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The 18 Best Bike Trailers for Bicycle Touring

Table of Contents

Why use bike trailers, bike trailer design, criteria for the best bike trailers for touring, adventure ct1, aevon kit l80, aevon std 100, aevon uno 100, bob ibex bike trailers, bob yak bike trailers, burley coho xc, burley nomad, free parable t2, radical design cyclone iv, topeak journey, topeak journey tx, tout terrain mule, weber monoporter.

Like the clip-in vs. flat pedal debate, bike trailers are very polarising amongst cyclists. There tends to be the perception that bike trailers add a lot of weight and can be cumbersome to use. While somewhat true – when you match a trailer perfectly to your use, you may find it’s better than using panniers.

This article will look at the best bike trailer options for touring… but first, a little intro about bike trailers and trailer design.

This is just a few reasons to ditch the panniers…

To Use A Lightweight Bike Trailers eliminate the need for heavy-duty frames, forks and wheels. This not only allows you to use lighter weight bikes and components, but permits the use of mountain, road, cyclocross and folding bikes (as touring bikes).

Carry a Hiking Pack If you’re biking and hiking, it can be awkward to carry a decent-sized hiking pack on the bike. Trailers are able to easily cradle large bags.

Carry Bulky Items Given the large single storage space of trailers, you can fit long tent poles and other bulky items into trailers.

One Drybag Instead of Four Panniers It’s often easier to cart around one bag off the bike rather than the complete suite of panniers. The Sentier Trailer/Trolley (above) even has a retractable handle and trolley wheels built-in!

Axle Mount The rear axle is the most common mounting location and is often the quickest for trailer installation and removal. Despite what you may be thinking, trailers put a surprisingly low-stress on bike frames. Got a 12mm rear axle? Check out any of the ‘seatpost mount’ trailers (more below), the Topeak Journey TX trailer, the Burley Coho XC trailer, and the aftermarket axles from  The Robert Axle Project  for BOB trailers.

Seatpost Mount The key advantage of seatpost mounting trailers are that they offer a tighter turning circle as they pivot closer to the front of the bike. The disadvantage is that the rear wheel cuts corners when you turn, so it’s impractical on off-road trails.

Single Wheel vs. Two Wheel You’ll notice that most bicycle touring trailers listed are single wheel. This is because they are generally narrower, lighter, have a lower rolling resistance, are more manoeuvrable (as they lean with the bike), have one less wheel to puncture and can better avoid potholes. Two wheel trailers tend to be better for around town as they’re easier to load and are more stable at low speeds.

Foldable Some trailers have been designed to fold into a small package so that you can pack them away into a bike box with your bike.

One of the reasons people avoid trailers is due to their weight. But you may find that the true weight difference is quite negligible.

For example:

Ortlieb F+R 65 litre Pannier set – 3500g Tubus F+R Steel Rack set – 1000g Total = 4500g

Free Parable 75 Litre Drybag – 1200g Free Parable T2 Trailer – 3600g Total = 4800g

When comparing like-for-like in terms of storage and waterproofing, there’s no doubt that trailers add a bit of weight. But it’s probably not as much as you’d think: it can be as little as +300g over a set of racks and panniers. To put this weight into perspective, I’ve determined that a kilogram is worth no more than a few seconds on a hilly day of bicycle touring.

Under 10kg / 22lb You already lug around enough weight when you’re bicycle touring. I’ve capped the trailer weight to 10kg because the below trailers have an adequate carrying capacity of 30kg+.

Reputation Almost all of the below trailers have been tested extensively by bicycle tourers around the world. I’m happy to add other options if enough people have firsthand experience with other bike trailers.

Ok, let’s take a look at the best bike trailers for bicycle touring.

Adventure Outdoor Co. make this single wheel bike trailer which can fold flat for storage or plane travel. The rather affordable CT1 is supplied with a large drybag and flag to get you on the road without fuss. A recommendation by users is that the low-quality rear tyre is replaced for something a bit harder wearing.

Weight – 6.5kg / 14.3lb Capacity – 35kg / 77lb Price – £249

Aevon are well-known in Europe for producing some of the best bike touring trailers. The KIT L80 is their lightweight option which can actually fold quite flat given the lack of frame; great news for those who travel with planes. All of the Aevon trailers use a seatpost mount making them quite manoeuvrable as they pivot from a mid-point on the bike. Up the back is an adjustable air shock to dampen vibrations on rougher surfaces.

You can read my review of this trailer HERE and watch me ride 2500km across Japan with it HERE .

Weight – 5.5kg / 12.1lb Capacity – 35kg / 77lb Price – 755€

The STD 100 is the biggest and most heavy-duty Aevon trailer option.  It can carry an additional 20 litres and 10 kilograms over the KIT L80 and still incorporates the shock for off-road use. With the STD 100, there’s also a more substantial side frame for additional drybag support.

Weight – 7.0kg / 15.4lb Capacity – 45kg / 99lb Price – 695€

The UNO is the low-cost Aevon model designed for road-only use. The UNO omits the rear shock which generally isn’t necessary on smooth surfaces. This model will still carry the same 100 litre drybag as the STD.

Weight – 7.0kg / 15.4lb Capacity – 35kg / 77lb Price – 355€

BOB bike trailers have got to be the most popular option for bicycle touring due to their relatively low cost and good build quality. The Ibex model employs a coil shock to reduce vibrations and make it more suitable for off-road use. All BOB trailers use axle mounts to make connecting and disconnecting a breeze.

Weight – 7.7kg / 17.0lb Capacity – 32kg / 70lb Price – US $409 ( Amazon Special US $318 )

The BOB Yak is the most affordable model in the BOB trailer range. The side frames do a good job of supporting the big BOB drybag and up the back is a tight fitting fender to keep everything clean.

Weight – 6.1kg / 13.4lb Capacity – 32kg / 70lb Price – US $329 ( Amazon Special $303 )

Fresh from receiving a 2018 Eurobike Design Award, the Coho XC is one of the most versatile trailers in this list. For the off-road riders, the trailer will fit a fat 16 x 3.0″ wide rear tyre, and it has a coil rear shock which should help on the rougher trails. A handle at the front of the trailer has been built with a neat release button for removing the Coho quickly and easily from your bike’s rear axle. A feature uncommon on most single wheel trailers is the built-in double leg stand which is actually stable enough to hold your bike up too. In addition, the Coho XC ‘folds’; you can pack the trailer’s parts away into its cargo area without tools, which will be handy for those flying or storing their trailer in the garage. A long platform at the rear helps you stow objects longer than the cargo area (as shown in the picture). And finally, all rear axle sizes including quick release and 12mm can be accommodated, however, the trailer only comes with the quick release 9mm axle. It will fit on all rear end widths from 126mm (retro road bikes) through to 197mm (fat bikes).

Weight – 9.7kg / 21.5lbs Capacity – 32kg / 70lbs Price – US $419  ( Amazon Special HERE )

The Burley Nomad is one of the only two-wheel trailers on the list. The magic of this trailer is that it folds flat for travel, or alternatively you can remove the wheels and check-in the trailer as a separate piece of baggage. The Burley Nomad actually works out to be competitive in weight, price and still offers a huge carrying capacity.

Weight – 6.5kg / 14.3lb Capacity – 45kg / 99lb Price – US $339 ( Check the best price on Amazon )

The Extrawheel trailer is unique in design as it creates a second rear rack for two additional panniers. It has a much larger wheel than most trailers which allows it to float over uneven terrain in a more efficient manner than many of the others listed here. The Extrawheels come in multiple wheel wheel sizes: 26″, 29″ or 700c.

Weight – 4.8kg / 10.6lb Capacity – 35kg / 77lb Price – US $299

The USA-made FarFarer is a seatpost mounted option that’s ultra versatile given its seatpost mount and small turning circle. It uses a hammock-style bag to carry goods which unfortunately isn’t waterproof like the rest of the options. The most impressive feature is the ability to sling the trailer over your handlebars for technical sections of trail.

Weight – 4.5kg / 9.9lb Capacity – 35kg / 77lb Price – US $550

The Free Parable T2 is the lightest trailer listed with the smallest fold and the smallest wheel (perhaps less suitable for off-road use). The T2 uses a series of ‘ribs’ under the 75 litre drybag to keep the bag stable and the weight down.

Weight – 3.6kg / 7.9lb Capacity – 30kg / 66lb Price – US $645

The Maya Cycle Bike Trailer is the cheapest trailer on this list. The construction quality isn’t quite to the same level of the other options, but from all reports it still does a great job. Unfortunately, it doesn’t use a drybag so you’ll need to ensure your gear is in waterproof bags.

Weight – 5.9kg / 13.0lb Capacity – 30kg / 66lb Price – US $249 ( Amazon special $239 )

The Radical Design Cyclone is the lightest two wheel trailer on this list. It uses better quality materials than the Burley Nomad, but this is of course reflected in the price. Like other two wheel designs, it folds flat and can be checked onto an aeroplane is baggage. A really nifty feature is that you can move the two wheels to a rear slot location (see pic) so that it’s portable off the bike. The bag isn’t waterproof, but the trailer is instead provided with a rain cover.

Weight – 5.5kg / 12.1lb Capacity – 40kg / 88lb Price – 549€

Renowned bike component manufacturer Topeak makes one of the only sub-5kg trailers. Using aluminium instead of steel, they’ve managed to shave off 15-30% when compared to similar designs. The Topeak drybag (1.6kg extra) is designed specifically for the trailer, strapping in at multiple points along the frame.

Weight – 4.85kg / 10.7lb Capacity – 32kg / 70lb Price – US $499 ( Amazon special $446 )

Topeak also makes a wider yoke model for those with rear 12mm thru-axles on their bikes. The trailer is good for the 142mm, 148mm, 157mm and 177mm axle widths, which means only a handful of fat bikes cannot fit it (but many can, check the dropout specs). Otherwise, the trailer and drybag (1.6kg extra) remains the same.

Weight – 5.35kg / 11.8lb Capacity – 32kg / 70lb Price – US $499

Tout Terrain may be famous for their touring bikes, but they also make a touring trailer called the Mule. The seatpost mount provides a tight turning circle and the air shock takes the edge off bumps on rough roads. The complete package is comparable in weight (and price) to the Aevon Kit L80.

Weight – 6.7kg / 14.8lb Capacity – 45kg / 99lb Price – US $700

The Weber Monoporter is another trailer option that folds flat. Its name is derived from the fact that the wheel attaches from just a single side. This trailer works out to be quite lightweight too as it doesn’t use a side frame to stabilise the bag on the sides.

Weight – 5.7kg / 12.6lb Capacity – 25kg / 55lb Price – US $549

The soon to be released Sentier is the only convertible trailer/trolley option. Within 23 seconds you’re able to convert your trailer into a travel trolley and vise versa. The only downside to this design is the additional weight; it works out to be about 25% heavier than a BOB trailer and drybag.

Weight – 9.0kg / 19.8lb Capacity – 30kg / 66lb Price – 549€

Have You Had Any Experience With One Of These Trailers?

54 comments

One of the biggest disadvantages of bike trailers imho are the uncomfortable way if you travel with train and bike or have to carry your bike. I believe the future is bikepacking. Ok, and if you have to carry more weight, maybe cargobikes are still an option.

But if you’re two on a tandem, that shouldn’t be a problem.

The ct1 adventure folding trailer is worth checking out as a bobalike. Managed surprisingly well over my last 20k even. Much cheaper than most of these at 250 euro and the provided drysack is fine!

We found the biggest advantages to having the trailer were 1 cars giving more space and 2 attracting many admirers/selfies/gift givers!

We were on tandem but worth mentioning no ‘tail wagging the dog’ even at 80+kph.

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The Adventure CT1 looks great – I’ll add it to this list. Thanks!

Got mine years ago and only used extensively this year (with throughaxle: nuts from sjs). Goggled when posting the above to see it at current price from amazon seller… but checked again now and see ebay sells units v similar for 66 euro (!) with suspension thingie.

I can’t attest for either these or the ct1 units from amazon… Only my experience: pros- *speaking with someone using an old bob the ct1 attachment is 10 times easier *through axle or qr compatibility folding-great on flight *that price! Cons- *supplied tyre poor *skewer wears and eventually brakes if bad roads+45kg!

(tip: take a spare squewer on longer tour + wheel bearings if on v grimy roads. Maintain/locktite bolts on spring fastener- I replaced mine with larger for better fit after 10km wear- now better)

We have used the Extrawheel bike trailer on the back of our tandem for a couple of 600 mile tours. Got it used for a reasonable amount so thought it was worth a try. My thinking is that it helps remove some weight from the tandem with the hopes of less wear-and-tear on the components. We use a wheel with a dynohub to generate some charging capacity for our electronics. So far it has worked great, and there are many times I look over my shoulder to make sure it is still there since I rarely feel it through the bike nor hear it. It is no wider than the bike with panniers on and trails behind us quite nicely. I have no problems maneuvering, at least as much as you can with a tandem. Yes, we are quite the sight, and draw a lot of attention, but that is all part of the fun. Haven’t tried traveling with it by train or plane yet, but with a tandem it’s not going be so easy anyway (even with the couplers). We love touring with it.

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I was in the middle of an 11k mile tour and switched from my BOB Trailer to panniers and almost immediately regretted it. I started breaking spokes because of the added weight on the bike and more wind resistance with the front panniers (and there was a lot of headwind). But the downside was traveling with the BOB and and extra tubes, tires and bearings. I have since stuck with panniers but seeing the foldable models does spark new interest.

Thanks for another great article and informing me brands I never knew existed.

It’s great to hear your thoughts, Paul!

The tail wagging was about the only thing I didn’t like about the BOB. I had to swerve lightly back and forth, especially on long descents, to counteract the effect. The CT1 must be more rigid throughout.

Love backpacking too but this doesn’t look very uncomfortable…: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uyOlTUrTI2I

To prevent sway when pulling a Bob trailer: Cut an old mountain bike inner tube and tie it to the top center of the front side rail and wrap it in a figure eight configuration to the top of the yoke, like wrapping a sprained ankle. Don’t wrap it too tight nor too loose. Yes, its an effective cheap anti-sway trick.

On downhill pavement, the Bob Ibex, with the suspension doesn’t seem to sway. Using the anti-sway inner tube trick, I don’t notice a sway at all when the trailer is loaded with 15 pounds or more. I live in Colorado, USA, and have gone down some long steep, paved and gravel mountain roads and have never experienced any sway. I never go over 25 miles per hour, yes, the disk brakes get pretty hot.

Make sure you don’t stand up to power pedal or else it will become a heavy dog’s tail. This is what the people that experience sway must be doing. Also, after many downpours, the inside of the dry bag is indeed dry. This trailer was money well spent and solved a problem. My wife will tour with me only if I carry all the camping gear and food. Yup, I’m the mule. Anyway, I fully recommend the Bob Ibex.

Thanks for tip!

I’ve toured a fair bit with a frances / farfarer, and use it around town quite frequently. Honestly it is one of the best cycling inventions in decades, and the description here doesn’t do it justice. Most trailers place the load on the rear axel. By placing the load on the seatpost the farfarer prevents almost all of the lateral flex that characterize most trailer touring (“speed-wobbles” but also poor handling and large turning radius). I put my 5 year old in it frequently, without issue, and even ride dirt that way. Especially recommended for folks who consider touring on and off of roads. Contrary to the comment here about not being “water proof” the open hammock design makes it fast to use and easy to access stored items and snacks, and when touring I just shove all my gear in a dry-bag, which is cheap and easy to replace. In full disclosure, the inventor (Quintin) and fabricator (Josh) are some of my closest friends, but seriously, this trailer rules.

Thanks for the comment – it’s great to hear good things about this trailer design.

Alee, finaly you’ve touched subject of trailers 🙂 My both thumbs go up!

My vote goes to Extrawheel.

Yes, I have experience traveling with it by train. I confirm: it’s possible and easy. In my part of world (Central Europe) usually these days there are special hooks to place bicycle in special compartment, usually close to doors of wagon. If there are not so many travelers with accompanying bicycles I hang Extrawheel at additional of such hooks. If not, it’s so small I can leave it anywhere. Usually I use portable tourist lock to connect it to bicycle frame.

My review of this trailer is available here: http://mslonik.pl/rowery/turystyka/879-przyczepka-rowerowa (please don’t afraid of Polish – in top right corner of the page you may find raw of map icons, just pick up one feasible for you, e.g. British one and supported by Google translator engine magic will take place). One more word: sales and after sales support of Extrawheel producer is just superb. Not only astonishing quick, but also really supporting. It was the case they’ve provided me with spare parts free of charge (including free delivery!) which theoretically were not present as official item in their Internet shop. Also worth of mentioning is very good contact with support. This is what I call Support with capital “S”.

At last but not least, this is one of the cheapest, the most affordable trailers and the lightest at the same time. Just compare above numbers collected by Alee, and still there is some room for modification and invention. One may use whatever wheel, not necessary the one from stock. This is normal size wheel, what gives advantage that may work as a spare part (!) if necessary in your bicycle. I did some modifications (see my article) and I’m happy with that. Regards.

Thanks for letting us know about the Extrawheel. 🙂

Can you post a picture please. Or send me one… optimisticchris@gmail

Cheers, Chris

FWIW, add a Portage Pack, a Dry bag with shoulder straps and you can wear the trailer, to climb steps, walk over mud slides , etc.. And lift your unladen bike in your hands..

Can you clarify what you mean? Are you talking about a trailer in particular, or a mod that can be used with any of them?

If it takes a dry bag one can potentially add shoulder straps ,

Some of the ones I am familiar with are

a Burly Flatbed , the open cargo version of the Nomad, The BoB trailers

and the Carry Freedom City trailer … their ‘Y’ trailers also have potentials

IDK much about the others not sold in the US,,

In General, To not make sewn holes, in the bag, you can use girth straps, around the bag, and use those, to sew on D rings , to add clip on shoulder straps..

A bag I got that inspired this Idea was From Cascades Designs, the ‘thermarest’ company in Seattle

but a Canoeist who tours, would be familiar with a bag they could wear, for their gear, while they carry their canoe between lakes and streams…. over their head.. walking.

