When choosing a bicycle trailer for your child, safety and quality should always be your top priorities. Standards like EN (European Norms) and ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) exist to ensure trailers meet strict requirements for safety, durability, and performance. While ASTM standards are widely used in North America, EN standards are the go-to safety benchmarks across Europe.
In this post, we’ll focus on EN standards, explain how they differ from ASTM, and show how the Wike Premium Suspension Bike Trailer is certified to EN and ASTM safety and quality standards. If you’re looking for a trailer that’s safe, reliable, and comfortable, understanding these certifications is key to making the right choice.
What Are EN Standards?
EN standards, or European Norms (a translation of the German "Europäische Normare"), are a set of guidelines developed by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). These standards ensure that products sold within the European Union meet strict safety, health, and performance criteria. For bicycle trailers, EN standards are essential in ensuring the safety of children being transported.
The relevant EN standard for bicycle trailers is EN 15918:2011+A2:2017, which lays out the specific safety and performance requirements for child trailers. This standard addresses everything from how sturdy the trailer is to how visible it is to other road users. Trailers certified to EN standards have been rigorously tested, giving parents confidence in their safety and reliability.
Key Areas of EN Standards for Bicycle Trailers
1. Structural Strength
EN standards require trailers to have a solid frame that can handle everyday use without breaking or bending. They are tested for their ability to carry the maximum recommended weight, including children and any additional cargo.
2. Hitch Safety
The hitch that attaches the trailer to the bicycle must be strong and secure. EN testing ensures the hitch won’t come loose accidentally, even when the bicycle is turning or riding over uneven ground.
3. Stability and Anti-Tip Design
EN standards focus heavily on stability to prevent tipping. This includes testing the trailer’s balance and ensuring it stays upright, even during sharp turns or when hitting bumps in the road.
4. Child Safety Restraints
Child trailers must include a secure harness system to keep passengers safely seated. EN standards require these harnesses to be durable and adjustable, ensuring children are protected throughout the ride.
5. Braking and Parking Systems
For trailers with integrated braking or parking systems, EN standards ensure these features work effectively, even on slopes. This is especially important for multi-purpose trailers that convert to strollers or joggers.
6. Visibility and Signaling
To ensure trailers are visible to other road users, EN standards require reflective materials, safety flags, and in some cases, lighting options. This is particularly important for enhancing safety in low-light conditions or on busy roads.
7. Passenger Comfort
EN standards consider the comfort of children, requiring features like weather protection, adequate ventilation, and smooth riding performance. This ensures that kids have an enjoyable experience while staying safe.
How the Wike Premium Suspension Bike Trailer Aligns with EN and ASTM Standards
At Wike, we design our trailers to be certified EN and ASTM tested, ensuring safety, durability, and comfort for families around the world. The Wike Premium Suspension Bike Trailer is a standout model, with features that meet both European and North American standards.
1. Strong, Lightweight Frame
The Wike Premium Suspension Trailer features a durable aluminum frame certified through EN testing for structural integrity. It is lightweight yet strong enough to carry children and cargo safely. Whether you’re cycling on smooth roads or tackling rougher trails, you can trust the frame to hold up.
2. Secure Hitch System
The hitch system on the Wike Premium Suspension Trailer is designed to remain securely attached during every ride. Certified under EN and ASTM standards, it stays reliable and stable, even during tight turns or bumpy rides. It’s also easy to connect and disconnect, making setup quick and hassle-free.
3. Excellent Stability
The wide wheelbase and low center of gravity on the Wike Premium Suspension Trailer are designed to maintain stability under all conditions. Certified to EN standards, this feature minimizes the risk of tipping, providing confidence on sharp turns and uneven paths.
4. Five-Point Safety Harness
The trailer includes a five-point safety harness, keeping your child securely seated throughout the ride. Certified by both EN and ASTM standards, the harness is fully adjustable for children of different sizes and prevents accidental unfastening. It’s simple for parents to use while offering maximum safety.
5. Full Suspension for Comfort
The suspension system on the Wike Premium Suspension Trailer absorbs shocks from uneven surfaces, ensuring a smooth ride for your child. This feature meets EN standards for passenger comfort, making it ideal for long rides or rough terrain.
6. Weather Protection and Ventilation
The trailer includes a rain cover, sunshade, and ventilation panels to protect passengers from the elements while maintaining airflow. These features keep children comfortable and meet EN and ASTM requirements for weather resistance and passenger well-being.
7. Enhanced Visibility
For safety on the road, the Wike Premium Suspension Trailer includes reflective materials and a high-visibility safety flag, ensuring it can be seen by other road users. These features are certified to meet EN visibility requirements, providing added peace of mind for families.
How EN and ASTM Standards Work Together
While EN standards focus on the specific needs of European markets, ASTM standards are widely used in North America. Both certifications share the goal of ensuring safety, but they have slightly different emphases:
- EN Standards prioritize visibility, road safety features, and passenger comfort, making them ideal for European road conditions.
- ASTM Standards focus on structural strength, durability, and harness security to ensure safety in diverse environments.
The Wike Premium Suspension Bike Trailer is certified under both EN and ASTM standards, ensuring it meets the highest global safety and quality benchmarks.
Why EN Certification Matters for European Families
For European families, choosing a trailer certified to EN standards is essential. These standards ensure that the trailer is safe, reliable, and designed for use on European roads, which often feature different conditions than those in North America. By choosing a trailer like the Wike Premium Suspension that is certified EN and ASTM tested, you are making an investment in:
- Safety: Rigorous testing ensures the trailer can handle real-world use without compromising safety.
- Durability: High-quality materials and construction guarantee a product built to last.
- Comfort: Features like suspension, ventilation, and weather protection ensure a comfortable experience for your child.
- Visibility: Reflective materials and safety flags meet EN visibility requirements, keeping your family safe on busy or low-light roads.
Conclusion: The Wike Premium Suspension Trailer—Certified Safety for Every Ride
The Wike Premium Suspension Bike Trailer is a model of safety, comfort, and durability, designed with families in mind. Certified under EN and ASTM standards, it delivers peace of mind for parents and a safe, enjoyable experience for children. From its robust frame and secure harness to its suspension system and weather protection, this trailer is built to handle any adventure.
Whether you’re cycling on European streets, rural roads, or scenic trails, the Wike Premium Suspension Trailer is certified to keep your family safe and comfortable. Investing in a trailer that meets EN and ASTM standards means you’re choosing quality, reliability, and, most importantly, safety for your little ones.