bike trailers for kids

  • BIKE, FAVORITE GEAR

    Gear Review: Burley Encore X Bike Trailer & Double Stroller

    As a parent, finding ways to spend quality time with your children can be challenging, especially when it comes to outdoor activities. However, with the Burley Encore X bike trailer for kids, you can enjoy a fun biking adventure with your little ones without having to worry about their safety. The Burley Encore X is a top-of-the-line bike trailer that boasts exceptional durability, comfort, and versatility. In this blog post, we’ll be reviewing the Burley Encore X bike trailer, exploring its features and benefits to help you decide whether it’s the right fit for you and your family. So, let’s dive in and see why the Burley Encore X bike trailer is one of the most popular choices among parents who love to bike with their kids.

    This post was sponsored by Burley. Burley Encore X trailer was provided as compensation and for review purposes. All opinions expressed and photos herein belong to the author.

    burley encore X kid bike trailer double stroller gear review

    Gear review: Burley Encore X

    We know that getting outside and adventuring together as a family is incredibly important. But we’re parents, so we also know that it’s not always easy. Nothing with kids is easy, right? That’s why we love finding and supporting companies that make products that promote outdoor play AND make life easier for parents. And sharing them with you, of course! Burley is definitely one of those companies we adore!

    Burley makes an extended line of kid bike trailers and strollers that encourage outdoor family adventuring. The trailers are incredibly well-made and durable. They are useful for parents and safe for kids. We’ve had a Burley bike trailer for two years now and it’s completely changed the way we travel. Burley just launched a line of three new trailers that easily convert from bike buggies to a double-stroller. We had the opportunity to try out the Encore X and couldn’t love it more!

    Benefits of using a bike trailer for kids

    Using a bike trailer for your kids has numerous benefits. First, it provides a safe and secure way to take your kids along with you on biking adventures. With sturdy frames, harness systems, and safety flags to ensure that your kids are protected in the event of an accident, bike trailers give parents a bit more peace of mind when biking as a family. Additionally, bike trailers are designed to be comfortable for your little ones, with padded seats, adjustable harnesses, and plenty of ventilation.

    Using a bike trailer also allows you to stay active while spending quality time with your children, promoting a healthy and active lifestyle for the whole family. Finally (and this is a big one for me!), bike trailers offer a practical solution for transporting kids and gear. We never travel lightly (even running errands around town), so having a way to transport gear, groceries, snacks, and more is super convenient. 

    burley encore x review

    The lineup of Burley trailers

    To celebrate their 40th Anniversary (congrats, y’all!!!!), Burley launched a new line of three kid-specific sport and performance trailers – the Encore, the D’Lite, and the Cub. All three trailers offer excellent safety features, including a sturdy aluminum frame, a five-point harness system, and a safety flag for visibility.

    The Encore, D’Lite, and Cub also feature a comfortable interior with padded seats and adjustable harnesses. The D’Lite and Cub models offer even more comfort with adjustable suspension systems that provide a smoother ride for your child. The seats in all three models are also removable and washable, making it easy to keep the trailer clean.  In terms of capacity, the Encore can hold up to two children with a maximum weight limit of 100 pounds, while the D’Lite and Cub can carry up to two children with a maximum weight limit of 100 and 125 pounds, respectively. All three trailers also feature ample storage space for gear and snacks.

    But, my favorite feature is that all three biking trailers come standard with a stroller kit (handlebar and front wheel) included. This makes it super easy to go from biking the trails to strolling the streets with your kiddo(s) in tow. There are no additional accessories or conversion kits you need to purchase. It’s an all-in-one package!

    burley encore x bike trailer for kids double stroller

    Revamp using post-consumer recycled fabrics

    Recently, Burley ramped up their sustainability efforts by introducing post-consumer recycled fabrics into their kid bike trailer collection. Starting in 2023, 55% of all softgoods in Burley kid and pet bike trailers are from post-consumer recycled materials. These materials are mostly derived from plastic water bottles that are processed through a recycling center and transformed into fabric. Burley has worked closely with their manufacturer to source this fabric, ensuring that it meets or exceeds all safety and durability standards.

