Towing an Adaptive Bike Trailer with an E-Bike
Towing an older child, teen or adult in an adaptive bike trailer takes effort, especially on hills. An e-bike makes a big difference. Here's what to know about pairing an e-bike with an adaptive trailer, from setup to the rules.
Can you tow an adaptive trailer with an e-bike?
Yes. Wike adaptive trailers are designed to work with bicycles, e-bikes and tadpole-style recumbent trikes. They are not for use with motorised vehicles such as motorbikes, mopeds or scooters.
For more on e-bikes and trailers in general, see our guide: Can an electric bike pull a bicycle trailer?
Why an e-bike helps so much
A loaded adaptive trailer is heavy. The Wike Extra Large weighs 17.7 kg empty and carries passengers up to 90.7 kg. That's a lot to pull from a standing start or up a slope. Pedal assist smooths out starts and hills, so you can ride further and arrive with energy left for the day.
Know the rules
- Assistance stops at 25 km/h. In Australia, an e-bike's motor must stop assisting once you reach 25 km/h. With a passenger on board, you'll want to ride well below that anyway.
- Power limits depend on your state. In NSW, the current limit is 500 W, dropping to 250 W from 1 March 2029, and the government recommends bikes certified to the EN 15194 standard. Check the rules in your state.
- Trails can set their own limits. The Northern Rivers Rail Trail, for example, allows e-bikes up to 250 W.
- Helmets are required for e-bike riders, just as for regular bikes.
Setting up
- Check the hitch fits. Wike trailers come with two bike hitches that attach at the rear axle. E-bikes with thru-axles or hub motors may need a specific adapter, so check your bike before your first ride and ask us if you're unsure.
- Check your bike's load rating. Make sure your e-bike is rated for towing a trailer.
- Use a low assist level to start. High assist from a standing start can make the trailer jerk forward. Build up gradually.
- Brake early. A loaded trailer adds stopping distance. Leave plenty of room and slow down well before corners.
- Charge before you go. Towing uses more battery than riding solo, so start full and plan your distance. The Northern Rivers Rail Trail has e-bike charging at Murwillumbah Station.
Riding tips
- Take corners wide and slow. The trailer tracks inside your rear wheel.
- Watch the trailer's width on bridges, gates and narrow paths.
- Check in with your passenger often, and stop for breaks.
- Always use the harness and fly the safety flag.
Where to ride
Rail trails are perfect for e-bike and trailer combos: gentle grades, wide paths and no traffic. See our guide to accessible rail trails in NSW and Queensland.
Find the right trailer
The Wike Special Needs Large suits passengers up to 162 cm and 57 kg. The Extra Large takes passengers up to 178 cm and 90.7 kg. Both convert to a stroller for when you park the bike.
E-bike rules are current at the time of writing and differ between states. Check your state transport authority for the latest.