After 47 hours spent researching the best dog bike trailers, we think Instep Quick-N-EZ Dog Bike Trailer is the best for most people.
This choice is based on several criteria: brand, color, design, breed size, capacity, wheels, attachment, entry, ventilation, rain cover, foldable, convertible, extra storage, weight, and warranty, among other things.
| Product | Price | Overall Rating | Quality | Durability | Appearance | Maintenance | Value for Money | brand | color | design | breed size | capacity | wheels | attachment | entry | ventilation | rain cover | foldable | convertible | extra storage | weight | warranty | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Instep Quick-N-EZ Dog Bike Trailer | Check Price | 4.3 | 4.5 | 4.0 | 4.5 | 4.0 | 4.5 | Instep | Green / Orange / Teal | Single | M to L | Up to 80 lbs | 2x 16 in | Rear axle | Front door | 1 side mesh | Roll-up, zipped | Yes | Yes | Yes | 28.7 lbs | 1 year |
| Schwinn Trailblazer Dog Bike Trailer | Check Price | 4.6 | 5.0 | 4.5 | 4.0 | 4.5 | 5.0 | Schwinn | Red, grey | Single | M to L | Up to 40 lbs | 2x 16 in | Rear axle | Front door | 2 sides mesh | Roll-up, zipped | Yes | Not specified | Yes | 21 lbs | 1 year |
| Schwinn Rascal Dog Bike Trailer | Check Price | 4.5 | 4.5 | 5.0 | 4.5 | 4.0 | 4.5 | Schwinn | Blue / Orange / Green | Single | M to L | Up to 50 lbs | 2x 16 in | Rear axle | Rear door | 3 sides mesh | Roll-up, zipped | Yes | Not specified | Yes | 25.9 lbs | 1 year |
 | Burley Design Tail Wagon Dog Bike Trailer | Check Price | 4.9 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 4.5 | 5.0 | 5.0 | Burley Design | Yellow, black | Single | M to L | Up to 75 lbs | 2x 16 in | Rear axle | Rear door | 4 sides mesh | Roll-up, zipped | Yes | Yes | Yes | 30.9 lbs | 1 year |
 | PetSafe Solvit HoundAbout Dog Bike Trailer | Check Price | 4.8 | 5.0 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 5.0 | 5.0 | PetSafe | Red / Blue | Single | M to L | Up to 110 lbs | 2x 20 in | Rear axle | Rear door | 2 sides mesh | Roll-up, zipped | Yes | Yes | Yes | 27 lbs | 1 year |
The best dog bike trailer can improve the well-being of ill, disabled or injured dogs, as they are able to see and smell more of the world around them.
They also make life more convenient, fun and easier if you have a large dog.
For many owners, it can be unbelievable how much thought they’re willing to put in to finding the perfect dog bike carrier, dog stroller, dog car seat or dog carrier. Choosing between a regular dog leash and a dog retractable leash can be a downright nightmare!
The rules of dog care are evolving. Everyone knows a dog harness must be used with a dog bicycle leash, that a standard dog collar will not do, and a dog water bottle is essential for long walks. Other areas of dog care evolution involve their emotional and mental well-being. A dog anxiety jacket is very helpful when there’s a dog cone around their neck or they have just left the vet with a dog muzzle.
How many owners really believed they’d order that dog grooming table – and do it happily! Along with a dog dematting tool, dog brush and the right puppy food, you keep their coat shiny and healthy, a point of pride for many owners.
A humbling experience to others, a dog lover may not love the dog pooper scooper or cleaning a dog crate, but they love keeping their pet clean and comfortable.
Do you remember when you fell head over heels for your pup? Maybe it was their service dog vest that got you or the day you no longer needed the dog training collar. Either way, the love is undeniable.
Selection Of The Best Dog Bike Trailers
Here are the best dog bike trailers for most people according to Outlinist:
Buying Guide
The Hitch
The dog bike trailer hitch is what connects the bike and trailer. You can quickly see why it is important that a hitch be of high quality – it is the only thing keeping your pet attached to your bike.
