/Pull Behind Bike Trailer for Medium & Large Dogs
Overview
The ibiyaya 2-in-1 heavy duty dog bike trailer is a great value product as it also functions as a dog stroller with it’s handle bar located at the back. It is a bright red and black design and features a front door, zippered mesh screens, a separate rain guard, a quick release front swivel wheel and a handy storage bag at the back.
Price
Find Out The Current Price On Amazon Here
Specifications
- Convertible between bike trailer and stroller
- Reflector plates for safety
- Storage pocket with cover
- Front and back entry
- Separate plastic rain cover
- Quick release swivel wheel
- Air filled tires
- Cup holder on side
- Internal safety tether
- Universal coupler that attaches to most bikes
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| I read through the positive reviews on Amazon (84% were 5 star at the time of writing this article) and I discovered that people like this product because: • Dog is able to sit, lie down and stand with enough room • Smooth ride on a variety of surfaces • Extremely easy to attach to bicycle • Bike attachment is secure • Choice of 3 internal dog tethers (two at the back, one at the front) One person said that their dog was really enjoying all the daily bike rides they go on now! | I also read through the negative reviews to gain a better understanding of the product. Through this process I found out that: • Handle bar is not adjustable • Front wheel doesn’t lock so when dog jumps out, the bike trailer moves a bit • Handle bar height is too short/uncomfortable height • One person complained about the quality of the zippers. Some people also complained about tipping but this seems to be a common problem for all dog bike trailer brands. |
4. Best Choice Products 2-in-1 Pet Stroller and Trailer, Red, w/Hitch, Suspension, Safety Flag, and Reflectors
Overview
The best choice dog bike trailer is another 2-in-1 design as it can also be used as a dog stroller. It is a bright red and black design and features a flag for visibility, 3 wheels, 4 way ventilation with mesh windows and a roll up plastic rain cover.
Price
Find Out The Current Price On Amazon Here
Specifications
- Hand lock brake system
- Lightweight steel frame
- Water resistant polyester
- Windows serve as bug screen
- Internal security leash
- Internal removable pad to increase comfortability
- Hide away bike trailer hitch
- Removable stroller wheel
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| At the time of writing this article 77% of the reviews on Amazon were 5-star. This was out of 534 ratings. These were some common points of positivity: • Great internal seatbelt • Tires absorb shock so ride is smooth • Easy to pump up tires with bike pump • Great for senior/injured dogs • Nice design One person said how their beagle get ACL surgery and used to get 2 walks a day. The owner is very happy as their can continue their daily schedule with this product! | I also read through the 1-2 star reviews on Amazon to get a more well rounded understanding of the product. Some reoccurring complaints were: • Bad assembly instructions, had to watch a youtube video • Bike bar was too long to fit into the designated spot • Heavy product • Very wide, hard to store • Issues with hand brakes |
5. Burley Design Tail Wagon Bike Trailer, Yellow/Black
Overview
The Burley Design Tail Wagon Trailer is a yellow and black dog carrier design. It features a removable floor for washing, side battens for stability, flip-down tailgate for loading and unloading your dog, spacious interior, quick release wheels and foldable design.
Price
Find Out The Current Price On Amazon Here
Specifications
- Removable washable floor
- Comprehensive limited warranty for fabric parts and plastic parts
- 16-inch air filled wheels
- Quick release alloy wheels
- Fast action folding system
- Heavy duty mesh for ventilation
- Rear loading and unloading for dog
- Trailer weight: 23.25 pounds, 10.5 kilograms
- Capacity: 75 pounds, 34 kilograms
- Safety flag
- Reflective material
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| At the time of writing this article 81% of the Amazon reviews were 5-star. Some of the common positive comments about this product include: • Very smooth bike ride with trailer • Dog felt very secure inside • Good ventilation • Very good quality • Very lightweight • Good centre of gravity • D-ring to attach lead to One person said that their Australia Shepherd wanted to stay in the wagon after her first ride in it! | I also read through the more negative reviews on Amazon. I found out that: • One person got the product shipped to them without the hitch that attached to the bike • Some people found it difficult to assemble • Brake could damage the tires • Handle is too big and doesn’t come off easily • Have to buy front wheel separately if you want to convert it into a stroller |
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