The models in detail
This page is for riders who want to tow a child, a dog or gear behind a bike, including e-bike owners who need to know whether a trailer hitch suits their rear axle. We compared six trailers from Amazon.com product listings checked on October 10, 2026, by use, maximum load, folding and hitch type. We did not hitch or tow any of them, so load limits and fit come from the listings.
1 · Our pick
Schwinn Rascal Pet Trailer
Bike trailer4,6/5 from 3696 Amazon customer ratings (as of October 10, 2026)
The Schwinn Rascal leads because its listing is the most complete on this page. It carries one pet up to 50 lbs, with an interior leash and a rear doggy door so your dog can step in without being lifted over the frame. It rolls on 16-inch air-filled tires on molded rims, a softer ride than the steel wheels on the Allen Sports models. A washable non-slip liner and a two-in-one canopy with bug screen and weather shield are included. The frame folds and the wheels quick-release, and once the coupler is fitted to your rear axle the trailer attaches and detaches without tools. The listing does not cover fit on e-bikes with a rear hub motor, so check your axle and motor cable first. No suspension is mentioned and the trailer's own weight is not given. Larger dogs need the separate 100 lb version. Customers rate it 4.6 out of 5 across 3,696 reviews.
Pros, cons and specs
Pros
- Carries one pet up to 50 lbs, with an interior leash and a rear "doggy door".
- 16-inch air-filled tires on molded rims.
- Washable non-slip liner and a two-in-one canopy (bug screen and weather shield).
- Folding frame and quick-release wheels; trailer attaches and detaches without tools once the coupler is fitted.
Cons
- 50 lb limit: larger dogs need the 100 lb version sold separately.
- No suspension is mentioned and the trailer's own weight is not given.
- The coupler attaches to the rear axle; fit on e-bikes with a rear hub motor is not covered.
Best for: Dog owners with a pet up to 50 lbs who want to bring it along on rides.
Skip it if your dog is over 50 lbs or you need a trailer for kids.
Other specs
2 · One small child
InStep Sync Single Seat Bike Trailer
Bike trailer4,6/5 from 2994 Amazon customer ratings (as of October 10, 2026)
The InStep Sync is a single-seat child trailer rated for 40 lbs, built on a steel frame with a five-point harness and a safety flag. It shares much of its layout with the Schwinn Rascal: 16-inch pneumatic tires on molded rims, a two-in-one canopy with bug screen and weather shield, and a folding frame with quick-release wheels. Rear ventilation helps on warm days. It uses a universal coupler, but the listing does not address compatibility with e-bike rear axles or hub motors, so check your bike before ordering. The 40 lb limit and single seat mean one child only, and a growing child will outgrow it sooner than the two-seat Allen Sports models. No suspension is mentioned, there is no stroller conversion, and the trailer's own weight is not given. For one young child on neighborhood rides it covers the basics. It shares the top score here, 4.6 out of 5 across 2,994 reviews.
Pros, cons and specs
Pros
- Steel frame rated for 40 lbs, with a five-point harness and safety flag.
- 16-inch pneumatic tires on molded rims.
- Two-in-one canopy with bug screen and weather shield, plus rear ventilation.
- Folding frame and quick-release wheels for storage and travel.
Cons
- Single seat with a 40 lb limit, so it will be outgrown quickly or not fit two kids.
- No suspension is mentioned and the trailer's own weight is not given.
- Compatibility of the universal coupler with e-bike rear axles or hub motors is not addressed.
Best for: Parents of one young child who want a basic, foldable trailer for neighborhood and bike-path rides.
Skip it if you need room for two kids, suspension, or a stroller conversion.
Other specs
- Capacity1 child (single seat)
3 · Two kids, folds flat
Allen Sports Deluxe Steel Child Trailer
Bike trailer4,6/5 from 2707 Amazon customer ratings (as of October 10, 2026)
The Allen Sports Deluxe Steel Child Trailer carries two children with a 100 lb maximum payload, the highest kid capacity on this page. A five-point harness and a footguard tube protect passengers, and it folds flat with quick-release 16-inch steel wheels for car trunks and closets. That is about all the listing says. It gives no trailer weight, no hitch details and no suspension, and nothing confirms whether it is approved for towing behind an e-bike or at what speed. That last point matters more here than on a regular bike, because an e-bike can hold a higher speed with a loaded trailer. Ask the maker before towing it with one. Steel wheels also ride harder than the air tires on the InStep and Schwinn. Compared with the Allen Sports stroller model, you lose the stroller mode but gain a stated flat fold. Customers rate it 4.6 out of 5 across 2,707 reviews.
Pros, cons and specs
Pros
- Carries 2 children with a 100 lb maximum payload.
- Five-point harness and a footguard tube to protect passengers' feet.
- Folds flat with quick-release 16-inch steel wheels for transport and storage.
Cons
- The listing gives no trailer weight, hitch details or suspension.
- Nothing says whether it is approved for towing behind an e-bike or at what speed.
Best for: Parents who want a basic, foldable two-seat child trailer for relaxed rides.
