Choosing among tag-along bike attachments for kids starts with deciding whether your child should pedal, ride their own bike while being towed, or sit in a separate trailer. My leading pedal-along picks are the Burley Kazoo for its adjustable fit and rack-style hitch, and the KaZAM Co-Pilot for its adjustable cockpit and visibility features. For a different kind of ride, the Trail-Gator connects a child’s own bike to yours without putting them in a trailer.
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The main tradeoff is participation versus support: trailercycles let kids pedal but require balance and a compatible adult-bike connection, while a tow bar uses the child’s own bike and the InStep trailer carries a passenger who does not need to pedal. I’ve ranked these options by how clearly each serves its role, the fit and safety details provided, and the practical compromises buyers should know before choosing.
Key Takeaways
- Burley Kazoo is the clearest choice for a child ready to pedal, with adjustable seat and handlebars, a 20-inch wheel, and a hitch rack that remains useful when detached.
- KaZAM Co-Pilot combines adjustable riding contact points with a safety flag and rear light, but the two listings supplied have overlapping features rather than clearly distinct designs.
- Trail-Gator is the only listed option that tows the child’s own 12- to 20-inch bike; its child-weight limit is 70.5 pounds, and the adult rider must weigh at least twice as much as the child.
- InStep Sync is a seated child trailer, not a pedal-along attachment, so it fits families who want a more supported ride rather than a child riding a separate bike.
- Before buying, check the child’s weight and bike size, adult-bike hitch compatibility, storage space, and whether the child is ready to balance and pedal while attached.
| Burley Kazoo Single-Speed Trailercycle |  | Best Overall Pedal-Along Trailercycle | Frame: Aluminum | Wheel size: 20 inches, pneumatic | Gearing: Single speed | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| KaZAM Co-Pilot Bike Trailer – 20 Inch Bike Trailer with Adjustable BMX Stem and Handlebar |  | Best for an Adjustable Cockpit and Extra Comfort Details | Frame material: Steel | Wheel size: 20 inches | Adjustable components: BMX stem, handlebar, and seat post | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| KaZAM Co-Pilot Bike Trailer – 20 Inch Bike Trailer with Adjustable BMX Stem and Handlebar |  | Best for a Straightforward Visibility-Focused Trailercycle | Frame material: Steel | Wheel size: 20 inches | Adjustable components: Seat post, stem, and handlebar | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Trail-Gator Child Bike Tow Bar |  | Best for Towing a Child’s Existing Bike | Product type: Child bike tow bar | Frame material: Aluminum | Fits child bike tire sizes: 12–20 inches | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| InStep Sync Single Seat Bike Child Trailer, Max Weight 40 lbs, 5-Point Harness, Folding Frame, Quick Release Wheels, Green/Grey |  | Best Passenger Trailer for a Child Who Is Not Ready to Pedal | Product type: Single-seat child bike trailer | Maximum weight: 40 pounds | Harness: 5-point | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| tag along bike attachments for kid | Wheel size | Included components | Frame material |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burley Kazoo Single-Speed Trai | 20 inches, pneumatic | Hitch, manual, rear bike rack, safety flag, trailercycle | — |
| KaZAM Co-Pilot Bike Trailer | 20 inches | Safety flag and owner’s manual | Steel |
| KaZAM Co-Pilot Bike Trailer | 20 inches | — | Steel |
| Trail-Gator Child Bike Tow Bar | — | Hardware and tow bar | Aluminum |
| InStep Sync Single Seat Bike C | — | — | — |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Burley Kazoo Single-Speed Trailercycle
The Burley Kazoo is my best overall pick for families seeking a true pedal-along attachment. Its 20-inch pneumatic wheels, lightweight aluminum frame, and adjustable seat and handlebars give a growing child a more complete riding position than a simple tow bar. The child pedals while the adult supplies the forward motion and guidance, making this a better fit for a rider who can already balance and wants an active role in longer family rides.
