Bicycle trailer guide
Devoted companion wanted
Trailers are decisive: Manufacturers are shying no limits in developing new bicycle trailers. What you should pay particular attention to is disclosed by TÜV NORD Mobilität. We will tell you what your new trailer should possess and also what the law has to say about it.
Lights on
The trailer should on all accounts be furnished with a rear light, if the trailer or its payload conceals the bicycle's rear light. The light's design depends on the trailer's width.
- If the trailer is narrower than 60 cm, it's centre needs to be furnished with a red rear light and a rear reflector.
- If the trailer is 60 to 80 cm wide, it must be furnished with two white front reflectors. The trailer also requires a red rear light on the left-hand side, as well as two red rear reflectors or two large rear reflectors indicating "Z".
- If the trailer is wider than 80 cm, it also needs a front, white reflector on the left-hand side.
Furthermore, every trailer wider than 60 cm needs at least one yellow reflector on either side. Optionally, each trailer wheel can be furnished with two symmetrically arranged yellow reflectors, white reflective stripes or white spokes.
Trailer plate
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Every properly manufactured and authorized trailer should possess a type plate indicating the following details:
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Which bicycles are suitable?
A trailer cannot be discussed without its tractive unit, the bicycle, which should be able to not just tow the trailer, but also stop it. Relevant specifications are provided in the operating manual.
A bicycle should be able to tow non-braked trailers with a maximum permissible total weight of 40 kg, and braked trailers with a maximum permissible total weight of 80 kg.
If no operating manual is available, you should ensure that your bicycle is furnished with very good cantilever brakes, V-brakes, hydraulic rim brakes or disc brakes.
Trailers for kids
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Kids' trailers are practical and gaining in popularity: Up to two children aged no more than seven years may be accommodated in such trailers. Though this kind of trailer offers a slightly higher degree of protection than a child seat mounted on a bicycle, certain safety aspects must be considered nonetheless:
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When transporting small children, you can often secure them in the child seats used in cars. However, some child trailers are available with appropriate seating shells.