Skip it if you plan to tow it behind a fast e-bike and need the maker to confirm e-bike compatibility.
Other specs
4 · Trailer plus stroller
Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Child Bike Trailer & Stroller
Bike trailer4,5/5 from 1613 Amazon customer ratings (as of October 10, 2026)
This Allen Sports model carries two children with a 100 lb maximum payload and converts from a bike trailer to a two-child stroller, the only conversion on this page. That makes it useful if you ride to a park or a town center and then continue on foot. It has a lightweight steel frame, quick-release 16-inch steel wheels, and a padded five-point harness with a footguard tube. The listing is very thin: no trailer weight, no folding details, no canopy and no hitch information are given, and air tires or suspension are not mentioned. On an e-bike, the missing hitch data is the main concern, so confirm the coupler fits your rear axle before buying. Compared with the Allen Sports Deluxe Steel Child Trailer, the stroller mode is the reason to choose it, while the other one documents a flat fold. Customers rate it 4.5 out of 5 across 1,613 reviews.
Pros, cons and specs
Pros
- Carries two children with a 100 lb maximum payload.
- Converts from a bike trailer to a two-child stroller.
- Lightweight steel frame with quick-release 16-inch steel wheels.
- Padded five-point harness and a footguard tube.
Cons
- Very little data: no trailer weight, folding, canopy or hitch details.
- Steel wheels are listed; air tires or suspension are not mentioned.
Best for: Parents of two young kids who want a trailer that doubles as a stroller.
Skip it if you need suspension or detailed specs before buying.
Other specs
5 · Small or medium dog
Retrospec Rover Waggin' Pet Bike Trailer
Bike trailer4,3/5 from 1151 Amazon customer ratings (as of October 10, 2026)
The Retrospec Rover Waggin' carries dogs up to 50 lbs, according to the title and description. It rolls on 16 in air-filled tires with nylon rims and quick-release hubs, and the frame folds quickly. Water-resistant fabric, dual mesh, a canopy, an internal leash clip and a non-slip floor are included, plus a rear pouch for leashes and treats. The hitch is a quick-release coupler for bikes with 20-29 in wheels, the only stated wheel range on this page. Two cautions apply. Brand comparison tables on other Retrospec listings give a different weight limit for this pet trailer, so confirm the figure before loading a heavier dog. Retrospec trailers are also listed elsewhere as not recommended for bikes with thru-axles, which many e-bikes use. No trailer weight or suspension is mentioned. Compared with the Schwinn Rascal, it states wheel fit but lacks a rear door. Customers rate it 4.3 out of 5 across 1,151 reviews.
Pros, cons and specs
Pros
- The trailer carries dogs up to 50 lbs, according to the title and description.
- 16 in air-filled tires on nylon rims with quick-release hubs.
- Water-resistant fabric, dual mesh, a canopy, an internal leash clip and a non-slip floor are included.
- The frame folds quickly and a rear pouch stores leashes and treats.
Cons
- Brand comparison tables on other Retrospec listings give a different weight limit for the pet trailer, so confirm before buying.
- Retrospec trailers are listed elsewhere as not recommended for bikes with thru-axles.
- No trailer weight or suspension is mentioned.
Best for: Dog owners who want to take a small or medium dog along on bike rides.
Skip it if your dog weighs more than 50 lbs or your bike uses thru-axles.
6 · Single or double kids
Retrospec Rover Kids Bike Trailer
Bike trailer4,4/5 from 1013 Amazon customer ratings (as of October 10, 2026)
The Retrospec Rover comes as a single or double trailer under one listing, with weight limits of 40 lbs or 80 lbs according to the brand table. Choose the variant carefully, because capacity depends on it. A padded 5-point harness, reflective accents and a safety flag are included, and front and side shields protect passengers from wind, rain, bugs and road debris. The frame folds in seconds, and a deep rear compartment holds gear such as a diaper bag. The key limit for this site is the hitch: the brand table says it is not recommended for bikes with thru-axles, which many e-bikes use. Check your own rear axle before buying. No suspension, trailer weight or hitch details are given. Compared with the InStep Sync, the double version takes a second child. Against the Allen Sports pair, the double version carries less at 80 lbs. Customers rate it 4.4 out of 5 across 1,013 reviews.
Pros, cons and specs
Pros
- Available as a single or double trailer, with weight limits of 40 lbs or 80 lbs according to the brand table.
- A padded 5-point harness, reflective accents and a safety flag are included.
- Front and side shields protect passengers from wind, rain, bugs and road debris.
- The frame folds in seconds, and a deep rear compartment holds gear.
Cons
- The brand table says it is not recommended for bikes with thru-axles, which many e-bikes use.
- No suspension, trailer weight or hitch details are given.
- Single and double versions share the listing, so the capacity depends on the variant chosen.
Best for: Parents who want an affordable foldable trailer for one or two children on a quick-release bike.
Skip it if your e-bike has thru-axles or you need suspension for rough trails.