The best dog bike trailer will be made of metal hardware. It’s best to avoid the plastic ones. It will also have a hitch safety strap. This strap will keep a dog safely inside of the cab, right where she belongs and won’t allow her to fall or jump out.
Size & Weight
It goes without saying that you want to make sure your pet is comfortable. It’s no fun to be cramped, and it certainly makes the ride much less enjoyable, so you should make sure you get the right sized trailer.
The bike trailer for your dog doesn’t have to be the same size as their kennel, but your pup should be able to sit up, lie down and have a little wiggle room in the back. Measure your pet’s length, width and height to be sure.
Handling
Don’t forget this includes the way it turns on the road, a very important consideration when you’re sharing the streets with cars. For leisurely rides on paved streets, a simple model will do. For those riding on uneven ground, upscale models with good turning capacity and a reduced risk of tipping when hitting tight corners is important.
It’s not always easy to judge if a trailer handles well until you’re on the road, but you want it to move behind the bike properly. This will go a long way to making the ride a happy one for you.
Flooring
An absolutely essential feature for every dog bike carrier trailer, the flooring should stay in place and not scrunch up. Fabric floors are okay for smaller dogs, though a blanket may be necessary to make things more comfortable.
Some trailers have solid floors, which are better at providing support for both small and large dogs. Dogs don’t do well moving, so finding a trailer with a nonslip floor is a huge help for them. For incontinent dogs, look for water-resistant, removable flooring.
Portability
When packing up trailer in a car before actually unloading it for the pets, you’ll want something that is easy to transport. While most trailers fold up for storage, there’s a wide range of how neatly, tightly and easily it happens.
Look for lightweight models that have wheels that are easy to remove. Depending on the terrain, you may need larger wheels or a higher clearance. Also keep in mind that dog bike trailer parts, like aluminum wheels, can be replaced; if plastic wheels break, that’s the end of your portability.
Versatility
You’ll have to decide if you need it to only be a bike trailer or if extra functionality is important to you. There are plenty of models that also can double as a pet bed, dog crate or a stroller.
If only a trailer is needed, you will be able to save a considerable amount of money, but a pet stroller offers even more options for dogs that can no longer move around life they used to.
Materials
Typically made with a frame made of steel, plastic or aluminum, the material a trailer is constructed out of is one of the largest factors in determining how much weight it can safely handle.
Aluminum is lighter but is more likely to break under heavy use and stress. Steel frames are more reliable but also heavier and are good if you intend to use the trailer for very often or on long distance trips. Plastic is too flimsy to ever be fully safe and should be avoided.
ABS
Cycling downhill, you’ll pick up more speed. To avoid problems on the road, the best dog bike trailer will offer an automatic braking system as well as a wheelbase that is wide and low.
A must-have feature if dog bike trailer safety is important to you, having ABS will make it much safer to tackle downhill riding and the low wheelbase has a lower center of gravity which decreases the risk of the trailer rolling when it hits a tight turn.
Ease of Cleaning
You want to ask yourself how important it is to easily clean the interior and exterior of the trailer. For owners of disabled, senior, very large dog or dogs with long hair you may want to find trailers that are non-tipping so any potential mess doesn’t spill out.
If you have a dog that is shorthaired, young and healthy, it may not matter to you how easy it is to clean. You may not worry about messes or if the trailer tips slightly as your pet enters and exits.
Suspension
Just like a mountain bike or a car, some trailers offer suspension for the wheels. With a dog in the bike trailer, riding on a bumpy road, suspension will soften the impact they feel.
Suspension is definitely going to add some weight to the trailer, but the tradeoff is that you can have a better journey knowing your pup is going to be considerably more at ease and comfortable as you are taking on the downhill part of the trip.
Warranty
It is highly recommended that you consider purchasing a trailer that comes with a warranty, especially if you are planning on doing some serious road tripping.
You may not know if your dog hates the bike trailer or how they will handle the adjustment, so it’s also a good idea to have some added protection. Buying from reputable companies will make sure you have the chance to return the trailer for up to a year after the purchase date.
