A good bike trailer can make everyday cycling far more practical, whether you’re hauling tools, carrying shopping, taking the kids out, or transporting a dog.
I use a cargo bike trailer regularly for gardening work, carrying tools and equipment between jobs, so I know how much difference a stable, easy-to-handle trailer can make. My main pick is the Klarfit Cargo Trailer, but the best choice depends on what you need to carry.
Below are my top picks for cargo, child and pet use, followed by a quick comparison to help you choose the right trailer.
Best Value Cargo Trailer – Klarfit Companion L
Best Lightweight Cargo Trailer – Burley Flatbed
Best Child Trailer – Thule Chariot Cross 2
Quick Comparison Table
Here’s a quick comparison of my top bike trailers for UK riders, covering everyday cargo, lightweight hauling, children and pets.
| Model | Best For | Capacity | Weight | Foldable? | Typical UK Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Klarfit Companion L | Best Value Cargo / Personally Used | 40 kg | 18 kg | Partially dismantles | £100–£185 |
| Burley Flatbed | Lightweight Cargo | 45 kg | 7 kg | Yes | £250–£300 |
| HOMCOM 65L | Budget Cargo | 40 kg | 10.7 kg | Yes | £80–£90 |
| Thule Chariot Cross 2 Single | Premium Child Trailer | 22 kg child / 34 kg total | 14.2 kg | Yes | £850–£1,100 |
| Burley Tail Wagon | Pet Trailer | 34 kg pet | 9.5 kg | Yes | Around £350–£500 |
Personally Used / Best Value Cargo Bike Trailer – Klarfit Companion L
I’ve found it particularly useful for tools, shopping and other bulky loads. It is heavier than something like the Burley Flatbed, but for regular work where durability and carrying space matter more than shaving off a few kilos, that trade-off makes sense.
The Klarfit Companion L is the cargo trailer I use myself for gardening work, carrying tools and equipment between jobs. Its steel construction and 40 kg load capacity make it well suited to everyday hauling without moving into premium-bike-trailer prices.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type | Cargo trailer / hand trolley |
| Maximum load | 40 kg |
| Frame | Steel |
| Wheels | 16-inch |
| Wheels removable | Yes |
| Best use | Tools, shopping and everyday cargo |
Best For
- Gardening tools and equipment
- Shopping and market runs
- Regular everyday hauling
Pros
- Strong steel construction
- Useful 40 kg capacity
- Converts into a hand trolley
- Removable wheels for storage
- Personally used for gardening work
Cons
- Heavier than lightweight premium trailers
- Frame itself does not fold down like some alternatives
For general-purpose cargo carrying, the Klarfit is the model I’d choose if you want a practical workhorse without paying premium trailer prices.
Best Lightweight Cargo Bike Trailer – Burley Flatbed
The Burley Flatbed takes a very different approach. At around 7 kg, it is considerably lighter than most steel cargo trailers while still supporting loads of up to 45 kg.
Its open aluminium platform is particularly useful for touring, longer rides and awkward-shaped loads that can be strapped securely in place. The trade-off is that there are no sides or built-in weather protection.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type | Flatbed cargo trailer |
| Maximum load | 45 kg |
| Trailer weight | Approx. 7 kg |
| Frame | Aluminium |
| Wheels | 16-inch |
| Folding | Flat-folding frame |
| Best use | Lightweight hauling and touring |
Best For
- Longer rides
- Cycle touring
- Riders prioritising low weight
- Large or awkward loads that can be strapped down
Pros
- Very lightweight
- 45 kg carrying capacity
- Aluminium construction
- Flat-folding design
- Removable push-button wheels
Cons
- No enclosed sides
- No built-in weather protection
- Loads need to be secured properly
If trailer weight matters more than having an enclosed cargo box, the Burley Flatbed is the stronger choice.
Best Budget Cargo Bike Trailer – HOMCOM 65L
The HOMCOM 65L Cargo Trailer is a much cheaper way to add useful carrying capacity to a bike. Its 40 kg maximum load is enough for shopping, garden supplies and other everyday jobs without spending several hundred pounds on a premium trailer.
The construction is more basic than the Klarfit or Burley, so I would see this primarily as an occasional-use trailer rather than a heavy-duty daily workhorse.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type | Cargo trailer |
| Capacity | Approx. 65L |
| Maximum load | 40 kg |
| Frame | Steel |
| Best use | Budget everyday cargo hauling |
| Trailer weight | Approx. 10.7 kg |
| Folding | Yes |
Best For
- Shopping
- Garden supplies
- Occasional cargo runs
- Buyers on a tighter budget
Pros
- Low purchase price
- 40 kg maximum load
- Steel construction
- Good amount of carrying space for the money
Cons
- More basic construction
- Less refined than Klarfit or Burley
- Better suited to occasional than demanding daily use
For occasional hauling, the HOMCOM gives you the useful parts of a cargo trailer without paying for features you may never need.
