Transporting children by bike: Trailer or cargo bike?
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Author: Press Service Bicycle
According to sales figures from the Two-Wheeler Industry Association, around 220,000 cargo bikes and 182,000 trailers are expected to have been sold in 2024. Around 80 per cent of the bike trailers sold were intended for transporting children. There is no concrete data on the specific uses of cargo bikes.
Security
Bicycle trailer for transporting children have been around for decades. They have a stable passenger compartment that can withstand a collision with a car. The seat belts ensure that the children remain in the protective passenger compartment in the event of a crash.
In the event of a side impact, the trailer is highly unlikely to tip over or run over, but will be pushed sideways, absorbing a great deal of impact energy. This means a high level of protection for the occupants, who remain safely in the passenger compartment standing on both wheels, regardless of whether the rider of the towing bike falls or not.
Robust bumpers, an all-round protective bar and a push bar, which also functions as roll-over protection, are additional safety features on high-quality trailers.
With Cargobikes There are now safety boxes made of foamed plastic such as EPP (expanded polypropylene). "The material is known from car construction and can also withstand a car crash test. The days when children were still transported in wooden boxes on cargo bikes should be over," says Lothar Schiffner from the Cargobike manufacturer Ca Go. The hard foam boxes are designed to absorb energy in the event of an impact and are often designed to provide additional protection for the head and neck area.
But regardless of whether it's a cargo bike or trailer, parents must make sure that their children are always properly strapped in. High-quality products are fitted with a five-point harness system that holds children securely in the seat at the shoulders and hips in the event of a collision. However, all belts must be fastened and adjusted to the child's height. It is also advisable to wear a cycle helmet.
Visibility
According to the German Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO), child trailers must have an active rear light and two reflectors at the front and rear in order to be seen in the dark and in poor visibility conditions.
Croozer, for example, also uses retroreflective textile strips that reflect the headlights of other vehicles. A safety pennant provides additional visibility when the trailer is covered by cars.
In the case of cargo bikes, the necessary lighting equipment is usually already installed on the bike. Here, the EPP boxes can also be fitted with reflective properties, which further increases visibility.
Driving behaviour
Before you really get going, it is advisable to practise extensively with both the trailer and the cargobike, without children and away from road traffic. Braking, emergency braking, steering and cornering are just as much a part of the programme as passing narrow sections and thresholds.
Cargobikes generally take a little more getting used to than the trailer combination
"As a rule, cargo bikes take a little more getting used to than the trailer combination. Three-wheeled models in particular need practice at first, as the steering behaviour can differ from that of a normal bike," explains specialist journalist Laurenz Utech from the Nimms-Rad.de platform.
Many users are initially unfamiliar with the fact that the front wheel of cargo bikes, both the two-wheeled Long John type and some three-wheeled models, is not visible. "It's an adjustment on the first few rides. But after a few practice laps, you get used to it," says Utech.
"If you attach particular importance to safety and stability, you should choose a three-wheeled model," recommends Birgit Greif, Brand Manager at the manufacturer Winora, which also has a three-wheeled bike in its range in addition to a two-wheeled model, the "F.U.B. 3W". The advantage of the three-wheeled models: the bikes score particularly well at low speeds thanks to their stability and, as with the F.U.B., you can transport up to four children.
While the concepts mentioned so far rely on small front wheels and larger rear wheels, the compact bike specialist I:sy offers another approach: the "Cargo P12 ZR Maxi" model rolls on 20-inch wheels at the front and rear. "This means the bike can be ridden nimbly and manoeuvrable even with a full load. This is an option for newcomers in particular, as the changeover is quick," says Marketing Manager Till Kaletsch.
However, if you have children with you, you realise that their movements can affect the bike's handling
Another cargobike option are the so-called longtails, i.e. bikes with an extended luggage rack. Thanks to various superstructures, up to two children can be carried in child seats or on a bench seat.
"Bikes like our 'Multitinker' and 'Multicharger' models ride like normal bikes. But if you have children with you, you realise that their movements can affect the bike's handling. This can be a little unfamiliar at first, but you quickly learn to compensate for it," says Benjamin Wenz from Riese & Müller from his own experience.
