Best Bike Trailers for Kids with Suspension (for Off-Road and Trail Use)

If you want to bike with your kids on paved roads, you have plenty of options, and most cheap trailers will be good enough. However, if you want to go on gravel roads or dirt trails, you’ll need a more serious bike trailer that has a suspension system. Otherwise, the ride can get very bumpy and uncomfortable for your child. The suspension system can also smooth out the bumps for you, so cycling with a heavy load isn’t as much of a strain.

I’ve done my research, tested several options, and consulted with other outdoorsy parents. Here are the options for off-road bike trailers for kids. All of them have suspension systems and also convert into strollers.

Also read: Best Off-Road Hiking Strollers

Quick Picks

Best Overall (Single or Double): Burley D’Lite X – It’s lightweight, has adjustable suspension, and the seats are removable so you can use it as a cargo trailer when your kids outgrow it.
Best for Trails: Thule Chariot Cross – The narrow design makes it easier to maneuver on single-track paths and trails, and the adjustable suspension system is fantastic.
Lightweight Pick: Burley Encore X – It is incredibly lightweight and converts to a cargo trailer. Too bad the suspension isn’t adjustable and the seats don’t recline.
Budget Pick: Clevr Plus – It has an okay suspension system and is incredibly cheap, but you are probably better off looking for a higher-quality trailer secondhand.

Suspension systems make the ride less bumpy for your little ones!

Comparison

The bike trailers are listed in order of cost, with the cheaper models first. Note that jogging and ski conversion kits are sold separately.

Single Bike Trailers with Suspension

	Adj. Suspen.	Weight	Ext. Width	Roll Bar	Reclines	Cargo Mode	Folded
Hamax Outback	Y	37.5lbs	28.3"	N	Y	Y	N/A
Burley D'Lite X	Y	27.6lbs	27.1"	Y	Y	Y	36x27.5x15
Thule Chariot Lite	N	25.8lbs	25.6"	Y	N	N	34.2x25.6x15
Thule Chariot Cross	Y	30.4lbs	25.6"	Y	Y	N	34.2x25.5x14.7
Thule Chariot Sport	Y	30.9lbs	25.6"	Y	Y	N	34.3×25.6×15

Double Bike Trailers with Suspension

	Adj. Suspen.	Weight	Ex. Width	Roll Bar	Reclines	Cargo Mode	Folded
Clevr Plus	N	37lbs	34.5"	N	N	Y	36x28x9
Burley Encore X	N	25lbs	31"	Y	N	Y	36x31x12
Hamax Outback	Y	44lbs	33.9"	N	Y	Y	42.5×31.9×11.8
Burley D'Lite X	Y	30.4lbs	31.3"	Y	Y	Y	37x31.25x14.25
Burley Cub X	Y	37.9lbs	31"	Y	Y	Y	35.8x31x13.5
Thule Chariot Cross	Y	31.9lbs	31.5"	Y	Y	N	34.2x31.5x14.7
Thule Chariot Sport	Y	35lbs	31.5"	Y	Y	N	34.3×31.5×15

Reviews

1. Thule Chariot

Choose because: Best suspension system and most compact for trail use

Thule currently has three versions of its Chariot bike trailer: Lite, Cross and Sport. The key differences are:

Lite X: Doesn’t have adjustable suspension, and the seat doesn’t recline or have padding.
Cross X: Has adjustable suspension and padded reclined seats.
Sport X: Has everything the Cross has plus a decelerating hand brake.

All three models have a great suspension system which makes them suitable for using on gravel or dirt trails. The single versions are very narrow at just 25.6”, so easier to maneuver without rolling over flora. The conversion system is genius and allows you to quickly switch between the different modes. The C-shaped tow arm puts the trailer directly behind the bike instead of off to the side like with many L-shaped tow arms. This is important for maneuvering on narrow trails!

My favorite feature, though, is that there are two stroller wheels built into the trailer. To convert into a stroller, you just pull the wheels down. With other brands, the extra wheel have to be stored separately and attached, which means you run the risk of losing or forgetting them. For trail use, a three-wheel stroller would be more stable. However, Thule’s four-wheel design means the third wheel doesn’t stick out, so the stroller isn’t as long and thus is easier to maneuver in tight spaces.

As you’d expect from Thule, there are also other nice features like air vents, a great rain cover, a sturdy frame that acts as a roll cage, and the stroller handle folds into a roll bar while in bike trailer mode.

