Adaptive Bike Trailers for Adults and Older Children: A Buying Guide
An adaptive bike trailer lets an older child, teen or adult who can't ride on their own come along on a bike ride. Most trailers are built for toddlers and small children, so if your passenger is bigger, you need one designed for the job. This guide covers what to look for and how the Wike Large and Extra Large trailers compare.
Who adaptive bike trailers are for
Adaptive trailers suit people who can't ride a bike, or can't ride far, but love being outdoors. That might be a child with a physical or developmental disability, a teenager who has outgrown a standard kids trailer, or an adult who needs mobility support. The person riding the bike tows, and the passenger sits back and enjoys the ride.
Because they also convert to strollers, adaptive trailers often double as an everyday mobility option for walks, parks and days out.
How they differ from a standard kids bike trailer
A standard child trailer is sized for small children. An adaptive trailer is bigger in every way that matters:
- Higher weight capacity, so it can carry a teenager or an adult.
- More interior space, with extra legroom and headroom.
- Easier access, usually through a large opening canopy, to make transfers in and out simpler.
- Support options, such as headrests, side bolsters and reclining cushions.
What to look for
1. Weight and height capacity
Start here. Check your passenger's weight and height against the trailer's limits, and allow some room for growth if you're buying for a child. Don't go over the stated limits.
2. Interior space
Look at the interior length, width and height, not just the outside size. Extra legroom makes a big difference on longer rides.
3. Harness and positioning support
A 5-point harness keeps the passenger secure. If they need more postural support, check whether the trailer has headrests or optional cushions and bolsters.
4. Getting in and out
A wide, retractable canopy makes transfers much easier for carers. Think about where you'll be lifting or helping your passenger in, and how often.
5. Stroller and jogger modes
A trailer that converts to a stroller is far more useful day to day. For a heavier passenger, a hand brake on the stroller adds control on slopes.
6. Folding and transport
Check the folded size against your car boot. Adaptive trailers are large, so a flat-fold design helps.
7. Your towing bike
Adaptive trailers work with bicycles, e-bikes and tadpole-style recumbent trikes. With a heavier passenger, an e-bike makes towing noticeably easier, especially on hills.
Wike Large vs Extra Large
| Large | Extra Large | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Older children and teens | Bigger teens and adults |
| Maximum passenger weight | 57 kg | 90.7 kg |
| Maximum passenger height | 162 cm | 178 cm |
| Interior (L × W × H) | 94 × 61 × 86.5 cm | 99 × 66 × 94 cm |
| Trailer weight | 15 kg | 17.7 kg |
| Folded (L × W × H) | 99 × 71 × 30.5 cm | 101 × 78.5 × 35.5 cm |
| Modes | Bike trailer, stroller, jogger | Bike trailer, stroller with hand brake |
| Extras | Optional accessory set with recliner cushion, side bolsters and head stabiliser | Built-in headrests, roll-up side windows |
| Price | $1,799 | $2,199 |
Shop the Wike Special Needs Large or the Wike Special Needs Extra Large, or see the full adaptive range.
Where to ride
Rail trails are some of the best places in Australia for adaptive trailers. They're flat, wide, surfaced and away from traffic. I live near the Northern Rivers Rail Trail in NSW, and seeing families out there with adaptive trailers is what started Take Me Riding. Read our guide to using bike trailers on rail trails for tips.
Staying safe
- Passengers should wear a helmet at all times.
- Always use the harness and fly the safety flag.
- Never leave a passenger unattended in the trailer.
- Do a short practice ride somewhere quiet before your first big outing.
Funding
Take Me Riding is an NDIS registered provider. If you'd like to talk about buying a trailer through an NDIS plan, call us on 0435 577 395 or email admin@takemeriding.com.au.