Compared with the KaZAM Co-Pilot, the Kazoo’s standout practical detail is its Moose Rack, which serves as the hitch point and can function as a rear rack when the trailercycle is removed. The supplied information also gives a maximum weight recommendation of 85 pounds and a 15.4-pound item weight, making its capacity and carry weight easier to judge than for the other trailercycles here. Its patented hitch is described as designed to improve stability, though buyers still need to confirm that the adult bike and mounting setup are compatible.
The main compromise is its single-speed layout: children get no gears to adapt effort to hills, and the unit must be connected to an adult bike. It is also not a passenger trailer for a child who cannot pedal or stay upright. Against the InStep Sync, the Kazoo offers much more participation but less containment and support. I place it first because it combines a clear trailercycle role, a stated rider limit, adjustable contact points, and a rack that has a use beyond towing.
Pros:- Adjustable seat and handlebars can accommodate a growing rider.
- 20-inch pneumatic wheels and an aluminum frame suit an active trailercycle setup.
- Moose Rack doubles as a rear rack when the unit is detached.
- Stated maximum weight recommendation of 85 pounds and item weight of 15.4 pounds.
Cons:- Single-speed gearing offers no option to reduce effort on hills.
- Requires an adult bike and a compatible hitch connection.
- A child must be ready to pedal and ride upright rather than sit as a passenger.
Best for: Families with a balance-ready child who wants to pedal, especially buyers who value adjustable fit and a rear rack that remains useful when the trailercycle is detached.
Not ideal for: Children who need a seated, harnessed passenger ride, riders who need gears for varied terrain, or adults whose bike cannot accept the supplied hitch system.
- Frame:Aluminum
- Wheel size:20 inches, pneumatic
- Gearing:Single speed
- Maximum weight recommendation:85 pounds
- Item weight:15.4 pounds
- Fit adjustments:Adjustable handlebars and seat
- Hitch and rack:Moose Rack hitch; functions as a rear rack when detached
- Included components:Hitch, manual, rear bike rack, safety flag, trailercycle
- Warranty:3 years
Our verdict“I’d choose the Kazoo for a child ready to pedal when adjustable fit and a useful detachable rack matter more than gears or passenger-style support.”
KaZAM Co-Pilot Bike Trailer – 20 Inch Bike Trailer with Adjustable BMX Stem and Handlebar
This KaZAM Co-Pilot listing is a strong alternative to the Burley for families focused on tuning the child’s riding position. It lists an adjustable BMX stem, handlebar, and seat post, plus a padded saddle and BMX grips. Those details matter when a child is spending time pedaling behind an adult: a better-fitting cockpit can make the ride feel more natural and leave room for some growth, although the supplied information does not give adjustment ranges.
Like the Burley Kazoo, it uses a 20-inch wheel and is intended to give a child an active cycling experience rather than a seated trailer ride. The KaZAM listing adds a safety flag and rear light, along with a fender and splash guard. Compared with the Kazoo, it offers more explicit cockpit and comfort details, but it does not provide a child weight recommendation or the Kazoo’s dual-use rear rack. The listing states a one-year warranty, which is shorter than the three-year warranty specified for the Burley.
This product shares its title and much of its description with the other KaZAM entry in this roundup. I would not treat the two as proven distinct models based on the supplied material alone: this version is differentiated here by its listed padded saddle, BMX grips, model number, included flag, and warranty. Buyers should confirm the exact listing contents and fit before purchase. Its steel frame may also feel heavier than an aluminum trailercycle, and assembly and maintenance are part of ownership. I rank it below the Kazoo because the listed specifications leave more unanswered questions about capacity and attachment details.
Pros:- Adjustable BMX stem, handlebar, and seat post allow cockpit changes as fit needs change.
- Padded saddle and BMX grips are listed as comfort features.
- Safety flag, rear light, fender, and splash guard are included in the described feature set.
- 20-inch wheel size provides a child-operated trailercycle format.
Cons:- The supplied listing does not state a maximum child weight.
- Steel construction may be heavier than the Burley’s aluminum frame.
- Assembly and maintenance are required, and the stated warranty is one year.