Users of child trailers, on the other hand, do not feel the children's movements. Trailers have hardly any effect on riding behaviour. Even cornering remains the same as with the usual solo bike: the rider can lean into the bend, the trailer follows stably on both wheels because the trailer's coupling is articulated.
The only thing is that you have to steer a little more to avoid bumping into narrow spaces with the trailer. And manoeuvring in and out of parking spaces - especially in reverse - can be tricky at first. "But with a bit of practice, you'll soon learn," says Anne Schmidt from trailer manufacturer Croozer.
You hardly notice the weight of the trailer, including the children, when driving. "Most parents now use e-bikes as the towing vehicle. This also takes the fear out of ascents," says Schmidt. However, due to the higher total mass, the towing vehicle should have a good braking system, preferably with hydraulic disc brakes.
Whether trailer or cargobike: The higher total weight when transporting children causes greater wear on the brakes. Regular inspection and maintenance of the brake system is a must. - Josh Schenk, workshop manager at Press Service Bicycle
Contact with the child
In a trailer, the contact between parents and children is like in a car - the parent is in the front, the children in the back. The trailer is the children's realm. Here they can keep themselves occupied or watch their parents.
This gives the children a sense of security and they can see how their parents behave in traffic on their bikes. "This is hugely important for independent cycling later on. The children passively learn how to signal with their arms or communicate with other road users," explains Schmidt.
On most cargo bike models, however, the children sit at the front and are therefore in the rider's field of vision. The children have a clear field of vision and can therefore perceive more of their surroundings. "However, they are directly exposed to the airstream. That's why it makes sense to ride with a hood even in summer," says specialist journalist Utech.
Climate
The tops of trailers and cargo bikes usually have a UV blocker and thus protect against direct sunlight. They are also water-repellent. For good ventilation and better air circulation, the side panels on cargo bikes or the canopy on trailers can be opened. On trailers, an additional insect net protects against unwanted passengers.
Croozer goes one step further with the new Yuuna: a special ventilation system with ventilation flaps and a ventilation tunnel on the canopy ensures sufficient fresh air without creating draughts - so the temperature is always optimal, even on warm days. In addition, the company uses breathable Climatex material in the seats, which ensures a comfortable seating experience and prevents sweating.
Suspension
Various suspension systems that absorb potholes, for example, provide additional comfort. Croozer uses an innovative suspension system on the axles of its trailers, which adjusts automatically to compensate for and cushion uneven surfaces.
This not only improves the ride comfort for the occupants, but also the driving safety of the trailer, as the wheels have better contact with the road. "This means that our trailers can also be used on forest and field paths without the children being rattled. This gives families the option of using the trailer for outings together in addition to everyday journeys," explains Schmidt.
There are also cargo bike models with suspension, such as the "Packster 2 CT" or the "Load 4" from Riese & Müller. "Our Control Technology, consisting of an optimised suspension fork and rear swing arm, ensures optimum road holding and greater safety. Vibrations and impacts from cobblestones or road edges are equalised and the wheels always maintain contact with the road. This means that sporty and comfortable riding is also possible with a cargo bike," explains Benjamin Wenz.
Suitability for everyday use
When it comes to suitability for everyday use, child trailers score points for their flexibility. As several bikes can be fitted with a trailer coupling, the use of the trailer is not limited to just one bike. This means that one parent can take the children to the daycare centre, connect the trailer there and the other parent can pick up the trailer and children again in the afternoon.
Many models also have a small boot in which you can stow shopping or toys for children. There is enough space on a towing vehicle with a luggage rack to attach bicycle bags (e.g. waterproof "Backroller" from Ortlieb). Bike trailers can also be converted into a pushchair in just a few simple steps.
Cargo bikes, on the other hand, have the advantage that the child seats can simply be folded in. This means that the bike can be converted from child transport to cargo transport in just a few simple steps. This function is also possible with the new Yuuna trailer from Croozer.