    Integrating post-consumer recycled fabric into their kid collection is another step toward making Burley a more sustainable business and steward of the outdoor industry. It’s one of the many reasons we love Burley and all they do and make! 

    Burley stats

    All Burley trailers include a steel hitch, tow bar, and safety flag. Designed and tested to meet or exceed safety standards, the trailers have a 5-point harness support system and a full internal aluminum roll cage for protection in an accident.  The buggy comes with a hammock-style seat, which provides passive suspension for rider comfort. Remove the seat entirely for turning your kid trailer into a cargo trailer.

    Visit burley.com for more information on all the trailers.

    biking with kids - bike trailers

    Burley Encore X

    The Encore X includes the stroller kit, so you can bike or stroll straight out of the box. The suspension system keeps kids comfortable by softening bumps and jostles and the 20” push-button wheels are quick and easy to install and remove. It comes with a water-resistant cover and zippers to provide added protection in wet conditions, plus rear window ventilation and a sunshade.

    There’s a ton of room in the back for gear, plus inside pockets for toys, water bottles, and your diaper bag. The double seats can be removed entirely for carrying cargo, if you need more space on your grown-up kid-free adventures. There’s a convenient parking brake, the handlebar is adjustable, and the whole thing collapses and folds flat for easy storage.

    They seriously thought of everything!

    best bike trailers for kids

    Why we love our Burley trailer

    This Encore X biking trailer is perfect for our little family. We have a 6-year-old that’s active, adventurous and refuses to sit still, so he bikes alongside us. However, our 4-year-old is easily distracted and gets tired quickly. She’s not much into riding on her own but definitely wants to be a part of the action. And now we also have a baby that just turned one! Having a way to keep him secure and safe is key to helping us get outside.

    Our two youngest are loving life in the new Burley bike buggy/stroller. They keep each other entertained, are super comfortable, and now beg to go on bike rides and runs every day. And all three kids love it – I’ve even found the two oldest sitting in the buggy out in the garage reading books and using it as a secret hideout! They love pushing each other around in it (yes, it’s easy enough for a 4-year-old to operate) and taking each other for “walks.” 

    biking with kids - bike trailer reviewburley design encore x bike trailer review

    How it compares to the Burley Minnow and a double stroller

    As I mentioned earlier, we’ve had a Burley Minnow bike trailer for two years and have gotten a ton of use out of it. However, we did not have the stroller kit for our trailer, so I didn’t realize how much we were missing out on. We have another double-jogging stroller, but it doesn’t compare to the ease and maneuverability of this one. Now that we have the Burley Encore X, we’ve retired the other stroller. 

    Having a bike trailer that can also convert into a double stroller is a huge perk for us (and other parents). With two functions in one product, instead of purchasing a separate bike trailer and a double stroller, you can invest in a single product that serves both purposes. This can help save money and storage space.

    The Burley Encore X is so easy to push (one-handed!), which my current double-stroller is not. And the suspension means it’s a comfortable ride for the kids on our neighborhood’s bumpy sidewalks, which is something my daughter complains about with the double stroller. The handlebar adjusts easily for me (short) and my husband (tall). It’s made getting out of the house so much easier for us all. 

    The benefits of biking with kids

    Our Burley Encore X has completely changed the way we travel. We love biking to our local playground, into “town” for lunch, or on trails. There’s a great trail close to our house that runs next to a farm with horses, where the kids love to stop and say hi! We also love using the trailer to run errands around town. Taking the buggy means that we can stop and pick up a few bags of groceries, or stock up on library books and easily transport them home. 

    Biking as a family provides a great way for children to explore new places and experience the beauty of nature. This can foster a love and appreciation for the outdoors and inspire a lifelong interest in outdoor activities. Biking together is also a wonderful way to create lasting family memories and strengthen family bonds. It’s an opportunity for parents and children to spend quality time together, talk, and have fun. We love and cherish our bike rides together and look forward to many more this summer! 

    You should get one, too

    If you’re even considering getting a bike trailer or double stroller, I highly encourage you to DO IT! I promise you won’t regret it! Biking with kids is such a great way to have fun outdoor adventures, reduce your carbon footprint and get plenty of fresh air and exercise!

