Everything You Need to Know Before Using Your Bike Trailer for the First Time
Your new Wike bike trailer has arrived. Congratulations! Before you load up the kids, the shopping or a passenger, take a little time to set it up properly and get used to how it handles. This guide walks you through a safe, stress-free first ride.
Step 1: Set up your trailer
Assemble it
Each Wike trailer has a downloadable manual on its product page, and most have an assembly video too. Follow them step by step, and make sure both wheels click firmly into place on their push-button axles.
Fit the hitch to your bike
- The hitch attaches at your bike's rear axle. Wike trailers come with two bike hitches, so you can set up a second bike too.
- Check that your axle suits the hitch before you ride. If you need a spare or replacement, we stock bike hitches with safety locking pins and replacement hitches for round and square tow bars.
- Connect the tow bar and make sure every pin is locked in.
Add the safety flag
Fit the safety flag before every ride. It puts the trailer at eye level for drivers and other riders.
Switch modes correctly
The child and special needs trailers also work as strollers, and most as joggers. Before you ride, remove the stroller or jogger wheel and check the trailer sits on its two main wheels. When you switch back to stroller or jogger mode, attach the front wheel securely before you push off.
Step 2: Get comfortable with the trailer
Pulling a trailer feels different from riding solo, so give yourself time to adjust.
Practise without passengers
Start somewhere quiet and traffic-free, like an empty car park or a calm street. Ride a few laps with the trailer empty to feel how the bike responds.
Add some weight
Load the trailer with a backpack, water bottles or a bag of potting mix to feel how it handles with weight, before you carry a child or passenger.
Practise turning and braking
- Turning: take corners wider and slower than usual, in both directions.
- Braking: extra weight means longer stopping distances, so practise smooth, controlled stops.
Quick checks before every ride
- Tyre pressure on both the bike and the trailer.
- Hitch connected and pins locked.
- Harnesses adjusted and fastened, with passengers wearing helmets.
- Safety flag on, and lights if it's getting dark.
- Speed under 16 km/h when towing a passenger or a load.
Who can ride in a Wike trailer?
Children must be at least 1 year old, wear a helmet and be able to sit upright with good neck control. The child trailers take kids up to 132 cm, and the special needs trailers take older children, teens and adults up to 178 cm. Never leave a passenger unattended.
Ready for your first ride
With a good setup and a few practice laps, you'll feel confident and in control. Your trailer will soon be part of school runs, weekend rides and trips to the shops. For more tips, read cycling with a trailer: everything you need to know. Questions about setup? Call us on 0410 129 275 or email admin@takemeriding.com.au.