A bicycle trailer is a motorless wheeled frame with a hitch system for transporting cargo by bicycle. It can greatly increase a bike's cargo capacity, allowing point-to-point haulage of objects up to 3 cubic metres (3000 liters, or 4 cubic yards) in volume that weigh as much as 500 kg. However, very heavily loaded trailers may pose a danger to the cyclist and others, and the voluntary European standard EN 15918 therefore suggests a maximum load of 60 kg on trailers without brakes.
Types
Different types of trailer are designed for various purposes, cargo requirements and riding conditions:
By number of wheels
Single-wheel: a single rear-mounted wheel. Though of limited towing capacity, this design tends to be more stable (when moving) than trailers with two or more wheels. The single wheel can tilt from side to side when cornering (as the bicycle itself does), allowing for coordinated turns at relatively high speed. The connection to the bicycle is simpler than a two-wheeled trailer since only two degrees of freedom are required- the trailer tilts with the towing bicycle. Two-wheel: A two-wheel design makes possible much greater load carrying capacity and a wider cargo bed. Though not suitable for high speed, they are ideal for everyday cycling (very much like towing a trailer behind a car). Two-wheel trailers tend to be as wide or wider than the handlebars of the bicycle, therefore care needs to be taken when riding through narrow spaces. Three-wheel: Similar to two-wheel trailers with wheels on either side of the cargo area, but also equipped with a fork-mounted front wheel to remove practically all tongue weight from the lead vehicle. This trailer is usually connected via a fork-mounted tow bar and allows for the greatest weight capacity out of all types of bicycle trailers, in some instances even equipped with its own overrun brakes and electric motor assist.
By intended cargo
General cargo: for transporting cargo of all kinds. The load capacity of commercially available cargo trailers ranges from 14 to 140 kg (30 to 300 pounds), but much larger loads have been transported by custom-built trailers or by multi-trailer "trains" attached to a single bicycle. Human passenger (as cargo): constructed to enhance the comfort and safety of one or more human passengers. These usually have a low centre of gravity and widely spaced wheels to increase stability when cornering, and often have integrated rain-proof covers, seat padding, and safety belts. A lot of the trailers designed for transporting children can also be converted to strollers. Trailers have also been used as pedicabs. Child passenger (as rider): Trailer bikes, or pedal trailers, are one-wheeled trailers (tandem trailers) with integrated seat, handle bars, and drive train, that normally attaches to the bike via the seat post (and operate very much like a tandem bicycle). These allow small children who can't yet ride a bicycle alone to accompany adult riders as trip participants and motive-power producers. These trailers are by far the most popular style. Canoe and kayak trailers: Designed for towing long, thin and relatively lightweight loads such as canoes, kayaks or windsurfing rigs. Disabled passengers: Made for safely towing wheelchairs with persons in them. Pet trailers: For carrying small domestic animals, especially dogs, that weigh less than 45 kg (100 lb).
Electric trailers
Electric bike trailers are trailer with electric propulsion. Most are electric pusher trailers. They are made by various manufacturers. Examples are Aevon Trailers (Cycloboost), Ridekick International (Ridekick), Topeak (Journey Trailer), etc.
Limits on load
Heavier loads on trailers increase the safety risks. Trailers with brakes (often referred to as braking trailers) allow heavier loads to be safely towed. According to the American ASTM F1975-15 standard, a limit of can be carried in a trailer without brakes. On the other hand, the European EN 15918 standard for the maximum load is . The heavier the load, the more hazardous the ride becomes due to the inability to stop the trailer from continuing to move forward into the cyclist. This hazard can be diminished if a braking system is added to the trailer, typically some form of overrun or inertial braking system.