Best for: Families seeking an adjustable 20-inch pedal-along bike with a padded saddle, BMX grips, and listed visibility accessories.
Not ideal for: Buyers who need a clearly stated maximum child weight, a longer stated warranty, or a passenger trailer for a child who is not ready to pedal.
- Frame material:Steel
- Wheel size:20 inches
- Adjustable components:BMX stem, handlebar, and seat post
- Comfort features:Padded saddle and BMX grips
- Safety and weather features:Safety flag, rear light, fender, and splash guard
- Model number:96457
- Included components:Safety flag and owner’s manual
- Warranty:1 year
Our verdict“I’d pick this KaZAM version over the Burley when its adjustable BMX cockpit and comfort details matter more than a stated capacity, longer warranty, or rack utility.”
KaZAM Co-Pilot Bike Trailer – 20 Inch Bike Trailer with Adjustable BMX Stem and Handlebar
The first KaZAM Co-Pilot listing suits a family looking for a 20-inch pedal-along setup with basic fit adjustments and clear visibility equipment. Its adjustable seat post, stem, and handlebar let the adult tailor the child’s position rather than relying on a fixed cockpit. A safety flag and rear light are called out, with a fender and splash guard also listed. Those features make it more purpose-built for a child riding behind an adult than the InStep, where the child sits in a separate passenger compartment.
Compared with the second KaZAM entry, this listing provides fewer comfort and ownership details: it does not mention the padded saddle, BMX grips, model number, or warranty supplied for the other listing. The core descriptions overlap, so I treat the products as closely related rather than claiming meaningful mechanical differences. Against the Burley Kazoo, the KaZAM has more adjustable cockpit parts specified, while the Burley supplies a stated rider weight recommendation, item weight, and rack that can remain useful after detachment.
The supplied information also leaves out the Co-Pilot’s maximum child weight, exact adjustment ranges, and detailed hitch compatibility. That makes it harder to compare fit and capacity before buying. Its steel construction is described as lightweight, but it may still be heavier than an aluminum frame, and assembly and adjustment are required. I rank it as a practical trailercycle choice, but not as confidently specified as the Burley. Confirm the exact product version, fit, and attachment requirements with the listing before committing.
Pros:- Adjustable seat post, stem, and handlebar support changes to the child’s riding position.
- Safety flag and rear light are listed for visibility.
- Fender and splash guard add practical protection from spray.
- Steel frame is described as lightweight and designed for family cycling.
Cons:- No maximum child weight is supplied in the product details.
- The listed specifications do not clarify exact hitch compatibility or adjustment ranges.
- Assembly and adjustment are required, and steel may weigh more than aluminum.
Best for: Families who want a child-operated 20-inch trailercycle with adjustable riding components and a flag and rear light.
Not ideal for: Buyers who need a stated child weight limit, detailed fit ranges, or the added rack and capacity details listed for the Burley Kazoo.
- Frame material:Steel
- Wheel size:20 inches
- Adjustable components:Seat post, stem, and handlebar
- Safety features:Safety flag and rear light
- Other listed features:Fender and splash guard
- Riding format:Child-operated trailercycle
- Assembly:Assembly and fit adjustment required
Our verdict“I’d consider this Co-Pilot when adjustable fit and visibility accessories are the priority, but I’d favor the Burley if stated capacity and clearer ownership details matter more.”
Trail-Gator Child Bike Tow Bar
The Trail-Gator tow bar takes a different route from the Burley and KaZAM trailercycles: instead of supplying a child-sized bike attachment, it connects the child’s own bike to the adult bike. That can make it a good fit for a family whose child already rides a compatible bike and may alternate between pedaling independently and being towed. Once installed, the child’s bike can be attached or disconnected without tools, and the child’s handlebars can be stabilized.
