Environment Transportation The 7 Best Bike Cargo Trailers of 2023 The Burley Travoy Bike Cargo Trailer, our top pick, makes it easy to go car-free. By Amber Nolan Amber Nolan College at Brockport, State University of New York Amber Nolan is a freelance writer for Treehugger who is passionate about sustainable living, nature, and outdoor adventure. Learn about our editorial process Updated August 24, 2022 Share Twitter Pinterest Email Environment Active Automotive Aviation Public Transportation We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Getty Cycling can be a healthy, affordable, and eco-friendly alternative to driving, but a bicycle comes with one major drawback: storage space. Investing in a bike cargo trailer can help you ditch the car by maximizing your carrying capacity. Whether you’re going to the grocery store, toting beach gear, going to the laundromat, or moving larger items, a bike cargo trailer is a convenient piece of equipment that will pay for itself in the long run. Several types are available, including foldable options for easy storage, heavy-duty designs for larger loads, or covered carts for those rainy days. We researched the market and found the best bike cargo trailers. The Rundown Best Overall: Burley Bike Cargo Trailer at REI Jump to Review Best Covered Trailer: Schwinn Day Tripper Cargo Bike Trailer at Amazon Jump to Review Best Single Wheel: Apex Rage Powersports Single Wheel at Walmart Jump to Review Best Rugged: Wike Flatbed Trailer at Wicycle.com Jump to Review Best Splurge: Burley Cargo Bike Trailer at REI Jump to Review Best Folding: Aosom Folding Bike Cargo Trailer at Amazon Jump to Review Best Value: Retrospec Rover Hauler at Amazon Jump to Review Best Overall Burley Travoy Bike Cargo Trailer 5 Courtesy of Burley View On REI View On Amazon Foldable, versatile, and durable, the Burley Travoy Bike Cargo Trailer is an excellent trailer for toting light loads like groceries, luggage, golf clubs, or small coolers. Its unique, dolly-like design includes thoughtful touches like wheel guards, a kick stand (for use when it’s freestanding), push-button wheel release, and a three-tier folding system for easy storage. The trailer quickly attaches to a bike post (no need for tools), and the length of the tow arm can be adjusted for various types of bikes or cargo racks. The cargo trailer is lightweight (just under 11 pounds) and can tote as much as 60 pounds with ease. Price at time of publish: $300 Best Covered Trailer Schwinn Day Tripper Cargo Bike Trailer Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon Manufactured from a trusted company that’s been designing bicycles and accessories since the 1800s, the Schwinn Day Tripper is a solid choice for a covered cargo trailer at a moderate price. With an impressive haul load capacity of 100 pounds and a wider storage compartment (nearly 23 inches), the Day Tripper is a versatile trailer that’s compatible with most bikes, and a Schwinn Universal Coupler attachment is included. The water-resistant cover provides extra protection from rain, dust, UV rays and can easily be rolled up when not needed. Plus, the collapsible frame and quick-release wheels make this trailer easy to store. Price at time of publish: $180 Best Single Wheel Apex Rage Powersports Single Wheel Courtesy of Walmart View On Walmart View On Amazon Single wheel bike cargo trailers can be easier to maneuver than a two wheeled trailer—particularly on tight turns because the trailer flows from side to side more easily. The Rage Powersports is a reasonably priced, single-wheeled option that can haul up to 65 pounds. The trailer is made of reinforced steel and includes a cargo bag with a large front storage pocket (that can also double as a backpack). For safety, there are rear-wheel fenders, reflectors, and a flag for added visibility. Although compatible with most newer bicycles, it is specifically designed for quick-release axles. Price at time of publish: $152 Best Rugged Wike Heavy Duty Flatbed Trailer Courtesy of Amazon View On Wicycle.com If you’re looking for an extremely durable, workhorse cargo trailer that can handle larger loads, consider the Wike Heavy Duty Flatbed. Made with alloy wheels, stainless steel spokes, and an all-aluminum frame, the trailer can tote a whopping 125 pounds. The cargo hold floor is made from thick, hard plastic with UV protection, and the trailer weighs 19 pounds in total. Ideal