Other specs
How to choose a bike trailer for an e-bike
Kids, pets or both
Pick a trailer built for what you carry, because kid and pet trailers are fitted differently. Child trailers on this page use a five-point harness, and several add a footguard tube or front and side shields. Pet trailers use an interior leash or leash clip, a non-slip floor and, on the Schwinn Rascal, a rear door. None of these six is sold as a convertible kid-and-pet model, so decide on your main passenger first and choose from that group.
Hitch and rear axle fit
Check your rear axle before anything else, since hitch fit is the biggest question on an e-bike. The Schwinn Rascal coupler attaches to the rear axle, and its listing does not cover rear hub motors. The InStep listing does not address e-bike axles either. Retrospec says its trailers are not recommended for bikes with thru-axles, which many e-bikes use. The Allen Sports listings give no hitch details. Look at your axle type and motor cable routing, and ask the seller if anything is unclear.
Maximum load and seats
Choose by the stated load limit, not by how much space the trailer seems to have. The two Allen Sports models carry two children up to 100 lbs. The Retrospec Rover kid trailer gives 40 lbs for the single and 80 lbs for the double. The InStep Sync takes one child up to 40 lbs. Both pet trailers here are rated for 50 lbs, though Retrospec tables elsewhere show a different figure for its pet model. Leave margin for bags and snacks.
Tires and ride comfort
Air-filled tires give a softer ride than steel wheels. The Schwinn Rascal, InStep Sync and Retrospec Rover Waggin' list 16-inch air-filled or pneumatic tires. Both Allen Sports trailers list 16-inch steel wheels, and their listings do not mention air tires. No trailer on this page mentions suspension, so on rough paths or gravel, slow down more than you would alone. Check tire pressure before each ride, since a soft trailer tire makes towing heavier.
Folding and storage
A trailer that folds with quick-release wheels is far easier to store and carry in a car. Five listings mention folding: the Schwinn Rascal and InStep Sync have folding frames and quick-release wheels, the Allen Sports Deluxe Steel folds flat, and both Retrospec trailers have quick-fold frames. The Allen Sports stroller model does not describe folding at all. No listing gives the trailer's own weight, so you cannot compare how heavy each one is to lift.
Towing behind a motor-assisted bike
Ride slower with a trailer than you would alone, whatever your e-bike can do. No listing here says it is approved for e-bikes or gives a towing speed, and the Allen Sports Deluxe Steel listing points out that this is not stated. An e-bike makes starting with a loaded trailer easy, but braking distances grow with the extra weight. Use a low assist level at first, practice in an empty lot, and keep passengers strapped in on every ride.
Skip it if…
- your e-bike uses thru-axles and you were set on either Retrospec trailer.
- your dog weighs more than 50 lbs, the limit of both pet trailers here.
- you need suspension for rough trails, since none of these six lists it.
- you want the maker to confirm towing behind an e-bike before you buy.
- you need two seats and a stroller mode but the trailer you picked offers only one.
FAQ
What is the best bike trailer for an e-bike?
The Schwinn Rascal Pet Trailer is our pick for its complete listing: one dog up to 50 lbs, air tires, a folding frame and a tool-free hitch once the coupler is fitted. For kids, the Allen Sports Deluxe Steel Child Trailer takes two children up to 100 lbs. Check hitch fit on your e-bike's rear axle first.
Can you pull a bike trailer with an electric bike?
Yes, many riders do, but these listings do not confirm e-bike use. The Schwinn Rascal and InStep do not cover rear hub motors or e-bike axles, Retrospec advises against thru-axles, and the Allen Sports listings give no hitch details. Check your axle type, ask the seller, and ride slower than usual with a trailer.
What is the best bike trailer for two kids?
The Allen Sports Deluxe Steel Child Trailer and the Allen Sports 2-Child Trailer and Stroller both carry two children with a 100 lb maximum payload. The first folds flat; the second converts to a stroller. The double Retrospec Rover is rated for 80 lbs and is not recommended for bikes with thru-axles.
Do bike trailers fit thru-axle bikes?
Not all of them. Retrospec says its trailers are not recommended for bikes with thru-axles, which rules out the Rover kid and pet models on many e-bikes. The other four listings here do not say either way. Check your own axle, then ask the trailer maker before ordering any of them.
How much weight can a bike trailer carry?
It depends on the model, from 40 lbs to 100 lbs on this page. The Allen Sports trailers carry 100 lbs, the double Retrospec Rover 80 lbs, the two pet trailers 50 lbs, and the InStep Sync and single Retrospec Rover 40 lbs. Stay under the stated limit, including bags and gear.
Is a dog bike trailer better than a basket?
A trailer is better for dogs too heavy for a front or rear basket. The Schwinn Rascal and Retrospec Rover Waggin' both carry dogs up to 50 lbs, with a leash point, a non-slip floor and a canopy. Your dog rides behind the bike instead of on it, and the leash clip keeps it in place.
Ilias, eBike Compas
Models are picked from the product listings on Amazon.com, recorded and dated. Missing data is flagged instead of guessed, and no hands-on test is described unless it actually happened.
Our method