Children should travel safely and comfortably in bicycle trailers and make everyday life as convenient as possible for parents. This comes at a price: top-of-the-range models from major brands currently cost up to 1,300 euros. Stiftung Warentest examined ten children’s trailers – seven two-seaters and three single-seaters. Among other things, we checked to what extent the trailers can be steered and braked by steering, in which trailers children can travel safely and ergonomically and which trailers put parents and children in contact with pollutants.
Banned chemicals and safety defects
While we can confirm that most trailers are quick to attach to the bike and easy to drive, the conclusion of our test is negative: we cannot recommend any of the bike trailers tested. Nine out of ten models are defective because they contain pollutants such as banned fluorine compounds (PFAS). Some trailers do not provide sufficient protection for their little passengers in the event of an accident. One model also failed the endurance test.
Why a bike trailer test is worth it for you
Test results
Stiftung Warentest presents test results for ten children’s bicycle trailers, including seven models for up to two children and three for one child. Trailers between 350 and 1,300 euros from brands such as Thule (Chariot), Croozer, Hamax and Qeridoo were represented in the test. In addition to driving and safety characteristics, we tested handling, seating comfort, suspension, ventilation, sun and rain protection and looked for pollutants.
Basic information
We provide information on the strengths and weaknesses of the children’s bicycle trailers in the test and explain in detail the safety defects and harmful substances we discovered. We also document for you how the providers responded to our criticism.
Journal article in PDF
After activation, you will receive the 8/24 test magazine article for download.
Test results for 10 bicycle trailers
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Problematic pollutants in bicycle trailer testing
Nine trailers contained high concentrations of PFAS in seat covers or cabin fabrics, which were banned in July 2020 and February 2023, respectively. This is inadequate. Although they do not pose a direct health risk to children in trailers, the substances accumulate in the environment and can be returned to people through food. Testers also found several other problematic pollutants in the lab: they detected PAHs, phthalates and chlorinated paraffins in grab handles, seat covers, belts and sidewalls.
Tip: Our head of investigations, Holger Brackemann explains in an interviewhow fluorocarbons (PFAS) from bicycle trailers end up in the environment and why we support a ban on the entire group of substances. We have summarized the most important information about the health-damaging polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in a question and answer in the article PAHs: Here’s what you need to know about these pollutants.
Four children’s bike trailers inadequate safety
Four of the ten bike trailers tested also failed the safety test, for example because they left too little or no space between the head and the ground when they rolled over. This can cause serious head injuries in accidents. In addition, the drawbar broke on one of the four models during the stress test. While the Providers responded to our test resultsyou will find out after activation.
Tip: You can even before activation all trailer models tested see (see above).
Bicycle trailer test on video
Disappointment with test results
Stiftung Warentest put a lot of effort into testing the ten single-seater and multi-seater vehicles over the course of months – including how well the trailers steer and brake at the wheel and whether they can be converted into a buggy. We also tested everyday handling, e.g. coupling and uncoupling, loading and buckling children or using it as a stroller. Our results confirm that children’s bicycle trailers are, in principle, extremely practical means of transport for children. It is all the more annoying that we cannot recommend any of the bicycle trailers tested – the pollutant levels and, in some cases, the safety deficiencies are far too high.
Tip: Cargo bike, bike trailer, bike seat: which is safer for children? You can find out in our article Transporting children by bicycle. With an e-bike, pulling a child trailer is much more relaxed than without a motor. We reveal what parents should look for when… Transporting children with a bicycle trailer and electric bicycle should pay attention. And in our Children’s bike test It is Children’s scooter test You’ll find good, affordable models for both little and big kids.