. a canoe has a ‘Shoulder Thwart.’ to do this, It’s a cross brace, at the balance point..

Portage is the act of carrying your canoe between bodies of water.

Easily the biggest bonus of a bike trailer is what was mentioned in the intro, the fact that you can use your current bike! No need to buy an entirely new bicycle plus you have ssentially 2 bikes wherever you go , one is for touring ,the other is your fancy road bike or your mountain bike which can add greatly to any trip, Compared to panniers the weight savings and cost can be negligable also which leaves just ride quality and transport. Undoubtedly, having a trailer would be more of a hassle if train hopping etc so these are things you need to consider ahead of time. Ride quality is arguably superior in all ways but up hill. My Yak is surprisingly unnoticable until a hill, its really quite a surprise. Oh, and stopping takes a bit getting used to with a single wheel. Like with everything there is no one way is better than the other because it all depends on what you are doing and what is most important to you. Bikepacking has exploded and I think its graet but that really is more of a light weight minimalist style. Not everyone wants to have to go out and buy all new equipment that will fit. This whole light weight trend is really opular and I get that but not everyone likes this. I like the camp part and if you are a minimalist the camp part is not going to be all that unless you are some super bushcrafter who can get by with just a Mora.

Thanks for providing your impressions of the Yak!

. I put my money into a Tout Terrain Mule. I did so mostly because I bought the TT Panamericana also. Although I highly prefer a trailer that connects to the seat post rather than the rear axle, I can turn on a dime still. and with a full load too. Love the hardware, hate the company. Just plain bad customer relations, but then I live in the USA so why would they care, right? I currently ride with full front Arkel Dolphin 32 panniers, containing 20 pounds per. A over full Arkel bar bag, varying from 5 to 10 pounds, maybe more at times. The bike also carries water bottle, GPS, headlight, umbrella, machete, K-Bar, cameras, folding camp chair, Fugoo XL Bluetooth speaker and digital Walkman, cable locks, a front dynamo and Rohloff Speed-hub, plus a 750w Bafang center drive and one of two 17 pound 1+ kilowatt Li-ion triangle battery packs using the newest Samsung LJ1 cells. The trailer carries about 70 additional pounds of gear to make things comfy, oh yeah, and the additional battery. As I learn and grow more capable I will be able to mount the rear Arkel Dolphin 48 panniers on the bike too, giving me 40 more pounds of gear. The mule handles it well, stay balanced, doesn’t shimmy and really can turn on a dime. The liner that comes with the trailer is ok at very best, but seems like more of an afterthought than a well-designed accompaniment to the Mule. It took a few visits to a tactical tailor to make it worthwhile. I use a large Exped waterproof expedition bag to hold the gear and stretch a x-large Sea-to-Summit backpack cover over all to keep things clean and dry when necessary. Expedition grade from start to finish. With a bow, slingshot, rod and reel and great water filtration system the only addition item I need to stay off the grid and out of towns indefinitely is a 300w portable folding solar panel. Magruder corridor here I come.

Sounds like quite the rig, Brian. Have you got any photos? And many thanks for your impressions on the Mule.

I added photos and assume they are in the process of being approved now. Here is a link – http://imgur.com/a/LfW9F

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As a small person riding a small bike, I find the two wheeled Burley Nomad is excellent. Having full touring weight in panniers results in a bike too heavy for me to lift if it is lying down, and one-wheel trailers would not help that. Did a self-contained Transam with my Burley Nomad and it worked very well. My main issue with it is that it is not waterproof; however it is possible to pack internally in smaller drybags or take off the cover and the top cross-bar and use a large drybag.

I use the BOB Yak. I would say I push it to its limits. It has held up for the most part carrying anything i could pile on it. Some of the other designs in this article look interesting and well built. But they all miss one mark; Low centre of gravity. All the seat post yolk designs fail because of this, they make handling with heavy loads quite dangerous. The BOB Yak has the best overall design because of this, but i wish they were just a little more robust. After 20,000kms of touring with mine loaded like the picture below, I have had to re-weld the bottom cage and it is failing a second time. But that isn’t really the Yak’s fault, I have it weighed down over its rated capacity and to make things worse I use straps with quite a bit of pressure to hold my instruments down, pushing on the lower cage… I have already rebuilt the front-upper part of the frame to accommodate my Sitar case and I am at the point now where I will just build my own from scratch based on the bob design. https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/1261ea7e7a28285767a65f233f6beb40e8c93c709e31b9e951dcd119af8baff2.jpg

A great point with regards to picking a heavy bike up, and thanks for letting us know how you got along with the Burley Nomad!

Great to hear your thoughts and experience with the Bob Yak! I’d like to add that I’ve been using the Aevon KIT L80 (seatpost mount) over the last 2500km and have had no problems with handling whatsoever. I’ll have a review coming up soon after I’ve spent a bit more time with an axle mount trailer like the BOB. 🙂

I have a Aevon KIT L80 trailer to which I have installed an electric wheel. Unfortunately my knees are not up to long days of touring any more. The trailer now makes it possible to do 60-100kms between charges, fully loaded. When I need to travel by train I pull the L80 apart and it fits in a extra large duffel (including battery) with about two thirds of my equipment, this takes me about 20 minutes. The rest I carry in a Ortlieb Rackpack which I can strap to the top of the trailer. As long as most of the weight is in the trailer’s bag I have no “speed wobbles”.

I would also be interested in a picture please. My email is [email protected] I’ve just been ejected pulling a CT1 trailer. I think it happened because the correction took place at the peak of the swing so the correction amplified the movement, just like you push an ordinary child’s swing. Researching, all modern caravans have a device to prevent such swinging occurrences. Having experienced the painful result with a bike trailer, there has to be a way to solve the problem!

Hi. Missed one. Burley Travoy.

Did a quick tour of the Lesser Caucasus this summer. Nothing too long. 500 km. Will do more in the future there. I used the Topeak Journey. Light weight and strong. No problems at all. Quality is extremely good. Loaded the trailer with my and my friend’s equipment and never noticed any handling problems whatsoever. Loaded descents were no problem whatsoever. No fishtailing or swerving. Some descents were done at speeds up to 67 km/h, not recommended but it was rock solid. Highly recommended. Bike is a Charge Cooker 1. Also recommend the bike for rough road touring or bikepacking. https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/2ab249e7e362e6f60d8213917cbe2a555419fa407129f303829afa65ebf78632.jpg

Just looking at the blow up picture and forgot that the plastic skids on the trailer did pop off, so there is that problem. Before I our my friend who toured with me use the trailer again I will most likely wrap the aluminum tubes nearest the bike’s rear tire with some thin strips of leather or some other improvised protection. That said, great trailer.

I’m looking to convert a BoB Ibex for bike/dog-packing trips. I ride a fatbike with a Rohloff XL, so we’re spreading the yoke to accommodate that. Then the rear wheel “fork” will be removed to allow fitment of a 26″ x 4.8″ tyre on an 80mm wide rim (with 150/15 dynamo hub). This will be achieved using a cro-moly fatbike fork as the basis for the swingarm “frame”.

Then a padded “tub” for my 3yo Samoyed (see pic) to ride in when he’s taking a rest. A rear rack over the trailer wheel will take small panniers (positioned low and just forward of the axle) for his food and water needs and a rack bag up top for items being charged via the dynamo, plus his puppy first aid kit and leads etc.

We’re also planning to add a “drag brake”. Using a mechanical disc caliper on the swingarm/fork “leg”. This will be activated by an old XT thumbshifter on the handlebars and a cable joiner/connector positioned at the rear dropout of the fatbike itself.

We’ve come up with ideas for using corflute (real-estate signs), on the inside of the rear rack and inside the front yoke to keep his tail and paws away from the bikes rear wheel and the trailer wheel.

Ultimately… his comfort and safety are my first consideration.

have you done a test on the efficiency of carrying weight with a trailer compared to racks? You know, how you compared efficiency of gearboxes. I’m curious for a given weight, which of the two would be more efficient? and I’m wondering what difference would it make when going uphill and downhill?

Hi Juan. I haven’t tested it yet, but I’m hoping I have time before I go away to Argentina. If I were to guess, I would say the outcome would be roughly the same.

sounds good! going to Argentina for bike touring? I’m from Argentina!!! let me know if I can help you in any way!

Hi, I’ll tell you something interesring. I have a trek domane slr 9 58 cm.It weighs around 8.00 kg without any bags.I have a freeparable t2 trailer wieghs about 3.6 kg.So 8+3.6 kg=11.6. If i put panniers the front and rear racks in totla weigh about 1.00 kg and the panniers (front and rear) weight without luggage is 2.5kg, so, 8.00+1.00+2.5=11.5 basically the difference is just 100 grams and my bike does not have rack mounts, I have to use a trailer.

Anyone have a recommendation for a bike trailer that is safe for a carbon frame mountain bike with a dropper seat post? I think I’ll end up having to make it myself with a tig welder. I haven’t seem many out there that I’ve been impressed with.

Do you have a bolt up rear axle, or quick release? Any room under the ‘dropper’ section of your seatpost?

My I suggest this one made in France:TZC-R1. There are 2 sizes: 100L and 140Liters. We own a 140L and love it! Water proof, can be locked, 20” Wheel, 7kg. 2 Options: 1) Fiberglass or 2) Carbon Fibre. https://sites.google.com/site/tzcsite/remorque-velo-globe-trotter/caracteristiques-et-prix https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/c4621489397e1ca8ef0d5afce8916beb82ab3a71931b1062712c4d3777c940e5.jpg Our friends are currently riding Alaska to Ushaia from April 2016. Currently in Chile. http://www.schnellyss.com/fr/accueil/

Great article. I own a trailer (can’t remember the brand name) but it is essentially identical to the Adventure CT1 Bike Trailer mentioned in this article. While I’d say it’s a decent trailer for light-duty use, I can’t really recommend it for heavy-duty long term use. While mine hasn’t failed me in any way, the build quality just doesn’t seem to be robust enough for long term, heavy-duty use. Also, there’s a bit of flex in the frame which becomes more and more apparent the more the trailer is loaded (this can affect handling performance and be felt in turns and slight directional changes). That being said this trailer is a great low-cost option if you just need it for light-duty use, won’t be going long distances with it, and don’t want to spend a bunch of money (you can get them on eBay new for under $90-100USD!!!)

I’ve since upgraded to the Topeak Journey trailer (also mentioned in this article). In my opinion (and for what it’s worth), the Topeak is hands down the best trailer out there of any model available. It’s at least 2-3 lbs lighter than most of all the other brands including the most popular BOB Yak trailers, and has the largest cargo area. It tows like a dream The frame is stiff with zero flex. I hardly even know it’s back there (until I have to climb a hill or go over big bumps, otherwise it just glides along smoothly and silently). The Topeak has a very rugged and robust twin spar aluminum frame design, so it’s light while durability is second to none. The custom-fit drybag is exceptionally made as well. The only downside to the Topeak is that the hitch is only compatible with standard quick release axles, so you’re out of luck if you have a bike with a thru-axle of any kind. And as far as I know, there are no aftermarket solutions (like the Robert Axle) or otherwise to adapt the Topeak to Thru axles. I’ve pushed my Topeak to the limit on 80-100 mile days off-road through nearly every type of terrain and weather condition imaginable. I’ve towed it over miles of paved roads as well as miles of off-road singletrack and everything in between, loaded with 45-50 lbs of gear (I even rode a few miles of railroad track with it once!) In a word, it worked GREAT, and is my personal top recommendation for anyone looking for a serious piece of kit in terms of a bike trailer. Check out one of the adventures I did with it here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6i5bgy9Y_exCfoEinolqnaWihXdB1QqC

Does anyone have a recommendation specifically for mountain biking on fire roads and single track? Ideally with camping gear?

It’s best to steer clear of the singletrack where you can because a bike with a trailer is really long! Otherwise, pick a trailer with a rear shock. They make a huge difference on rougher surfaces. The Aevon KIT L80 I reviewed was really good in the dirt.

Hi! I’m looking for the interior dimensions of the Tout Terrain Mule. A few of the pieces that I’ll carry are 31 inches long and I’m wondering if they’ll fit. Thank you.

You’ll want to get in contact with Tout Terrain on that one…

Have had a BOB Yak for more than ten years and have done between 500 and 1000 miles a year of bike camping with it. Three advantages of the axle hitch:

*Lower center of gravity makes riding more stable *Trailer wheel tracks rear wheel very closely so you can move through tight spaces with ease *Does not tend to pull the bike over during handling/parking

Best thing about a trailer is being able to carry all the comforts of home – 70 pounds of tent, tarp, hammock, camping chair, stove and cast iron skillet etc. Perhaps bike glamping?

Have never had a problem with tail wagging and have been on long winding descents at >45MPH, I sit and spin up hills so perhaps this is why.

Oh yeah, put a Schwalbe Big Apple 2″ tire, no flats on that tire, smooths out the bumps off road and rolls easier on the road as well.

IMO bikepacking and trailers are 2 very different styles. Neither is better just different. Its like declaring ultralight backpacking is best…ut isnt. It comes down to simply what is important to the individual and what they plan to do. If you want to camp more comfortably or bring some luxury items or simply do not have a bunch of lewer minimalsit kit than a trailer is a great option. My self, I bought a used Bob Yak for $100 and was able to use my existing non UL backpacking kit . To go bikepacking would mean a lot of money spent on the bags and light weight gear. I was surprised how easy the trailer was to pull to be honest.

Actually, your “issue” with the Yak being welded raises another benefit, that it can be easily repaired. The fact you load it that much AND have that kind of milage speaks greatly to the durability of the design. I wonder if the other pricier alumium trailers would have faired. They certainly would be more difficult to repair if cracked vs steel. The smaller diameter cromo tubing should flex more and withstand much more in terms of fatigue vs aluminum which hates flexing.

Why carry a helmet if to put on handlebar. Unnecessary weight to save for your next trip! Just pulling your leg!!!

Own a BOB trailer and it’s been good to me since the day I got it. Lost the rear reflector but that about it with the mishaps. Plan on switching from a 16” to a 20” wheel, and a dynamo hub, mayby a rear rack for extra load, I don’t know, help me! But in retrospect, a strudy steed!

In my defence it was 48c with little traffic, but I ought to be more sensible on next trip 🙂

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The 9 Best Bike Trailers for Hauling the Kids

Having young children doesn’t mean you have to stop riding—these one- and two-seat options let you bring them along.

Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. How we test gear.

Before your child is able to pedal along beside you , trailers provide a comfortable and safe way for bike-loving parents to stay active, and for families to cruise along roads or trails together.

Most models are designed for use on paved roads and trails, and the better designs can be converted for use as a stroller or a jogger—several of the premium models can even be converted for use on skis, for families ready for adventures in all seasons.

As with most cycling gear, trailers have become increasingly specialized in recent years—there are now several off-road-focused models on the market, capable of tackling the most technical terrain. With all this variety, you can expect to spend a few hundred dollars for the simplest designs all the way up to well over $1,000 for the top-of-the-line models.

The Best Bike Trailers

• Best Overall: Burley D’Lite X
• Do-It-All: Thule Chariot Cross 2
• No-Frills Premium: Thule Cadence 2
• Best Value: Allen Sports Deluxe
• Entry-Level: Schwinn Trailblazer

The Expert: I’ve been riding and racing all manner of bikes for over 30 years. These days I spend almost as much time riding around with my daughter in tow as I do on any race course. Formerly the managing editor of VeloNews magazine and the operations director of DuVine Cycling + Adventure Co., I now guide gravel cycling and bikepacking tours with my company Alter Exploration. Follow me on Instagram at @chrisjustincase .

What to Look for in a Bike Trailer for Kids

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Bike trailers are designed to be safe for use with toddlers and babies as young as 1 year old, provided your small passenger has full neck control, can wear a helmet, and fits inside the seat’s harness. Nearly all bike seats come with a standard five-point safety harness, which means two shoulder straps connect to two laps straps and a between-the-leg strap at a buckle that fastens near the center of a child’s body. This secures the kid at the most rigid part of his or her core, similar to a car seat.

Many bike seats also have a roll bar that locks into place over the top of the trailer’s frame, so if you hit a curb with the trailer and it rolls or tips (not a common event, but it’s happened to us), the roll bar will protect your child from any impact, and he or she will be safely suspended inside the trailer by the harness.

The first decision to make is whether you want a single or double trailer. (Be warned: From personal experience I can say that you might wind up needing a double trailer when you thought you’d be fine with a single.) Also note that pulling a trailer behind your bike can make riding significantly more difficult—particularly if you’re bringing along an older, heavier kid or two. With that in mind, a lighter-weight trailer might be a bonus for you, though some of the heavier, more substantial trailers are also more premium and feature-packed.

Another element of size to consider is whether the trailer has storage space for all the vital gear you or your child wants to bring along, like snacks, water bottles, toys, and picnic blankets. If you plan to drive to biking trails, it’s also important to find a trailer that flattens down into a compact, portable package you can easily stow in a car trunk. The best trailers have removable wheels and an easy-to-mount trailer hitch system so you can take them anywhere and attach them to the quick release or thru axle of any bike (although for the latter, you might need to order a special adapter).

Interior comfort

You want your tiny sidekick to enjoy the ride as much as you do, which is what might make springing for more premium comfort features worth the added cash. Most of our favorite trailers have padded seats with headrests and plenty of legroom. The highest-end models even have seats that recline independently, so each of your kids can settle in comfortably for naps while you pedal. Other useful features to look for include rain covers, adjustable sunshades, and mesh pockets for the little essentials that make trailer riding so fun (also known as “snack bribes”).

Off-Road Features

Multi-use gravel paths are ideal for bike trailer use, but they can be a jarring experience for little passengers. High-quality wheels with thick, knobby tires can make a big difference, as can adjustable suspension systems that smooth out the bumps.

