Electric Cargo Bike Trailers
Key Takeaways
| Key Takeaways | |
|---|---|
| Trailers extend the load hauling abilities of electric cargo bikes for bigger jobs. | |
| Models include general duty, waterproof, refrigerated, child and pet carriers. | |
| Key features are capacity, dimensions, weather protection, add-ons like batteries. | |
| Range-extender trailers have generators, solar or swappable batteries to boost distance. | |
| Safety features include lights, reflectors, flags, and parking brakes for secure loading. | |
| Look for corrosion resistant materials, modular sections, and easy coupling to the bike. |
Introduction
The carrying capacity of electric cargo bikes continues to grow but sometimes even 200kg of front load space or a long extended rear isn’t enough. Enter the electric cargo bike trailer – adding a wheeled extension for bigger loads.
This guide explores the range of specialty trailers enabling electric cargo trikes and bikes to move serious weight. We cover everything from weatherproof and refrigerated models to range-extending and even child carrying trailers.
Expanding Load Capacity
Built for work, cargo bike trailers are the packhorses of electric loads transport. With their modular platforms and specialized bodies, key benefits include:
- Increased capacity – Typically at least 100kg with some extending to 300kg+ towing weight.
- Larger dimensions – Trailers overcome cargo bike length limits to transport long items like ladders or pipes.
- Weather protection – Enclosed trailers shield perishables and valuable items from rain and dust.
- Specialty models like refrigeration for food deliveries or padded pet and child carriers.
- Range extension – Trailers can double mileage with extra batteries or generators.
- Safety features like parking brakes, reflectors and lighting prevent load shifts and increase road visibility.
Leading Electric Cargo Bike Trailer Manufacturers
Dedicated manufacturers producing innovative trailers to match cargo bike capabilities include:
- Burley – The modular Travoy trailers click together for flexible load space.
- Carla Cargo – The Carla Cargo trailer combines a 300kg capacity with integrated generator for unlimited range.
- Douze Cycles – Matching modular trailers for their four wheel cargo bikes extend carrying capacity.
- Omnia – These Portuguese trailers are configurable as open or enclosed models. The Cross model has serious 450kg capacity.
- Sidney Charles – British motorcycle trailers adapted for cargo bikes with models like the heavy duty chassis Bulldog.
- Tern – Expanding on their folding and cargo bikes, Tern produce the sturdy Cargo Hold trailer.
- Urb-E – Their lightweight expandable Sport trailer suits last mile deliveries.
Trailer Types
Trailers for cargo bikes come in many configurations to suit different loads and applications including:
General Cargo Trailers
Versatile open trailers for everyday loads like the Burley Travoy or Carla Cargo Lite.
Enclosed Trailers
Fully covered trailers protect loads from weather and dust. Options include door access and storage for tools or goods.
Refrigerated Trailers
Insulated, temperature-controlled trailers keep frozen goods or chilled groceries secure in transit with power from the cargo bike.
Waterproof Trailers
Rotomolded polyethylene fully sealed trailers keep valuables dry and clean even in heavy rain like the Watkins: WTT model.
Pet Trailers
Specialized models safely transport dogs, cats or other pets with protection, tie downs and suspension.
Child Trailers
Sturdy but lightweight trailers allow cargo bikes to carry kids with weather protection, seats, harnesses and even sleeping sections.
Range Extender Trailers
Smart trailers carry extra batteries or generators to double the transport range of cargo e-bikes.
Buying Considerations
Key considerations when selecting an electric cargo bike trailer include:
- Carrying capacity – This ranges from 50kg to 300kg+ for the largest models. Select the minimum capacity needed.
- Dimensions – Measure length, width and height limits based on the cargo to be carried. Height affects stability.
- Weatherproofing – Fully enclosed models protect loads but reduce capacity compared to open trailers.
- Security – Lockable doors and lids deter tampering or theft. Parking brakes prevent load shifts.
- Terrain – More rugged tires and suspension give better stability over rough ground. But add weight.
- Range extension – Built-in generators, batteries or solar panels can greatly expand transport range.
