Riding with a bike trailer is probably the most fun and safe way to get around with the kids or with a dog.
But some bike trailers can be a bit pricey. Most entry-level bike trailers can cost at least $300.
If you’re a budget-minded individual but want to explore the world of bike trailers, then this is the article for you!
Can a bike trailer be bought for under $100?
The cheapest bike trailer on the market costs around $100 by Allen Sports, but the quality of the wheels, frame, and cover is rather poor. The best place to buy a high-quality bike trailer for under $100 is through a used online marketplace, such as Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or eBay.
If you’re looking for the best bang-for-buck bike trailer that $100 can buy, as well as how to find a good used trailer, then keep reading!
By the way, if you’re willing to swing for a $150 trailer, then here is my recommended budget trailer under $200.
Two bike trailers under $100
At the time of this writing, there are two reasonable bike trailers that can be bought for around $100. I would only recommend these if you are only planning to do occasional outings on smooth surfaces.
However, keep in mind that with bike trailers, you get what you pay for.
The reason these trailers are substantially cheaper than other entry-level options is that the materials of the frame, wheels, and covers are not high quality.
If you are planning to do regular rides or can swing an extra $50, then I would recommend either buying a used trailer or getting the Schwinn Trailblazer for around $150.
Instep Bike Trailer
- Price: Around $95 (check on Amazon)
- Seats: Double
- Stroller Conversion: No
Note: Prices are subject to change.
Pros
- Super affordable price
- Lightweight trailer
- Surprisingly spacious interior
- Double seating
Cons
- Quality of covers poor compared to other trailers
- Not ideal for frequent use
- Stroller conversion not available
Allen Sports Deluxe Steel Bike Trailer
- Price: Around $100 (check on Amazon)
- Seats: Double
- Stroller Conversion: No
Note: Prices are subject to change.
Pros
- Super affordable price
- Metal wheels
- Extra cargo storage pockets
- Comes with safety flag
- Surprisingly spacious interior
- Double seating
Cons
- Plastic wheels
- Quality of covers poor compared to other trailers
- Not ideal for frequent use
- Stroller conversion not available
How to buy a used bike trailer
If you’re looking for a high-quality bike trailer for under $100, then buying used is the way to go!
The best place to purchase a used bike trailer is on a local online marketplace, such as Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or eBay. Since bike trailers can be passed on for many years, you can find a high-quality bike trailer for a good price.
Bike trailers are one of those items that should ideally be passed on from one family to the next while reducing the need to manufacture new bike trailers.
In other words, there are plenty of used trailers for sale floating around! Below I’ve outlined some things to know before you buy a used trailer.
Best practices when buying a used bike trailer
Apart from using the same best practices you would when purchasing any used bike trailer, there are a few important things to look out for when purchasing a used bike trailer.
1. Search in your local area
Search for “bike trailers” on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and eBay in your local area.
Filter by “bike trailers”
Sorting the items with a price filter will give you an immediate result on what you’re looking for.
Filter by distance
Don’t be afraid to drive an hour or longer to get the bike trailer, especially if you find a good deal.
2. Know how much you are actually saving
Once you’ve found a used bike trailer for sale within your price range, be sure to look up the actual retail price for that trailer.
Sometimes sellers sell items without giving it much of a discount. For example, a $150 Schwinn bike trailer going for $100 on Craigslist is not much of a deal. But at $300 Burley Bee going for $100 is a heck of a steal!
3. Bring your bike with you
Not all types of bikes play nicely with all bike trailers.
For example, if you have disc brakes and a thru-axle, then the trailer’s coupler attachment will likely not fit on your disc brakes.
Therefore, it is recommended to bring the bike with you to make sure
If you’re not sure how a bike trailer would attach to your bike, check out my article on attachments.
4. Look for wear and tear
It is expected to see natural wear and tear on any used bike trailer.
But there are a few important areas to look for significant damage. Specifically, the hitch attachment and the wheels are most important.
Make sure that the hitch and coupler attachment work properly, have no cracks, and are not bent.
Also, take a look at the wheels and give them a spin to ensure they spin smoothly and straight.
5. Ask the right questions
If the description and photos don’t tell you much about the condition of the trailer, then don’t shy away from asking questions.
The trailer should have the basic features intact. I would recommend asking the following:
- Does it come with the coupler hitch attachment?
- If it doesn’t, you can easily get one for around $10 on Amazon
- What is the condition of the wheels?
- Wheels are important (duh). They need to be rotating fine.
- What is the condition of the cover?
If possible, you can ask these questions before seeing it in person by email, text, or phone.
6. Watch out for scams
Some marketplaces are riddled with bots and scammers. Notably, Craigslist will bring up many results that are obviously scam bots.
I just did a search for “bike trailers” with a price filter of under $100 and a radius of 100 miles of my area in North Carolina.
The results turned up many spammy bike trailer listings selling for $0, which were obviously bot-generated scams.
You can tell something is a scam because of the generic photos used. Just steer clear of those, and you might find a few good deals.
Renting a bike trailer
If you’re just looking for occasional rides with a bike trailer, or you just want to test it out to get your feet wet, then renting is an option you should definitely consider. The rental price for 1 day is estimated at around $30.
I have never personally rented a bike trailer, but my research shows that bike trailer rentals are very location-specific.
In other words, there is currently not a nation-wide bike trailer sharing system that I can recommend. Just a quick Google search brought up rental companies in Washington DC, Tallahassee, and the Outer Banks that offer trailer rentals.
My best recommendation would be to just do a Google search of your local area to find any rental options nearby. Some companies will deliver to you, and others will require you to pick up and drop off.
Conclusion
I recommend seeing the purchase of a bike trailer as an investment in your health and in your gas costs. Over time, the trailer will pay for itself in the form of health benefits and clean miles traveled with your own two legs.
The amount of time my family has spent commuting and pulling the kids around in the bike trailer is worth its weight in gold, which is way more valuable than the initial investment we put down (just around $300). We go to parks, the library, and get our exercise all with bike trailers.
But if you’re on a budget of $100, then it’s perfectly reasonable to go for the Allen or Instep trailers. Alternatively, you can find a used trailer for sale in your area. However, I would personally recommend swinging for an extra $150 to get the better-quality Schwinn or Instep trailers.
Need help finding the right bike trailer?
If you need help finding the right bike trailer for you, my recommended trailer for most people is the Swhinn Joyrider, which is an affordable double-seater that converts beautifully to a stroller. Check out my full review with photos here.
Check out the Ultimate Guide to Buying a Bike Trailer for more help with choosing a trailer. I also have compiled a list of the top bike trailers for every common situation, which you can check out here.
Ride on!
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