A double bike trailer is the only safe option for riding with two children at once, providing dedicated space for each child up to roughly 80 pounds combined.
If you’ve got two kids under six and want them along on bike rides, you’ve landed on the one question that really matters. A single trailer can’t legally or safely carry two kids — most lack a center seatbelt and are designed for one rider at a time. That leaves the double trailer as the real choice for growing families, and the decision shifts to which model and features fit your budget and storage. Below you’ll find the straight facts on weight limits, widths, conversion options, and the one model worth your money.
Why a Single Trailer Won’t Work for Two Kids
Single bike trailers are built for one child only. They support a maximum child weight of 40 pounds and simply don’t have a center seatbelt to safely restrain a second rider. Single trailers do offer more width per child and weigh about 4 pounds less, but they solve the wrong problem when you need capacity for two.
Double Trailer Weight and Child Capacity — The Real Numbers
A double trailer typically supports a total weight limit of 100 pounds, but that includes both children and any gear you pack. The maximum child weight for two kids is 80 pounds combined — roughly 40 pounds per child. Exceeding that with heavy kids and a loaded cargo area compromises stability and safe handling. The table below shows how leading models compare.
| Model | Max Child Capacity | Total Weight Limit | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burley D’Lite X (Double) | 80 lbs (2 kids) | 100 lbs | ~$799 |
| Burley Encore X (Double) | 80 lbs (2 kids) | 100 lbs | $699.95 |
| Thule Chariot Cross 2 (Double) | 80 lbs (2 kids) | 100 lbs | ~$850 |
| Allen Sports Deluxe (Double) | 88 lbs | 88 lbs | ~$300 |
| Hamax Outback (Double) | 80 lbs (2 kids) | 100 lbs | ~$650 |
| Croozer Kid Two Seater | 80 lbs (2 kids) | ~100 lbs | ~$750 |
| Burley Bee (Single) | 40 lbs (1 kid) | 75 lbs | ~$450 |
What to Look for in a Double Bike Trailer
Most double trailers convert between bike tow, jogger, and stroller modes. If you plan to also use the trailer for walks or light runs, models like the Burley D’Lite X or Thule Chariot Cross 2 include conversion wheel kits in their “Off-Road” or “Light” bundles. The Croozer Kid and Hamax Outback also support cross-use. Burley uses its Click & Connect hitch system, and Croozer uses a similar Click & Crooz mechanism — both attach to a standard rear axle and lock with a safety latch. Infant slings are available for riders as young as 6 months. For a full breakdown of tested models and hands-on buying advice, see our roundup of the best bike trailers for 2 kids.
Double vs Single — The Storage and Weight Trade-Off
Double trailers are wider and heavier than singles. A double like the Burley D’Lite X weighs about 30 pounds and won’t fit through a standard 30-inch garden gate. They also take up more trunk space — a consideration if you drive to trails. Single trailers are roughly 4 to 6 pounds lighter and much narrower, making them easier to store and maneuver. But the extra width on a double translates into significantly more cargo capacity: a double typically offers around 52 liters of interior space versus 42 liters in a single. That extra room is useful for packing diapers, snacks, and jackets on longer rides.
| Type | Weight Range | Interior Width | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single | 19–22 lbs | Narrow | One child, lighter trips |
| Double | 27–32 lbs | Wide | Two kids or cargo + one child |
Safety: Trailers Beat Bike Seats for Every Kid
Burley’s own safety research confirms that trailers act as a roll cage if the parent crashes. The child stays protected inside the aluminum frame while the bike takes the impact. In a bike seat, the child falls with the parent at the same speed. Trailers are harder to see and hear from the bike, but the crash protection advantage is substantial. Double trailers offer the same roll-cage safety as singles — the structure simply scales to two riders.
Which Double Trailer Makes the Most Sense for Your Budget
The Allen Sports Deluxe at about $300 is the most affordable double option, but it lacks the all-weather covers, conversion kits, and infant sling compatibility of premium models. The Hamax Outback at $650 and the Burley Encore X at $700 provide better value — they convert to strollers and accept infant slings for babies as young as 6 months. The Thule Chariot Cross 2 and Burley D’Lite X at $800–$850 sit at the premium end with independently reclining seats and full weather protection. If you plan to carry two children for three to four years, spending $700–$800 is cheaper than buying a single now and upgrading later.
Final Decision Checklist
Buy a double trailer now if you have two children under 6, expect a second child within two years, or want the cargo space for gear and one child. A double holds resale value better than a single and is the only safe option for two riders. Buy a single trailer only if you have exactly one child, need the lightest possible setup, and are certain you won’t add another rider in the trailer’s lifespan. For most families, the double is the one that grows with you.
FAQs
Can a child sit in the middle of a double trailer without a harness?
No. Most double trailers lack a center seatbelt, so a single rider must sit on the right side with the left side empty. Placing a child in the middle without a harness is unsafe because they can slide around or be thrown sideways during a turn or sudden stop.
Are double bike trailers safe for toddlers under one year?
Yes, but only with the correct infant sling or hammock accessory. Models like the Burley D’Lite X and Thule Chariot Cross 2 offer approved infant slings for babies as young as 6 months. Without the sling, an infant’s neck and spine lack sufficient support during a ride.
Will a double trailer fit through a standard doorway or gate?
Usually not. Double trailers measure roughly 28 to 32 inches wide, which is too wide for most residential gates and standard 30-inch doorways. Measure your storage area and intended entry points before buying, or plan to navigate around the width.
How do I attach a double trailer to my bike?
Attach the hitch arm to your bike’s rear axle, then slide the trailer’s coupler onto it until it clicks and locks. Engage the safety latch to prevent accidental release. Most modern double trailers use quick-connect systems that require no tools and attach in under 30 seconds.
Is a double trailer much heavier to pull than a single?
Yes, but the difference is manageable. A double trailer weighs about 10 pounds more and carries roughly 40 more pounds of kids. You’ll feel the extra weight on hills, but most riders adjust within two rides. The biggest impact is on braking distance, not pedaling effort.
References & Sources
- Two Wheeling Tots. “Best Bike Trailer for Kids.” Comprehensive weight and capacity data across single and double models.
- Bicycling Magazine. “The Best Bike Trailers Are Your Ticket to Family Rides.” Expert reviews of double and single models with pricing.
- Croozer. “Child Trailers: What’s Better – a One or Two Seater?” Official hitch and capacity information.
- Burley. “Bike Seat vs. Trailer: What Safer for My Child?” Safety research comparing trailers to bike seats.
- REI. “Bike Trailers.” Retail listings with current pricing and specs.