Bike trailer vs bike seat? This is actually one of the most asked question parents ask, and to be completely honest, there isn’t a right or wrong answer. Both have advantages and disadvantages.
If you have more than 1 kid and need some additional storage space picking a bike trailer would be a better choice for you. Bike trailers can usually carry up to 100 pounds (cargo and kids), and are more spacious than seats. Trailers also provide actual protection against rain, wind, and sun.
They aren’t light to pull, especially when fully loaded, but they’re easier to control compared to bike seats, once you get used to them.
Seats, however, have one big advantage compared to trailers, and that is a convenience. You don’t need to fold it or anything like that. A seat can be on a bike if you need it or not. It adds a little bit of weight, but what’s more important is that it gets unstable if your kid moves around too much.
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Bike Trailers
This is the most popular way to bike with your kids. Trailers can carry up to 3 kids at once, additional stuff for parents or kids, and offer a comfortable ride for parents and kids. Many trailers can be used for more than just a bike trailer – usually as a stroller or a jogger.
They’re also a lot safer for kids because they act as a roll-cage. Kids are protected against weather, bugs, and other annoying/potentially dangerous things.
Probably the most crucial disadvantage is being unable to talk to your kids when you ride a bike. You just can’t turn around and keep an eye on them, while you cycle. They’re a little bit heavy as well when fully loaded, but they stay well balanced and stable.
** You and your kid should always wear a HELMET!**
Pros
- Unlikely to tip over
- Can be multifunctional
- Weather protection
- More comfortable than other options
- More spacious
- Additional cargo space
- Safer for kids
Cons
- Not being able to properly talk to your kids when riding
- Heavier than other options
- Pricier than other options
- Less fun for kids
Check Popular Bike Trailers on Amazon
Front Bike Seats
A front-mounted bike seat is usually placed just behind the handlebars, and it needs to be attached to either a seat post or a headset. There are 2 most popular types; the first one for toddlers (1 to 3 years old) and a second one for older kids (3 to 6 years old).
Compared to both, a trailer and a bike seat which is located at the back of a bike, a front bike seat is the most interactive. You have the full control over your kid, and you can also talk to him without losing attention to the road. Kids will enjoy riding in a front bike seat a lot more than in other 2 options because they have a great view of everything.
Bike seats are much lighter, cheaper, and usually easier to travel in short distances.
We need to mention that this bike seat should only be used if a cycler is experienced enough and feel confident on a bicycle. In case of an accident, kids can feel on the ground from very dangerous heights.
** You and your kid should always wear a HELMET!**
Pros
- Being very close to your children
- Lightweight option
- Cheaper than trailers
- Kids have more fun when sitting in one
- Can fit through most tight places
- You can focus on the road ahead and still keep an eye on your kid
Cons
- Very dangerous in case you crash
- Unbalanced ride
- Putting kids in or out of a seat can be tricky
- Without an additional cargo space
- Your child is more exposed to weather and bugs
- You may end up pedaling awkwardly with your knees out
- Compatibility – not all seats can fit your bike
Check Popular Front Bike Seats on Amazon
Rear Bike Seats
Rear carrying bike seat is usually the most popular choice by parents. There are three most popular types to choose from:
- Seats that are cantilevered from the seat tube
- Seats that are mounted on to a rear rack
- Seats that are a mix of first two options
These seats come in lots of different designs and sizes. They offer great head support (backside extending above the head) and a very comfortable ride (side supports) for kids. These seats can usually carry up to 70 pounds.
The most common problem with all rear bike seats is how the additional weight and a lively kid can impact the handling, and sometimes make the bike feel heavy. It’s essential that you spend an extra few bucks for a better seat because little details can make a big difference.
** You and your kid should always wear a HELMET!**
Pros
- Being close to you children
- Lightweight option
- Cheaper than trailers
- Can fit through most tight places
Cons
- Kids have less fun compared to a front-mounted bike seat
- Very dangerous in case you crash
- Unbalanced ride
- Putting kids in or out of a seat can be tricky
- Without an additional cargo space
- Your child is more exposed to weather and bugs
- Compatibility – not all seats can fit your bike
Check Popular Rear Bike Seats on Amazon
Conclusion
We hope that you find a winner in the “ultimate Bike Trailer vs Bike Seat battle”. In our opinion bike trailers offer the most for the money, but we understand that everyone has its own priorities.
Feel free to share this “Bike Trailer vs Bike Seat” infographic on your website or social media!
A quick recap – Bike Trailer vs Bike Seat
| Bike Trailer | Back Bike Seat | Front Bike Seat | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $90-$900 | $60-$250 | $60-$200 |
| Popular Brands | Burley, Schwinn, Thule, InStep, Hamax | Thule, Schwinn, Hamax, WeeRide, CyclingDeal | WeeRide, iBert, Bellelli, UrRider, Thule, Schwinn |
| Safety | Highest | Lowest | Lowest |
| Convenience | Foldable, additional space for cargo, suitable for 2 and sometimes 3 kids | Lighter than the trailer, you can leave it on a bike | Lighter than the trailer, you can bump your knees in one when riding |
| Handling | You can feel that it's heavier than seats, but it's more stable, and you can control it easier | Kids need to sit still; otherwise it gets very unstable | Kids need to sit still; otherwise it gets very unstable |
| Comfortable | Depends on a model. Premium models are very spacious and comfortable | Depends on a model. Premium models are very spacious and comfortable | Depends on a model. Premium models are very spacious and comfortable |
| Communication | It's impossible to talk to your kids normally | It's better compared to trailers, but still worse compared to front bike seats | The best compared to the previous two options. You can talk and keep an eye on your kid |
| Fun factor | Low. Kids can only see through small windows or canopy | Low. Similar to trailers. | The best compared to the previous two options. |
| Weather protection | The best. Kids are protected against the rain, UV rays (sun), and bugs | Low. Kids are exposed to everything | Low. Kids are exposed to everything |
| Helmet required? | Yes | Yes | Yes |
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