Ten out of ten bicycle trailers fail
**Above all, when children cannot or should not ride their own bikes yet, they are often put in trailers. One wants to see them safely transported. The Foundation Warentest examined ten bike trailers for child transport in the price range of 350 to 1300 Euro. Instead of a broad rating scale with winners and losers, all probands fell in this case. Either harmful substance concentrations in plastics or safety issues led to a downgrade. In all cases, the testers therefore gave the note "deficient". None of the tested trailers can therefore be recommended, according to the testers.
In terms of safety, the models Thule Coaster XT (350 Euro), Hamax Cocoon (1100 Euro), Kid Vaaya 2 (900 Euro), and Kid Keeke 1 (750 Euro) from Croozer stood out. Criticized were, among other things, hard components, an insufficient distance between the ground and the head during a 180-degree rollover, and breakage or tearing of the hitch coupling. Independently of these issues, the Foundation Warentest advises parents in general to secure children in trailers and to equip them with a helmet.
Consistently negative chemical balance
The chemical balance came out negatively in this comparison test in every case. So, nine of the ten models showed prohibited fluorinated substances (PFAS) in high concentrations in seat cushions and textiles. In the Thule Coaster XT (350 Euro), high amounts of a currently still allowed, but future banned PFAS were found. Therefore, a "sufficient" was given in this case. However, the Thule model with the previously mentioned hitch failure was identified.
Although the banned fluorinated substances (PFAS) do not pose a direct health risk, they do not degrade and spread worldwide and can accumulate in living organisms. Similarly, "problematic" substances like PAK, phthalates, and chloroparaffins were found in handles, straps, and walls.
However, in terms of overall ratings, test winners can be identified. At the top are the models Thule Chariot Cab2 (1300 Euro) and Qeridoo Kidgoo 2 Fidlock Edition (995 Euro), which each received an average rating of 4.6. Behind them are three models with a note of 4.9: Hamax Traveller (370 Euro), Hauck Dryk Duo (400 Euro), and Thule Chariot Lite1 (750 Euro).
The slightly better overall ratings are due to the "good" to "very good" results of the two "test winners" in the chapter "Safety and Durability".**
- Despite the positive safety ratings for certain bicycle trailers, such as the Hamax Cocoon and Kid Vaaya 2, the Foundation Warentest advised parents to ensure children wear helmets while in trailers due to potential safety issues.
- Regarding automobiles, the Foundation Warentest found that nine out of ten tested bike trailers had prohibited fluorinated substances (PFAS) in high concentrations, which do not degrade and can accumulate in living organisms.
- When it comes to traffic safety, the Foundation Warentest highlighted the importance of children wearing helmets in bike trailers, even if the trailers themselves receive high ratings, to ensure their protection in case of accidents.
