One of the main benefits of getting a bike trailer is the ability to use it as an excellent stroller for your kids. Bike trailers make very comfortable strollers for kids due to their large wheels, protective features, and large interior space.
If you’re looking for a stroller that functions well as a bike trailer and a bike trailer, then a stroller-convertible is the way to go.
But not all bike trailers can convert to a stroller.
In fact, the majority of bike trailers on the market do not come with stroller conversion.
I have been using one specific stroller bike trailer for years, which I still recommend today. We got that stroller years ago when I decided to start biking everywhere with my son when he was a baby, but I also needed it to convert seamlessly to a stroller.
Here is an up-to-date list of the top 5 best stroller-convertible bike trailers for kids.
This list is based on years of experience using many different bike trailers and teaching others how to get started riding with trailers.
My recommendation for most people: Schwinn Joyrider
My recommended trailer for most people is the Swhinn Joyrider (available on Amazon here), which is an affordable double-seater that converts beautifully to a stroller. Check out my full review with photos here.
Keep reading to find the right bike trailer for you!
Top 5 best stroller bike trailers for kids
These five recommended stroller bike trailers are based on years of personal experience, customer reviews, and affordability. They all come with stroller conversion out of the box, meaning you do not need to purchase any additional conversion kits.
My assumption is that you want the best bike trailer for your money, and these are truly the best bang-for-buck stroller bike trailers on the market. All of them have high-end features that would normally cost much more than their current price tag.
If you need help figuring out if your bike is compatible with these trailers, check out my full guide here.
| BIKE TRAILER | PRICE | SEATS | STROLLER | PROS | CONS |
1. Schwinn Joyrider | $350 (check on Amazon) | Double | Yes | – Affordable – Protective cage – Stroller conversion | – Wide – Heavy (40 lbs) |
2. Thule Chariot Lite | $1,000 for Double (check on Amazon), $900 for Single (check on Amazon) | Single or Double | Yes | – Highest-quality materials – Suspension – Double front wheels – Lots of storage | – Cost – Complicated to assemble |
3. Aosom Elite | $180 (check on Amazon) | Double | Yes | – Handbrake for safer strolling – Bench-style seats – Large 20-inch wheels – Double-seat capacity – Stroller conversion | – Frame is wider than other trailers |
4. Burley D’Lite X | $750 for Single (check on Amazon), $850 for Double (check on Amazon) | Single or Double | Yes | – Stroller conversion – Comfortable seats – Suspension | – Pricey – Folding up is not easy – Seats do not recline much |
5. Clevr Deluxe | $220 (check on Amazon) | Double | Yes | – Stroller conversion for an affordable price – Sturdy wide seat for kids – Large 20-inch wheels | – Folding up is not easy |
1. Schwinn Joyrider
Best overall stroller bike trailer (my pick)
Price: Around $360 (check on Amazon)
Seats: Double
Stroller Conversion: Yes
Weight Limit: 100 lbs (43 kg)
The Schwinn Joyrider is a steal of a deal at only around $350 for a double-seated trailer that converts seamlessly to an excellent stroller. It has high-end features, such as stroller conversion out of the box, a solid protective cage, large 20-inch wheels for extra smoothness, and large interior space. You get all of that without breaking the bank at just around $350!
I personally have been using the Joyrider the longest out of all the trailers we have, and I still stand by it as the best bang-for-buck bike trailer on the market!
Note: The Amazon description page mistakenly labels this trailer as a “1 Seat” trailer, but that is incorrect. It is in fact a “2 Seat” trailer.
Pros
- Affordable—A low price point for high-quality features
- Protective cage—Added peace of mind
- Stroller conversion—Converts seamlessly to a comfortable stroller
Cons
- Wide—The frame is slightly wider than average double-seat trailers
- Heavy—On the heavier side of trailers weights (40 lbs)
I wrote a full review of using the Schwinn Joyrider, which you can check out here.
2. Thule Chariot Lite
Best rough-terrain stroller bike trailer
Price: Around $1,000 for double (check on Amazon) and $900 for single (check on Amazon)
Seats: Double
Stroller Conversion: Yes
Weight Limit: 100 lbs (43 kg)
Best for active families who want the most out of their bike trailer, the Thule Chariot Lite is a top-of-the-line quality trailer that is worth every penny. Its large wheels and suspension feature make it a great option for gravel riding or mountain riding.
Although on the higher end of the price spectrum, the Chariot Lite is actually a few hundred dollars cheaper than its older brother, the Thule Chariot Cross. For that reason, the Chariot Lite makes the list of exceptional trailers and I would recommend it to someone looking for a trailer that can take a beating.
But why would anyone swing for such a pricey bike trailer?
The Chariot Lite comes with suspension, which adds extra comfort to your child on rough terrain. If you plan on any gravel or mountain rides, then this trailer is ideal for your type of riding.
But if you’re just planning on recreational riding, then the Schwinn Joyrider does many of the same things for more than half the price.
