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Anyone have experience with using a trailer with ebikes?
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this post was submitted on 30 Nov 2024
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I am wondering if I can use a rack mount? I saw a product on Burley that you mentioned with a hitch just like that... but it's for a cargo trailer, not a child trailer. And as you said, kind of want to be safe with the kid.
Something that attaches through the axle would probable be safer.
Do you already have the bike trailer?
I've used both the two wheeled chariot style that connects to the axle on the left side, as well as a single track style trailer that uses a curved arm from the seat post.
Personally I prefer the latter for the better turning radius, narrower profile, and it also provides the experience for your child of tilting when turning. That said, I have connected the chariot to the single track carrier and gone on picnics and such.
I've also built my own cargo trailers before, so if you share some photos of the tail section of your bike and the style of trailer, I might be able to offer some specific suggestions.
I don't have the trailer yet, wanted to make sure I figure out the hitch situation first.
Here is the back of the bike
It occurs to me that you might do well with a simple seat on that rear rack, instead of a trailer. A couple with three young children in my circle have one on each of their bikes, and they go all over the place like that.
Regarding a single track trailer. Your wheels appear to be 20" which is typical for foldable bikes like that. My road bike wheels are 26-27" or so, and the single track connection clears it with ease. I'm sure, even with your rack, you'd have no trouble with a single track connection to the seat post. Main thing to think about would be when approaching a gradient change - assuming your seat tube is lower than mine - to go at it on an angle so the trailer doesn't bottom out. I've taken mine on some light trails and have never had a problem though.
I don't have any experience with hub drive bikes, but if you were to go with a chariot type trailer, the connection bracket could be installed on the spindle, might just need to make that smaller hole big enough to accommodate your axle.
This has been incredibly helpful, thank you. I might just get a seat on the rear rack for now until I can gauge how much she enjoys it, I didn't realize how comparably affordable they are.
Happy to help.
I should have mentioned a slightly different option of rack seating is basically to install a cushion, some rails, and running board to keep the little legs from flopping around.
The rails are kind of hard to search online for because they get called a lot of different things. I found this one by Surly, and this other one by Yuba.
That couple I mentioned before have a set of these on the one bike they take two of their children on. I don't think they have running boards on their bike, but I've seen other people use them and think they're a good idea. Here's a post I found from some guy that made his own for a few bucks.
Benefit of the rails over the specific child seat is the rails still help hold cargo for when you need it.
Keep in mind, this whole kid on a rack option will change your centre of gravity, and starting, stopping, and slow maneuvers in general will feel a bit different.
Hope it works out!