Multiple uses

Many bike trailers have a small, folded-up front wheel that can be employed to convert the trailer into a wide, three-wheeled stroller. The roll bar then sweeps back to operate as a pushable handlebar. This dual functionality makes the trailer more convenient, since you can use it alone as a running stroller or lock up your bike outside a destination, detach the trailer, and push the kids the rest of the way.

How We Selected These Bike Trailers

Over the years, I’ve used several trailer models from various brands. I also have many friends with kids, and I’ve analyzed their trailers and questioned the parents on the pros and cons of their chosen product. To learn even more about the current trailer market, I tested several models from various manufacturers, some of which appear on this list and others which didn’t make the cut.

Also contributing to this article is Caitlin Giddings, who spoke with Gary A. Smith, MD, DrPH, director at the Center for Injury Research and Policy at the Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. While Dr. Smith didn’t recommend any of the following models specifically, he helped provide a safety framework around biking with trailers and biking with kids in general that helped her make her initial selections.

Additionally, this article includes the work and research of writer Jack Baruth, who created the initial guide.

Burley D’Lite X

If you’re looking for a trailer that can double as a stroller or jogger, one that can be used for off-road adventures and ski excursions, and one with plenty of carrying capacity, the Burley D'Lite X is hard to beat. It offers an adjustable suspension for a smooth ride—for both passenger and cyclist. Kiddo comfort is at the top of the priority list with independently reclining seats, high-quality seat pads, bowed sides for extra elbow room, and tinted windows with UV protection.

Versatility is also a hallmark of this trailer: optional 16-by-3-inch fat tires expand off-roading capabilities while the ski kit allows for family adventures even when winter arrives. In a nod to the environment, 50 percent of the fabrics on the trailer are made from recycled materials. This trailer is packed with small design features that create both utility and convenience for both child and parent.

Thule Chariot Cross 2

Thule has a well-earned reputation as a top-of-the-trailer heap. The Chariot Cross 2 is a blessing for the indecisive: Strolling, biking, jogging, and skiing are all part of the mission plan. There’s enough tire and suspension for the occasional off-road diversion—think gravel bike or cross-country trail here, not UCI downhill racing—and enough cargo space to carry all the things that two children might need. It stores almost flat and includes a rear light. This is all the trailer most parents will ever want, and it’s priced accordingly. It's also available as a single for about $100 less.

Thule Cadence 2

Parents who are fascinated by Thule’s Chariot trailer but want to avoid a four-figure commitment can try the Cadence. The high-end features are missing—no easy conversion to ski or jog, no suspension—but the same general form factor, spacious cockpit, and high-quality build are all present and accounted for.

There’s plenty of ventilation for when the weather is good and a quick-flip-down plastic shade for when it’s not. Storage isn’t as sophisticated as with the Chariot, as the wheels have to be removed, but it’s still a quick pack-up that easily fits in a trunk or storage area. Be aware, however, that the seats are unpadded—something you can easily rectify using just a few of the $800 saved over the higher-end Thule.

Allen Sports Deluxe

At the opposite end of the feature-packed and higher-priced Thule is the Allen Deluxe, which requires some challenging (confusing) assembly. It isn’t terribly upscale and it lacks a list of extra features.

Yet its owners love it because it’s inexpensive, simple, and holds up to extended use. It also provides some weather protection, like front and side windows, and safety features, like a padded five-point harness, a flag, and a bar to protect your child’s feet.

It’s available in both single (shown) and double seat variants. This is one of the smaller and lighter trailers on the market. It weighs about 22 pounds in its lightest version and folds down easily with a quick release.

Burley Cub X

Off-road riders will appreciate the Cub X’s sturdy tires and adjustable suspension system, which give tiny passengers a smooth ride on rough terrain. It’s one of the more expensive models included in this roundup, but the trailer’s price is justified by its many high-end features. These include two plush seats with soft headrests that recline separately for comfortable napping, with adjustable sunshades for blocking out the glare. A stroller kit turns the trailer into a four-wheeled, all-terrain running stroller.

The whole thing is designed to be cleaned easily with removable seat pads and drain holes in the hard tray that allow you to hose the base out. The trailer has a generous 100-pound weight limit, so you can stow plenty of cargo in the space behind the seats, and bring slightly older kids along for the ride.

Hamax Outback

Despite its hefty weight (44 pounds for the double), the sleek Hamax Outback is surprisingly nimble thanks to its adjustable suspension system that lets you dial in a smooth ride. Passenger comfort is of utmost importance from this Norwegian design: cavernous interior headroom, thick Continental tires for good grip and cushioning, large windows to take in the views, a grippy rubber floor mat that makes climbing in and out safer, and plush seating fabric.

It also boasts one of the best stroller designs I’ve seen, and as a jogger, it sets the standard. The biggest drawback of the Outback is its weight, which is nearly double some of the others on this list. This can limit the type of terrain families are able to explore. Additionally, using the ski kit involves a slower, more tedious conversion process—no quick-release wheels here.

Burley Bee Bike Trailer

Although it isn’t the plushest Burley, the Bee has a lot to offer for a fraction of the cost. First, a warning about what it can’t do: It doesn’t have the dual functionality of Burley’s other trailers—there’s no running stroller conversion kit for this one—and it doesn’t have seat padding, a shock system, rear storage, or reclining seats. But it’s the lightest Burley you can get, and it provides a smooth and safe ride for small passengers, with a secure five-point harness system and a protective aluminum roll bar.

The trailer also has a thick, high-quality rain cover that can be rolled up for better air flow through the mesh screen or rolled down in inclement weather. Small touches like interior snack pockets, reflective accents on the rear and sides, and an included safety flag add to the overall value of the trailer. Like all Burley trailers, it’s easy to put together and fold down and stow when not in use.

Thule Chariot Lite 2

Like its top-shelf cousin, the Thule Chariot Cross 2 that's also included in this roundup, the Lite’s impeccable design, thoughtful safety features, and quality construction make it a luxurious trailer for families with adventurous aspirations.

The differences between the two models are worth noting: the Lite’s seats don’t recline, the suspension doesn’t adjust, and there are a few changes to the seat padding and storage, but otherwise the two models share many of the qualities that set them apart from the competition.

The Lite runs about $200 less than the Cross. Regardless of its feature differences, Thule has packed an admirable amount of features into this trailer, focusing on user comforts for both passenger and pusher/puller. The simple but sophisticated design means you can spend more time getting outside for family fun rather than fiddling with non-essential features.

Burley Kazoo

For slightly older kids who aren’t yet ready to keep up on their own bikes, a tag-a-long or trail-a-bike trailer allows kids to become active participants on a ride without having to worry about steering or maintaining a certain pace. The Kazoo is Burley’s non-geared trailer bike; the Piccolo model has a seven-speed drivetrain.

The trailer is made of aluminum and attaches to the included rear rack via an easy-to-use quick-release hitch mount system. It’s suitable for kids ages 4 to 8, depending on where you set the adjustable handlebar and seatpost, and up to 85 pounds. The Kazoo is intended for younger or less experienced kids, while the Piccolo has a similar overall design but gears for more experienced riders.

Our Expert Caitlin Giddings Consults With Dr. Gary Smith on Bike Trailer Safety. Plus, Must-Have Features to Know Before You Buy!

Is a bike trailer actually safer than riding with a kid in a frame- or rack-mounted bike seat.

Dr. Smith says he hasn’t seen any data comparing injury rates between riding with a bike trailer or a bike seat but suspects we can make some inferences about comparative safety based on the principles of physics. “Because a bicycle-towed child trailer is lower to the ground than a rear-mounted seat, it may be safer,” he says. “The trailer enclosure may also provide some protection.”

Most kids bike trailers suggest waiting until the child is a year old. But some companies make a sling for younger babies. Are these considered safe for riding?

Dr. Smith says no—primarily due to the helmet requirement. “Children should always wear a helmet while riding on a bicycle or in a trailer,” he says. “However, children younger than 1 year old should not wear a bike helmet because they do not have the neck strength needed to support the extra weight of a helmet while handling bumps or decelerations during a ride. Therefore, it is recommended that children younger than 1 not ride in a rear-mounted bicycle seat or a bicycle-towed trailer, regardless of attachments.”

Do kids always need to wear helmets inside a bike trailer, even if the trailer has a hard frame and a roll bar?

In short: Yes, according to Dr. Smith. In general, wearing a bike helmet can lower the risk of brain injury by up to 88 percent. “On average, more than 600 children are treated in U.S. emergency departments for bicycle-related injuries every day, or about 25 every hour,” he says. 

But to be more specific, he has the following advice on helmet use for kids.

“Make sure the helmet is appropriate for the age and size of the child and that it fits well. A helmet that fits well will share all of these traits:

• Feels snug, but not tight
• Covers the forehead
• Rests two finger-widths above the eyebrows
• Has straps that form a V below the ear
• Has a securely fastened chin strap around the jaw
• Stays put when head moves from side to side and up and down.”

Any particular safety features that parents should look for when shopping for a kids' bike trailer?

Make sure the trailer has a sturdy harness and adjust the straps to fit the child snugly, Dr. Smith says. And when purchasing or gifting a bike trailer, always buy or gift a helmet at the same time. 

Dr. Smith also recommends following the trailer manufacturer’s guidelines for size and weight limits, and add a tall, brightly colored safety flag to the trailer to make it more visible to drivers.

Any other advice for using a bike trailer with kids?

Dr. Smith adds these additional tips:

• Avoid riding on busy roads.
• Stay in low-traffic areas such as parks, bike paths, and quiet streets.
• Be aware that the extra weight of the passenger may make the bike less stable.
• Ride slowly and allow for increased braking time.
• Adults should always remember to wear their helmet to protect themselves and serve as role models for growing children.

*Editor's Note: Jack Baruth and Caitlin Giddings contributed to this article.

Chris Case, former managing editor of VeloNews magazine, has been riding, racing, and adventuring by bike for nearly 30 years. His cycling pursuits have taken him to destinations across the U.S. and Europe, Taiwan, Costa Rica, Israel, and beyond. He has stood on the podium at several cyclocross national championships, and is a silver medalist at master’s cyclocross worlds. Today he guides adventurous gravel cycling and bikepacking tours through his company, Alter Exploration.

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Trek Deluxe GoBug review

Huge two-child carrier that's excellent value

Aptly named, Trek's big double trailer might easily be mistaken for a giant robotic beetle. In trailer form it's easily the biggest on test, due mainly to the arching central roll-bar that runs from the middle of the front bumper to the top of the GoBug's back where it is fixed in place with a quick-release pin. Pull this pin and the hoops that make up the Bug's superstructure fold neatly forward. You're left with a not quite flat package with a funny curved handle on one side, but it's pretty neat and easy to heft considering its unfolded size.

The Bug betrays its outdoorsy Californian inclinations by having a well-designed 'jogger' set-up but no compact, easily manoeuvrable trolley wheel for a stroller configuration. This means that in practice, due to its elegant, though impractical length, this is the least likely trailer on test that you'd take round the shops. Isle of Wight? Yes. Aisle of Mothercare? No.

You could also say that the GoBug passenger pod is best for a Californian winter too. Rather than being designed to give optimum visibility to its little passengers with all the weather protection in place, its default configuration seems to be with the undeniably excellent meshed canopy as the topmost layer. But this might only be a criticism if you're heading for high rainfall destinations like deepest Wales, the Lakes or western Scotland for your family holidays.

But the GoBug is packed full of quality features, inside and out, giving the impression of a more deeply designed, developed and mass produced product than others here. On the outside reflective strips and logos abound – there are even reflective sidewalls on the tyres. The excellent bug shield is zipped in place either side, which means you can tend to either child without opening the whole canopy to the elements, and you get a big luggage bay accessed from the rear via a zipper. The foldable aluminium and plastic push handle is a revelation at this price too, with a single arm and moulded in catch to lock it in place at your chosen height. You also get an excellent foot-operated handbrake that locks both wheels with the flick of one centrally mounted lever.

The two bucket seats here might not be as all-serving as the infinitely versatile benchseat, sling options and harnesses of the Chariot, but they make up for it by being the coolest. Your little ones will be supported and cosseted in the padded bucket seat and harness-filled interior as if they were in a rally car. Should they get too excited though, fear not – all the padding is removable and washable.

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• Biking Gear Reviews

The 4 Best Bike Cargo Trailers

Over the past 8 years, we've purchased and tested some of the highest-rated bike cargo trailers on the market with 8 top contenders in this year's lineup. From smooth city greenway trails to rugged singletrack and washboard dirt roads, we used and abused each trailer to find their limits and see where they shine. After hundreds of miles, some flat tires, and a few microbrew-fueled picnic debates, we have the results of how each trailer performed. Get ready to hitch up your bicycle's new soul mate and head to the hills.

These trailers are specifically for cargo. If you're looking to tote your kids behind your favorite bike , check out our best bike trailer review. We've also tested the top-rated electric cargo bikes to haul around your goods, and the best messenger bags for your commute.

Top 8 Product Ratings

Best overall bike cargo trailer, burley coho xc.

• Capacity 8.0
• Ease of Use 9.0
• Ease of Towing 8.0
• Smoothness of Ride 8.0
• Versatility 9.0

The Burley Coho XC is uniquely durable and can haul large loads compared to other one-wheeled trailers. It offers a wide range of customizable features for different terrain or touring styles — anything from a quick grocery run or a week-long bike tour is easy and more fun when this trailer is along for the ride. We appreciate features like a kickstand and one-handed hitching meet, as well as an admirable towing capacity. Assembly is also straightforward. Whether you need something for the paved bike trails through your town, a dirt road, or even singletrack, this trailer is our favorite of the bunch.

While the Coho XC sets the bar quite high in the versatility department, we had a few bones to pick. The rugged design makes for a pretty heavy product, despite only having one wheel. There is also a large gap between the bike's rear wheel and the trailer's cargo bay, so careful packing is a must to avoid wag or sway. However, these negative features are far outweighed by this top-scoring trailer's versatility, durability, and ease of use. If you are okay with sacrificing a little performance in towing and smoothness of the ride, take a look at the Burley Design Flatbed . It has a larger capacity, is lighter weight, and sports a unique flatbed design which requires a few straps to keep your items in place.

Read more: Burley Coho XC review

Best Bang for the Buck

Aosom wanderer.

• Capacity 9.0
• Ease of Use 7.0
• Ease of Towing 6.0
• Smoothness of Ride 5.0
• Versatility 7.0

The Aosom Wanderer can carry the most weight of the trailers we tested, and it is also uniquely affordable. This trailer demonstrates that a rugged, durable, sturdy, and unrelenting design doesn't have to break the bank. We are also impressed by the versatility, ease of setup, and how nicely such a simple trailer can pull.

On the flip side, this was one of the heaviest and most rattly trailers in our test group. The construction isn't shoddy, but it's less refined than some of its high-dollar rivals. However, these annoyances don't detract from the Wanderer 's overall functionality as an urban hauler, and we wouldn't hesitate to recommend this to anyone hunting for a heavy-duty option at an approachable price. The Burley Travoy might be another option to consider for its middle-of-the-road affordability, easier-to-use construction, with better towing and smoothness overall. While it can't carry as heavy a load, it is light and built for around-town missions.

Read more: Aosom Wanderer review

Best for Heavy Loads

Burley design flatbed.

• Ease of Towing 7.0
• Smoothness of Ride 7.0

The Burley Flatbed is a surprisingly versatile trailer capable of hauling 100 pounds of cargo (and likely more) while maintaining a slim 14.5-pound trailer weight. This is a unique trailer not only for the cargo/trailer weight ratio but also for its simple design, open-ended bed, and attention to detail. There is likely nothing another bike cargo trailer can haul that the Flatbed couldn't haul, too.

There are absolutely more efficient trailers for long-distance touring or even lighter trailers for quick trips to the grocery, but none are so lightweight and efficient while still being able to haul such a large payload. While keeping the weight low, the small wheels detract from overall ride smoothness when on gravel, but this is a small gripe for such an excellent trailer, and we wholeheartedly recommend the Burley Flatbed for those who regularly haul heavy loads. Another heavy hauler to consider is the Aosom Wanderer . While it is heavier and doesn't have as nearly an smooth a ride, it can handle ten pounds more and comes at a portion of the price.

Read more: Burley Flatbed review

Best for Grocery Shopping

Burley travoy.

• Capacity 5.0
• Versatility 8.0

The Burley Travoy is a specialist explicitly designed for around-town endeavors. It's best suited for grocery runs because of its integrated tote bag and the option to unhitch the trailer and wheel it straight into the grocery store. All these features are user-friendly, and we especially like how easily you can fold the trailer up and store it in the tote bag when you're done.

The updated Travoy solved some of the frustrating issues of the past and added a much burlier hitch. One big addition is the extendable attachment point which allows for extra clearance between the rear wheel and trailer, which previously caused some rubbing issues. The most frustrating update is the previously included attachable tote bag is now an accessory that must be purchased separately. We also don't love the smaller wheels and plastic components. That aside, this is an around-town specialist that helps wrangle weirdly shaped items and makes grocery-getting pretty fun. If you seek a more affordable grocery getter the Schwinn Day Tripper is another option to consider. It has a similar towing performance with a design that will fit a few more grocery bags. The ride isn't as smooth and it weighs a bit less, for a fraction of the cost.

Read more: Burley Travoy review

Compare Products

Why You Should Trust Us

We initially checked out more than 40 models of bike trailers before settling on the best of the bunch to purchase and test. For ease of towing, we hitched up each model in succession, comparing performance side-by-side. Ride quality was tested over various surfaces, from smooth pavement to washboard gravel to singletrack trails. All of this has meticulously taken place over many months in order to bring you a truly comprehensive assessment of cargo trailer options. Read on to learn about our testing metrics and how each trailer performed in these key areas.