Pros
- Highest-quality materials—Truly the best components on the market
- Suspension—Added comfort on rough terrain
- Double front wheels—Makes for an excellent stroller
- Lots of storage—It even comes with a pannier bag attached to the back
Cons
- Cost—It’s a top-of-the-line bike trailer and has suspension
- Complicated to assemble—It comes with a lot of attachments that are hard to understand at first
I wrote a full review of using the Thule Chariot Cross, which you can check out here.
3. Aosom Elite
Best budget stroller bike trailer
Price: $180 (check on Amazon)
Seats: Double
Stroller Conversion: Yes
Weight Limit: 88 lbs (40 kg)
If you’re on a budget of under $200, then the Aosom Elite is truly an awesome budget stroller bike trailer option.
However, I would recommend the Schwinn Joyrider over this one if you have the budget, simply because of the quality, comfort, and protective cage.
It has many features that you would actually expect on a more expensive mid-range bike trailer, like large 20-inch wheels, stroller conversion, and double seats.
You’ll notice that the frame of the trailer wraps around the wheels. The reason for this is to help prevent the wheels from hitting against objects on the riding or strolling.
It also has a bench-style seat! A bench-style seat is a much more comfortable riding experience for kids, as opposed to a hammock-style seat found on Instep trailers.
Handbrake
This trailer is unique in that it comes with a handbrake when using it as a stroller! This feature might come in handy when strolling downhill or jogging. It’s a nice feature to have, but I wouldn’t make a decision solely on that.
Pros
- Handbrake for safer strolling—a unique feature
- Bench-style seats—unexpected on a budget trailer
- Large 20-inch wheels—unexpected on a budget trailer
- Double-seat capacity—wide seats for added comfort
- Stroller conversion—a great feature for an affordable price
Cons
- Frame is wider than other trailers—it sticks out a bit more on the sides around the wheels
4. Burley D’Lite X
Best single or double stroller bike trailer
Price: Around $750 for Single (check on Amazon), $850 for Double (check on Amazon)
Seats: Single or Double
Stroller Conversion: Yes
Weight Limit: 100 lbs (43 kg)
If you’re looking for a single-seat stroller option, then the D’Lite X is a solid choice.
The Burley D’Lite X is a high-end bike trailer designed for all types of riding. From gravel riding to mountain riding to strolling, this trailer can do it all.
You can tell that Burley put a lot of thought into the comfort of this bike trailer, from the incredibly comfortable seat to the rare suspension for added comfort.
Comfortable seat
Both the single and double versions of the D’Lite X come with a sturdy bench-style seat that has an excellent five-point harness and headrest. It is rather rare to find a seat of this quality and comfort.
The D’Lite X seats also recline, which is a notable feature not found on cheaper trailers. However, the seats do not recline very far, so it’s a bit unfortunate.
Suspension for added comfort
Not many bike trailers come equipped with suspension. If you plan to do any type of gravel or mountain riding with your bike trailer, then a trailer with suspension is highly recommended. The suspension is located under the wheels to add comfort when riding over rough terrains.
Pros
- Stroller conversion—an excellent stroller with large wheels
- Comfortable seats—for added comfort
- Suspension—for an extra smooth ride
Cons
- Pricey—a high-end trailer
- Folding up is not easy—expected on a non-stroller trailer
- Seats do not recline much—a nice feature to have, but the seats do not go very far back
5. Clevr Deluxe
Best budget 3-in-1 jogger, stroller, and bike trailer
Price: Around $220 (check on Amazon)
Seats: Double
Stroller Conversion: Yes
Weight Limit: 88 lbs (40 kg)
The Clevr Deluxe is an affordable entry-level bike trailer suited for two children converts into a functioning stroller.
There are a few notably impressive features on this trailer for such an affordable price point.
Handbrake
Not many bike trailers come equipped with a handbrake. The brake might come in handy when using the bike trailer as a stroller.
Large front and back wheels
The front swiveling wheel is 12 inches, which is on the larger side of stroller convertibles. A larger front wheel is actually much more preferable when pushing over bumps or through the mud.
The Clevr Deluxe is a rare deal for the extra features, such as the handbrake and larger wheels. You can check the current price and availability on Amazon here.
Pros
- Stroller conversion—a great feature for an affordable price
- Sturdy wide seat for kids—for added comfort
- Large 20-inch wheels—20 inches is the gold standard
Cons
- Folding up is not easy—expected on a non-stroller trailer
Conclusion
I can’t tell you how many people have stopped me on the street to ask where I got our stroller. To which I respond, “It’s a bike trailer”.
The reality is that bike trailers make excellent strollers, and any of the stroller-convertibles on this list would be an excellent choice. If you can swing for a top-of-the-line Thule Chariot Lite, then go for it! But if you have a smaller budget, then I would strongly recommend the Schwinn Joyrider. I mean, just look at that massive protective cage and huge wheels!
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!
