Best Kids Bike Trailers 2026: Burley, Thule & Multi-Sport Picks
A quality bike trailer turns into your most-used piece of kid gear: morning commutes, park trips, running errands. The best ones convert to strollers, joggers, and even cross-country ski sleds. This guide covers Burley and Thule Chariot lineups — the only two brands serious families buy.
Updated April 2026 · 11 min read · By Glen
Burley Cub X Bike Trailer (Double)
Burley's flagship double trailer. Converts to stroller, jogger, and ski tow with kits (sold separately). Premium suspension handles bumpy roads, full weather canopy keeps kids dry. The trailer most cycling families end up with after trying others.
- Rigid plastic base
- 20-inch premium wheels
- Reclining seats
- Weather-resistant canopy
TL;DR: Our Top Picks
- Best Overall Double: Burley Cub X — $767. Multi-sport conversion, premium suspension.
- Best Budget Single: Burley Bee — $380. No frills, rock-solid.
- Best Convertible Stroller+Trailer: Burley Encore X — $700.
- Best for Running: Thule Chariot Jogging Kit + Chariot Cross/Lite.
- Best Cargo Trailer: Burley Nomad Touring ($370) or Coho XC ($520) for hauling groceries + gear.
Our Top Kids Bike Trailers for 2026
Double Trailers (2 Kids)
Burley Cub X Bike Trailer
Burley's flagship double. Holds two kids or 100 lbs of cargo. Premium suspension (adjustable), full weather canopy with UV50+ protection, aluminum frame. Converts to stroller/jogger with kits.
- Holds 2 kids / 100 lb total
- Adjustable suspension
- Aluminum frame (durable)
- UV50+ sunshield + weather cover
- Converts to stroller + jogger + ski (kits sold separately)
Burley Encore X Stroller + Trailer
Burley's all-in-one — ships with bike trailer hitch AND stroller wheel out of the box. No extra kit purchases needed. Perfect for families who want both uses without buying a separate stroller.
- Trailer + stroller (both modes included)
- Quick-release stroller wheel
- Holds 2 kids / 100 lb
- Suspension + aluminum frame
- Converts to jogger with optional jogging kit
Single Trailers (1 Kid)
Burley Bee Trailer
Burley's entry-level single-seat trailer. No suspension (saves weight + cost), simpler canopy, aluminum frame. The starter trailer most new parents buy — plenty for urban/suburban paved-road riding.
- Single-seat (1 kid or 75 lb cargo)
- Lightweight aluminum frame
- Weather cover + UV sunshield
- Folds flat for storage
- Universal hitch fits most bikes
Jogging Conversion
Thule Chariot Jogging Kit (Cross 2 / Lite 2)
Thule's official jogging conversion kit. Fixed front wheel with hand brake for running at pace. Fits Chariot Cross 2 and Chariot Lite 2 trailers. Essential for parents who want to log miles with kids in tow.
- Fits Thule Chariot Cross 2 + Lite 2
- Fixed front wheel (stable at running speed)
- Hand brake for downhill control
- Quick-attach mount
- Genuine Thule accessory (not aftermarket)
Cargo Trailers (Haul Gear + Kids)
Burley Nomad Touring Cargo Trailer
Burley's touring cargo trailer. 105-liter capacity, 100 lb rating, waterproof cargo cover. For car-free families doing groceries, camping runs, or bikepacking. Also fits Burley kid insert (sold separately) for dual-use.
- 105L cargo capacity
- 100 lb payload
- Waterproof cargo cover
- Side pocket + interior tie-downs
- Folds flat
Burley Flatbed Utility Cargo Trailer
Flatbed-style cargo trailer for lumber, furniture, bulky gear. 100 lb payload, 3' × 2' bed, low center of gravity for stable towing. For Costco runs, garden supplies, or moving household items without a car.
- 3' × 2' flat cargo bed
- 100 lb payload
- Low center of gravity
- Aluminum frame
- Includes tie-down cargo net
Thule Chariot Cross 2 Double Trailer
Thule's flagship multi-sport trailer. Bike + jog + stroll + ski modes. Premium VersaWing suspension, reclining seats, industry-leading safety. Most expensive here but holds resale value ~70% after 3 years.
- Multi-sport: bike + stroll + jog + ski modes
- VersaWing suspension
- Reclining seats
- UV50+ sunshield
- Holds 2 kids / 100 lb
How to Pick the Right Bike Trailer
1. Single vs double
If you have or plan to have two kids, buy the double. Trailer resale is brutal — selling a single and upgrading to a double later loses you $200-300 vs just starting with the double.
2. Multi-sport conversion
Most families end up using their trailer more as a stroller/jogger than as a bike trailer. Burley Encore X (trailer + stroller in box) and Thule Chariot (trailer + stroller + jog + ski) are the best multi-sport picks.
3. Suspension matters on rough roads
Entry-level trailers (Burley Bee) have no suspension — fine for paved bike paths, rough for potholed urban roads. Step up to D'Lite/Cub X/Chariot Cross for real suspension.
4. Hitch compatibility
Most trailers use a universal rear-axle hitch that fits 95% of bikes (quick-release and thru-axle). Rare edge case: internal gear hubs or unusual dropout spacing may need an adapter. Burley and Thule both publish compatibility tables.
FAQ
What age can kids go in a bike trailer?
Most pediatricians recommend waiting until 12 months minimum, when a child can hold their head up with a helmet on. Some parents wait until 18 months for rougher roads. Burley and Thule both rate their trailers for 12+ months in the seat position.
Single vs double bike trailer — which should I buy?
If you have (or plan to have) two kids, buy the double. The weight and drag difference with one kid in a double vs a single is minimal. Reselling a single and buying a double later loses you ~$300 vs just buying the double upfront.
Burley vs Thule Chariot — which is better?
Thule Chariot has slightly better suspension and smoother conversion to stroller/jogging/skiing. Burley has better value (D'Lite X vs Chariot Cross is ~$300 cheaper with 90% of the performance). For most families, Burley is the practical pick. For daily-use families with fitness-level parent riders, Chariot.
Can I jog with a bike trailer?
Only if it has a jogging conversion kit (separate purchase, $100-150). Bike trailers and jogging strollers have different geometry — a jogging kit adds a fixed front wheel for stability at running pace. Burley and Thule both sell kits.
What about weight limits?
Single trailers: ~75 lbs max total (one kid up to ~5 years). Doubles: ~100 lbs total (two kids up to ~4 years combined). Once your kid is 40+ lbs on their own, they're usually ready for a rear bike seat or trail-a-bike attachment instead.
Related Kids Sports Guides
- Best Kids Bikes 2026 → — Balance bikes through 26" mountain bikes
- Kids Bike Safety → — Helmets and bike seats
- Bike Trailers & Carriers → — Broader comparison guide
- Best Double Jogging Strollers 2026 → — Running with twins/two kids