• Capacity (30% of overall score weighting)
• Ease of Use (20% weighting)
• Ease of Towing (20% weighting)
• Smoothness of Ride (20% weighting)
• Versatility (10% weighting)

OutdoorGearLab Senior Review Editor Katherine Elliott spearheads this review. Kat is a prolific gear testing expert at our home base in Tahoe. She enjoys lots of outdoor pursuits, many of them facilitated with a bit of extra bicycle-carrying capacity. She is joined by former Yosemite Search and Rescue member and SAR technician Brian Martin . Brian is a mountain athlete for all seasons and can be found on everything from alpine ridge climbs to ski tours to bike-packing ultra races. His work with Search and Rescue often involved maintenance and selection of equipment, which required a sharp eye for many types of outdoor gear. Both testers use bike trailers while they tour around their hometowns and understand the design required for solid bike cargo trailer.

Analysis and Test Results

To fully assess our lineup of trailers and determine the right model for every user , we determined five testing metrics: capacity, ease of use, ease of towing, smoothness of ride, and versatility. Following is a discussion of these metrics with the results of how every model performed in each given area.

Among the many important things to consider when purchasing a bike cargo trailer, price is omnipresent. There was a significant gap in price and value between the field of trailers we tested. We're talking hundreds of dollars difference between the most affordable and the most expensive. The price doesn't tell nearly the whole story, as your intended use and the trailer's overall performance are critical components in determining value for you and your cargo-hauling needs.

Value, from our perspective, is that sweet spot where price and performance balance each other in the perfect way for your needs. While there are some amazing trailers in our review that scored highly across all our tests, some of them are a serious investment. If you don't need to fanciest thing out there — you just want to get your groceries from the store to your house or bring a bunch of toys to the park without breaking the bank, consider looking into the extremely fair-priced Schwinn Day Tripper , Retrospec Rover Hauler , or Aosom Wanderer .

We placed a high value on each trailer's capacity, which, after all, is the entire point of purchasing a bike trailer for overnight camping or a week's worth of groceries. Two-wheel trailers generally have a much higher capacity, but they also have more rolling resistance. Single-wheel options have less capacity but less rolling resistance and can haul stuff more gracefully — though packing these can be a bit more finicky and require a bit more zen-like balance.

The impressive Aosom Wanderer offers the highest stated weight-bearing capacity of all trailers we tested — 110 pounds. This is a lot of weight, much more than you would want to haul for an extended period of time. Think hauling firewood down a dirt road or taking your oversize dog on a camping trip.

The Burley Flatbed and Burley Nomad offer 100 pounds of carrying capacity. The Flatbed rises above the Nomad just a bit because it's significantly easier to roll things like giant firewood rounds onto the bed with its open front and back end. An honorable mention in this capacity category is also the Aosom Elite II , which doesn't boast a 100-pound weight allowance but still can hold a huge volume of material.

Ease of Use

When we get down to brass tacks, a trailer that is hard to assemble, has unintuitive attachment points, or is more trouble to operate than it is fun to use will sit in the garage and collect spiderwebs, dust, and sadness. To test this metric, we paid special attention to the time and effort that went into assembly/first use as well as subsequent hitching/unhitching for quick use.

The Burley Coho XC is very easy to hitch once set up, even one-handed. However, it requires determining the correct thru-axle size and threading, which set us back a few days waiting for delivery, so be sure to look into Burley's bike fitting guide to ensure compatibility upfront. From there, loading is easy (aided by a kickstand), and a stretchy cargo net helps keep everything safely secured.

The two-wheeled Nomad and Flatbed have an easy-to-use trailer attachment as well. It's a forged steel hitch that mounts directly to your bike frame via the back wheel. It also has a quick-release pin that holds the trailer in place and allows it to move freely from the bike. Additionally, these trailers come with button-activated, quick-release wheels, so taking them on and off for storage or travel is easy and fast.

This year's update saw the addition of the Schwinn Day Tripper and Retrospec Rover Hauler , which were both surprisingly easy to assemble, hitch, and use day-to-day. Both trailers have relatively small and light hitching points, which can easily be left on a top-rated electric commuter bike without really noticing, allowing for quick and easy attachment whenever you need your trailer. These trailers utilize pins/clips to assemble the collapsible side rails, and both went together easily.

The wheels on the Aosom Wanderer are mounted with bolts on the trailer, so they take more time to adjust. With a pair of pliers, we managed to straighten out the back connector and get it attached to the quick-release skewer and the bike. The initial setup and connection took around 15 minutes altogether, and besides the bent back connector, it was a rather easy setup.

Ease of Towing

To tackle the broad spectrum of trailers tested, it's essential to recognize the difference between one and two-wheeled options. As you might imagine, two-wheeled trailers are stable and require a bit less attention when packing. Just throw everything in, make sure it isn't heavily loaded at the back, and it will generally tow just fine. Single wheel trailers, as a rule, require much more meticulous packing — keeping heavier items low down and on the centerline is critical. Overloading one side or the other, or even having a top-heavy load, can make things interesting. For example, when stopping at a red light, an awkward load in a single-wheel trailer will frustratingly pull the bike to whatever side is overloaded.

One of the most important considerations when selecting a single or double wheeled trailer is the efficiency and maneuverability of each. Even short sections of single track or rugged dirt paths can make a double wheel trailer nearly impossible to manage. Similar sections of trail may be passable with a single-wheel trailer with no drama simply because of the narrow profile and how closely behind your bike the trailer will track. Additionally, single-wheel trailers have significantly less rolling resistance and stay within the slipstream created as you slice through the air. Wider two-wheelers create additional wind resistance.

True to form, the single-wheeled Burley Coho XC is the easiest to tow. It tracks so well that you nearly forget it's behind you. The lower center of gravity allows for better maneuverability and handling with or without a cargo load. The single-wheel design also makes an excellent trailer for maneuvering through tight spaces or a crowded street. Unfortunately, it is easy to overload a single-wheel trailer, making hike-and-bikes and technical trails a bit challenging. Still, the Coho XC is a good choice if you plan to travel on bumpy dirt roads or singletrack. When carefully loaded and balanced, the trailer will offer a smooth, drama-free ride.

Throughout our two-wheel trailer testing, it became apparent that the Burley Nomad had a significant advantage over the competition. The mounting design is especially nice as the hitch mount allows the bike to pitch and yaw without moving the trailer off of level. While this doesn't sound that spectacular, when standing up to pump up a hill, the smooth pulling trailer is much appreciated.

The Burley Travoy also has some unique features, such as a padded handle that allows you to detach the trailer from its hitch, wheel it into a grocery store, and re-clip it to your bike. All with one hand. If you plan on urban grocery-getting commutes, this trailer will certainly make your life easier than most of the other options in our lineup.

Smoothness of Ride

As you might imagine, having suspension goes a long way to improve ride quality for bike cargo trailers. The Burley Coho XC offers smooth and efficient suspended one-wheel goodness. After using this trailer, it was difficult for us to want to tow anything else offroad as the rattle and perceived extra weight of a rigid wheel hitting a bump felt exhausting.

Two-wheel trailers, in general, are much less smooth. One wheel hitting a bump inevitably disrupts both wheels. Washboard gravel at high speeds causes something akin to the Jeep Wrangler "death wobble" . In short, the smoother the ride, the less energy it takes to pedal the trailer. The Coho offers a quiet and smooth ride when compared to the rest of the field.

For non-suspension two-wheeled options, we found decent performances from the Burley Flatbed , Nomad , and Travoy . The Flatbed is smooth even when empty — something many trailers are not — and the Nomad is quiet and composed, even when on rougher terrain. The Travoy is also stable, though the small wheels make it less than ideal for non-pavement. It is very smooth if you stay in town, which is the environment it's designed for and where it is most at home.

Versatility

Depending on what you have planned for your trailer, versatility could be an important added bonus. If you only plan to go a few blocks to the store on pavement, this metric likely won't be a big deal. But if you want the freedom to move seamlessly from asphalt to dirt trails or to carry all kinds of different cargo, this is a good characteristic to at least consider.

The Burley Coho XC is among the most versatile we've tested. The rugged construction, stretchy cargo net, kickstand, and one-handed hitching make most applications easy. From grocery runs to overnight camping, the Coho never seemed to run out of applications. The Burley Flatbed is also top-notch in this category with its open front and back. Add that to its stability, and you have the freedom to haul practically anything.

The Burley Nomad is worth mentioning as well, with its cargo cover that helps secure your load. The cover is easy to attach and detach from the main trailer body. If you are hauling large or uneven cargo, you just need to unclip the cover from the trailer, load, secure your items, and you're ready to roll — you'll still have plenty of room for larger or longer items to stick out of the back of the trailer. We were also impressed by the versatility of the Burley Travoy . Despite being optimized for the city with small wheels and a shopping-focused design, this trailer still performed decently with odd-shaped loads and on rougher, well-packed terrain.

Different Types of Bike Trailers

• Single Wheel Cargo Trailer: Burley Coho XC
• Two-Wheel Cargo Trailers: Burley Flatbed , Burley Nomad , Aosom Wanderer , Burley Travoy , Schwinn Day Tripper , Retrospec Rover Hauler , Aosom Elite II
• Child Bicycle Trailers — some of these types of bike trailers also convert to a jogging or hiking stroller
• Pedal Trailers & Trail-a-Bikes like the Weehoo iGo Turbo and the WeeRide Co-Pilot — neither of these are enclosed, and the WeeRide is more like riding a bike
• Dog & Pet Bicycle Trailers like the pet version of the Aosom Elite II , which has rear suspension dampers that absorb shock

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Exploring the world of trek bike trailers.

Known for their exceptional craftsmanship, high-quality materials, and innovative designs, Trek is a reputable brand in the cycling industry. With a broad range of bicycles and accessories, including trailers, Trek continues to be a go-to choice for both amateur and professional cyclists.

Let’s dive deep into the world of Trek bike trailers and explore why they’re a favorite among cycling enthusiasts.

Introduction to Trek Bike Trailers

Trek bike trailers offer a fantastic blend of functionality, durability, and design. Crafted to suit various needs, these trailers can be used for multiple purposes – be it carrying cargo for a camping trip, towing your kids around, or ensuring a safe and comfortable ride for your pets.

Why Choose a Trek Bike Trailer?

Trek bike trailers are revered for their exceptional performance and quality. Here’s why:

• Durability : Trek’s commitment to quality ensures that their bike trailers are rugged and built to last. They can withstand different terrains and weather conditions.
• Safety Features : Trek’s bike trailers are equipped with important safety features, such as reflective elements, safety harnesses, and sturdy frames, offering a secure ride for your little ones or pets.
• Ease of Use : Easy to assemble and attach to your bike, these trailers also provide smooth handling, making your rides enjoyable.

Top Trek Bike Trailer Models

While Trek’s lineup of bike trailers is impressive, let’s have a closer look at a couple of their standout models.

Trek GoBug Bike Trailer

The Trek GoBug is a child bike trailer designed to deliver a comfortable and safe riding experience for your kids. It’s known for its sturdy construction, spacious interior, and high-quality safety features. This model also offers ample storage space for toys, snacks, or a diaper bag.

Trek Transit Deluxe Bike Trailer

The Trek Transit Deluxe is a versatile cargo bike trailer, perfect for those long bike trips or for hauling your groceries. With its strong frame, large cargo space, and easy handling, it’s one of the most popular choices for a cargo bike trailer.

Maintaining Your Trek Bike Trailer

While Trek bike trailers are built to last, regular maintenance can further enhance their lifespan and ensure optimal performance.

• Cleaning : Regularly clean the trailer to prevent dirt and grime buildup.
• Inspection : Regularly inspect the trailer for any signs of wear and tear. This includes checking the tires, frame, hitch, and other components.
• Storage : Store your Trek bike trailer in a dry and protected environment when not in use.

Trek bike trailers, with their commendable durability, performance, and quality, are certainly a worthy investment for those looking to enhance their cycling experience. Whether you’re a parent, a pet owner, or an adventure junkie, Trek has a bike trailer that’s designed with your needs in mind.

1. Are Trek bike trailers easy to assemble?

Yes, Trek bike trailers are designed with user-friendliness in mind. They typically come with detailed instructions for assembly, and users have generally found the process to be straightforward.

2. Can Trek bike trailers be used with any bike?

Most Trek bike trailers can be used with any standard adult bike. However, it’s always best to check the compatibility before purchasing.

3. How much weight can a Trek bike trailer carry?

The weight capacity of a Trek bike trailer varies depending on the model. Generally, child trailers can carry up to 100 lbs, while cargo trailers can handle up to 100 lbs to 160 lbs.

4. How do I attach a Trek bike trailer to my bike?

Most Trek bike trailers come with a hitch system that attaches to the rear axle of the bike. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for attaching and detaching the trailer.

5. Are Trek bike trailers suitable for all weather conditions?

Trek bike trailers are designed to withstand typical weather conditions. Many child and pet trailers come with rain covers and sunshades. However, in severe weather, it’s best to keep the trailer indoors.

6. Where can I buy a Trek bike trailer?

You can purchase Trek bike trailers directly from the Trek website, or from authorized Trek dealers. They are also available through various online retailers.

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8 Best Tag Along Bikes (and Bike Attachments for Kids)

Tag along bikes, trailer bikes, trailer cycles – whatever you call them,  these bike attachments for kids are a unique and adventurous alternative to traditional bike trailers. Tag along bikes allow kids to be out in the open air and active participants in the ride! They’re also a great option for older kids who no longer fit in a traditional bike trailer.

Bike tow bars and tow ropes are a bit of a DIY tag along bike. Using the child’s own bike, you can attach them to your bike and help them cover distances or terrains they wouldn’t be able to on their own. Whether a true tag along bike or a towing option is best for your family will depend a lot on your child’s abilities and what you’d like to accomplish on your family rides.

8 Best Bike Attachments for Kids

Which bike attachment works best for you.

Which bike attachment you need may change over time as kids get older or your family riding style changes. We use a recumbent trailer cycle for our 3-year-old, but also a tow bar when we want her to ride her own bike. With our older kids, tow ropes are a huge help when tackling long, steep, paved and mountain bike trails.

Kids Bike Attachment Styles

Click on an option to jump down to see our favorite products and learn more about the pros and cons of each style of bike attachment.

OPTION 1 : TAG ALONG BIKES · Top Picks · FAQ

OPTION 2: BIKE TOW BARS · Top Picks · FAQ

OPTION 3: BIKE TOW ROPES · Top Picks · FAQ

OPTION 4: RECUMBENT TRAILER CYCLE · Top Picks · FAQ

Want to see our top picks in action? Check out our video demonstration of all our favorite bike tag along and towing options. You’ll see our kid bike testers at work and learn what we love about each towing option on our list.

TAG ALONG BIKES

Kazam (weeride) co-pilot.

Solid Quality Tag Along on a Budget

BEST FIT : 4 to 10-year-olds, minimum 41″ tall

FULL REVIEW : WeeRide Co-Pilot

The Co-Pilot Tag Along Bike is a unique and affordable ride that’s a ton of fun to cruise around the neighborhood, drop kids off at school, or even go on longer, paved family rides.

A solid-quality, budget alternative to the Burley Piccolo or Kazoo, the Co-Pilot features adjustable seat height and handlebars, as well as a splash guard and safety flag.

Attaching to the seat post, it will be more wobbly than the rack-attached Burley, and also has a heavier steel frame compared to Burley’s lighter-weight aluminum.

• Fits a wide age range of kids – adjustable seat and handlebars
• Easy to mount and unmount, and folds for easy storage
• Soft, comfy saddle
• Comes with a splash guard and safety flag
• Available in several colors
• Seat post hitch more wobbly than Burley’s rack-mounted hitch
• Adult saddle can get rotated out of place after turns

Burley Kazoo/Piccolo

Best Standard Tag Along Bike – Very Stable and Easy to Attach

MSRP: $379/$419

BEST FIT: Ages 4 – 8.  The Kazoo is single-speed, so better for younger riders.  The Piccolo is geared and best for older riders because shifting can be a challenge for younger kids.

FULL REVIEW: Burley Piccolo , Burley Kazoo

Everything Burley makes is pretty awesome, and their trailer cycles are no exception.  The Burley Piccolo and Kazoo are some of the most expensive options, but absolutely worth the investment, especially for families who plan to use a trailer cycle frequently. Burley’s unique mounting system makes the Kazoo and Piccolo MUCH more stable than other brands.

Mounting to a rack versus a seat post, we experienced minimal problems with the bike leaning to one side or the other, especially compared to traditional seat post-mounted tag along bikes. The absence of leaning, or rocking back and forth, makes Burley trailer cycles easier to use and more enjoyable for both parent and child.

In addition to extra stability, the rack mount allows the Piccolo/Kazoo to pivot smoothly in all directions and maneuver around tight corners. As an added bonus, the Piccolo/Kazoo can pivot all the way around so it actually sits next to the adult bike in a bike rack.

Be aware that Burley’s proprietary rack cannot be used for a child bike seat, so you cannot use a child bike seat with this installed.

• Hitch allows the Piccolo or Kazoo to pivot smoothly in all directions for great maneuverability
• Attaches to rack vs. seat post for best-in-class stability
• Easy assembly, mounting, and unmounting
• Quick-release attachment to adult bike is a stand-out design and easy to use
• Comes in a geared or non-geared version
• The included rack cannot be used with a child bike seat

FAQ: Tag Along Bikes

What is a tag along bike.

Tag along bikes are bike attachments that turn the adult bike into a tandem bike for use with a child.  These “half” bikes consist of a handlebar, pedals, and a rear wheel along with a frame that attaches to the rear of the adult bike. Depending on the brand, they may be called trailer cycles, trailer bikes, or trail-a-bikes.

What Type of Terrain are Tag Along Bikes Best For?

Tag along bikes allow kids to actively participate in the ride, while still having the option to have mom or dad do all the pedaling!  From long families rides on paved trails to a quick run to school, they are usually best for pavement, but could also handle occasional packed dirt trails.

What’s the Best Age for a Tag Along Bike?

In order to safely ride a tag along bike, children need to be able to reach the pedals. From our testing, we’ve found that the best age range is from about 4 to 8.

Unlike a regular bike, it’s okay if your child can’t reach the ground while sitting on the seat of a tag along. As the adult rider, you’ll provide the balance needed when mounting, starting, stopping, and dismounting, but they may need a little help getting on and off.

