Towing Kids on the Bike – What Are your Options?
Your options are a Kids Bike Trailer, Towing and solutions for Kids who ride their own bike.
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Towing your Child – Your Options
Why choose a Kids Bike Trailer or Tow Kids who ride their own bike
Bike Trailers : The advantages of choosing to tow a child or children in a seated bike trailer is;
- A wide use range. Can start riding from 1 years old and multi-use trailers can be used as a stroller from a newborn..
- Your child/children is harnessed and protected within an enclosed space that is less effected by the weather conditions you choose to ride/recreate in.
- Bike Trailer that are multi-use provide you with the ability to have one piece of equipment and allow you to recreate with you child in a variety of activities. You can switch between kits to make your trailer suitable for biking, strolling, jogging and even skiing.
- Trailers give you lots of extra space for carrying more than just your child. Extra pockets and the large enclosed, protected internal space. This will broaden your options and allow your family to use the trailer for more than recreation or pleasure. Bike trailers are a great alternative to transport by car. Suitable for riding through traffic and around town if you are confident
- With different trailers available to suit different types of riding environments as well as they storage capacity bike trailers are often the obvious choice for off road touring or multi day bike holidays with a family.
- You do some/most of the work for them
- You make most/all of the decisions.
Assisting your child while riding their own bike by towing will broaden where you can ride and how far you can ride with your child. As you are making the decisions you can take them into busy environments e.g. traffic that they would otherwise be unsafe in. You can also take them further or on to terrain that they may struggle to bike on their own e.g. up hills.
This provides more riding experiences for families. It can assist families as you negotiate the different ages and capabilities of siblings. It can also provide a greater variety of experiences at an earlier age. Your family is more likely to enjoy the riding experience if you are supporting and challenging each rider at their individual riding level and capability. As well as providing assist when needed to keep everyone happy and biking
Bike Trailers
The Facts – Your child is towed behind you in an enclosed trailer. They are available as either a:
- Single Trailer suitable for transporting one child up to 36kg
- Double Trailers suitable for transporting one or two children up to 45kg
Some Bike Trailers are Multi-Use Trailers meaning they are more than just a bike trailer and are suitable to use for a variety of recreational activities. Conversion Kits are available to convert a trailer into a stroller, jogger and some are also suitable for the snow Check out what conversion kits come with the different trailers and what kits can be purchased separately. Comparing Thule Bike Trailers
Bike Trailers can be a reasonably large investment but being able to use them over a wide age range and for the multi-use trailers for multiple activities can definitely make the investment worthwhile. They offer you to have one piece of equipment to use for walking/jogging and biking. Using your kids bike trailer as a stoller and jogger
Bike Compatability – Bike Trailers connect to the hub of the towing bikes rear wheel. They are easily attached to rear wheels that have quick release skewers though options are available for those bikes that are not compatible. Learn more: Will a Bike Trailer Fit my Bike
Riding with a Bike Trailer- Different bike trailers are suited to different riding environments. Recreation for urban areas ( bikepath and road/traffic) Off-road add on gravel trails and our Sports Trailer suitable to all environments. You need to feel safe and confident towing a trailer in the environments you are riding in. Protecting kids from the weather and providing them with a comfortable space makes BIke Trailers a great choice for longer and regular rides. A fantastic option for commuting and mulit-day.
Remember the towing bike/biker must have the fitness and strength to tow a trailer. E-Bikes can offer a great solution if this is a concern.Â
Kids Bike Trailer Buying Guide
How does it feel to ride with a Kids Bike Trailer
Will a Bike Trailer Fit my Bike.
Kids Bike Trailers – FAQ
Tow Rope for towing kids who ride their own bike
The Facts – The Bike Tow Rope is a bungee style towing product that connects a lead bike with an adult rider to a trailing bike. It allows you to tow a rider smoothly & safely without the threat and danger of a towing device dangling down into your wheels. The bungee tension & length has been customised for adventure sports so the trailing rider is far enough back to see the trail and manage terrain changes. It is for uphill and flat terrain only. Suitable for towing riders from 4 years to adults (max combined weight of bike & rider 225kg or 450kg for an E-Bike Tow Rope). making it a safe way to expand and improve your family riding experiences.
Bike Compatability Compatible will all adult and kids bikes
Riding with a Tow Rope -.As the rider of the lead bike you need to be capable of taking on the extra work and load that towing a child requires. Do you have the fitness/strength required? Electric bikes remove these barriers and allow most adults to tow any child/rider.
Kids who ride their won bike Buying Guide
How does it feel to tow a kid who is riding their own bike
Will a Tow Rope fit my bike
Tow Rope – FAQ
Tow Bar for towing kids who ride their own bike
The Facts – The Bike Tow Bar is a solid bar that is used to connect a lead (adult) bike to a trailing (kids) bike making a bike to bike connection. You can use this bar from 4yrs to 9yrs.  The combined maximum towing weight of the bike and the rider is 36kg.
Bike Compatability. The Tow Bar attaches to the adult seat post and connects with the steering tube on the kids bike. It is not compatible with carbon seat posts. It needs a clear path way from seat post over rear wheel to the child’s bike. The childs bike needs to be a 20″ bike or smaller to be compatible.
LEARN MORE AT:Â Will a Bike Tow Bar Fit my Bike?
Riding with a Tow Bar –When in use the front wheel of the trailing (child’s) bike is lifted off the ground. A stabilising bar prevents the child’s handlebars from turning leaving the lead bike (adult) in control of steering. Your child can choose to pedal or not while being towed, making the ride easier for them. There can be some wobble for the lead rider and some lean for the child therefore best suited to assist for short periods. As the rider of the lead bike you need to be capable of taking on the extra work and load that towing a child requires. Do you have the fitness/strength required? Electric bikes remove these barriers and allow most adults to tow any child/rider.
Kids who ride their won bike Buying Guide
How does it feel to tow a kid who is riding their own bike
Will a Tow Bar fit my Bike.
Tow Bar – FAQ
Tow Frame for towing kids who ride their own bike
Bike Compatability Compatible with most adult bikes and can attach to kids bike that at 20″ or smaller . Learn More. Will a Tow Frame Fit my Bike.
Riding with a Tow Frame -.When in use the front wheel of the trailing (child’s) bike is lifted off the ground. The design prevents the handlebars on the child’s bike from turning, leaving the lead bike (adult) in control of steering. Your child can choose to pedal or not while being towed, making the ride easier for them, As the rider of the lead bike you need to be capable of taking on the extra work and load that towing a child requires. Do you have the fitness/strength required? Electric bikes remove these barriers and allow most adults to tow any child/rider.
How does it feel to tow a kid who is riding their own bike
Will a Tow Frame fit fit my Bike.
Tow Frame – FAQ
Alternative Options
Understand your options for Biking with Kids Attached on a Kids Bike Seat
Having a child attached to your bike on a Kids Bike Seat – Front, Mid Mount or a Rear Seat may be a better solution for your family. Learn about your options for riding with a kids bike seat here.
Prefer to understand your options by age then please use our guides
Baby/ 1 year old
 2-6 years old
 4 plus on own bike
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