Its stated fit range covers 12- to 20-inch tires, and its maximum child weight is 70.5 pounds. Those details make its compatibility easier to assess than the Co-Pilot listings, which do not state a child weight limit in the supplied information. The Trail-Gator also avoids a separate passenger trailer like the InStep: the child remains on their own bicycle. Compared with the Burley Kazoo, though, it does not give the child the same dedicated, adjustable trailercycle cockpit, and the supplied material does not list wheels, gears, or a rear rack because the child’s own bike supplies the ride.
The major fit condition is easy to overlook: the adult rider must weigh at least twice as much as the child. That requirement, plus bike compatibility and correct installation, may rule it out for some families. The stated limit is also lower than the Burley’s 85-pound recommendation. I place it below the dedicated trailercycles because it depends on the child’s existing bike and a specific adult-to-child weight relationship, but it is the most direct choice for buyers who want to tow that bike rather than buy a separate trailercycle.
Pros:- Connects the child’s own bicycle to an adult bike.
- Fits children’s bikes with 12- to 20-inch tires.
- Child’s bike can be attached or disconnected without tools after installation.
- Handlebar stabilization is included in the described function.
Cons:- Adult rider must weigh at least twice as much as the child.
- Maximum child weight is 70.5 pounds.
- Compatibility and safe setup depend on both bikes and correct installation.
Best for: Families whose child already has a compatible 12- to 20-inch bike and needs the option to ride independently or connect to an adult bike.
Not ideal for: Families whose adult rider does not weigh at least twice the child’s weight, or buyers wanting a self-contained trailercycle with its own adjustable riding position.
- Product type:Child bike tow bar
- Frame material:Aluminum
- Fits child bike tire sizes:12–20 inches
- Maximum child weight:70.5 pounds (32 kg)
- Adult-to-child weight condition:Adult rider must weigh at least twice as much as the child
- Connection:Bike mount; tool-free attachment and disconnection after installation
- Rider count:1 child
- Included components:Hardware and tow bar
- Model and color:Model 640023; blue
Our verdict“I’d choose the Trail-Gator when keeping the child on their own bike is the point, provided the weight rule and bike fit both work.”
InStep Sync Single Seat Bike Child Trailer, Max Weight 40 lbs, 5-Point Harness, Folding Frame, Quick Release Wheels, Green/Grey
The InStep Sync is not a traditional tag-along bike attachment: it is a single-seat child trailer. I include it because families searching this category may actually want a way to bring a child along without asking them to steer, balance, or pedal. The five-point harness, weather shield, bug screen, and safety flag point to a more supported passenger ride than the Trail-Gator or the pedal-along Burley and KaZAM models.
Its folding frame and quick-release wheels help with transport and storage, while 16-inch pneumatic tires are intended to provide a smoother ride over ordinary path surfaces. Compared with the trailercycles, it lets the child ride without operating a bicycle and offers more enclosure from bugs and weather. The tradeoff is less participation: a child in this trailer is a passenger rather than a rider. It also needs more storage room than a tow bar, and the description notes that small storage spaces may be a poor match.
The 40-pound maximum is the clearest limitation. It is lower than the Trail-Gator’s 70.5-pound child limit and the Burley Kazoo’s 85-pound recommendation, so a child may outgrow the trailer sooner. The listing also requires a bike compatible with its universal coupler; buyers should verify that their adult bike can accept it. I rank this fifth for a roundup centered on tag-alongs because it does not let the child pedal, but for families needing a harnessed passenger setup, that difference is the reason to choose it rather than a drawback.
Pros:- Five-point harness holds the child in a seated passenger position.
- Folding frame and quick-release wheels help with storage and transport.
- 16-inch pneumatic tires are intended to smooth the ride.
- Bug screen, weather shield, and safety flag are included in the described setup.
Cons:- 40-pound maximum may be outgrown sooner than the listed limits for some other options.
- Bulkier than a tow bar and may not fit small storage spaces.
- Requires an adult bike compatible with the universal coupler and does not let the child pedal.
Best for: Families who want to carry a younger or less confident child as a harnessed passenger, with a folding frame and weather protection.
Not ideal for: Families specifically seeking a child-operated tag-along, buyers with limited storage, or children above the 40-pound maximum.