The seat height of the tag along can be raised or lowered like a traditional bike. Additionally, the handlebars on some can be adjusted to better fit kids as they grow.

For safety and enjoyability reasons, make sure your child is mature enough to sit stably on a bike seat, without making sudden movements or attempting to dismount abruptly. As children get older and heavier, they are not only harder to pull, but also contribute more to the “wobble effect”, which we discuss below.

Does a Tag Along Bike Need Gears?

Gears are a possibility with tag along or trailer bikes, although there are very few options available ( Burley Piccolo ). Because tag alongs are most frequently used with younger kids, gears can often be too much for them to handle. For most families gears are not necessary.

If you’re going to ride rugged terrain or in hilly areas, gears can certainly come in handy if your child is ready to tackle that challenge. You could also use a geared tag along to coach a child to shift properly.

What Else Do I Need to Know about Tag Along Bikes?

As a downside, tag along bikes often suffer from what we call the “wobble effect”.  Some are better than others, but the tandem portion of the bike can wobble during the ride, which is certainly felt by the adult rider.  While not a deal breaker, it is something to keep in mind when choosing the best bike attachment for your family.

BIKE TOW BARS

Trail-gator.

Affordable Bike Tow Arm For Shorter Rides

BEST FIT:  12″-20″ bikes (without hand brakes) with riders weighing 70 pounds or less

FULL REVIEW: Trail-Gator Tow Bar

The Trail Gator is a unique alternative to a traditional tag along bike. It consists of a metal arm that connects an adult bike to a regular kid’s bike with wheels between 12″-20″ in diameter.

This opens up all sorts of interesting possibilities, such as towing a child too small to fit on a traditional tag along bike, or doing rides where a child rides solo part of the way but is towed by an adult through challenging or less-safe sections.

Once the arm is removed, it’s really small and easy to store. Because the Trail-Gator is so portable, it’s saved the day on multiple occasions with tuckered-out kids towards the end of a ride.

It’s also a great option if you want the functionality of both a child bike and a trailer cycle, but you don’t have enough storage space for both. Be aware though, that this set-up is noticeably more wobbly than traditional tag along bikes.

• Small and easy to store – great option for the “just-in-case” scenario
• Child can easily be removed or reattached to the adult bike at any point during the ride
• Child feels like they are riding along with their parent
• Installation is straightforward but time-consuming
• Not recommended for kids’ bikes with hand brakes
• Wobbly compared to traditional trailer cycles
• Kids can engage their coaster brakes and produce drag

FollowMe Tandem

Best Bike Tow Bar for Longer Rides – Impressive Stability

MSRP : $320

BEST FIT : 12″ to 20″ bikes, long or short paved rides

FULL REVIEW : FollowMe Tandem Bike Coupling Device

The FollowMe Tandem is similar to the Trail Gator in that it allows you to tow your child on their own bike, and connect or disconnect mid-ride.

But the FollowMe Tandem’s design is much higher-quality, which results in a drastically more stable and smooth ride. If you plan on doing a significant amount of bike towing on paved trails, we highly recommend investing in the FollowMe Tandem.

• High-quality design and durable build
• Incredibly secure connection points on both bikes
• Very smooth, stable ride
• Can tow a wide variety of kids bikes – 12″ – 20″
• Stores on adult bike when not in use – can use for “just in case” scenarios
• Connecting mid-ride requires several steps, but still manageable

FAQ: Bike Tow Bars

What is a bike tow bar.

Bike tow bars allow you to fix your child’s bike to your bike through either a bar or a sturdy coupler.  These kits essentially turn the child’s bike into a tag along bike, keeping the child’s bike upright and at a set distance from the adult.

Unlike a tag along bike, tow bars allow kids to ride their own bike during family rides, and then if the child gets tired, simply hook them up and tow them home! You could also choose to tow a child for an entire ride.

Tow bars are stored securely on the adult bike so that you can choose at any time during a ride to use it.

What’s the Best Terrain for Riding with a Tow Bar?

This answer really depends on the quality of the Tow Bar. The Trail Gator should only be used on paved roads . The higher-end FollowMe Tandem could certainly be used on dirt trails, although we would not use it for legitimate mountain biking.

What’s the Best Age for a Tow Bar?

We’ve found tow bars to be best for young riders on 12” to 16” bikes, especially for those kids who are just getting started on pedals. However, they can also be used with 20” bikes. They cannot be used with 24″ bikes or adult bikes.

What Else Do I Need to Know About Tow Bars?

Like tag along bikes, tow bars can definitely be wobbly, although the high-end FollowMe Tandem is a very stable and smooth ride.

If you want to tow different kids who ride different bikes, a tag along bike might be a better bet. Mounting hardware is needed for every bike you’ll be towing with a tow bar. In the case of the FollowMe Tandem, the adult bike attachment may also need to be adjusted if you are swapping between kids’ bikes.

BIKE TOW ROPES

Best Bike Tow Rope

MSRP: $49 – We highly recommend purchasing the Kids Connect version that comes with a lanyard attached to the end

BEST FIT: All ages and skill levels

FULL REVIEW: TowWhee Tow Rope

The TowWhee is the simplest and most affordable option on this list, and is also the easiest to bring along for the “just-in-case” scenario. Extending from 56″ to 180″ when fully tensioned, the TowWhee allows you to keep your little one close, but also provides enough space so they can more independently ride.

The TowWhee is especially ideal for mountain biking families who want to tackle aggressive terrain or climbs, but who have little ones who don’t yet have the stamina to keep up. Rather than sticking to easy, flat trails, Mom and Dad can provide that extra burst of energy when your little grom is spent. Your eager rider can continue to master mountain biking skills while not becoming too discouraged with the difficulty of the climb.

NOTE: Tow ropes are for climbing only and should not be used on downhill or flat sections.

• Small and compact, can easily be stored for use on the go
• Can be used with all ages and skill levels
• Keeps even tension when in use
• Installs in seconds
• When fully extended, kids can brake and startle you – just make sure to instruct them ahead of time

FAQ: Bike Tow Ropes

What is a Tow Rope?

Tow ropes connect the adult bike to the headset of the child’s bike via a thin line or bungee.  The ropes are primarily designed to tow less-confident or tired riders up steeper sections of trail, not for long distances or flat trails.

What is the Best Terrain for Riding with a Tow Rope?

Tow ropes were designed primarily for mountain bike use, however we’ve also used them for long climbs on paved rides. They should only be used on inclines.

What is the Best Age for a Tow Rope?

Unlike trailer bikes and tow bars, tow ropes require the child rider to be in complete control of their bike while being towed, including being able to maneuver their bike around obstacles, and brake to prevent running into the adult rider.  So while a tow rope can technically be used with a child of any age (or adults!) on pedal bikes, it’s more about ability than actual age.

What Else Do I Need to Know About Tow Ropes?

The maximum speed on tow ropes is much less than other bike attachments and maxes out at around 8 miles per hour. They are not meant to tow anyone for an entire ride, but rather for short bursts of difficult uphill sections.

Tow ropes are not ideal for flat sections of trail because it is very easy for the bike being pulled to run into the lead bike when the lead bike comes to a stop or slows down.

RECUMBENT TRAILER CYCLES

Weehoo turbo.

Best Recumbent Trailer Cycle for Kids 3 – 10

BEST FIT : 3 to 10 years old

FULL REVIEW: Weehoo Turbo

Standard trailer cycles can often sway side to side, and their lack of a harness can’t keep kids safe in the event of a fall. That’s where Weehoo comes in!

Built much lower to the ground, the Weehoo Turbo is incredibly stable compared to most standard trailer cycles. Additionally, it has a wide, recumbent seat with a height-adjustable harness that keeps kids secure and safe.

Besides keeping kids safe, the recumbent seat allows them to sit back and relax, or throw their hands up in the air! And with pedals that are completely optional, kids can choose to take an active or passive role in the ride.

While fun and enjoyable on paved paths, use on non-paved trails and single-track trails is where the Weehoo really shines.  

Compared to a bike trailer, the narrow footprint of the Weehoo allows the trailer to easily glide through narrow trails without getting stuck on low-lying branches or rocks.  With one wheel, the Weehoo is also able to track smoothly on uneven surfaces, versus a trailer that bounces back and forth on two tires which can create a bumpy and uncomfortable ride.

• Recumbent seat provides kids with a safe, carefree, relaxed ride
• Mounting is quick, easy, and only requires a seat post
• Height adjustable harness with adjustable chest strap make for a great fit
• Compared to a bike trailer, the narrow footprint of the Weehoo prevents it from becoming stuck on low branches or rocks
• With one wheel, the Weehoo tracks smoothly over uneven surfaces
• You must keep the bike upright when loading your child into the trailer
• Low-lying seat can get dust on kids’ faces – sunglasses are recommended (fender is included to prevent rocks from hitting kids)
• No suspension, so it can be a bumpy ride on rougher all-terrain trails
• Can’t be used with a dropper post

Weehoo Blast

Best Trail a Bike for the Youngest Riders (Age 2-4)

BEST FIT:  Kids ages 2 to 5

A more economical version of the Weehoo Turbo, this trailer cycle is also a better fit for the youngest little riders. A footrest replaces pedals, which, lets be honest, 2-year-olds certainly aren’t going to use anyways!

• Seat harness keeps little ones strapped in and safe
• With one wheel, the Weehoo tracks smoothly on uneven surfaces
• Footrest straps can easily come loose

FAQ: Recumbent Trailer Cycles

What is a recumbent trailer cycle.

While still technically a tag along bike, the Weehoo brand of recumbent trailer cycles certainly are unique. They place the child in a recumbent position (sitting slightly leaned back), with their body placed much lower to the ground and with the pedals out in front of them instead of underneath them. They also have a harness like a standard bike trailer.

What’s the Best Terrain for Riding in a Recumbent Trailer Cycle?

The lower position of the child rider allows Weehoo trailer cycles to be much more nimble and are by far the best option for families who want to hit single-track with young kids. With a single wheel in back, versus two with a traditional bike trailer, the Weehoos handle rough terrain much better. That said, they’re excellent for use on on paved trails as well.

What’s the Best Age for a Recumbent Trailer Cycle?

With a high-back seat and a 3-point shoulder harness, the Weehoos keep littles one nice and secure, even if they fall asleep. We’ve used the Wehoo Turbo with our 2-year-old!

With a weight capacity of 80 lbs, some models are also a great alternative for older special needs kids who would benefit from the added security of a high-back seat and harness.

What Else Do I Need to Know About Recumbent Trailer Cycles?

As the icing on the cake, riding with a Weehoo is significantly smoother than with a standard tag along bike – they have little to no effect on the adult’s balance.  Out of all the bike attachments for kids, the Weehoo is the best option for mountain biking with little toddlers.

Can you use a tag along bike with a rear rack on the adult bike?

Many kids bike attachments cannot be installed on a bike that already has a rear rack due to clearance issues. The exception to this would be the FollowMe Tandem, which can be used not only with a rack on the bike, but with a child bike seat on that rack! If you already have a rear cargo rack on your bike (or want to install one), you’ll need to ensure it’s compatible with the bike attachment you choose.

Can you transport more than one child at a time?

If you have a younger child whom you want to transport along with your tag along rider, the best option is a front-mounted child seat, as this doesn’t interfere with the tag along bike in any way. Tag alongs are generally incompatible with rear-mounted child seats, as the child seat interferes with the connecting arm.

You may be able to hook up a bicycle trailer to the back of the trailer cycle. The resulting “road train” is quite long and more difficult to maneuver, so you’ll need to ride very cautiously and stick to bike trails and other spots with less traffic and less required maneuvering. Be sure to double check your trailer cycle’s manual first, as some explicitly state that they should not be used with bike trailers.

The FollowMe Tandem is unique because it’s the only child bike attachment that allows you to ride with a child in a rear child bike seat while also towing your child on a pedal bike. This is because it mounts to the rear axle of the adult bike, rather than the seat post or a rear rack.

If you want to transport two older children on a trailer cycle, consider a two-seater trailer cycle, such as the Weehoo Turbo.

Which bike attachment for kids is best for you?

If you have younger kids and are also interested in options like bike trailers, child bike seats, and cargo bikes, check out our list of Best Bike Carriers for Kids and Babies .

About The Author

Natalie Martins

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How to Find the Right Thru-Axle Adapter for Your Bike Trailer

Thru-axles are becoming more common on newer bikes, especially on bikes that have disc brakes.

If you have a thru-axle bike, then you’re probably here because you’re trying to figure out how to attach a bike trailer to your thru-axle or disc brake bike.

Trust me—I’ve been there!

I have attached every major bike trailer brand to my disc brake thru-axle bikes, including mountain bikes and road bikes .

This guide will make it easy for you to identify the size of your bike’s thru-axle and exactly where to get the right adapter for your bike trailer.

An adapter can be purchased to attach any bike trailer to a thru-axle bike for around $60. In order to find the right thru-axle adapter for your specific bike, you first need to identify these three things:

• Axle length
• Thread pitch
• Axle diameter

Below I’ll explain how to find each of these.

You can purchase the correct thru-axle adapter size for around $60 using the links below, depending on your bike’s thru-axle size.

How to measure your thru-axle

Most of the confusion around thru-axles and bike trailers comes down to the fact that there are so many different sizes of thru-axles.

Here’s how to measurements you will need in order to find the correct thru-axle adapter for your bike:

1. Axle diameter

The axle diameter measures the diameter around the axle. Most thru-axles are 12mm, so it’s probably safe to assume your thru-axle is 12mm.

2. Axle length

The axle length measures the distance (usually in mm) from the head of the axle to the end. You will need to know your bike’s axle length in order to purchase the correct thru-axle adapter.

3. Thread pitch

The thread pitch measures the distance between each individual thread. You will need to know your bike’s thread pitch in order to purchase the correct adapter for your bike trailer.

How to quickly find the size of your bike’s thru-axle

There are three ways you can try to identify your bike’s thru-axle size:

• Remove the thru-axle from your bike’s wheel and check the sides for the dimensions.
• Check your bike’s user manual
• Measure the dimensions manually using the methods in the above section

Where to buy the right thru-axle adapter

Here is a list of many thru-axle adapters based on your trailer brand and your bike’s thru-axle size:

Burley thru-axle adapters

There are several thru-axle adapters available by Burley, depending on the size of your thru-axle. If you cannot find the right size for your specific thru-axle using the table above, then be sure to check out the thru-axles provided by the Robert Axle Project website.

Here’s a helpful video to show how to attach a Burley thru-axle adapter:

Thule thru-axle adapters

Thule provides a ton of thru-axle adapters for just about every size of thru-axle in existence. You can use the table above to find the correct size adapter for your bike trailer.

If you cannot find the right size for your specific thru-axle using the table above, then be sure to check out the thru-axles provided by the Robert Axle Project website.

Here’s a helpful video to show how to attach a Thule thru-axle adapter:

Other bike trailer brands

If you have a bike trailer by Hamax, Schwinn, Instep, Aosom, or any other brand, then you can either try a Thule thru-axle adapter or check out the Robert Axle Project website.

Adapters by the Robert Axle Project are made specifically for bike trailers, and are compatible with Hamax, InStep, Schwinn, Thule, Burley, and several other brands.

You can purchase thru-axle adapters from The Robert Axle Project website , which sells sturdy adapters specifically designed for bike trailers.

Here’s a helpful video to show how thru-axle adapters work:

Why are bike trailers not compatible with thru-axle bikes?

The reason almost all bike trailers are not compatible with thru-axle bikes right out of the box is that thru-axles are fairly new compared to the standard quick-release skewers.

Bike trailer manufacturers designed the trailer hitch coupler system with the quick-release in mind, which unfortunately means that the original design of many couplers does not fit the thru-axle.

The good news is that some bike trailer companies are catching on and have decided to make their coupler hole a little bigger to accommodate the thru-axle size. Notably, Schwinn and Instep have made a drastic change to their standard coupler attachment in recent years that allows for a thru-axle to pass through the coupler hole. It was a bold move on their part to upgrade their coupler, but it’s good they did because now they have created the most “universal” coupler on the market. Not only that, but Swhinn has come out with some very solid bike trailers ( like this one ) for a super affordable price (compared to other brands).

It’s interesting to me that Thule and other big bike trailer brands have not yet caught on to changing their standard hitch coupler to accommodate thru-axles, but they do a very good job at providing many different types of thru-axle adapters for all sizes.

What makes thru-axles better than quick-release skewers?

Many newer bikes now use a thru-axle system, especially mountain bikes and bikes with disc brakes. The reason for this industry-wide change from the traditional quick-release is largely due to many ongoing lawsuits surrounding the quick-release skewer.

One of the most notable lawsuits resulted in the very popular bike brand Trek recalling a certain disc brake bike because the quick-release lever was reportedly getting caught in the disc rotor when the lever was left open while riding. This incident seemingly taught the industry that the safest system for disc brakes is thru-axle, rather than quick-release. 

Another primary reason for the switch from the quick-release to the thru-axle is because the thru-axle is stiffer than the quick-release. The stiffness of the thru-axle in turn gives more sturdiness to the form of the bike. Quick-release skewers have been known to bend and offer less stiffness to the bike’s wheel axle because of how thin they are.

There is a way to attach any bike trailer to any thru-axle bike. It might be a bit confusing and even overwhelming at first, but as soon as you can figure out what size thru-axle you need, you will know exactly where to get the right adapter using the links provided in the above table.

Once you get the correct adapter, you’ll be on your way to experiencing all the benefits of bike trailers !

Need help finding the right bike trailer?

If you need help finding the right bike trailer for you, my recommended trailer for most people is the Swhinn Joyrider , which is an affordable double-seater that converts beautifully to a stroller. Check out my full review with photos here .

Check out the Ultimate Guide to Buying a Bike Trailer for more help with choosing a trailer. I also have compiled a list of the top bike trailers for every common situation, which you can check out here .

Benjy Suzaki

Hi, I'm Benjy Suzaki and I love cycling with my kids. Biking has been a big part of our family life ever since I decided to bike everywhere instead of drive, including to my job in NYC from New Jersey. BikeTrailerPlanet.com is all about how to make biking a priority in your daily life through bike commuting, bike maintenance, and riding with kids.