Pros:

VersaWing system: Allows quick conversion between biking, stroller, jogging and skiing modes.
Fantastic suspension systems: You can feel the difference with the suspension system. It is a smooth ride!
C-shaped tow arm: This positions the trailer directly behind your cycle instead of off to the side like with many L-shaped trailer tow arms.
Stroller wheels built into trailer: You don’t have to worry about losing or forgetting the wheels.
Comfortable for child: The Cross and Sport have reclining padded seats and air vents for a comfy ride. The seats on double versions recline independently.
Narrow single trailers: The door pass-through is only 25.6” on the singles, which can make a huge difference when maneuvering on narrow trails. The double versions aren’t as narrow though.

Cons:

Very expensive: These are not cheap bike trailers for kids! The add-ons, like the ski conversion kit, are also very pricy.
No cargo mode: You can’t remove the seats or make them go flat to get more cargo space.
Storage messes with stride: If you want to run with the Chariot in jogging mode, the large storage area can mess with a long stride if it is completely full.

Get It at Amazon or REI

2. Burley Bike Trailers with Suspension (Encore X, D’Lite X, and Cub X)

Choose because: Converts to cargo trailer so you’ll get more use out of it, and most comfortable for your child

Burley makes several models of bike trailers for kids, but the Encore, D’Lite X and Cub X are currently the only models with suspensions systems.

The difference between these three models is:

Encore X: Doesn’t have adjustable suspension; seats don’t recline; only available as a double
D’Lite X: Adjustable suspension; seats recline, better wheels, waterproof zippers, available as single or double
Cub X: Basically the same as the D’Lite but also has a hard bottom for extra ruggedness; only available as a double

They all have the Flex connection system, which allows you to quickly connect your bike to the trailer. A cool feature of the Flex system is that it allows your bike to lay flat while the trailer remains upright. This is useful plus increases safety, since the trailer is less likely to flip if you fall.

Another amazing feature of the Burley suspension bike trailers for kids is that they have removable seats and recline flat. This means you can also use them as a cargo trailer for your bike. Since your kids will eventually grow out of the trailer, this will give you much more use out of it.

Pros:

Great suspension system: The suspension is nearly as good as Thule’s.
Converts to cargo trailer: Remove seats and recline flat to use as a cargo trailer.
Flex system: Bike can lay flat while connected to trailer.
Child comfort features: There are padded reclining seats, lots of ventilation, and recessed helmet area

Cons:

Expensive: The trailer and conversion kits are pricy
Wheel stores separately: You’ll need to keep the stroller wheel in the trailer’s storage compartment and attach it each time you want to use it.

Get them at Amazon or REI

Thule vs. Burley

Burley suspension bike trailers for kids are a better value than a Thule Chariot. The Burley trailers as well as the add-ons are cheaper. You’ll also get more use out of these Burley trailers because they can be used as cargo trailers when your kids outgrow them.

Thule Chariot bike trailers aren’t as good of a value as Burley but they are better designed. The tow arm is C-shaped, so the trailer sits directly behind your bike. By comparison, the Burley tow arm is L-shaped, so it makes the trailer sit slightly to the left. You need to be aware of this when on narrow trails or paths. The Thule Chariot is also better than Burley if you don’t want to worry about packing the stroller wheels, and the Single versions are much narrower than Burley models.

3. Hamax Outback

Choose because: It is insanely roomy

Hamax is another well-known brand of bike trailers for kids. Their Outback model has a great adjustable suspension system for going on dirt trails. Another fantastic feature is the quick conversion system. It even displays a green/red field so you know whether you mounted it correctly or not. Like with the Burley models, the Hamax Outback seats can recline completely back so it converts into a cargo trailer.

When it comes to comfort for your child, Hamax is also one of the best options. There is a lot of padding on the seats and helmets fit in the recessed head area. Mesh vents keep your child cool even with the rain cover on. There is plenty of leg room for bigger kids.

The major downside of the Hamax Outback is that it is HUGE and HEAVY. The door pass-through on the single is 28.3” and nearly 39” on the double. The single weighs more than the Thule and Burley doubles. The Hamax Outback is also huge when packed down, so you’ll need a lot of vehicle space to transport it. Because of the size, I do not recommend the Hamax Outback unless you really need the roomier interior, and are in insanely good shape for hauling the extra weight.