- Product type:Single-seat child bike trailer
- Maximum weight:40 pounds
- Harness:5-point
- Frame:Folding
- Wheels:16-inch pneumatic, quick-release
- Canopy:2-in-1 bug screen and weather shield
- Material:Polyester blend
- Bike connection:Universal coupler; adult bike compatibility required
- Color:Green/Grey
Our verdict“I’d pick the InStep Sync when a supported passenger ride matters more than pedal-along participation, while checking the weight limit and coupler fit first.”
How We Picked
I ranked these five listings by the job they actually perform, rather than treating every product as the same kind of tag-along. The Burley Kazoo and KaZAM Co-Pilot are trailercycles: the child rides a small bike and pedals behind an adult. The Trail-Gator links a child’s existing bike to the adult bike, while the InStep Sync is a passenger trailer. That distinction affects rider participation, balance demands, storage, and the kind of family outing each can support.
For each option, I weighed the supplied fit and capacity information, attachment style, adjustability, safety-related equipment, and likely setup or storage demands. I gave extra value to products with clear child-fit details and useful features that support a defined use case, such as the Kazoo’s adjustable riding position or the Trail-Gator’s stated bike-size range. I also treated missing information as a buying limitation: the listings do not provide every compatibility detail a shopper may need to confirm.
The ranking is not a claim that a trailer is better than a trailercycle. The InStep sits lower because it does not match the literal pedal-along format, but it remains useful for families who want a child passenger seat rather than a child-operated bike. The two KaZAM entries have the same product title and substantially overlapping descriptions, so I distinguish them only by the extra comfort and warranty details supplied for the second listing; buyers should verify the exact version and included equipment before ordering.
| tag along bike attachments for kid | Included components | Frame material |
|---|---|---|
| Burley Kazoo Single-Speed Trai | Hitch, manual, rear bike rack, safety flag, trailercycle | — |
| KaZAM Co-Pilot Bike Trailer | Safety flag and owner’s manual | Steel |
| KaZAM Co-Pilot Bike Trailer | — | Steel |
| Trail-Gator Child Bike Tow Bar | Hardware and tow bar | Aluminum |
| InStep Sync Single Seat Bike C | — | — |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Tag Along Bike Attachments For Kids
Before choosing a model, decide what you mean by a tag-along. In this lineup, the products fall into three distinct groups: pedal-along trailercycles, a tow bar for the child’s existing bicycle, and a passenger trailer. Matching the format to the child’s skills and the rides you plan to take will narrow the field faster than comparing accessory lists.
Choose between a trailercycle, tow bar, and passenger trailer
A trailercycle such as the Burley Kazoo or KaZAM Co-Pilot gives the child a dedicated small bike to pedal while attached to an adult bike. This is the clearest match for a child who can balance and wants to participate. The Trail-Gator instead attaches the child’s own bike, which can suit families who want to make use of a bike the child already rides. The InStep Sync carries a child as a passenger in a harness; it does not offer the same pedaling role. I would choose by the child’s readiness and the purpose of the ride, not by the word “trailer” in a product title alone.
Check weight limits and bicycle fit before comparing extras
The listed capacities differ substantially: the InStep Sync has a 40-pound maximum, the Trail-Gator supports a child up to 70.5 pounds, and the Burley Kazoo lists an 85-pound recommendation. The supplied KaZAM details do not state a maximum child weight, so ask the seller or consult the current product documentation before relying on it for a particular rider. The Trail-Gator adds a separate condition: the adult rider must weigh at least twice as much as the child. Also check child-bike tire size for the Trail-Gator and confirm the adult bike’s compatibility with any hitch or coupler.
Think about growth and riding position
Adjustable parts can help a trailercycle fit a child over time, but the presence of adjustment does not reveal how much range it offers. The Burley lists an adjustable seat and handlebars; the KaZAM entries specify adjustment at the seat post, stem, and handlebar, with one listing adding a padded saddle and BMX grips. Compare those details with the child’s current size and the seller’s fit guidance. A child who cannot comfortably reach the controls or pedal may be better served by the InStep’s passenger format until they are ready to ride actively.