for couriers carrying large boxes, storage bins, or even lawn and landscaping equipment, the Wike has a simple, no-frills design that gets the job done. Simply add bungee cords or ratchet straps to secure items to the frame. Price at time of publish: $300 Good to Know The cargo trailers on this list are only for pulling cargo, however, there are bike trailers designed to carry young children and others specifically geared toward pets. Those types of trailers have added features like extra suspension for smoother rides, shade coverings, and even safety harnesses. Best Splurge Burley Cargo Bike Trailer Courtesy of REI View On REI View On Amazon View On Burley.com A popular choice for camping, touring, and trail riding, the Burley Nomad is a well-built, sturdy trailer that helps the bike maintain stability. The trailer has 105 liters of cargo space and up to 100 pounds of weight capacity yet weighs only 15 pounds. The interior contains divided mesh pockets to separate items, including eight interior rings to secure items (plus four more on the exterior) and a water-resistant rain cover. Other added features include the flex connector that allows the trailer to stay upright (even if the bike tips over) and a compact, collapsible design for storage. Additional gear racks can be purchased separately. Price at time of publish: $350 The 7 Best Bike Cargo Trailers of 2023 Best Folding Aosom Folding Bike Cargo Trailer Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon The easy-to-store, Aosom Folding Bike Cargo Trailer features quick-release pins on the front and back and sides that fold down, plus easily removable rubber wheels that can handle multiple types of terrain. Compatible with most bikes (including e-bikes), the sturdy steel-framed cart can hold up to 110 pounds. Although it doesn’t come with a cargo net or cover, bungees or ropes could easily be attached to the metal frame to secure items. Safety reflectors and a universal bike hitch are included, and some basic assembly is required. The bike trailer ships from Canada. Price at time of publish: $145 Best Value Retrospec Rover Hauler Cargo Bike Trailer Amazon View On Amazon For a trailer with a medium weight capacity that’s a solid bang-for-your-buck, the Retrospec Rover Hauler is a great value. There’s a weather-resistant cover that can keep cargo safe if you’re caught in light rain and D-rings to strap and secure cargo. Its collapsible design allows for easy storage when not in use. The trailer has an 80-pound weight capacity and can fit most adult bicycles; however, it is not compatible with through axles. The Retrospec Rover has a steel frame, safety flag for added visibility and is available in several fabric color options. Be aware that moderate assembly is required. Price at time of publish: $165 Final Verdict The Burley Travoy Bike Trailer is our top pick for a premium quality, versatile cargo trailer. If you need something more affordable, we recommend the Retrospec Rover Hauler. What to Look for When Choosing a Bike Cargo Trailer Trailer Connection Most bike cargo trailers attach to the seat post or rear axle, but some can also attach to existing rear racks (although attachments may be required). When connecting to the rear axle, verify the type of axle you have first (ie. quick release, nutted, through axle) to be sure if the trailer is compatible. Weight Capacity Consider what you plan on using the cargo trailer for: Are you going to the market? Loading up some beach gear? Hauling heavier loads? Most trailers can handle between 50 and 125 pounds, so choose the weight capacity that matches your anticipated use. Added Features When selecting the right bike cargo trailer, be sure to look at the added features that set each product apart. If you’re biking in an area where it rains a lot, consider one of the trailers with a waterproof cover. Do you have limited storage in your home? Go with one of the foldable trailers. If you’re going to take it on rougher terrain, take a closer look at the type of tires. Why Trust Treehugger? To make this list, we researched the market to find the most durable and highly rated trailers from trusted brands. We also considered value, helpful features, and company ethics. The author, Amber Nolan, was car free for more than 10 years and knows just how much of a game changer a bike cargo trailer is in simplifying day-to-day errands. The 10 Best Bike Racks of 2023