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Bespoken Word – Trek is slashing the number of bikes it offers by 40%. Here's what that means for your favorite brands in the future

In part one of a new ‘What Happens Next?’ series, Guy Kesteven has some dark warnings about what’s going to happen to a lot of bike brands in the next few years

The Taipei show is the biggest trade bike show in the world. You can go there as a punter but its primary purpose is for far eastern vendors to sell their stuff to the biggest bike brands . Unsurprisingly, given that anyone who is anyone is probably there, it’s also the biggest place for bike industry gossip. 

'Right sizing'

Right now, what everyone is talking about is Trek reporting that they’ll be reducing their bike range by 40 percent and the size of their overall business by 10 percent going forward. Yes, that Trek! The solid, dependable, privately owned Wisconsin-based brand has been rock solid since it started selling touring bikes in the 1970s. The Trek who most industry people were saying pulled a blinder by allegedly using their scale and cash reserves to guarantee the supply of parts when production and delivery choked during Covid. That meant Trek was the first to get big shipments of bikes after everyone had sold out and the sheer amount of Marlin hardtails they dropped into dealers has achieved mythical status.

Unfortunately, while they sold a huge amount of bikes to people wearing face masks, there are still a lot of Marlins in shops – and there are probably more in warehouses all over the world. So Trek is doing the smart thing and making fewer bikes going forward. Because otherwise that backlog of Marlins is never going to get sold and Trek will hemorrhage even more money storing them or selling them for less than a profit. And while their use of the phrase ‘Right sizing’ is definitely corporate ‘posi–speak’, the decision to downsize even based on pre-Covid levels is almost certainly correct.

The news that old dependable Trek is making big changes to stop future oversupply is a big deal, but they are far from being alone in this. From the sound of the rumor drums there are other very big companies, as well as many mid-sized and mini brands that are totally constipated with stock. And in many cases that’s not just because they ordered too much, but because they have a whole ton of very closely spaced products. Orange's multitude of visually near-identical, single pivot hand-made monocoque bikes made it hard for customers to pick an obvious winner and nearly put them out of business. I can’t help wondering if the reason Santa Cruz are running very big discounts on some bikes right now is because there are so many to choose from the confusion is enough to put people off. 

In contrast, Yeti has a pretty clear and clean product lineup and is still currently selling bikes full price. Other brands like Whyte and Norco have also massively reduced their product portfolio to help them leapfrog ahead of brands buried in out-of-date stock. In the case of Whyte, it has even sidelined projects they’ve been working on for years to put nearly all their eggs in the E-Lyte basket. After speaking to Jason Schiers and Clive Gosling from GT at Core bike show , it’s clear they’ve done the same. Canceling whole bike lines just before launch so they can concentrate on a few really strong new offerings.

Brands on the run

While figures like a 40 percent reduction in bike range sound dramatic, it doesn’t have to mean a loss of family favorites. Trek in particular produces a huge size range of bikes and generally makes each model in multiple colors. So it could be that every bike stays, but only in the best-selling color or with fewer options spanning the sizing spread. Not great if you're an odd size or like a choice of aesthetic, but not a disaster.

But for brands that have already slimmed downsizing and hacked the options back to a minimum, things will be a lot harder in the months and years ahead. There’s less room to maneuver too as geometry is now basically all the same and while internal storage is a nice feature, I’ve never heard anyone chopping in their perfectly good old bike just to get a snack hatch on the new one. Unless you’ve got a genuinely different suspension technology that people actually want (buyers are traditionally very averse to new tech until it’s multi-proven), then realistically how many almost identical 4-bar or twin-link carbon bikes with a 64 to 66-degree head tube do we need to choose from?

And while brand loyalty or re-polishing faded memories of past glory days will work with us old gits who’ve been hanging around the sport for decades, we aren’t the people brands need to attract to stay alive.

Power rangers

The people brands need to attract are the new mountain bikers, who may have dusted off an old bike during Covid or who just found MTB from fresh and are now encouraging their mates to join them. These riders are a very different breed with different brand and buying values. While old schoolers are used to glitches and bodges being part of biking and were prepared to put up with random customer service and extensive research to find the right next bike, the new breed isn’t. They don’t want a confusing sea, as far as they can tell, of identical bikes. They want stuff that works rather than needing to be nursed and they want it presented, sold and serviced professionally. And we might kid ourselves that this is the case in the bike industry, we all know that for every slick showroom and logo polo shirt, there’s a bargain bin in the corner and an ordering process that’s still based on paper stuck on spikes. But the whole chat about retail is for another time.  

The big thing that these new buyers mean is a total change in brand recognition and that’s also tied very heavily into the rise of the e-bike. 

E-bikes are not the miracle cure

What I mean is that while some of these new buyers might recognize the big brands like Specialized , Santa Cruz, Canyon , Shimano , or Trek, they’ll definitely spot Bosch as a brand name to go towards because their power tools, domestic appliances, auto parts, etc. are recognized as costing a bit more but return great reliability. Some outsiders might know Giant bikes, but the smartest move of the world’s largest bicycle manufacturer is to team up with Yamaha for their motors. With a lot of e-MTBers coming from an off-road motorbike background, brands like GasGas and Husqvarna are going to stand out a lot more than Haibike or Cube . Even if you get a better spec for a lower price by going for the latter. I can’t help feeling that brands like Bosch and Yamaha are going to get sick of having to deal with hundreds of relatively tiny bike company intermediaries to access the cycling market and will just make their own bikes.

There are other big players poised too. As soon as Porsche is confident that their investment in Fazua motors is a sound one, why wouldn’t they go direct through their existing dealers with all the upsell and aspirations they bring? Honda is already starting to show concept bikes again too and it’s clear that this personal mobility part of the market is becoming increasingly interesting to the auto industry. Hell, why wouldn’t Apple go for a quick positive spin on their entry to personal urban mobility by following up their failed ‘self-driving car’ project with an ‘Apple Bike’? They recently added a ton of cycling-friendly features to their Apple Watch and regardless of its actual performance, you can guarantee it would sync with all your other devices instantly and look brilliant. Not something you can say about every e-bike from current manufacturers. 

But then maybe that’s a good thing. Talking to managers at bike brands, they’re certainly beginning to realize that as the e-bike market matures, it’s not the fairy tale, fortune-creating cash cow it looked like at the start. Whatever the brand or design, e-bikes have a far higher return/warranty rate, up to 100 percent in some instances. Nobody ever had their house or warehousing destroyed and insurance companies get startled by a conventional bike catching fire either. 

They also require far more parts to order, stock, integrate, and wait for delivery on. That's after going through a whole extra level of explosive category shipping headaches and costs and being hamstrung if they don’t turn up. While it’s a pain if SRAM changes its transmission and makes your existing stock look dated overnight, if a motor brand makes your entire inventory electrically extinct that’s a huge issue. Because while the higher ticket price of an e-bike is a win at the till, when those units aren’t shifting then they’re sucking up a whole lot more cash. Which is of course the whole issue we started with in the first place.

Know your business

Finally, what the pandemic and subsequent sh*t show have clearly demonstrated is that bike and component brands know as much about their customers, demand and sales trends as a triathlete knows about suspension setup. In fact, the spike, rebound and sag in sales we’ve seen recently is almost certainly worse than the back-end performance of a bike set up by someone in Speedos.

While the amount of talk around inclusivity, diversity and lowering entry barriers is definitely increasing and that’s a brilliant thing, I can’t help feeling it’s not really gaining traction yet either. That losing a hundred grams, changing head angle by a degree, or increasing tire space still gets more high fives in boardrooms and marketing agencies than something that will engage with hundreds of thousands of new riders, change their headspace, or genuinely open up cycling to whole new communities and demographics. 

And these topics of advocacy, retail, racing, riding and media are all things I’m going to dig deeper into in this series. So for now, go enjoy the fact that there are way more bikes and brands than we need, and often being sold at bargain prices. Because one thing I’m sure of is that the situation isn’t going to last forever and if you end up buying bikes from the same place as your washing machine, then don’t say I didn’t warn you.

Guy has been working on Bike Perfect since we launched in 2019. Hatched in Yorkshire he's been hardened by riding round it in all weathers since he was a kid. He spent a few years working in bike shops and warehouses before starting writing and testing for bike mags in 1996. Since then he’s written several million words about several thousand test bikes and a ridiculous amount of riding gear. To make sure he rarely sleeps and to fund his custom tandem habit, he’s also penned a handful of bike-related books and talks to a GoPro for YouTube, too.

Current rides: Cervelo ZFS-5, Forbidden Druid V2, Specialized Chisel, custom Nicolai enduro tandem, Landescape/Swallow custom gravel tandem

Height: 180cm

Weight: 69kg

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Here are the best electric bikes you can buy at every price level in April 2024

I’ve spent countless hours here at Electrek doing detailed hands-on testing of hundreds of electric bikes. Through thousands of miles of riding, I’ve learned these e-bikes inside and out, top to bottom and front to back. That dedication to real-world e-bike testing has helped me find the best electric bicycles on the market for just about any budget.

Below are some of the top e-bikes I’ve hand-tested for every price range, current as of April 2024. Spring is finally upon us (at least, here in the Northern Hemisphere) and riding season is gearing up! After an ultra-competitive e-bike selling year in 2023, we’re still seeing some great sales into early 2024. So check out the awesome e-bikes below, any one of which could become your next electric bike.

Table of contents

Best electric bikes under $1,000, lectric one, best electric bikes from $2,000 to $3,500, best electric bikes from $3,500 to $5,000.

The sub-$1,000 electric bike category is critical for a few reasons.

First, it’s pretty hard to produce a quality e-bike and sell it for under $1k. Most of the options in this price category make too many sacrifices in quality or longevity to earn a spot on this list as one of “the best”.

Second, many newcomers to the e-bike industry just aren’t prepared to drop several thousand dollars on a brand-new concept, making this price range critical for many first-time e-bike shoppers.

Fortunately, we’ve found some excellent options for cheap electric bikes that can still save you some serious dough.

Lectric XP LITE

The Lectric XP LITE is likely the latest king of bang-for-your-buck electric bikes.

For years, the $999 Lectric XP 3.0 and its previous 1.0 predecessor reigned supreme in the budget electric bike category. That’s still a great bike, and we’ll discuss it next, but the more affordable $799 Lectric XP LITE is an even more wallet-friendly electric bike.

That new e-bike offers some great riding at under 800 bucks.

It’s a throttle-enabled Class 2 folding electric bike with 20″ wheels, a max speed of 20 mph (32 km/h) and a motor rated for 300W continuous and 720W peak.

It’s not going to be the strongest hill climber, but it does get going quickly on flat and modestly hilly terrain.

This is the only e-bike in this price range that I know of with a 48V electrical system. All the other budget e-bikes under $800 use a 36V system and thus suffer from weaker power.

There are some things that you give up with this model, such as that the fenders aren’t included free. But for just $799 , you’re still getting built-in lights, a hidden battery, large LCD display and a lightweight folder. Plus it comes in four color options.

There’s a lot of value there!

Lectric XP LITE quick specs

• Motor:  300W (720W peak) geared rear hub motor
• Top speed:  32 km/h (20 mph)
• Range:  Claimed up to 72 km (40 mi), but less on throttle only
• Battery:  48V 7.8 Ah (375 Wh)
• Weight : 21 kg (46 lb)
• Price :  $799  

Lectric XP 3.0

If you like the idea of a low-cost US-based company like Lectric eBikes but want something with more power than their XP LITE, consider the $999 Lectric XP 3.0 . The XP 3.0 is the newest version of America’s best-selling electric bike, and now it’s even better with hydraulic disc brakes! In my opinion, this is the current king of bang-for-your-buck electric bikes right now. It’s clear why this is the best-selling electric bike in the US.

Between the fast 28 mph speed, comfortable ride with front suspension, nimble yet thick three-inch tires, and the powerful 1,000W peak-rated motor, the bike combines high performance with an awesome price. The new version comes with a higher power motor featuring more torque, a new rear rack that can support 150 pounds (and has a passenger package option for carrying a friend), has longer travel suspension, and several other key upgrades.

There are both step-over and step-through frames available. To be honest, the frame member is low on both of them and so they’re both easy to mount, but I actually prefer the step-through. Even though low-step bikes are often considered to be “women’s bikes,” the Lectric XP 3.0 looks badass enough that no one would ever think of calling the step-through option a ladies’ bike. It’s just a more comfortable way to hop on and off.

Plus, the folding frame of the Lectric XP 3.0 means you can bring this high-value e-bike with you in a car or truck. I know several people who keep one in their RV, and I’ve even heard of folks traveling with it on their boat or light airplane.

The company also has longer-range batteries for the XP 3.0 that add 45% more range. If you’re the kind of person who likes to ride fast, that battery will help you use that power for longer rides at higher speeds.

It’s hard to find a better combination of low cost and high performance anywhere in the e-bike market right now. That’s why this is the bike I used when I worked undercover as an e-bike delivery rider .

Check out my first ride experience on the Lectric XP 3.0 here .

Lectric XP 3.0 quick specs

• Motor:  500W (850W peak) geared rear hub motor
• Top speed:  45 km/h (28 mph)
• Range:  Claimed up to 72 km (45 mi), but less if you’re heavy on the throttle
• Battery:  48V 9.6 Ah (460 Wh), or larger 14Ah battery available
• Weight : 29 kg (64 lb)
• Price :  $999  

Ride1Up Portola

When Ride1Up launched the Portola , it was pretty obvious what the game plan was: fire a shot across Lectric Ebike’s bow with a direct competitor to the Lectric XP 3.0. By all accounts, Ride1Up nailed it with an impressive competitor, the best-selling e-bike out there.

The Ride1Up Portola has a lot more going for it than just the awesome price of $995 . The bike has great performance with a maximum speed of 28 mph (45 km/h) and great components including hydraulic disc brakes, front suspension, a built-in rear rack, and a 750W motor.

There are two battery options available, either a 48V 10.4Ah or a 48V 13.4Ah, and the larger battery only costs an extra $100.

I love the sleek-looking frame and apparently, I’m not alone. Those who are on the hunt for a good-looking folding fat tire e-bike that doesn’t break the bank will likely find this to be one of the more fashionable options.

Ride1Up Portola quick specs

• Motor:  750W geared rear hub motor
• Battery:  48V 10.4 Ah (504 Wh), or larger 48V 13.4 Ah battery available
• Weight : 27.2 kg (60 lb)
• Price :  $995  

Ride1Up Roadster V2

The Ride1Up Roadster V2 seems to hop back and forth in price from $995 to $1,095 , depending on the time of year and current sale. Even when it falls just north of the $1k mark, the Roadster V2 is an awesome deal.

But you should know going in that this is very much a pedal-oriented e-bike. There’s no throttle, and the motor is only moderately powerful, peaking at 500W. That means the Roadster V2 is best for someone who enjoys cycling and simply wants an assist motor to help them go faster and farther.

The belt-drive setup, low-weight design, and fast speed of up to 24 mph make this an incredible deal.

You can check out my full, in-depth review of the Ride1Up Roadster V2 here .

Ride1up Roadster V2 quick specs:

• Motor:  500W peak (350W continuous) rear hub motor
• Top speed:  24 mph (38 km/h)
• Range:  20-35 miles (32-56 km)
• Battery:  36V 7Ah (252Wh)
• Weight : 32 lb (14.5 kg)
• Price :  $995-$1,095

Propella Mini

The $849 Propella Mini almost looks a bit odd at first glance, but the quirky proportions result in a super nimble and lightweight e-bike.

It’s not particularly fast at just 18 mph. And it’s also a pedal-assist e-bike, meaning you don’t have a throttle for the days when you feel lazy. But for anyone that doesn’t mind pedaling as long as you get a decent electric boost, the Propella Mini is a great option for you.

I love the bright blue rims, white chain, and slim black frame. The look is killer. And the bike rides both smoothly and efficiently. There’s no suspension to speak of, but the upside is there’s no suspension fork to break. The bike should last a long time with modest upkeep, and it’s a definite winner for anyone that’s low on space.

See my full review of the Propella Mini here .

Propella Mini quick specs

• Motor:  250 W (400 W peak) Bafang rear geared hub motor
• Top speed:  30 km/h (18.5 mph)
• Range:  32-56 km (20-35 mi) depending on pedal assist level
• Battery:  36V 7Ah (250 Wh)
• Price:  $849
• Weight : 14.9 kg (33 lb)

JackRabbit micro e-bike

The $999 JackRabbit OG is in one of these fuzzy areas between e-bikes and other e-rideables. In this case, it straddles the line between an electric bike and an electric scooter.

It more or less feels like an electric bike based on its ride geometry. However, the lack of pedals means that it could also be classified as an electric scooter, albeit a large-wheeled e-scooter.

But with those 20-inch wheels and bicycle seat, the JackRabbit rides much more like a small folding e-bike than an e-scooter. And its electronics match that of a light e-bike too.

The 300W motor gets the little runabout up to 20 mph (32 km/h). The small 158 Wh battery only offers around 10-12 miles (approximately 16-20 km) of range, but is also conveniently small enough to easily keep a spare battery in a cargo pocket or even a small purse.

The biggest benefit of the JackRabbit is that it is so simple that the lack of frills keeps the weight down to just 23 lb (10.5 kg)! For an e-bike, that’s almost so light that it floats.

The company also released a higher power and larger battery capacity version too , which might be good for riders that want to push harder and go farther.

See my full review of the JackRabbit here .

JackRabbit quick specs

• Motor:  300W geared rear hub motor
• Range:  20 km (12 mi)
• Bike weight:  10.5 kg (23 lb.)
• Brakes:  Rear mechanical disc brake

Best electric bikes under $2,000

Once you bump up above the $1,000 limit, you start to see many more great options for e-bikes in a wide range of categories.

From electric cargo bikes to cruisers and even electric mopeds, there’s something for everyone in this price range.