Rain Covers
Rain is definitely going to happen during one of the many rides you find yourself on. It’s a good idea to consider this feature to keep the pooches dry, especially if you live in rainy areas.
One of the dog bike trailer accessories you probably don’t think about until it’s too late, a rain cover specially designed to go over your trailer is a life saver. The cover should have lots of air flow in case it’s also hot.
Storage
Whether you have a tiny dog bike trailer or an extra-large, most people find that having extra storage in their dog’s home on wheels is a must.
Pet supplies like treats, bowls and water along with other essentials are typically going to be needed. Look for trailers that have mesh pockets built in. Others have hooks that can be used to hold even more gear. Look for as many storage pockets and hooks you can find because you will definitely need them.
Entryway
Some trailers are designed with an entrance that is in the back. This kind of entry provides canines with more space to enter or exit. The downside is you aren’t able to see them.
Other models have the entrance facing the back of the bicycle. There is less room for pets to shimmy their way in but you can keep a closer eye on them. If you want the best of both worlds, get a trailer that has dual entry to make loading and unloading effortless.
Visibility
Dog bike trailer riding through the night darkness, while it’s raining or during other times when it is difficult to see, can be dangerous for your pet.
To avert this, consider ways to alert drivers that you have special cargo with you and that they need to be careful! You may want a brightly colored trailer to bring attention to your pooch! The best dog bike trailer will include a safety flag and a hole to mount it in.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a bike trailer for dogs?
This kind of trailer is a completely separate compartment that is on wheels. It is made for your dog to travel with you on a bike ride.
Once you attach it to your bicycle, you tow your pet behind as you pedal your bike to your destination. After the setup of the trailer is complete, your pooch goes inside and you secure them with a hitch safety strap or leash hook. Then the both of you are ready to go.
What hitch will work to connect my bike?
The hitch is very important because it is how you attach the trailer to your bike. A universal hitch can be used to connect any trailer to any bike, but take the word “universal” with a grain of salt.
If you have a mountain or touring bike, the best dog bike trailer hitch is going to be one of the models that was manufactured by the same company that made your bike. You should always confirm that a hitch will fit your bike prior to purchasing.
Why is the trailer towing off to the side?
There are a few reasons this could be happening, but in particular that are the most common. The first reason is that it may be an intentional part of the design, with the hitch being positioned on the trailer’s center line and not the bike’s, making for an easier tow.
If you don’t have this feature, you may be going too fast or have incorrectly set up the trailer. Try riding slower to see if it becomes more stable.
What size trailer should you get for your dog?
The size of the bike trailer you’re going to need for your dog will depend on their weight and size. If your dog is smaller than 30 pounds, any size trailer is going to work just fine and you should maximize their interior space while minimizing the weight of the trailer.
For larger breeds, however, you’ll need to pay attention to the weight capacity of the trailer as well as the dimensions. Remember to get sturdier materials for larger dogs as well.
How should you introduce your dog to the trailer?
The first thing you should do is bring the trailer to your home. Then, pick an area that has the fewest distractions and lock the wheels in place so the trailer cannot move.
Pick your puppy up and place them into the trailer or lure them in with a tasty treat. Once they are inside of the trailer, encourage them to have a look around by scattering treats across the floor. Food puzzles and chew toys also help a great deal.
Sources
- How to Ride a Bicycle with Your Dog: 11 Steps (with Pictures), Wikihow
- Grandfather who took his dog for a walk on his bike is found guilty of dangerous cycling, Daily Mail, Dec 8, 2014
- Biking With Your Dog... Safely, petMD
- Dog Bike Carrier, Wayfair
- How To Ride A Bike With Your Dog, YouTube, Jan 26, 2018
- How to Ride a Bicycle with Your Dog, The Spruce Pets, Jan 6, 2019
- Pet carrier, Wikipedia
- Dog Bike Carrier, eBay
- Dog Bike Carrier, Alibaba
- Bicycle Safety Tips For People Who Bike With Their Dogs, Dogtime
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