Pros:

Great suspension system: Handles bumpy roads almost as well as Thule and Burley
Converts to cargo trailer: Remove seats and recline flat to use as a cargo trailer.
Secure connection system: Red/green indicator lets you know you connected it securely.
Child comfort features: Lots of padding, vents, and leg room for your child.

Cons:

Massive and heavy: Weighs much more than other kid trailers and is very wide.
Expensive: The trailer and conversion kits are pricy
No top roll bar: Stroller handlebar doesn’t fold over to become a roll bar

Check Price At Amazon

4. Clevr Plus (Not Recommended)

Choose because: Very cheap bike trailer for kids that still has a suspension system

The Clevr Plus bike trailer costs 3x less than the Burley Encore, and 6x less than the Thule Chariot Sport. The jogging wheel is included with the Clevr Plus. With other brands, you have to buy the jogging setup as an add-on, so this makes it an even better deal. It’s one of the only bike trailers for kids with a suspension system at this price point.

As expected from a cheap bike trailer, the materials aren’t the best quality and won’t withstand abuse. The Clevr brand has surprisingly good customer support, though, and a decent warranty on parts. Considering the price, the suspension is okay quality. The brake on the handlebars is not a decelerating brake: it’s a hand-activated parking brake.

The main issue with the Clevr Plus is the poor design. It converts into a jogger, but doesn’t have an option for attaching a normal stroller wheel to the hitch arm. If you want to convert between trailer to stroller modes while out, you’ll have to pack the entire arm and front bars. This adds weight and takes up space! To fold the Clevr Plus trailer, you have to remove the handlebars. It’s a multi-step process and not nearly as smooth as with the Thule or Burley trailers.

The Clevr Plus bike trailer is very heavy at 37lbs. It’s also wide at 34.5”, so it won’t fit through most doorways. It is an outdoor-only bike trailer and stroller!

Another major issue is that the Clevr Plus has plastic instead of mesh sides. The front cover doesn’t allow much air flow either, so it gets HOT inside the trailer. In hot temps, you will need to remove the cover or give your child a fan to use inside.

I would recommend getting a secondhand Thule Chariot or Burley bike trailer instead of the Clevr Plus. However, I included the Clevr Plus here to show what you can get at each price point.

Pros:

Very affordable
Okay suspension system
Hand-activated parking brake

Cons:

Only parking brake
Very wide
Terrible ventilation
Multi-step conversion and folding
Poor-quality materials
Doesn’t hold resell value

Check Price at Amazon

Buying Secondhand Bike Trailers

A great way to save money is to buy a secondhand bike trailer for your child. It can be a bit more difficult to find bike trailers with suspension systems, though, so start searching early. Check Craigslist and local Facebook marketplaces.

If you get lucky, you can find a Burley D’Lite or Thule Chariot Cross for around $200-$300. If you don’t know how to do it yourself, budget another $100-$150 for a tune-up and new tubes. The good news is that these brands hold their resell value, so you can even sell the secondhand trailer after your child outgrows it.

Tips:

Buy local so you can check out the trailer. It also saves you shipping costs.
Check for rust, dents, and fabric tears.
Look at the tire tread wear. New tires add to the cost!
Push down on the trailer and rock it back and forth.
If possible, buy from someone with one kid. The trailer will have taken less abuse than if it survived two kids.

Child Seat vs. Bike Trailer for Off-Road and Trail Use

Bike trailers are very comfortable for your child and offer full weather protection. Kids can even play with toys while you cycle, or take a nap—something that’s not possible in a child bike seat. Bike trailers also have the benefit of being more stable and safe. It’s unlikely the trailer will flip over, and most act as roll cages to protect your child in the unlikely event that they do flip. You can put multiple kids in a bike trailer as well as lots of gear.

The downside is that bike trailers are heavy and wide, which makes it hard to maneuver them on narrow trails. They are also very pricy and require maintenance.

By comparison, bike seats don’t add much weight or any width to your bike. This makes them easier to maneuver on trails. They are also very cheap compared to bike trailers. However, the benefits end there. A bike seat is not nearly as comfortable for children, especially little kids who get tired on rides or want to hold toys. You will have a hard time standing to pedal. A child seat makes your bike top-heavy and less stable. If there is an accident, your child will fall from a high distance and has nothing but the helmet to protect them.