The Lectric ONE is listed in the “Best under $2,000” category, but in many ways, it’s the best in under a significantly higher dollar value. To put it into perspective, it’d be hard to buy the gearbox alone on this bike for under $2,000, and yet that’s the price tag of the entire bike! For just $1,999 , you’re getting an e-bike with components normally found on $10,000+ bikes.

The Lectric One was unveiled as a lightweight commuter e-bike designed with an ultra high-end drivetrain based around the Pinion C1.6i auto-shifting gearbox. Paired with a Gates carbon belt drive and a true 750W-rated Stealth M24 motor (with 1,300 peak watts!), the Lectric ONE hits class 3 speeds in style with some extra premium components.

Lectric ONE quick specs:

• Motor:  750W rear hub motor (1.3 kW peak)
• Battery:  48V 10.4 or 14Ah (500Wh or 672 Wh)
• Top speed:  28 mph (45 km/h)
• Range:  up to 75 miles (120 km)
• Weight:  55 lb (25 kg)
• Price:   $1,999

Lectric XPedition

We were the first to review this new model and we called it a runaway hit right from the start. With heavy-hauling weight capacity, the option for one or two batteries for extra long range, hydraulic disc brakes and a watt-based more comfortable feeling pedal assist sensor, this e-bike is dragging electric cargo bikes into the future.

The $1,399 Lectric XPedition has turned the electric cargo bike market upside down, finally bringing a heavy-hitting cargo e-bike to market for an ultra-affordable price.

While it’s not the nicest cargo e-bike on the market, it’s definitely the best bang for your buck thanks to a combination of high value parts and reasonable pricing.

Lectric XPedition quick specs:

• Motor:  750W rear hub motor
• Battery:  48V 14Ah (672 Wh) with the option for a second battery
• Weight:  68 lb (31 kg)
• Price:   $1,399

Aventon Soltera.2

The $1,399 Aventon Soltera.2 is the latest version of Aventon’s beautiful city bike that offers some of the best quality fabrication that I’ve seen in this price range – or even in higher price ranges. It is offered in either a single-speed or seven-speed format.

The bike rolls on narrow tires for that efficient city ride, while still packing in a 500W motor.

The battery is a bit smaller at 36V and 10Ah, but the bike makes up for a smaller battery by being able to integrate it into the frame in a sleek and attractive package.

The beautiful color display also adds to the bike’s charm, as do the powerful headlight and frame-integrated tail light. There’s even an awesome companion app that lets your phone track your bike’s important stats. Basically, you’re getting a lot for $1,199 here!

Check out my in-depth Aventon Soltera.2 review here .

Aventon Soltera.2 quick specs:

• Motor:  500W peak-rated rear hub motor
• Battery:  36V 10Ah (360 Wh)
• Top speed:  20 mph (32 km/h)
• Range:  20-63 miles (32-101 km)
• Weight:  46 lb (21 kg)
• Price:   $1,199

Ride1Up Turris

Ride1Up has proven itself as a high-value electric bike brand, focusing largely on efficient and speedy commuter e-bikes. While the company has many models in the $1,000 to $2,000 range, the $1,095 Ride1Up Turris (at it’s current sale price ) is one of the best bang-for-your-buck options.

A powerful 750W continuous-rated motor gets the bike up to Class 3 speeds that will have you keeping up with traffic or even passing cars when they get bogged down in the city. That extra speed over most class 2 e-bikes can be quite useful when riding on the side of the road trying to reduce the number of times a car whizzes by you. Even when riding alone or in a protected path away from cars, the extra speed sure makes for a fun ride.

The sporty tires and two choices of frame style (step over or step through) give riders plenty of options to use this bike on the trails or the streets. I love that it includes full metal fenders as well so you don’t have to spend extra on those. I’d definitely recommend spending an extra $50 for the rear rack though if you plan to use the bike as a commuter, since you never know when you’ll need to toss something on the back.

If you want to upgrade to more power and a nicer set of components, the $1,695 700 Series is worth a look. But I think the Ride1Up Turris is sufficient for most riders.

Ride1Up Turris quick specs:

• Range:  32-64 km (20-40 mi) throttle vs. pedal assist
• Battery:  48V 12.8Ah (614 Wh) with genuine LG cells
• Weight : 25 kg (55 lb)
• Price :  $1,095

Lectric XPeak

Lectric Ebikes recently expanded into larger territory with the launch of the new Lectric XPeak. It’s the company’s first e-bike with a larger than 20″ wheel size, bringing some chunky 26×4.0″ tires into the company’s inventory.

The XPeak takes the form of a typical adventure-style fat tire electric bike. It features a hardtail design with a suspension fork, high volume tires, hydraulic disc brakes and a relatively large battery that is certified by the Swiss testing agency SGS to meet UL 2849 standards.

The bike is also tested to higher standards for ruggedness of the frame and fork than most e-bikes in this price range, meaning it’s likely going to last longer too. As far as fat tire adventure-style e-bikes go, there’s no better bang for your buck than the Lectric XPeak.

Lectric XPeak quick specs:

• Motor:  750W (1,300W peak)
• Range:  Up to 75 km (45 mi) on low power
• Battery:  48V 14 Ah (672 Wh)
• Weight : 39.4 kg (67 lb)
• Price : $1,299 (may increase to $1,399 after promotional sale ends)

Ride1Up Cafe Cruiser

The Ride1Up Cafe Cruiser is Ride1Up’s first non-purely commuter electric bike, and boy did they knock it out of the park on this one.

The Cafe Cruiser, as its name suggests, is part cruiser bike, part fast motorbike.

The cruiser bars, suspension fork, comfortable seat and pedal-forward geometry make it a pleasure to ride. The high performance 750W hub motor and 28 mph (45 km/h) top speed make it a blast for quick errand running and fun commutes.

High quality parts like hydraulic disc brakes complete the package, and the included fenders and rear rack increase the bike’s value.

One of the coolest features though is the passenger package that adds a rear bench seat, wheel skirt and foot pegs so you can carry a second rider on back. The second seat has a quick release so you can easily pop it on and off the bike whenever you need to swap back and forth between carrying your friends or a basket full of groceries home.

At just $1,595 , the Ride1Up Cafe Cruiser is priced way below fair market value, which makes this an absolute steal of a deal.

Ride1Up Cafe Cruiser quick specs:

• Motor:  750W rear geared hub motor
• Range:  50-80 km (30-50 mi)
• Battery:  48V 15Ah (720 Wh)
• Weight : 29 kg (65 lb)
• Price : $1,595

Rad Power Bikes RadRunner

The RadRunner from Rad Power Bikes has been an industry favorite ever since it was first announced back in 2019. The company is actually on the RadRunner 2 now, but the update only made minor changes since the original was already so well designed.

The bike uses a step-through moped style frame to create a short utility bike or mini cargo e-bike. It’s quick up to the 20 mph top speed and offers a ton of uses. When outfitted with the Passenger Package , it has a seat and footpegs that let you carry kids or adults on the back, turning this into a multi-passenger e-bike.

The high-capacity battery and powerful motor also make for sprightly acceleration and longer than average rides, so you’ll have enough power to ride all day.

The RadRunner is truly one of those do-anything e-bikes because it has so many uses. The same bike can be used for fun recreational riding, city commuting, trail riding, or grocery shopping. There’s something for everyone.

There’s even an upgraded version known as the RadRunner Plus, which adds suspension, a seven-speed transmission, a more detailed display, and the passenger package, though the RadRunner Plus costs a bit more at $1,899 .

Check out my complete review of the RadRunner 2 here .

RadRunner 2 quick specs:

• Range:  45-72 km (25-45 mi) depending on user input
• Battery:  48V 14Ah (672 Wh)
• Weight : 29.5 kg (65 lb)
• Price : $1,499

Rad Power Bikes RadWagon 4

Cargo electric bikes are the workhorses of the e-bike world. They have higher weight capacities and more surface area for carrying all of your gear.

The $1,999 Rad Power Bikes RadWagon 4 is one of my favorite options thanks to the awesome build and wide range of compatible Rad accessories.

The bike’s 750W motor and large capacity battery make it easy to hit the top speed of 20 mph and ride farther than your errands will require.

Plus that long rear bench has tons of room for boxes, bags, or kiddos. I’ve had three riders on the bike plenty of times, and it can definitely do more. Plus, I love that double center kickstand for creating an ultra-stable parking platform.

Check out my full in-depth review of the RadWagon 4 e-cargo bike here .

Rad Power Bikes RadWagon 4 quick specs:

• Motor:  750 W geared rear hub motor
• Battery:  48V 14Ah (672Wh)
• Weight : 34.8 kg (76.7 lb)
• Price: $1,999

Electric Bike Company Model Y

Electric Bike Company is one of the only e-bike manufacturers that actually builds its electric bikes in the US from the ground up.

They start with bare frames and perform the entire build locally with highly trained e-bike technicians. That also allows them to offer more customization options than any other e-bike company out there.

The $1,949 Model Y is a step-through cruiser e-bike with a hidden battery in the front basket. It offers fast speeds up to 28 mph and high-quality parts like hydraulic disc brakes and top-end hardware. The color screen and leather accents on the seat and bar ends add to the classy look too!

The real treat though is getting to select the custom paint on every surface of the bike, plus your own rim colors, trim colors, and tire options. It’s incredibly customizable to the point where you’re virtually guaranteed to be able to create a truly one-of-a-kind electric bike if you wish.

Check out my full review of the Electric Bike Company Model Y here .

Electric Bike Company Model Y quick specs:

• Motor:  1,000W peak rear geared hub motor
• Range:  Up to 80 km (50 mi) with moderate pedaling
• Battery:  48V with either 9Ah (432 Wh) or 18Ah (864 Wh) options
• Weight : 26 kg (58 lb)
• Price:   $1,949

Velotric Nomad 1

Velotric has a number of interesting e-bikes in its lineup and I’m enjoying testing several of the companies new models. But one of my favorites so far — thanks to its excellent off-road abilities — has got to be the Velotric Nomad 1.

The e-bike isn’t just powerful or surprisingly comfortable for an off-road, it’s also quite safe. The punchy hydraulic disc brakes offer quick and controlled stops while the UL-certified battery and e-bike systems offer safe operations, removing the worry of dangerous thermal events.

For just $1,499 at its current sale price, this is an excellent bike for both asphalt commuting and dirt trail excursions, all on the same ride!

Check out my full review of the Velotric Nomad 1 here .

Velotric Nomad 1 quick specs:

• Motor:  1,200W peak rear geared hub motor
• Range:  Up to 88km (55 mi) on pedal assist
• Battery:  48V 14.4Ah (691 Wh) frame-integrated, removable
• Weight : 33 kg (73 lb)
• Price:  $1,499

Ride1Up Rift

Ride1Up’s first adventure-style electric bike was a smashing success, helping the San Diego-based electric bike maker enter an entirely new category with a bang.

This fat tire electric bike has a powerful motor, a massive 960Wh battery and an ultra rugged frame with built-in rear rack that can carry heavy cargo or even an adult passenger on back.

With fenders, built-in LED lights and cargo capabilities, the Ride1Up Rift would also make a surprisingly good commuter bike that will traverse pot holes and other rough street imperfections just as well as it handles off-road conditions.

Check out my full review of the Ride1Up Rift XR here .

Ride1Up Rift XR quick specs:

• Motor:  750W continuous-rated rear geared hub motor
• Top speed:  32 km/h (20 mph) on throttle, or 45 km/h (28 mph) on pedal assist
• Range:  Up to 96 km (60 mi) on pedal assist
• Battery:  48V 20Ah (960 Wh) frame-integrated, removable
• Weight : 38 kg (84.5 lb)
• Price:  $1,895

Velotric Packer electric cargo bike

There are a lot of electric cargo bikes on the market, but the Velotric Packer has recently become one of my go-to recommendations for several reasons. It’s fairly priced, has loads of cargo accessories, includes a UL-certified battery, comes in some eye-catching colors, and works well for transporting my three nieces and nephews around with me.

At its sale price of $1,899, this is definitely an electric cargo bike to have on your short list for it’s slick-looking design and great functionality.

Check out my full review of the Velotric Packer here .

• Motor : 750W (1,200W peak) rear-geared hub motor
• Top speed : 20 mph (32 km/h) or 25 mph (40 km/h) when unlocked
• Range : Up to 52 miles (84 km)
• Battery : 48V 15Ah (692 Wh)
• Weight : 75 lb (34 kg)
• Price : $1,899

By the time you surpass the $2,000 dollar mark, you’re starting to get into serious e-bikes with serious performance or build quality.

If you’re spending this much, you’ll want to ensure you’re buying from a reputable company with top-notch products and service.

Ride1Up Prodigy V2 mid-drive e-bike

The $2,295 Ride1Up Prodigy V2 has brought new meaning to the phrase “low-cost mid-drive electric bike”, updating an already impressive e-bike with a new next-gen setup.

This e-bike sports a high-end German-manufactured Brose mid-drive motor and can hit speeds of up to 28 mph (45 km/h), yet is price similarly to much cheaper hub motor-based electric bikes.

It’s a perfect commuter e-bike for someone that wants high quality parts like that German mid-drive motor with 90Nm of torque, hydraulic disc brakes, bright LED lights, included fenders, rear rack, and a very comfortable saddle. Plus there’s a choice between a nice 9-speed chain drive transmission or a fancier Gates Carbon Drive belt setup with an Enviolo continuously variable transmission.

This e-bike is easily worth another $500 more than the price tag, if not more. In fact, you’ll find many of these same components on e-bikes with $3,000-$4,000 price tags all over the place. So if you’re looking for a higher quality e-bike that doesn’t cost as much as a fancy bike shop e-bike, this is the one to consider.

Ride1Up Prodigy quick specs:

• Motor:  Brose TF Sprinter mid-drive
• Range:  30-50 miles (50-80 km)
• Battery:  36V 14Ah (504Wh)
• Weight : 58 lb (26 kg)
• Price :  $2,395

Juiced Scorpion X

The $2,199 Juiced Scorpion X has all the old-school charm of a vintage moped, but it adds back in a powerful electric drivetrain. It also has awesome-looking cast wheels that remove the issue of spoke maintenance, plus add to the cool stance.

The bench seat allows riders to scoot forward or backward to find the best seating position, and the tall bars give a fun cruiser/motorcycle feel to the bike. With full suspension, hydraulic disc brakes, and a built-in rear rack/fenders, there are a lot of nice parts on the Scorpion X

A powerful throttle lets you blast up to 20 mph, or engaging the pedal assist can take you even faster to 28 mph. And Juiced offers a larger battery than most competitors, letting you ride this moto-styled e-bike even further.

Check out my in-depth review of the Juiced Scorpion X here .

Juiced Scorpion X quick specs:

• Motor:  750W “nominal” (claimed 1.8 kW peak) RetroBlade rear hub motor
• Range:  Up to 55 miles (88 km) on pedal-assist or closer to half that on throttle
• Battery:  52V 15Ah 780Wh (removable and lockable)
• Weight : 100 lb (45 kg)
• Price : $2,199

Priority Current

I love the $3,299 Priority Current electric bike so much that it has become one of my daily riders. It’s the one I grab when I’m doing city riding and I know I want to be pedaling.

Becuase it doesn’t have a throttle, you’ll need to enjoy pedaling in order to enjoy this e-bike. But it makes it so much fun to pedal thanks to a torque sensor-based pedal assist that provides natural feeling assistance up to a fast 28 mph top speed.

The internally geared rear hub combined with a Gates belt drive system and powerful hydraulic disc brakes make this a very nice e-bike for the price. Plus that mid-drive motor offers tons of torque for climbing hills or accelerating quickly.

I’m also a fan of the built-in lights and included fenders, not to mention the integrated high-capacity battery that disappears in the frame.

Mid-drive electric bikes aren’t cheap, but the price is definitely a fair one for this e-bike.

Check out my full review of the Priority Current here . I also recently reviewed the Shimano 5-speed version of this e-bike, which you can find here .

Priority Current quick specs :

• Motor:  500W mid-drive motor with torque sensor
• Top speed:  28 mph (45 km/h) or 20 mph (32 km/h) user-selectable
• Range:  30-60 miles (48-96 km)
• Battery:  500 Wh frame-integrated battery
• Weight : 24 kg (53 lb)
• Price: $3,299

Ride1Up CF Racer1

I’m not normally a carbon fiber, drop bar, race bike kind of guy. But then again, that’s usually because those types of bikes are way out of my price range… until now.

The Ride1Up CF Racer1 brings carbon fiber road e-bikes to the common man, offering both a traditional road bike and a gravel bike edition.

At under 29 lb (13 kg), these e-bikes are some of the lightest around. I picked one up with my index finger and was shocked at how easily it left the ground.

To get there, that meant a relatively low-power motor and a smaller battery were required. But for the folks that ride these types of bikes, a big motor and heavy battery probably aren’t on their wishlist anyway. Instead, a simple extra boost, as if you’ve always got a tailwind, helps augment your own pedaling.

For just $2,295 , there’s no better deal out there for a budget-friendly carbon fiber road e-bike.

Ride1Up CF Racer1 quick specs

• Motor:  250W 42 Nm torque
• Top speed:  28 mph (45 km/h) on pedal assist
• Range:  16-40 miles (26-64 km)
• Battery:  252 Wh frame-integrated battery
• Weight : 12.9 kg (28.6 lb)
• Price: $2,295

Biktrix Moto

There’s a lot to like about the Biktrix Moto electric moped. Near the top of the list though has got to be the dual batteries. There’s a single battery option that starts at $2,299 , but the dual battery option doubles the range up to a maximum of 100 miles.

Even with just one battery, the high capacity of 1,008 Wh makes these some of the biggest batteries in the e-bike industry. Combine that with a high power motor, tall handlebars, and a long bench seat, and you’ve got a seriously fun electric moped.

It doesn’t slouch on components either. The lighting is ultra bright and it features other nice parts like powerful hydraulic disc brakes and an included rack/fender setup.

See my full review of the Biktrix Moto e-bike here .

