Do Kids Need Helmets in a Bike Trailer?

Last Updated on 01/2025 by Mom Goes Camping

Let’s be clear: Kids (and adults!) should always wear a helmet when riding a bike. Kids also need to wear a helmet when on a child seat. If the bike tips over, the child will fall a long distance to the ground, and they won’t be able to catch themselves with their feet like you can!

But what about helmets in a bike trailer?

Many cyclists say that bike helmets aren’t necessary, whereas others are adamant that it’s absolutely necessary. Here are the arguments.

Also read: Best Bike Trailers for Kids with Suspension (for Off-Road Use)

Key Point

It’s best to have your child wear a helmet, even if it’s not legally required.

The Argument Against Helmets

Trailers Are Safe:

Bike trailers are very stable because of their low center of gravity. They are very hard to tip over. If the bike trailer does tip over (which can definitely happen!), the aluminum frame acts as a roll cage to protect the child inside. The good brands of convertible bike trailers even have designs where the stroller handle folds overhead when in bike mode, thus acting as an additional roll bar.

Because of this, some cyclist parents say that a helmet inside of a bike trailer is overkill.

Helmet Gets Pushed Forward:

Some high-end brands of bike trailers (like Burkey) have recessed areas for helmets. Most cheap bike trailers don’t have this feature, though. The back of the seat will push the helmet forward into an unsafe and uncomfortable position.

Multi-sport helmets usually are flat backed, so less likely to push forward. There are also some bike helmets with flat backs specifically designed for bike trailers (Bell, Giro and Nutcase make ones for very little kids). If you don’t want to buy another piece of gear for your kid, you can fold up a towel to put behind your child’s back. It will push them forward so the helmet sits better.

bike trailer kid wearing helmet — Helmets with flat backs don’t push forward (as much) when in a bike trailer.

The Argument for Helmets

It’s Probably the Law

Many states have laws that require children to wear helmets. The law usually applies to kids in bike trailers, too.

Teach Kids that Bike = Helmet

It’s good to get kids into the habit of using safety gear from a young age. Putting a helmet on them teaches them that a bike ride means wearing a helmet. Period.

Roll Cages and Bars Don’t Offer Complete Protection

Even though they are safer than having your kid on a bike seat, bike trailers can flip over. See the video above!

In the video, the boy luckily wasn’t hurt, despite not having a helmet on. However, depending on how the trailer lands and how tall your child is, their head could easily end smashing against the ground.

Consider this story:

Buddy of mine was riding with his son, hit a curb, the trailer roller over…even though it had “roll-bar” to protect his kid, due to the way he was laying across the curb, (upside down mind you) Jr’s head was on the curb……luckily Jr. had his helmet on, so it was no big deal……except for scarring daddy to death.

Can Bash Head on Frame or Other Passenger

Even if you have complete faith in the trailer to act as a roll cage, your kid can still smash their head against the trailer’s frame. Or, if two kids are in the trailer, they can bang their heads together.

The Verdict?

Even if it’s not legally required, it’s best to have your child wear a helmet in the bike trailer—especially if you are cycling anywhere with traffic or will go at high speeds. Get a helmet with a flat back, or use something to position them forward so the seat back doesn’t push the helmet forward.

However, if you are riding somewhere with literally no traffic, such as a nature trail, and going at a VERY slow speed, you can probably forgo the helmet.