Match attachment and storage needs to your adult bike
A tow bar or trailercycle still needs a compatible adult-bike connection, and the supplied descriptions do not answer every fit question. Confirm the hitch requirements for your frame and rear-wheel setup before buying. The InStep specifies a universal coupler but still requires a compatible bike. For storage, the InStep’s folding frame and quick-release wheels offer a clear advantage over a potentially bulky passenger setup, while the Trail-Gator’s compact tow-bar format avoids storing a full second attachment bike. The Burley’s rack can stay useful after the trailercycle is detached.
Treat safety features as part of the whole setup
A flag, light, harness, or stabilized handlebar can support visibility or rider control, but these accessories do not replace correct installation, a suitable helmet, or supervision. The InStep’s five-point harness is intended for its seated passenger role. The KaZAM listings call out a flag and rear light, and the Trail-Gator description notes that it can stabilize the child’s handlebars. Follow the product manual, check connections before each ride, and choose routes that suit the child’s ability and the combined bike setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a tag-along trailercycle and a child bike tow bar?
A trailercycle, such as the Burley Kazoo or KaZAM Co-Pilot, is a child-sized cycle attached behind an adult bike, and the child pedals it. The Trail-Gator is a tow bar that connects the child’s own bicycle to the adult bike. The child remains on their existing bike, so fit depends on that bicycle and its compatibility with the tow bar. Both formats differ from the InStep Sync, which carries the child as a passenger.
Can a child use these attachments before learning to balance?
The pedal-along trailercycles and Trail-Gator expect the child to ride a bicycle in a controlled position, so they are not the same as a harnessed passenger seat. The supplied product details do not give a general minimum age or balance-readiness rule. If a child is not ready to ride and pedal or steer, the InStep Sync may fit the passenger role better, provided the child is within its 40-pound limit and the adult bike is compatible. Follow each manufacturer’s instructions for age, fit, and use.
Which option has the highest stated child weight recommendation?
The Burley Kazoo lists an 85-pound maximum weight recommendation, the Trail-Gator lists a 70.5-pound child limit, and the InStep Sync lists a 40-pound maximum. The supplied KaZAM Co-Pilot details do not state a child weight limit, so I would not infer one from its 20-inch wheel size. Weight is only one part of fit: check the manufacturer’s current guidance, the child’s riding position, and the relevant bike connection before use.
Do these attachments fit any adult bicycle?
No universal fit is established by the supplied details. The InStep Sync requires an adult bike compatible with its universal coupler, while the Trail-Gator and trailercycles also rely on their mounting systems and the adult bike’s rear setup. The product descriptions do not provide enough information to confirm compatibility with every frame or wheel configuration. Check the manual or manufacturer fit chart for your exact bike before buying, and do not assume that a similarly named hitch will fit.
Which model makes the most sense for a child who already owns a bike?
The Trail-Gator is the most direct match because it connects the child’s own bike to an adult bike, provided the child’s bike has 12- to 20-inch tires and the child is within the 70.5-pound limit. The adult rider must also weigh at least twice as much as the child. A Burley or KaZAM trailercycle supplies a separate child-operated cycle instead, while the InStep carries the child as a passenger rather than towing their bike.
Conclusion
For a child who can balance and wants to pedal, I’d start with the Burley Kazoo: it offers adjustable fit, a stated 85-pound recommendation, and a rack that remains useful when detached. Choose the KaZAM Co-Pilot if its adjustable cockpit, flag, rear light, and listed comfort details better suit your priorities, but verify the exact version and ask for a weight limit before ordering. If your child already has a compatible bike and meets the adult-to-child weight rule, the Trail-Gator is the clearest way to tow that bike. For a child who needs to ride as a passenger rather than pedal, the InStep Sync is the relevant choice, with its 40-pound maximum and storage footprint as the main checks. I would confirm bike compatibility, child fit, and the maker’s safety instructions before selecting any of them.
