Spectrum / E-Performance: Without a doubt, the e-bike pushes the boundaries of mobility. Thanks to the built-in tailwind, not only are more and more people pedaling, but also a wide range of possible uses that would otherwise only take a lot of sweat and strength to implement. A very good example of this is the combination of an e-bike with a (children's) trailer.
Allison Coughlin, President of trailer specialist Burley, reveals in an interview what points need to be considered before buying and during operation.
A look at the streets and official figures show that a bicycle with an electric drive is no longer just for seniors. In the meantime, the younger generation has also discovered e-bikes and pedelecs for themselves. How do you see this trend?
At Burley, we are very positive about the growing popularity of e-mobility for bicycles, as using trailers becomes much more pleasant with an e-bike. Whether parents who want to transport their children in an environmentally friendly way or those with sporting ambitions who want to tackle longer tours with a lot of luggage - they all find it easier with an electric drive, regardless of age.
The basic requirement is, of course, that the bike and trailer are compatible...
... and that the wheel manufacturer allows towing a trailer. You should definitely find out about this before you buy it. As far as compatibility is concerned: we currently offer a range of special thru-axles in different sizes, which cover most e-bike designs available on the market. Of course, we also follow the trends for the future in order to have solutions ready here as well.
Safety and handling play an important role when using trailers. Do you have to pay special attention to something with an e-bike plus trailer?
Legislation in Germany stipulates that trailers may only be towed with a pedelec up to a maximum speed of 25 km/h. S-Pedelecs are therefore not permitted. When transporting children, the driver must also be at least 16 years old. But regardless of legal requirements, you should always be aware that higher speeds are much easier to reach with an e-bike. Therefore: be careful and foresighted on the road, calculate a longer braking distance and only drive at a speed that allows you to handle the bike and trailer safely at all times. We also apply the speed limits we recommend to the use of an e-bike: 24 km/h on flat and straight roads, 8 km/h in curves or on unpaved paths.
What tips do you have for driving with a trailer?
It doesn't matter whether it's a conventional bicycle or an e-bike - a trailer means additional weight, which means that the bike reacts differently and possibly less quickly. Larger stones, high curbs, hard braking or sudden steering movements should be avoided as far as possible. In addition, it should be noted that the trailer is normally wider than the train wheel and that it turns around a smaller radius than the cyclist when cornering. It is therefore absolutely necessary to keep sufficient distance to obstacles. Our tip for trailer beginners: Load a child trailer with luggage before using it for the first time and practice driving and critical situations such as passing through bottlenecks in an open and safe area - e.g. on an empty parking lot or a wide cycle path. So you can approach the unfamiliar handling in peace.
Apart from the important issue of safety, there is one more practical question that many ask themselves: to what extent does a trailer affect the battery consumption of an e-bike?
Consumption depends on the load on the battery. The higher the weight, the more battery power is required. Terrain, driving conditions and weather can also affect battery life. Depending on the route (whether mainly flat, with many climbs, free driving or city traffic with a lot of stop-and-go, etc.) and the level of support, range losses of one to two thirds result. Basically you can say: In order to keep battery consumption as low as possible, you should minimize the weight of the bike and load, pull at a constant speed and avoid inclines. Of course, a low towing weight, i.e. a light trailer, has a positive effect. Our children's bike trailers are among the lightest on the market and, thanks to their full aluminum frame, which is extremely stable despite the low weight, only weighs between 8,4 and 13,8 kg, depending on the equipment. Only the Cub X model, which has a robust plastic tray for particularly high loads, weighs 17,2 kg. We recommend a spare battery for anyone who travels a lot in everyday life or is planning longer tours. So you always drive on the safe side.
Checklist for driving with a bicycle trailer or children's bicycle trailer
Safety check before every ride
- Wheels correctly attached to the trailer?
- Check tire air pressure (recommended pressure is on tire sidewall)
- Tie rod properly secured on the trailer?
- Checking that the trailer hitch is properly attached to the bicycle
- Ensure that the locking pin for the trailer hitch and drawbar is correctly locked
- Securely attach the securing straps to the hitch and drawbar
- Adhere to the maximum load specified by the manufacturer!
- Properly buckle up the child or children using the seat belt - don't forget the helmet (also applies to the driver)
- Safety flag in order and attached?
- Install and close the top firmly
- Ensure that the bicycle is functional, this applies in particular to the brakes and tyres
Monthly security check (more frequent during the transition period)
- Check hardware parts such as hitch, drawbar, flex connection and frame for damage
- bolt tightened?
- Check tires for wear and cracks
- Inspect wheels for proper balance and damage
- Inspect all fabric components for tears, wear and missing material