- Ease of attachment – Quick release hitches make connecting and disconnecting simpler.
- Lights – Integrated lighting makes trailers road legal and improves visibility and safety.
- Material – Durable aluminum or polyethylene stands up to heavy use but steel offers higher capacities at the cost of higher weight.
Safety Considerations
Tow a cargo safely and legally by:
- Adding trailer lights wired to the bike – white front, red rear plus indicators.
- Fitting high visibility safety flags to alert other road users.
- Checking tire pressures – low pressures cause unstable handling when loaded.
- Binding longer loads securely so they don’t shift in transit.
- Using any provided parking brake when stopped for safe loading.
- Selecting wider tires for stability when carrying heavier loads.
- Avoiding overloading as this stresses the bike and makes stopping distances longer.
- Taking corners wider as the extra trailer length affects turning circle.
Advantages of Cargo Bike Trailers
Reasons electric cargo bike trailers make sense for moving larger loads include:
- Much higher carrying capacity – up to 300kg+ compared to <200kg for bikes.
- Weather protection for perishables, fragile or valuable loads.
- Increased range from integrated batteries, generators or solar panels.
- Carry long or unwieldy items like ladders that exceed bike length.
- Safer and more stable transport for pets and children.
- Provide secure jobsite storage for tools when working away from the van.
- Flexible configurations – open, closed, chilled, flatbed and child carrying models.
- Still zero emissions, cheap to run and easy to park unlike vans.
Disadvantages of Trailers
The limitations and downsides of cargo bike trailers include:
- Increased weight – reduces bike acceleration and range while adding wheel drag.
- Wider turning circle makes the bike less agile.
- Caution needed on hills as extra weight increases freewheel speed.
- Folding or disassembly often required to store and transport the trailer.
- Greater cost than simple cargo bikes, especially for refrigerated or generator models.
- Generator noise may be unacceptable in some urban areas.
- Specialized hitches usually required to safely connect trailer to bike.
Cargo Capacity Comparison
To give an idea of carrying capacities, a general comparison is:
| Load Carrier | Total Capacity |
|---|---|
| Rear rack only | 25-50kg |
| Longtail cargo bike | 100-200kg |
| Electric cargo trike | 100-300kg |
| Small trailer | 50-100kg |
| Large cargo trailer | 150-400kg |
So a cargo bike with trailer can transport up to 500kg+ in total – rivalling a small van.
Trailer Tire Valve Accessibility
When using a trailer, ensure the tire valves remain accessible to allow inflation pressure checks and adjustment.
Options to enable inflating trailer tires include:
- Valve extenders – Low profile angled extenders relocate the valve for easy access.
- Quick release wheels – Allow the trailer wheel to be removed for inflation then refitted.
- An inflator with a right angle chuck – Allows inflation with the wheel still on in most cases.
- A portable compressor – Long enough hose to access valve stem even with load on many trailers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are cargo bike trailers used for?
Trailers extend the load capacity of cargo bikes for heavier items or perishables needing weatherproofing. Applications include deliveries,trades, mobile shops, and family transport.
How much weight can a cargo bike trailer carry?
From 50kg for simple models up to 300kg or more for heavy duty units. Match capacity to your needs.
Do you need a license to tow cargo bike trailers?
No, provided combined weight stays under maximums for normal bike use as the power comes from you or electric assist up to 250W.
Are cargo bike trailers road legal?
Provided the bike remains legally compliant and you fit trailer lights and reflectors, cargo trailers are fully road legal in most jurisdictions.
Can a cargo bike pull a normal trailer?
Usually no – you need a special trailer with a lightweight frame plus a correctly rated and positioned trailer hitch point on the bike.
Final Thoughts
Cargo bike trailers provide huge flexibility to increase carrying capacity for larger loads and specialty items like pets or refrigerated goods. With capacities up to 400kg+ possible, electric cargo bikes rival small vans for moving goods emissions-free.
Match the trailer to your cargo needs and expand the possibilities of electric family and load transportation. Ride and load safely within the total capacity and enjoy the increased possibilities.