If your bike trailer’s wheel is broken, then finding a replacement wheel can be a hassle.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to replacing your bike trailer wheel, and how you might be able to fix it without even buying a new one.
Step 1: Figure out if you can just repair the wheel
Getting a replacement wheel can be a hassle! But there’s a good chance you can repair the wheel by getting the right tools or just taking it into a local bike shop.
Here are some common issues that don’t require you to buy a new replacement wheel.
The tire is flat
If the tire is flat, you will simply just need to replace the inner tube. You’ll just need to purchase the right inner tube size, which is either 16 inches or 20 inches. You can measure the diameter of the wheel or just look on the side of the tire for the size.
Here’s a short video on how to fix a flat tire on a bike trailer.
A spoke is broken
If a spoke on the wheel has broken, then the spoke can be replaced. You can either do this yourself or just bring it to a local bike mechanic.
Here’s a helpful video no how to repair a spoke.
The wheel is not true (it’s wobbly)
If your wheel is a bit wobbly while riding, it means the wheel is not “true”. The remedy for this is to true the wheel, which is rather simple to do. You can attempt to do it yourself or bring it to a local bike mechanic.
If your wheel is not repairable using the methods above, then your wheel is probably truly broken. Continue to the next step. If you still think it can be repaired, I recommend taking it to the local bike shop.
Step 2: Identify the size and brand of the trailer wheel
Wheels come in either 16 inches (406 mm) or 20 inches (508 mm). The size of your wheel should be engraved on the side of the tire. If you’re not sure what size it is, you can measure the diameter of the wheel from one end to the other end.
If you’re not sure what brand your wheel is, the brand is labeled somewhere on the trailer itself.
Step 3: Purchase a replacement wheel or submit a warranty claim
Once you’ve identified the size of your wheel, you’re ready to find a replacement wheel.
Replacement wheels for bike trailers are primarily purchased directly from the bike trailer manufacturer’s website. The only brand that sells replacement wheels through Amazon is Burley.
If you believe the wheel has broken prematurely due to natural use, then you could consider submitting a warranty claim through the company. To find the contact info for your bike trailer, click here.
Here is a table with links to purchase replacement wheels for each of the major bike trailer manufacturers.
| WHEEL BRAND | TRAILER | LINK TO PURCHASE |
| Burley | Honey Bee, D’Lite, Solo, Cub, Encore | View on Amazon, View on Burley.com |
| Burley | Bee | View on Amazon, View on Burley.com |
| Thule | All | View on Thule.com |
| Schwinn | All | Contact Schwinn support |
| Instep | All | Contact Instep support |
What to do if you cannot find your bike trailer replacement wheel
If the replacement wheel for your trailer is not listed in the links in the above table, then the best thing you can do is contact the bike trailer manufacturer to request a replacement wheel.
Here’s the contact info for bike trailer manufacturers.
There is a chance you can get a free wheel if you explain how the wheel broke. If the bike trailer is relatively new, you can submit a warranty claim to see if you can get a free wheel.
How to get a Burley bike trailer replacement wheel
Burley replacement wheels can be purchased for around $90 on Burley’s website. When looking for your wheel in their inventory, be sure to select your specific bike trailer year model using the filter options on the left-hand side.
How to get a Thule bike trailer replacement wheel
Thule replacement wheels can be purchased for around $85–$130 on Thule’s website, depending on the model you have.
Their inventory page has a handy tool to filter your specific bike trailer’s parts and accessories.
How to get a Schwinn biket railer replacement wheel
The only way to find a replacement wheel for a Schwinn bike trailer is to contact their customer support and request a replacement for your trailer.
Schwinn can be reached at 1 (800) 626-2811 or by email using this contact form.
How to get an Instep bike trailer replacement wheel
The only way to find a replacement wheel for a Instep bike trailer is to contact their customer support and request a replacement for your trailer.
According to Instep’s website, they state:
You can order a replacement part or make a warranty claim by calling our Customer Service Department at 1-800-242-6110 or email us by clicking the support button at the bottom of the screen. For us to complete your order, you will need the name and model number of your unit readily available.
Instep.net
Personally, I would not bother getting a new Instep wheel. I would recommend getting a better trailer that will not break, such as the Schwinn Joyrider.
Just that fact that multiple people are getting replacement wheels for Instep trailers means the quality of their plastic wheels does not hold up.
How to get a Hamax bike trailer replacement wheel
The only way to find a replacement wheel for a Hamax bike trailer is to contact their customer support and request a replacement for your trailer.
Hamax can be reached at 877-252-4560 or by email using this contact form.
Conclusion
Getting a replacement wheel can be a hassle and a half. But there’s a good chance you can repair the wheel by getting the right tools or just taking it into a local bike shop.
If the tire is flat, you can simple replace the inner tube. If a spoke is broken, you can replace the spoke. If the wheel is wobbly, you might be able to true the wheel.
But if it’s completely broken, then you’ll need to go through the process of ordering a replacement wheel using the links in the above table.
After reading this article, you might find yourself wanting to purchase a new bike trailer altogether. If so, then you’re in the right place!
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!
