Whether you’re commuting, running errands, or enjoying the outdoors, knowing how to park, lock, and reliably store your trailer is essential to ensure safety and longevity.
This comprehensive guide will help you confidently park and secure your Wike trailer, whether at home, in public, or on the go.
1. Parking Your Bike Trailer at Home
Parking at home is often the simplest option, especially for suburban dwellers with garage access. However, even in small spaces like apartment balconies or urban verandas, Wike’s foldable and lightweight trailers make storage a breeze. Here are some essential tips for parking and securing your trailer at home:
Tips for Private Garage Parking:
Fold and Hang Your Trailer:
All Wike trailers are designed with convenience in mind. Fold your child bike trailer or cargo bike trailer and hang it on the wall using two hooks spaced 16” apart. This not only saves floor space but also prevents issues with pests like squirrels, which may chew on fabric or wires.
Master Tight Turns:
Reversing a bike with an attached trailer can be tricky. A helpful tip is to lift the rear wheel of the bike while steering the handlebars and the trailer simultaneously. This method allows you to navigate tight spaces, like packed garages or narrow driveways, with ease.
Optimize Storage Dimensions:
If you’re tight on space, a folded Wike trailer only requires 24” x 72”. For those storing both a bike and an attached trailer, plan for a footprint of approximately 40” wide by 120” long.
Tips for Veranda Parking:
Use a Lock:
If you park your trailer on a porch or veranda, always secure it with a strong lock. This is especially important for Wike’s cargo bike trailers, which are often a target for theft. Obscuring the trailer from street view can further deter opportunistic thieves.
Prevent Pest Damage:
Squirrels and other small animals are notorious for making nests in unattended trailers. Keep your trailer clean and stored in a pest-proof location to avoid costly damage.
Tips for Parking Garages:
Find Accessible Spaces:
Many parking garages offer secure bicycle parking areas. However, these may not always accommodate a bike and trailer combo. Look for large parking garages that have separate, secure bike storage. Alternative storage areas for scooters or mobility devices may also be suitable, just be sure to check with the parking garage management team.
Transport the Trailer Separately:
If space is limited, detach the trailer from your bike and bring it into your apartment or storage unit. Wike trailers are lightweight and super portable, making this a nearly effortless option.
2. Parking Your Bike Trailer in Public
When parking your bike trailer in public, security and convenience are key. Whether you’re running errands, visiting a park, or commuting, here are some practical strategies:
Secure Both Together:
Use a heavy-duty cable lock or chain to secure your Wike bicycle trailer for kids to your bike. For additional security, lock the trailer and bike to a fixed object, such as a bike rack or pole.
Separate Locking:
For high-theft areas, consider locking the trailer and bike separately. Wike trailers are designed with durable frames that can be easily secured.
Remove 1 Wheel (or both!):
With Wike's push-button axles, the trailers' wheels are super simple to remove. Take one off before you leave the trailer on its own - most thefts are crimes of convenience, so making the trailer more difficult to move/maneuver will certainly reduce the chances of your trailer disappearing.
Tips for Mass Transit Use:
Bring Your Trailer Along:
Wike’s convertible trailers are perfect for public transportation. Detach your trailer from the bike and convert it into a cart or stroller. Some transit systems (typically trains) also allow bikes with trailers, so check the local regulations.
Use the Bike Racks on Buses:
Most medium and large cities in North America have bicycle racks at the front of the bus. Before the bus arrives, transform your trailer into a stroller, then put the bike on the rack of the bus. Simply wheel your Wike onboard, and don't forget to grab your bike when you get off at your destination.
Plan Ahead:
If your bus or train has limited space, consider leaving your bike at the origin station and using your bicycle trailer as a hand cart to transport your belongings.
Tips for Malls and Supermarkets:
Bring It Inside:
Many retail spaces allow Wike trailers to be used as shopping carts or child strollers. This can save you the hassle of locking it outside, on top of the hassle of asking the kids to get out of the trailer.
Lock It Securely Outside:
For stores that won’t allow trailers inside, lock the towbar through the rear wheel of your bike to create a secure configuration that’s difficult for thieves to bypass.
Tips for Schools:
Drop-Off Convenience:
Wike’s bicycle trailers for kids are perfect for school drop-off and pickup. If your child's school has a bike rack or scooter storage, ask if you can fold the bike trailer and keep it there for the school day -then you don't have to cycle home with an empty trailer and overall be less encumbered.
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- Some schools may not have the space required to store the trailer (even folded) so be sure to check with the administrators beforehand.
3. Advanced Tips for Trailer Security
Invest in GPS Tracking:
Many bike and trailer owners now use GPS trackers to locate their gear in case of theft. Ensure they are installed out of sight to ensure the tracker itself is not stolen.
Choose High-Visibility Locks:
Brightly colored locks not only act as a deterrent, but also make it easy to spot your bike and trailer in busy parking areas.
Maintain Your Trailer:
Regularly clean and inspect your Wike trailer for wear and tear, ensuring it stays in top condition for years to come. Always refer to your Wike trailers' product manual for the ideal maintenance schedule and to-do list.
Learn More About Wike Trailers for Kids, Cargo, and More!
At Wike Inc., we’re dedicated to supporting active lifestyles and ability-friendly transportation. Whether you need a child bike trailer for school runs, a special needs/adult bicycle trailer for family adventures, or a cargo bike trailer for errands, we have a solution for you.
Have questions or need help choosing the right trailer? Get in touch with us today! Browse our wide selection of premium trailers and discover why Wike is the world’s leading brand for innovative bike trailers.