COFIT Detachable Bike Basket
Raymace Bicycle Basket
Travelin K9 Pet-Pilot MAX Medium Dog Bike Basket
ANZOME Bike BasketGoing on a bike ride and want your dog to join you? Those looking for a bike trailer or bike carrier for their pet will be bombarded with several options – all of which will appear similar at first glance.
We've narrowed down the best bike carriers for pets in a comprehensive bike carrier buying guide. Read on below to find out our top five picks, along with our two primary choices. Depending on the size of your dog or cat, you may be able to utilize one of these for extra storage space on your morning commute.
The best bike carriers for pets will ensure safety and comfort, first and foremost, while also providing ease of mind to the rider or additional utility for daily riding.
Factors to Consider When Selecting a Bike Carrier for Your Pet
There are several factors to consider when selecting which bike carrier you’ll be using for your pet.
The main thing to remember is that the best, and safest, carriers for dogs will be designed specificallyfor dogs. That means optimal safety by having aforementioned features like secondary safety straps, something to secure the dog within the basket – either to their collar or harness and a solid overall construction that ensures stability while riding.
You’ll also want the bike basket to hold up with the full weight of the dog inside. Most baskets will disclose the maximum weight limit, which typically hovers around 10-11 pounds.
Most bike baskets that are specifically designed with dogs or pets in mind will also employ cushioning or padding on the surface of the basket floor. Most of them will also be made using Oxford fabric – offering water-proof resistant material, and an easy clean. This will help protect against standard wear & tear to the elements (and your pet).
FAQ
Can I put my dog in any bike basket?
No, you should not put your dog in any bike basket. You want to make sure that the dog will be secure and safe. While dogs can go in some bike baskets that aren't specifically made for pets, we'd still recommend opting for baskets – like those on this list – that are manufactured for pet owners, as they will provide additional security features.
When looking at bike baskets for dogs (handlebar mounted – front or rear) it’s important to remember that most of them will only be able to hold 10 pounds, and usually go up to a maximum of 15 pounds. As a general guideline, smaller breeds – especially 'toy' breeds should have no issue.
To ensure the best fit, we'd recommend measuring your dog and taking a look at the measurements of the basket prior to purchase. This will help ensure your pet isn't cramped or uncomfortable during rides. The basket should also have security features in place to prevent them from jumping out and hurting themselves.
Why use a dog basket in the first place?
You may be wondering why you should bother with having your dog carried along in a basket when you could just as easily have the dog run alongside you on your biking trip, commute, or daily ride.
There are several good reasons to opt for a bike basket for your pet. Dog bike baskets are a great option for smaller dog breeds that won’t be able to keep up with the speed of a bike (or especially an electric bike).
They can also help older pups or animals recovering from an illness get outside and have some exposure to fresh air by being in a secured basket while you take them with you. This could allow you to either transport them to the vet or get them outside without them having to expend energy themselves.
Top FOUR Best Bike Carriers for Pets
With dimensions of 13.78 x 8.27 x 9.45, the CoFit detachable bike basket comes off your bike easily and can serve multi-functional uses as a pet basket or pet carrier or extra storage space for groceries or personal items when commuting.
At a max weight capacity of 5 kg (11 pounds), this bike basket is ideal for smaller dogs – but you probably wouldn't be putting a German Shepherd in a bike carrier basket, anyway.
Things We Like
The basket is easily collapsible, so it can be stored easily when you’re not using it.
The aluminum handles have soft and tearproof sponge pads, which protect your hands and avoid damage to the basket from pet paws and nails. It is also made from water-proof Oxford cloth.
This basket comes with plenty of secure mounting parts for easy installation with all the required tools and components contained with the product when purchased. The instructions on how to ensure you check to make sure it can fit your bike's handlebars are extremely clear and detailed. It is pretty adjustable and can fit on most bikes without a problem.
It has a quick detachment feature.
Things We Don’t Like
Does not have a harness tether.
Could use a bit more padding for additional security or comfort.
The Raymace dog bike basket measures 12.99 x 10 x 10 and weighs just under 2 pounds. The inside distance is 2 1/8” and the outside distance is 3 1/4”. Despite this, the basket is capable of holding up to 11 pounds, like most of the competitors.
It is water-resistant, comes with a rain cover, and is made with Oxford fabric and an oxidized aluminum alloy frame for enhanced security.
Eight handlebar gaskets make this basket suitable for most bike types, including most electric bicycles, be it a commuter, mountain bike, or cruiser.
Things We Like
It is well-made for the price point and secures enough to carry lighter pets or everyday gear (water bottles, notepads, accessories, groceries).
Despite being one of the models we've looked at specifically marketed toward pet owners, this one seems more appropriate for carrying around items when commuting.
Things We Don’t Like
Some people report having to remove the front reflector on their bike to get it situated or fitted appropriately.
Compared to our top two models, this one required a little more adjustment/fiddling to get it to sit properly on the bike handlebars.
It can be locked onto the bike with a small plastic button. This model isn't as secure as the others we've seen tested.
The Travelin K-9 pet pilot MAX is another great choice and much more secure for medium-sized dogs compared to other models. This basket is specifically designed with pets in mind and features a sturdy steel frame and mounting system.
At 4.4 pounds, this basket is a little heavier than others, but customers make note that they were able to put heftier dogs (18-20 pounds) in the basket with ease, and they were secure and safe, with plenty of room to spare. The ample storage room and larger holding weight are the main selling point of this basket over the competitors.
Things We Like
Cooling airflow through the front mesh ventilation (mesh windows), along with padded top edging for comfort.
Can carry a higher threshold of weight than other front bicycle dog carriers on the market today.
Extra security and safety features with the 2-point chrome clasp and safety leash, which can attach to a dog's harness to keep them in place within the basket.
Things We Don’t Like
Mount installation will require a little tinkering.
It is not compatible with some e-bikes/electric bicycles.
The handlebar mount clamps have around a ~2-inch space between them, which may not be enough to clear the specs on certain e-bike models.
The Anzome folding bike basket is multifunctional, and can be used for carrying food, water bottles, groceries, work supplies, and accessories, as well as pets.
The basket, once assembled, attaches via a quick-release handlebar mount – like most other models we've seen – and can be detached just as easily. Its main competitor, the CoFit, can hold up to 5 kg (11 pounds). This makes it suitable for smaller dog breeds. This would be our second-place runner-up unless you have a larger dog.
Things We Like
The basket’s hardware is extremely easy to install, and mount/dismount after installation.
There is a leash strap featured to keep dogs from jumping out of the basket.
Well-designed overall.
Smaller dogs, even up to the maximum weight of 10-11 pounds, fit easily in the basket, while still getting plenty of extra room to move around.
Things We Don’t Like
The weight of the dog can tip the bike if the bike is lightweight and the basket doesn't offer enough grounding to prevent this from happening.
Our Top Pick for Best Bike Carrier for Pets
Our top pick for the best bike carrier for pets, all-around, is the CoFit Collapsible Multi-Purpose Basket, based on the number of glowing reviews it has received from other customers – along with the ease of attachment and use.
Allowing for a comfortable ride for your pet, the CoFit is well-designed, affordable, and comes with enough security features for you to feel safe leaving your pet inside the basket while riding or commuting.
While there is not a single pinpoint feature that sets CoFit apart from the rest of the pack, the price point for the level of quality is the best deal we’ve seen on a bike carrier for small-breed dogs and cats.
With thousands of positive reviews compared to the other carriers and holders we’ve looked at, there is clearly a more established reputation with the CoFit when compared to a carrier like the Raymace.
