The 10 Best Dog Bike Trailers, Carriers, and Baskets for Riding With Your BFF

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• Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.

If you love your bike but miss your pup when you’re on the road, there’s good news: Thanks to a growing selection of high-quality dog bike trailers, carriers, baskets, and leash attachments, biking with your pup in tow is more possible than ever.

Biking isn’t for all dogs—but it’s open to a lot more with good dog-safe tools. If you’re new to the world of dog biking, start by reading up on the different types of bike transport out there and what kinds of pups they’re safe for, then come back to check out our favorite bike trailers, carriers, baskets, and more.

• Best Dog Bike Trailer for Large Dogs: Schwinn Rascal Bike Dog Trailer
• Best Bike Dog Bike Trailer for Small and Medium Dogs: Burley Tail Wagon
• Best 2-in-1 Dog Bike Trailer: Best Choice Products Two-in-One Pet Stroller and Trailer
• Best Front Bike Basket: BARKBAY Bicycle Basket Pet Carrier
• Best Rear Bike Basket: Snoozer Rear Rider Bicycle Seat
• Best Backpack for Biking: Timbuk2’s Muttmover Dog Backpack
• Most Comfortable Backpack Carrier: Kurgo G-Train Backpack
• Best Forward-Facing Dog Backpack: K9 Sport Sack
• Best Tow for Big Dogs: Bike Tow Leash
• Best Shock-Absorbing Leash Attachment: EveryYay Settin’ the Pace Teal Running Belt & Leash

Best Dog Bike Trailer for Large Dogs: Schwinn Rascal Bike Dog Trailer

This popular bike trailer from Schwinn comes in two sizes: small, which fits dogs up to 50 pounds, and large, which fits dogs up to 100 pounds. It includes 16-inch air-filled tires that easily inflate with a bicycle wheel pump, and it has a foldable frame for convenient storage (though note that it can be a bit of a job to fold it all the way down). The inside of the trailer has an adjustable leash so you can securely fasten your pup in to keep them from jumping out.

We like it for large dogs because of the smooth ride and impressive 100-pound capacity. Though towing a large dog in a 34-pound trailer may mean a bit of work for you, well-designed wheels help ensure your pup is in for a smooth experience, even on trails or bumpy country roads.

Key Features

• Mesh screen on top that unzips
• Zipper mesh door in back of carrier
• Removable and washable lining

Best Dog Bike Trailer for Small and Medium Dogs: Burley Tail Wagon

The Burley Tail Wagon may be pricey, but it’s hard to beat where quality is concerned. Mesh windows, straightforward assembly, easy folding, spacious pockets, and a sturdy floor with a washable liner cover the basics handily, while optional extras like a bed are thoughtful touches that put dog comfort first.

We like this aluminum and steel trailer for small and medium dogs because it rides smoothly even without the stabilizing presence of heavy, large-pup cargo—and at 20 pounds, it doesn’t add a lot of weight to your ride. It also has a nice low-clearance back so that small and senior dogs can hop in without effort.

One note of caution: There’s no internal tether, which may rule this out for pups who are a flight risk.

Key Features

• Front and side ventilation and protection from the sun
• Includes three storage pouches
• Good for dogs up to 75 pounds

Best 2-in-1 Dog Bike Trailer: Best Choice Products Two-in-One Pet Stroller and Trailer

Yes, it costs a pretty penny, but this sturdy tri-wheel dog carrier does double-duty by serving as both a bike trailer and a dog stroller. Steel framing, hand-lock brakes, and reflectors are nice upgrades in the name of safety, and the trailer itself can hold pups up to 66 pounds. Some reviewers feel that makes it a little roomy for smaller dogs, though pet parents with multiple pups to transport will likely be pleased.

Key Features

• Fits dogs that weigh up to 66 pounds
• Interior safety leash
• Built-in brake system

Best Front Bike Basket: BARKBAY Bicycle Basket Pet Carrier

Pet parents with especially small dogs may prefer the more minimal profile and versatility of a bike basket to bike trailer. This foldable handlebar option from BARKBAY holds pets up to 18 pounds and is designed with four reflective strips for safety and two mesh windows for air circulation. The inside includes a safety leash to clip your doggo in and a waterproof rain cover to keep your pet dry if the clouds break.

We’re especially impressed with its versatility—a detachable shoulder strap slides neatly into a pocket so you can convert the whole thing to a carrier when you dismount.