Best Premium Child Bike Trailer – Thule Chariot Cross 2
The Thule Chariot Cross 2 sits at the premium end of the market, but it is designed around regularly carrying children rather than simply adapting a cargo trailer.
It combines a 5-point harness, adjustable suspension and weather protection with the ability to convert from a bike trailer into a pushchair. That makes the higher price easier to justify for families expecting to use it regularly for both cycling and walking.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type | Child bike trailer |
| Maximum child weight | 22 kg per child |
| Suspension | Adjustable |
| Harness | 5-point |
| Weather protection | Rain cover and sun canopy |
| Pushchair conversion | Yes |
| Best use | Regular family cycling |
Best For
- Regular family cycling
- Longer rides with children
- Mixed cycling and walking use
- Parents wanting a premium multi-use trailer
Pros
- Adjustable suspension
- 5-point safety harness
- Good weather protection
- Converts into a pushchair
- Compact folding design
Cons
- Very expensive
- More features than occasional users may need
The Thule makes most sense for families who will use those extra comfort and multi-sport features regularly, rather than anyone simply wanting an occasional child trailer.
Best Pet Bike Trailer – Burley Tail Wagon
The Burley Tail Wagon is purpose-built for dogs, with a low rear entrance, mesh ventilation and a stable enclosed compartment rather than trying to adapt a conventional cargo trailer.
It carries pets weighing up to around 34 kg and uses an aluminium frame to keep overall trailer weight relatively low. The floor can also be removed for cleaning, while the frame folds down and the wheels detach for storage.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type | Pet bike trailer |
| Maximum pet weight | 34 kg |
| Trailer weight | Approx. 9.5 kg |
| Frame | Aluminium |
| Floor | Removable |
| Folding | Yes |
| Best use | Regular cycling with dogs |
Best For
- Small to medium-large dogs
- Regular rides with pets
- Owners wanting an enclosed purpose-built trailer
Pros
- Low rear entrance
- Good mesh ventilation
- Removable floor for cleaning
- Lightweight aluminium frame
- Folds for storage
- Can also carry general cargo
Cons
- Expensive compared with basic pet trailers
- Overkill for very occasional use
For regular cycling with a dog, the Tail Wagon’s purpose-built floor, ventilation and low entrance make it a stronger option than adapting a standard cargo trailer.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Bike Trailer
The right bike trailer depends mainly on what you need to carry, how much weight you’ll be towing, and how much storage space you have at home.
| What You Need | Best Trailer Type | What to Look For |
|---|---|---|
| Tools, shopping or allotment gear | Cargo trailer | Load capacity, sturdy frame and easy attachment |
| Lightweight everyday loads | Lightweight cargo trailer | Low trailer weight and good handling |
| Children | Child trailer | Harnesses, weather protection and suspension |
| Dogs or other pets | Pet trailer | Ventilation, stable floor and easy access |
| Limited storage space | Folding trailer | Folding frame and removable wheels |
Capacity and Weight
Check the maximum load capacity and trailer weight before buying. Heavier trailers can feel more noticeable on hills and when starting or stopping.
Bike Compatibility
Make sure the hitch is compatible with your bike, axle and wheel setup. A quick-release system is useful if you regularly switch between riding with and without the trailer.
Practical Features
If storage space is limited, look for a folding frame or removable wheels. For year-round use, weather-resistant materials or a fitted cover are also worth having.
Budget
Basic cargo trailers cost far less than premium child trailers. Focus on the capacity, construction and features you’ll actually use, rather than price alone.
Bike Trailer FAQs
Most hybrids, mountain bikes and everyday bicycles can tow a trailer, but hitch and axle compatibility matters. Check the trailer attachment system against your bike before buying, particularly if you have a thru-axle or an unusual rear-wheel setup.
You don’t normally need a separate insurance policy just for a bike trailer. However, if you regularly carry expensive tools or equipment, check whether your cycle or home insurance covers the trailer and its contents while away from home.
Yes, bike trailers can be used on UK roads. Make sure the trailer is securely attached and follow the manufacturer’s load and safety instructions.
If riding between sunset and sunrise, a cycle trailer needs a red rear light and triangular red rear reflector. If carrying children, also follow the manufacturer’s age, weight and restraint requirements.
It depends on the model. The cargo trailers in this guide range from around 40–45 kg maximum load, while child and pet trailers have their own specific weight limits.
Always follow the manufacturer’s stated maximum rather than judging capacity by the trailer’s physical size.
In many cases, yes. An e-bike can make towing heavier loads much easier, especially on hills.
Check that the bike, axle and hitch are compatible with the trailer, and remember that additional weight will affect braking, handling and battery range.
Many do, but not all. Some trailers have folding frames and removable wheels, while others need to be partially dismantled.
If shed or garage space is limited, check the folded dimensions rather than assuming a trailer marketed as compact will fit.