Biktrix Moto quick specs:

• Motor:  Bafang 750W continuous hub motor (peak power not published)
• Top speed:  25 mph (40 km/h) but can be limited to Class 2 speeds
• Range:  Up to 100 miles (160 km) with two batteries
• Battery:  48V 21Ah (1,008 Wh) in each battery (two possible)
• Weight:  90 lb (41 kg)
• Price: $2,299

Ride1Up REVV1 FS

This full-suspension electric moped-style e-bike is a masterclass in high performance electric bike design. Sure, it’s an obvious SUPER73 imitation, but it’s a really well done imitation.

It handles well, it’s got great rubber between you and the road, the suspension gives a comfortable ride, and it’s got plenty of extra power.

Despite the 750W label, the e-bike can be unlocked to make use of nearly 1,500W of peak power. I was able to reach a top speed of 37 mph (59.5 km/h) during my testing (not on public streets!).

But the bike ships in Class 2 mode with a 750W limit and 20 mph (32 km/h) maximum speed, meaning you’ll have to contact the company to request an unlock for the bike to be used above Class 2 speeds and power levels.

All in all, the $2,395 Ride1Up REVV1 FS is an amazing e-bike for anyone who wants a moped-style ride with full-suspension, high quality 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes and a design that rides almost like a motorcycle, yet in a bike form factor.

Check out my complete Ride1Up REVV1 FS review here .

Ride1Up REVV1 quick specs:

• Motor:  Bafang 750W continuous hub motor
• Top speed:  20 mph (32 km/h) out of the box, 37 mph (59.5 km/h) when unlocked
• Battery:  52V 20Ah (1,040 Wh)
• Weight:  93 lb (42 kg)
• Price: $2,395

Tern Quick Haul

The Tern Quick Haul is an electric cargo bike from the famed cargo e-bike company Tern. It holds the distinction of being the most affordable model in Tern’s lineup.

That says a lot, because Tern is known for its high quality e-bikes that are built to be ridden every day for real world errands, carpool duty and more. These e-bikes are meant to replace cars, and they do just that for many riders. With a huge list of accessories, you can outfit a Quick Haul for just about any job.

The Tern Quick Haul features a mid-drive Bosch motor, hydraulic disc brakes, Tern’s vertical parking rack, and a relatively lightweight but high utility design that is meant to carry just about anything in your life.

We had the chance to test a pair of Quick Hauls at Eurobike in Frankfurt last year, which you can learn more about here.

Motor:  Bosch Active Line Plus mid-drive motor Top speed:  20 mph (32 km/h) with pedal assist (no throttle) Range:  Up to 60 miles (96 km), less when riding in highest power Battery:  400Wh, removable/lockable Weight:  50 lb (22.8 kg) Price : $2,999

Ariel Rider X-Class

When it comes to fast, powerful electric mopeds on a budget, it’s hard to compete with the $2,399 Ariel Rider X-Class . This is the e-bike I usually recommend when someone simply wants the most power and speed for the least amount of money.

The impressive performance comes from a powerful 1,000W motor that actually puts out closer to 2,000W of peak power. It can be limited to 20 mph if you’d like, but I got it up to 36 mph in unlimited mode.

The bike rolls on 20″ moto-style wheels and comes with nice parts including hydraulic disc brakes, a bench seat, dual suspension, and a big moto-style headlight.

You can see my full review of the Ariel Rider 52V X-Class here .

• Motor:  1,000W (2,000W peak) rear hub motor
• Top speed:  36 mph (58 km/h), but can be limited to Class 2 speeds
• Range:  Up to 75 miles (120 km), less when riding at top speed
• Battery:  52V 18Ah (936 Wh), removable/lockable
• Weight:  80 lb (36 kg)
• Price : $2,399

Rad Power Bikes Rad Rover 6 Plus with accessories

Technically the Rad Rover 6 Plus is priced at $1,999 . And with its free shipping, it comes in under the $2k mark. But I’m including it in the $2k-$3k category because you’re going to want to add a couple of important accessories to this one.

Rad Power Bikes has one of the widest arrays of e-bike accessories on the planet . In fact, it might have THE widest selection. And I’d highly recommend adding the rear rack ($79) to the RadRover 6 Plus, at the very least. It simply adds even more utility and turns an adventure bike into an adventure/hauling bike.

Accessories aside, the RadRover 6 Plus is an awesome ride and packs in some real value. It is the highest-spec e-bike in Rad’s lineup and includes hydraulic disc brakes, redesigned suspension fork, an upgraded frame with a new semi-integrated battery, new displays that are easier to read and use, and so much more.

This is absolutely an e-bike that is worth checking out for anyone that does adventure-style riding and needs big tires combined with high power, and who wants the support and comfort provided by going with North America’s largest e-bike company.

Check out my full RadRover 6 Plus review here .

RadRover 6 Plus quick specs:

• Range:  45-72 km (25-45 mi) depending on throttle or pedal assist
• Weight:  33.3 kg (73.4 lb)

Above $3.5k, you’re entering some seriously dedicated e-bike territory.

These e-bikes either feature top-shelf components like drivetrain and brake parts, or pack in so much power that they couldn’t possibly be priced any lower.

Either way, you’re not in Kansas anymore. You’re heading down the e-bike rabbit hole.

Tern is renowned for building high-quality electric bikes that double down on utility features. The newly updated Tern HSD is the company’s more affordable utility e-bike, offering many features you’ll find on its higher end GSD but at a price that more riders can stomach.

The HSD uses small 20″ wheels and includes a folding stem, making it nice and compact. But taking it one step further, Tern outfitted it with its innovative rack that lets you park the bike on its tail, meaning it takes up barely more space than a coat rack in the corner of a room.

The bike’s Bosch mid-drive and high capacity batteries provide a high-end e-bike drive, and they are matched with a variety of performance drivetrain options that you can select from, depending on how high you want to spec the bike.

Whether you’re ferrying around kids or buying a week’s worth of groceries, the HSD is a solid option.

Check out my detailed first ride experience on the Tern HSD here .

Tern HSD quick specs:

• Motor:  Bosch Active Line Plus mid-drive
• Top speed:  32 km/h (20 mph) with electric assist
• Range:  42-110 km (26-69 mi) depending on pedal input
• Battery:  Bosch PowerPack 400 Wh
• Weight : 25.4 kg (55.9 lb)
• Price:  $4,299

CSC FT1000MD

The CSC FT1000MD sounds like a motorcycle name because it comes from a company with motorcycle heritage. CSC Ebikes was born out of CSC Motorcycles, a company with several decades of two-wheeler experience.

The FT1000MD is the company’s highest power option. The fat tire e-bike comes with a 1,000+ watt motor known as the Bafang M620 Ultra. It’s the most powerful and highest torque e-bike mid-drive motor on the retail market. CSC paired it with a big battery, quality suspension, hydraulic brakes, built-in lighting, and more to create a high performance and high-quality adventure e-bike.

I was able to hit speeds of around 34 mph with the motor in unlocked format, though you can limit it to 20 or 28 mph to fit into class 2 and class 3 designations.

Check out my full review of this incredibly powerful e-bike here .

CSC FT1000MD quick specs:

• Motor:  1,000W continuous Bafang M620 mid-drive
• Top speed: 54 km/h (34 mph) when unlocked
• Battery:  48V 16Ah (768Wh) with Samsung 35E cells
• Frame:  6061 aluminum
• Suspension:  Front suspension fork with preload and damping adjustment, plus lockout
• Brakes:  Tektro hydraulic disc brakes with 180 mm rotors
• Weight : 34 kg (75 lb)
• Price:  $3,299 or save $200 with discount code ELECTREK

Ariel Rider Grizzly

When it comes to all-wheel-drive electric bikes, the $3,299 Ariel Rider Grizzly is one of my favorites.

This incredible e-bike is really more of a small electric motorcycle. It uses two high-power motors – one in each wheel – to offer speeds in the mid-30s and acceleration that will get you there in the blink of an eye.

Full suspension and hydraulic disc brakes make this an e-bike that handles well at any speed, and the bright red paint job looks as aggressive as the e-bike feels. It even comes with footpegs pre-installed so you can carry a passenger with you.

Plus it’s got double batteries to feed those two power-hungry motors, so you’ll be able to ride this e-bike pretty darn far too, as long as you aren’t too demanding from the throttle.

Check out my full in-depth review of the epic Ariel Rider Grizzly e-bike here .

Ariel Rider Grizzly quick specs:

• Motors:  Dual 1,000W continuous hub motors (1,850W peak or 3.7 kW combined)
• Top speed:  36 mph (58 km/h) when unlocked, but can be limited to Class 2 speeds
• Battery:  52V 35Ah (1,820 Wh) between two removable/lockable batteries
• Weight:  105 lb (47.6 kg)

Specialized Turbo Como SL

For more of a cruiser/city e-bike experience, the $4,800 Specialized Turbo Como SL is a great option. This e-bike offers a much more upright ride for a fun, relaxed vibe.

The e-bike features a high-quality mid-drive motor, hydraulic disc brakes, Gates carbon belt drive, and an eight-speed internally geared hub. Those are a lot of nice parts!

And don’t forget the slim fenders, front basket, and cruiser bars that all look super elegant, complimenting the nice lines of the Turbo Como SL.

This may not be a low-cost e-bike, but it definitely offers a ride that makes it worth it.

See my full review of the Specialized Turbo Como SL here .

Specialized Turbo Como SL quick specs:

• Motor:  Custom Specialized SL1.1 mid-drive motor
• Range:  Up to 100 km (62 mi), or 50% more with range extender
• Battery:  Downtube-integrated 320 Wh battery
• Weight : 20.5 kg (45 lb.)
• Price:   $4,800

If you’ve been looking for a high-end trekking electric bike that was built with a combination of high-quality parts and the latest technology, look no further than the $4,550 Greyp T5.

There’s a reason why Porsche bought this e-bike company – it’s simply one of the best.

It uses Greyp’s own in-house developed 700 Wh battery combined with a mid-drive motor to offer a hardtail trekking e-bike. In addition to the awesome bike design, the built-in tech is what really opens people’s eyes. Integrated cameras at the front and rear of the bike can serve as dash cams or livestream your rides. Plus you can capture all of your ride footage on the bike instead of bringing along a Go-Pro camera.

There’s also an app that allows you to take full advantage of the built-in eSIM card, giving you connectivity to the bike and letting you check all your vital stats, find its location, and more – right from your phone.

The bike is truly a high-end offering by itself, but the embedded tech makes it a rarity in any category.

See my first ride review of the Greyp T5 e-bike here .

Best electric bikes above $5,000

You just couldn’t stop, could you? I showed you plenty of awesome e-bikes that didn’t cost most of a paycheck. But you just haaaaad to keep going.

Fine, here they are. These are some of the most expensive e-bikes out there that we’ve tested and that I’d actually recommend someone buying, if you can pony up the cash.

Fuell Flluid-2 and Flluid-3

The $5,495 Fuell Flluid-2 and Flluid-3 are great examples of what happens when a motorcycle designer applies his tradecraft to a smaller platform, creating an e-bike built to a higher standard.

The Fuell Flluid’s smooth mid-drive motor with built-in gearbox and Gates carbon belt drive setup combine to make an ultra-responsive and polished electric powertrain. The two removable batteries built into special cutouts in the frame offer long-range riding without looking like a packhorse carrying massive batteries.

The e-bike is nearly maintenance-free thanks to the belt drive and hydraulic disc brakes. The duo removes the two most common maintenance issues with bikes: chain wear and brake adjustment.

Flying fast at 28 mph (45 km/h) is a blast, and doing it on a smooth-riding e-bike with Pirelli tires is even better. Then add in the ultra-bright lights, built-in fenders and rear rack, the suspension seat post, color LCD screen and other niceties, and now you’re left with a high-end e-bike that could serve you for years as a daily commuter e-bike designed for nearly maintenance-free high mileage riding. The only downside is that the bike is quite heavy at 36 kg (79 lb). But you can’t expect all these great parts and dual batteries on a featherweight bike!

Check out my full review of the Fuell Flluid here .

Fuell Flluid quick specs:

• Motor:  750-1,000W rated Valeo mid-drive motor with built-in gearbox
• Range:  Up to 200 km (125 mi) with dual batteries (though Fuell-3 has just a single battery)
• Brakes:  Tektro hydraulic disc brakes on 180 mm rotors
• Weight:  36 kg (79 lb)
• Price: $5,495

GoCycle G4i+

When it comes to ultra-premium folding electric bikes, there’s only one name that comes to my mind: GoCycle. These are the most impressive folding e-bikes I’ve ever seen. And they better be – they were designed by a former McLaren engineer.

Between the carbon fiber work, single-sided wheels, high-tech tires, trippy LED dot display, innovative rear suspension, and completely enclosed drivetrain, there’s a lot of high-end stuff going on here.

The speed will vary from 15-20 mph depending on which country you buy the bike in, but the performance is only part of the equation. The quick folding and light, compact design of the e-bike is the real winner here.

Check out my full review of the GoCycle G4i+ here .

GoCycle G4i+ quick specs:

• Motor:  500W front hub motor
• Top speed:  20 mph (32 km/h) in the US
• Range:  up to 50 miles (80 km)
• Battery:  36V 10.4Ah (375 Wh)
• Weight : 37.2 lb (16.9 kg)
• Price:   $6,999

Serial 1 RUSH/CTY SPEED

Serial 1, the electric bicycle company that spun out of Harley-Davidson, has several awesome electric bike models. While most fall under the $5,000 mark, I’m going to recommend their top of the line model: The $5,599 Serial 1 RUSH/CTY SPEED . If you’re in the market to buy a Serial 1 e-bike, you might as well go for the best.

Like all of Serial 1’s e-bikes, it’s got a great design and ridability. Serial 1 scored top e-bike designers from companies like Trek, so they know how to build an awesome bike with killer geometry. They also brought in the Harley-Davidson LiveWire electric motorcycle engineers to build the custom battery, so it’s top of the line too. Then they used pro parts like the Brose mid-drive and Gates carbon belt drive setup. Basically, it’s an incredible e-bike. And with a 28 mph (45 km/h) top speed plus a huge 706 Wh battery to ride all day, the performance matches the build.

Serial 1 even goes above and beyond with their own custom weight bearing fenders that also happen to be functional racks (both in the front and rear), their own custom designed lights that throw serious illumination up front and give you great rear visibility from dropout-mounted lights, and there’s even a glovebox in the bike!

Basically, there’s a lot to like here. Yes, it’s expensive. But you’re not just paying for the H-D name on the side. It’s actually a high quality, high performance electric bike regardless of the badging.

Check out my full first ride on the various Serial 1 e-bike models here .

Motor:  High torque Brose TF MAG mid-drive motor Top speed (tested):  45 km/h (28 mph) Battery:  706 Wh Serial 1 custom battery Range:  25-115 miles (40-185 km), likely more in the 30-50 miles range with normal riding Weight:  26.7 kg (59 lb) Price:   $5,599

FREY EX Pro electric mountain bike

The FREY EX Pro is a high-end electric mountain bike with crazy high power. It uses the same motor as the CSC FT1000MD we featured above (the Bafang M620 mid-drive), but cranks up the current to provide closer to 1,500W of power.

It’s enough to destroy chains if you aren’t careful. We know. Several of us here at Electrek have done it.

The FREY EX Pro not only features high-end parts like a RockShox Lyric fork and Magura MT5e hydraulic brakes, but it even comes with dual batteries so you can ride farther and stay on the trails longer.

I’ve personally taken this e-bike back UP a downhill mountain bike course – that’s how powerful it is.

It may be expensive, but it saves you several thousand dollars compared to many European electric mountain bikes with similar components but a fraction of the power in the FREY.

See my full review of the FREY EX Pro here .

• Motor:  1 kW continuous, 1.5 kW peak-rated Bafang Ultra mid-drive motor
• Top speed (tested):  59 km/h (36 mph)
• Battery:  Dual 48V 14Ah packs (1,344 Wh total)
• Range:  Varies  considerably  by ride style/terrain, but 30-100 km (20-60 miles) is the ballpark
• Weight:  34 kg (75 lb)
• Price:   $5,580

Top comment by GreenPretzel

1–I have a Lectric XPLite. It’s great to load in the SUV or RV with my wife’s Liberty Trike, which weighs only 50 lbs AND comes apart into two 25-lb pieces. Easy on my old back! The new RAD and Lectric trikes are good, I’m sure, but would be unusable for me. Too heavy.

2–RE: the importance of the sub-$1000 list…I think this also applies to some of the Chinese EV cars, the 50-mph, low-priced category. If brought here, or built here, they’d allow far more people to get into an EV, as a primary city car, or even a suburban 2nd car.

The Tern GSD improves upon the Tern HSD with even more capability and even nicer components. There are multiple versions that can take you up to nearly $10k, but even the lower-tier versions are not “low tier,” if you know what I mean.

Parts like automatically engaging electric locks, 10-speed Shimano Deore transmissions, Magura MT5e quad-piston hydraulic disc brakes, and more set these e-bikes apart from the rest of the pack.

If you’re getting a Tern GSD, you’re getting a fully qualified car replacement. There are many people that use these instead of buying a second car. When you look at it like that, the price suddenly seems pretty reasonable.

Check out our full review of the Tern GSD here .

• Motor:  Bosch Cargo Line mid-drive
• Range:  42-85 km (26-53 mi) depending on pedal input
• Weight : 33.6 kg (74 lb)
• Price : $5,399

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Micah Toll is a personal electric vehicle enthusiast, battery nerd, and author of the Amazon #1 bestselling books DIY Lithium Batteries , DIY Solar Power,   The Ultimate DIY Ebike Guide  and The Electric Bike Manifesto .

The e-bikes that make up Micah’s current daily drivers are the $999 Lectric XP 2.0 , the $1,095 Ride1Up Roadster V2 , the $1,199 Rad Power Bikes RadMission , and the $3,299 Priority Current . But it’s a pretty evolving list these days.

You can send Micah tips at [email protected], or find him on Twitter , Instagram , or TikTok .

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