Key Features

• Includes elastic mesh pockets on the sides
• Designed with a fleece pad at the bottom of the carrier
• Available in three colors: purple, blue, and black

Best Rear Bike Basket: Snoozer Rear Rider Bicycle Seat

If you’re not wild about the idea of your pup attached to your handlebars, consider a rear bicycle basket. This model from Snoozer is made for dogs up to 24 pounds and buckles to your bike’s rear rack and frame. The basket has a sturdy three-point tether that attaches to a harness for security. We recommend this option for less excitable passengers—mostly because a rear seat makes it a little harder for a cyclist to keep an eye on their pup.

Key Features

• Suitable for dogs up to 24 pounds
• Reflective orange band for visibility
• Removable, washable faux-fur interior for comfort

Best Dog Backpack for Biking: Timbuk2’s Muttmover Dog Backpack

If you’re more comfortable cycling with a backpack than a basket or a trailer, consider a dog backpack like the Muttmover. Made for dogs under 20 pounds, the Muttmover is a sleek, well-ventilated carrier with a supported base and comfortable straps. We’ve tested it ourselves and appreciated the unobtrusive design, full-length opening, and extra windows for curious or claustrophobic pups. It’s not a cushy hiking backpack like the Kurgo, but its clean, roomy design makes it a strong pick for cycling around the city and urban errands.

Key Features:

• Features an adjustable waist strap for extra security
• Comes with a collapsible bowl that clips on
• Space for your pup to lay down inside while cruising

Most Comfortable Backpack Carrier: Kurgo G-Train Backpack

Small dogs up to 25 pounds can fit in this durable backpack, which our testers found an excellent choice for outdoor adventures. The backpack has well-padded, adjustable straps and waist and shoulder buckles to distribute your dog’s weight evenly across your torso. It’s a strong ergonomic choice for human and dogs alike, since the hard, waterproof bottom lets your dog sit naturally.

Our only caveat? The close fit and padded mesh can get toasty in warm weather—but when it’s really hot out, it’s probably a good idea to leave your buddy home anyway.

Key Features

• Dimensions: 13″ W x 21″ H x 10″ D
• Grab handles on the top and front
• Features a hip belt and adjustable sternum strap

Best Forward-Facing Dog Backpack: K9 Sport Sack Dog Carrier

The versatile K9 Sport Sack offers a different take on a dog backpack, since it lets a pup face forward; their paws rest on your shoulders, while their lower half is tucked safely inside, sitting on a rest pad. Zippered vents, a harness hookup, and a chest strap provide extra comfort and security.

This backpack is also great for walks and hikes with your pup, as our product testers discovered, and it’s one of the only backpacks that can accommodate truly large dogs—though you’ll want to think carefully about how much weight you can really bike with on your back.

Key Features

• Available in a wide range of sizes
• Thick resting pad on the bottom for comfort
• Light-reflecting chest strip for visibility

Best Tow for Big Dogs: Bike Tow Leash

For pet parents looking to bike alongside their dog, a bike tow leash is a good choice: it removes the danger of a long dangling lead and helps keep your dog in position by your side, safely distanced from the wheels. It can take a bit of training, but for high-energy breeds that need a lot of exercise, a tow leash can be well worth the effort.

This lightweight tow leash is an especially popular option, since it can accommodate dogs up to 185 pounds and is compatible with both collar and harness attachments. It’s on the pricier side, but for some, the “anti-tip” technology makes it worth it, along with the dog coupler that allows you to hook two dogs together to run at your side.

Key Features

• Made in the USA
• Good for energetic dogs due to stable and reinforced design
• Compatible with most mobility scooters
• Suitable for dogs weighing 10 to 185 pounds

Best Shock-Absorbing Leash Attachment: EveryYay Settin’ the Pace Running Belt & Leash

A hands-free leash is also an upgrade on a traditional lead for biking, and this bungee option from EveryYay is an especially good choice, thanks to its relatively short length and shock-absorbing material that keeps you from feeling the full force of a dog’s tugging. A zipper pocket for keys, treats, and poop bags is a nice touch, and the band itself is flexible enough to fit bike riders of all shapes and sizes.

Key Features

• Front zipper pocket to fit essentials like treats and keys
• Water bottle holder
• Adjustable clip buckle to provide a secure fit around your dog

How We Chose

The dog bike trailers, baskets, and carriers featured here were selected based on a combination of our own hands-on testing, a comprehensive look at customer reviews across a wide variety of retail platforms, and interviews with veterinary experts, including Rover’s Dog People Panel. We prioritized products with features like safety, quality, and comfort. We’re also guided by the experience of living and playing alongside our own much-loved and strongly opinionated pets, who are never stingy with their feedback.

Further Reading

• Are Dog Backpacks Safe? What To Know About Picking the Right Carrier for Your Pup
• Are Dog Bike Trailers and Carriers Safe?
• How to Keep Your Dog Safe in the Car
• Meet the Kurgo G-Train, the Comfiest Hiking Backpack for Dogs