    Find the full line of Burley kid bike trailers and strollers on the Burley website.

    best way to bike with kids best gear for biking with kids - burley bike trailer Do you bike with kids? Ever used a bike trailer? 
    I’d love to hear about your biking adventures!

    About the author

    Sara McCarty is the founder and editor-in-chief of Run Wild My Child (runwildmychild.com), a resource website, online community, and podcast all about reconnecting families through outdoor activities and adventures. She’s a mom of 3, wife, and former attorney. She grew up in the country, but now lives in St. Louis and is determined to raise her city kids to be as feral as possible. You can usually find her family exploring a creek, fly fishing, hiking, duck hunting, camping, canoeing, biking, or geocaching. She’s passionate about traveling, reading, photography, plants, coffee, cooking, and key lime pie.

  • BIKE, FAVORITE GEAR, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

    Tips for Biking with Kids

    Biking with kids is a fun adventure and a great way to create memories as a family. It’s also a great way to get outdoors, explore new areas/trails and get in shape. However, the thought of biking together as a family can sound intimidating and overwhelming with the amount of gear you need and safety concerns. That’s why we’ve put together this great post with lot of tips, advice and recommendations on how to get started, what to pack, what gear to use and what to expect!

    Why bike?

    As a fan of (nearly) all things that get kids outside and active, biking is at the top. Learning to ride a bike is an important skill that every child should learn and comes with a range of benefits. While most of us know that regular exercise contributes to better physical health, there are plenty of other reasons why learning to ride a bike is more important than ever. It builds confidence and fosters independence in kids. Riding a bike not only improves physical fitness, it also benefits your child’s learning development and mental health. Plus, using active transport like cycling instead of driving reduces carbon emissions, eases traffic congestion and eliminates parking problems. Less pollution and traffic means our communities will become greener, healthier and less stressful places to live.

    Kids that ride bikes connect with their neighborhoods, community and nature in new ways. They get to know the people, geography, and landmarks of their area. Kids who are driven around in cars most of the time aren’t as likely to know their way around in their own neighborhoods. They can also feel less emotionally connected to their communities. Think about it: unlike traveling by car, when you’re on your bike, you can easily stop and smell the roses (literally!). You can stop to play at a park, by a neighbor’s garden for a chat, or at food stand for a bite. Even when you’re zooming along, you’re still going at a pace that allows you to take in the sights and smells. Biking is a full sensory experience.

    How to choose your biking set-up

    Before you can start biking, you’ll need to decide what kind of set-up you want to use for your family. Whether you biked a lot before having kids or just recently thought about biking as a fun way to exercise together and get around, biking with kids is easier than ever these days. There are so many great set-up options for king with kids – individual bikes, bike seats, tow bars, carts, buggies and trailers.

    However, all these options can be a bit overwhelming. When making the decision on your biking set-up, you’ll want to consider the following criteria:

    • number of kids you have;
    • children’s ages;
    • kid’s sizes;
    • children’s expertise on a bike;
    • price of gear;
    • weight of gear;
    • size and transportability of gear;
    • your comfort-level with the different biking options.

    Individual bikers

    If your kids are old enough to ride their own bike, by all means, give them the chance to learn how to bike with the family. The more experience they get, the better riders they’ll become. My son is five and finally got rid of the training wheels last year. Since then, he’s become pretty proficient at riding his own bike and being independent. He still crashes occasionally, but that’s just part of the learning process. He rides a Schwinn Amplify SmartStart bike, which is the perfect size for him (you can read our gear review on the bike HERE).

    Trailers, tow bars and bike seats

    For younger kids and infants, you have a few options: a pull behind trailer, a bike seat, a cargo bike or a tow bar. Obviously, there are pros and cons to each of these set-ups, which you’ll need to consider. It will also depend on the age/size/activity level of the kid and how long you’d like the product to last. Tow bars are great for bigger kids that want to ride their own bike, but they add weight to your set-up and won’t work for small kids and infants. Bike seats are great for small kids, as they’re fully restrained, close to the adult and can even sleep in the seat. It’s also nice to have them close to you so you can talk to and hear them. However, some of these seats don’t give the child much of a view or any freedom to move around.