Child Seat:

Lighter and narrower
Cheaper
Not as safe for child
Higher center of gravity, less stable
Standing to pedal is difficult

Trailer:

Stable and safer
Can haul multiple kids plus gear
More comfortable, kids can nap or play inside
Weather and dust protection
Heavier, wider and harder to maneuver
Expensive and require maintenance

Note: Most bike seats aren’t great for bouncy rides and will be particularly uncomfortable for your child. If you want to do mountain biking with a child, you’ll need a front-mounted MTB seat for your kid like the Mac Seat. It’s also pricy, though. :/

front mounted kids bike seat for off road and mountain biking

The Mac Seat lets you mountain bike with your kid. It’s also nice for being able to talk to your kid while riding.

Features of Bike Trailers for Kids for Trail/Gravel Use

Adjustable Suspension

If you get an opportunity, try to push a bike stroller without suspension over gravel, and then push one with suspension. The difference can be drastic and you’ll see why you need suspension for trail use.

The really good brands of bike trailers for kids have adjustable suspension systems. The Thule Chariot Cross and Chariot Sport, for example, have little knobs to adjust the suspension. You tighten it when on smooth terrain and loosen it on gravel or dirt trails.

Adjustable suspension means you can cycle on paths like this.

Single vs. Double Bike Trailer

Most double bike trailers are too wide for trails, fire roads, or single-tracks. The trailer’s wheels will end up over the edge of the path, destroying flora. Aside from the nature concerns, riding off the trail also makes the ride bumpier and harder.

For this reason, it is best to get a single bike trailer if you plan to use it on trails or narrow paths. If you have two kids, consider putting the older child on a front-mounted seat and the younger one in the trailer. If you absolutely have to get a double trailer, then pay careful attention to its width. A few inches of width could make a huge difference!

A narrow trailer/jogger like the Thule Chariot will make it easier to go on nature paths.

Conversion Kits

All of the bike trailers with suspension listed here also can be converted into strollers. They allow you to cycle to your destination and then push the child in a stroller. I would not buy a bike trailer that can’t be turned into a stroller. They simply are too limited in function. Thule are the easiest to convert into strollers because the wheels are integrated into the trailer.

Be warned: If you want to convert the bike trailer into a jogging stroller, you will need to buy a conversion kit. Even though it’s basically just a 16” wheel, the kit can be expensive. Likewise, some bike trailers can also convert into skis, but you need to pay for the expensive add-on.

IMO, bike trailers that don’t convert into strollers (like this older Burley) aren’t practical. Jogging and ski conversion kits mean you get even more use out of the trailer.

Roll Bar

Bike trailers are very stable, so it is highly unlikely that it will flip over. However, it can happen—especially when turning corners on tight trails or gravel.

To make the ride safer for your kid, some bike trailers have a roll bar. If the trailer flips, your child will be suspended upside down by the harness and the roll bar will protect their head from impact. With convertible bike trailers, the stroller handle often folds back in bike mode to serve as the roll bar. It’s a smart, functional design.

Braking System

All good bike trailers for kids will have a parking brake to lock the wheels in place. However, some models also have a hand brake. This is only for use in stroller mode; you pull the brake lever to slow down the stroller.

If you only go on flat terrain, you don’t really need the hand brake. However, hands brakes are great for controlling the stroller speed when going downhill, especially while jogging.

A lot of these strollers have hand brake kits you can add to the stroller, but they are expensive add-ons!

Flex Connector

A flex connector is a cool feature that allows you to put your bike down while the trailer stays upright. Not only is this very practical, but it is also safer for your child: if you fall, the bike will go down without flipping the trailer.

Recessed Helmet Area

When a child sits back in the trailer, the seat can push the helmet forward into an unsafe position. It also makes the helmet less comfortable, so the kid is less likely to wear a helmet. Good bike trailers solve this by making a recessed area for the helmet in the seat.

Packed Size

Unless you plan on sticking around home, you will need to pack the bike trailer into your vehicle and drive it to the trail. Bike trailers for kids can be huge when packed, and you can’t necessarily put them on a roof rack if that’s where your bikes are. Folded size matters if you need to get it in your trunk!

You will also want look for features like:

Quick-release wheels
Wheels can be stored inside folded trailer
Easy-mount hitch system

Bike trailers are HUGE when folded!

Features for Child

Dust and weather protection: All of the bike trailers for kids with suspension systems also have features like rain covers and sun protection.
Reclining seats: Some models surprisingly don’t have this. Others have 3 or 5 positions of recline.
Vents: The vents allow for air flow, even when the rain cover is on.
Snack pockets: Yes, you will want these to keep your child happy!