The seats can be removed in just a few simple steps to create a continuous loading area with a high transport volume. This means that the trailer can still be used when the children have outgrown it.
Multifunctionality
While cargo bikes are limited to their intended use as a bicycle, trailers are characterised by their many other possible uses: They can be converted into a pushchair or jogger in just a few simple steps, thus increasing their usability in everyday family life.
In the new Yuuna, for example, there are age-appropriate seat modules. Newborn babies can be carried in the opposite direction of travel. The boot cover is removable, allowing eye contact with the child. In this way, the trailer replaces a pushchair.
As the children get older, a child seat with an adjustable backrest is used. This allows the children to be put into a sleeping position and take a nap during the journey. Thanks to the modular design, it is also possible to carry a dog and child in the trailer at the same time. Croozer offers a total of 117 different options.
Age
Children can be taken along in the trailer and in the Cargobike from the moment they are able to sit independently. For many trailers, a carrycot is available as an optional accessory which, depending on the model, can be used from the first or third month. In the case of cargo bikes, there are models for carrying a maxi-cosy for transporting babies.
There is no clear specification as to how long children may be transported. Depending on the model, cargo bikes can be used up to the age of six or eight. The manufacturers usually provide weight specifications.
The new "I:sy Cab" from I:sy, for example, can carry passengers weighing up to 57 kilograms, which corresponds to light adults. Thanks to special passenger kits, people weighing up to 65 kilograms can be transported on longtails.
Both options make sense if you also want to chauffeur older children. According to road traffic regulations, children up to the age of six may be transported in a trailer.
Transport
Child trailers can be folded up and fit into almost any car boot. This makes them extremely practical for trips or holidays, while the bikes or e-bikes can be stored on the bike rack. Child trailers can also be transported free of charge as pushchairs or buggies on the train. "However, they must not be attached to the bike," says Schmidt.
The option also exists for travelling by plane or long-distance bus. These are all options that are not yet available to cargo bikes. They cannot be taken on long-distance trains operated by Deutsche Bahn, nor can they be taken on many local transport systems. Transport by car is also not possible due to the length of the bikes.
Parking
Cargo bikes are usually too big to be parked on pavements or too heavy to simply be carried into the cellar. The parking situation should therefore be clarified before purchasing. Innovative models such as the "Carrie" from Riese & Müller are therefore extremely practical thanks to a foldable transport box that takes up very little space.
Trailers, on the other hand, can be folded up and stored in the cellar or, if permitted, in the hallway. At around 15 kilograms, they are also easier to carry. Due to the length of the trailer and cargo bikes, it is often difficult to park them on the pavement without obstructing pedestrians or cyclists.
For this reason, specially designated bicycle parking spaces are being created in cities to allow bikes to be parked. If you have to park outside, you can get practical folding garages to protect your trailer or cargo bike from the wind and weather.
Financing
E-cargo bikes for transporting children are available from as little as 4000 euros. High-quality models such as those from Riese & Müller, I:sy, Winora or Ca Go cost from around 5500 euros. The advantage of cargo bikes: You can lease them for three years if your employer allows it. This can result in savings of up to 40 per cent compared to a direct purchase.
"The leasing market still has a lot of potential in the cargo bike sector," says Sören Hirsch from leasing provider Linexo. Riese & Müller also offers the option of leasing bikes for two years, which also represents a saving compared to direct purchase.
Trailers are significantly cheaper to buy. High-quality models are available for between 800 and 1500 euros. Unlike cargo bikes, trailers cannot be leased, but only as an accessory in the leasing contract of a bicycle or e-bike. And only a few leasing providers offer this accessory option.
Linexo is an exception here: "We say that anything that can be connected to a bike can also be leased. This also includes the trailer if it is leased together with a bicycle or e-bike," says Hirsch.
Trailers and cargo bikes both have their advantages when transporting children. It is up to the individual to decide which suits them best. There is also no reason not to combine the two: A longtail in combination with a trailer also has a certain appeal, rides sportily and you can take up to four children with you. - Thomas Geisler, Editor Press Service Bicycle