    We chose to get a pull-behind trailer for a couple reasons: (1) our daughter is 3 years-old and big, so she fits much better in a trailer and has her own space; (2) it has an area for cargo, because we never travel lightly; (3) it’s safe, with a full aluminum roll cage and 5-point harness; and (4) we can add a snuggle seat inside for our next baby, starting at age 1. By that time she’ll hopefully be able to ride her own bike. You can get trailers for one or two kids and some even convert into a jogging stroller. Check out our Burly Minnow bike trailer gear review.

    Always wear your helmet

    Safety is a top priority when biking with kids, so make sure that everyone wears a helmet at all times when biking (even in a trailer or seat). Helmets should fit snugly around the head and not move or flop around. The chin strap should be tight, but not uncomfortable. Kids grow fast, so make sure you check for fit every time you ride.

    If your kids aren’t used to helmets, they might not like wearing them, but make it a rule: no helmet = no bike. Don’t give them an option not to wear one. And the more you bike, the more they will get used to it.

    Don’t forget about helmets for mom and dad, too. As parents and protectors, we tend to think about our kids first, but your safely is just as important to your kids. Set a good example by always riding with a helmet and your kids will be more likely to grab theirs every time they go biking.

    Pick the right location

    You’ve heard that “location, location, location” are the three most important things about buying real estate, but choosing the right location is also extremely important in ensuring that you have a safe and enjoyable bike ride with your kids. The right trail or bike path can make the difference between a stressful exhausting ride and an enjoyable one for both you and the kids.

    Try to choose a location that’s away from traffic, if possible, for safety and peace of mind. Young riders can be a bit unpredictable so it’s nice knowing they aren’t going to swerve in front of a car if they lose control of their bike. Lots of local parks have bike trails free from cars and trucks.

    Depending on your bike and tires, paved trails will be easier for beginners. Flat trails are ideal for young riders and anyone pulling a trailer. Once the kids get older and can go longer distances, you can add more challenging trails with hills, gravel, off-roading and other exciting features.

    To find great trails in your area, do some research. Most parks have trail maps and information online. Lots of cities/towns have designated biking lanes on certain streets to get you to and from bike trails safely. Ask friends or local mom groups for suggestions.

    Have a destination in mind

    Kids do much better riding and staying focused when they have a goal, so choose a route with a specific destination. Make it a park, an ice cream shop, a restaurant, picnic location or even just a landmark that lets them know they’ve reached their goal. Bonus points if the destination has a playground, food or treats! Our favorite bike trail leads us right to a beautiful little creek, where we can stop, play and throw rocks for a while before getting back on the bikes to head home.

    Keep older kids in between adults

    If you are riding with kids who are riding their own bike, the safest option is to put them in between two adults. One adult rides in front and one behind. Having someone to follow ensures that your kids stay on the right track, stop when they’re supposed to and don’t get too far ahead of everyone else. Having an adult in the back also ensures no stragglers get left behind.

    If you have more than one kid riding independently, form a duck line. Either Mama Duck or Daddy Duck up front, and then the youngest solo rider to the oldest, single file behind the leader. The other parent (or oldest child) is in the back. No one breaks the duck line until the leader gives the all clear, which will give the first and last rider time to check for cars. Your kids may need practice both getting into the duck line without panicking and not flying so close together that they’ll all crash if someone stops. It takes practice, but it’s worth it for the safety.

    Be prepared

    In addition to making sure your bikes are maintained and in well-working order, you’ll also want to be sure to dress your kids accordingly for the weather and conditions. Be sure they wear appropriate footwear so they don’t get blisters. Hats, sunglasses, sunscreen if it’s sunny. Feed them before the ride so they’re not tired, cranky and hungry.

    As with any outdoor adventure, getting prepped ahead of time is half the battle. Biking trips are no different; although the gear and supplies you pack might vary a bit from a regular outing. Here are few things we recommend you bring along on your next biking outing:

    I hope these tips encourage you to get out and bike with your kids soon!