Understanding ASTM Bicycle Trailer Testing Safety Standards: What It Means for You and Your Kids

Understanding ASTM Bicycle Trailer Testing Safety Standards: What It Means for You and Your Kids

Bicycle trailers have become a fantastic way for parents to combine their love for cycling with spending time outdoors with their children. But as with all products designed to carry kids, safety is the highest priority. This is where ASTM safety standards come into play. In this post, we’ll dive into the ASTM bicycle trailer testing standards, explore why they’re important for consumer safety, and explain how certain manufacturers, such as Wike, incorporate these standards into their products. Lastly, we’ll discuss what ASTM certification means for you as a consumer when purchasing a bicycle trailer for your kids.

What Is ASTM?

ASTM International, formerly the American Society for Testing and Materials, is one of the world’s largest organizations for developing voluntary technical standards for various products, materials, and systems. ASTM standards set safety, quality, and performance benchmarks that products must meet. The organization’s standards are globally recognized and applied across numerous industries, including the bicycle trailer market.

If you purchase a product marked with an ASTM certification, it means that the product has passed rigorous and destructive testing to meet (or exceed) specific safety requirements. In the case of bicycle trailers, these standards cover extremely important aspects like structural integrity, stability, and key safety features designed to ensure the trailer is both durable and secure for keeping your children safe and comfortable.

ASTM Bicycle Trailer Testing Standards: Ensuring Safety

ASTM has specific standards for testing bicycle trailers designed to carry children. The current standard for child-carrying bicycle trailers is ASTM F1975, titled Standard Specification for Non-Performance Characteristic Testing of Bicycle Child Trailers. This document outlines a series of tests that trailers must pass before they can be sold as ASTM certified.

Here are the major areas covered by ASTM F1975:

1. Structural Integrity

 Frame Durability

One of the primary concerns when it comes to child trailers is the strength of the frame. ASTM standards test the trailer to ensure the frame can handle impacts, like crashes or hitting a stationary object, without collapsing or bending.

Dynamic Load Testing

Trailers are put through load-bearing tests to ensure they can carry the weight of children and additional cargo safely. These tests simulate repeated use over time, ensuring the trailer won’t break down under regular loading and unloading.

2. Hitch and Coupling Mechanism

  • The hitch, which connects the trailer to the bike, is another critical part of the design. ASTM tests verify that the hitch is strong and durable enough to handle long-term use without breaking or disconnecting from the bicycle.
  • Quick Release Mechanisms: For convenience, many trailers offer quick-release mechanisms for easy attachment and detachment. ASTM testing ensures these mechanisms work reliably without accidental disconnection while in use.

3. Stability and Anti-Tip Testing

  • Trailers need to be stable while cycling, especially when making turns or riding on uneven terrain. ASTM tests for lateral stability, ensuring that the trailer won’t tip over easily (under normal usage conditions) when the rider makes sharp turns or encounters bumps in the road.
  • These tests assess the trailer's width, balance, and wheelbase to ensure the trailer remains upright during everyday use.

4. Braking Systems (Where Applicable)

    • Some trailers come equipped with their own braking systems, particularly those designed to convert into jogging strollers. ASTM testing checks that these braking systems work reliably and that the trailer can stop safely and effectively.

    5. Child Harness and Restraint Systems

    • One of the most important aspects of trailer safety is the harness system. ASTM requires trailers to have durable, reliable harnesses to keep children secure during the ride.
    • Five-Point Harness: ASTM standards require a five-point harness, which secures the child at the shoulders, hips, and between the legs. This design prevents the child from sliding or being ejected from the trailer in the event of a crash or sudden stop.

    6. Weather Resistance and Environmental Testing

      • Bicycle trailers are meant to be used outdoors, so they must be able to withstand exposure to weather elements like rain, sun, and wind. ASTM standards test the durability of the fabric, frame, and windows to ensure they can handle weather-related wear and tear.
      • UV Protection: ASTM standards also include UV-protection testing to make sure the trailer’s fabric and windows provide adequate protection from harmful ultraviolet rays during long rides on sunny days.

      Experience the Ultimate Safety and Comfort with Wike

      As a company that has been dedicated to outdoor adventures and family safety for over 30 years, we take pride in designing our bike trailers and strollers with exceptional quality and safety features. We are so proud of our reputation for creating reliable and durable children’s bicycle trailers; some of the original Wike kids are having their own now, and still use the same trailer! Our products are specifically engineered to meet or exceed ASTM standards, ensuring the highest level of safety for children.

      1. Wike’s Dedication to ASTM Standards

      • Wike is committed to producing trailers that meet and exceed ASTM F1975 standards. Each trailer is carefully designed and tested to ensure it will pass the necessary safety tests once sent to the testing facility. Our testing process ensures that Wike trailers are ready for real-world conditions before they’re even available for purchase.

      1. Additional Safety Features

      • Beyond adhering to ASTM standards, we at Wike go the extra mile by incorporating additional safety features into our trailers. For instance, our Premium Suspension Trailer features an all-new shock-absorbing frame, ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride for children no matter what terrain you are up against.

      1. Practical Design and Convenience

      • One of the things we strive for in all of our Wike bike trailers is their ease-of-use. The quick-release hitches make attaching and detaching the trailer incredibly simple, and the frame collapses easily for compact storage (not to mention all the parts fit inside the footwell of the trailer for extra-sleek storage). Plus, the multi-functional design allows you to use it for biking, jogging, or as a stroller, adding to the list of activities your Wike can make even better!

      Spotlight on the Wike Premium Suspension Bike Trailer

      For those of you who take your kids on longer rides, more adventurous terrain, or are simply looking for the ultimate kid hauling masterpiece, the Wike Premium Suspension Bike Trailer is our best-yet combination of comfort, versatility, and safety.

      Here's a closer look at this model and how it aligns with ASTM standards:

      1. Built for Comfort and Durability

      • The Wike Premium Suspension Bike Trailer is equipped with full suspension, making it ideal for uneven surfaces or longer rides. The suspension system absorbs shocks from bumps, keeping the ride smooth and comfortable for the children inside.
      • The frame of this model is made from lightweight aluminum, which meets (and exceeds) the structural integrity standards set by ASTM. It’s both lightweight, durable, and easy to handle; you can trust that Wike will keep your kids safe and comfortable, whichever path you choose to take.

      1. ASTM-Certified Safety Features

      • The Wike Suspension Trailer trailer, like all Wike trailers, is designed to exceed ASTM F1975 standards. It comes equipped with an easy-to-use five-point harness system, ensuring that your kids are securely fastened during every ride. The harness is durable and adjusts easily to fit children of different sizes, keeping them comfy and safe inside the trailer.
      • Our Wike Bike Hitch is super strong, easy to attach and detach, and meets ASTM safety requirements for hitch durability and reliability. We’ve found the quick-release tab-lock pins to be extremely convenient for attaching the trailer or converting to a jogging stroller in under a minute.

      1. Versatility for Active Families

      • What sets the Wike Premium Suspension Bike Trailer apart is its versatility: like most Wike bike trailers for kids, it can easily be converted from a bicycle trailer into a jogging stroller or a standard stroller. The jogging kit (already included with the Wike Suspension trailer), allows you to make quick adjustments based on the activity you're planning for the day.
      • Whether you're biking through your neighborhood or going for a run in the park, the trailer’s stable, wide base and suspension system ensure a smooth ride. Its anti-tip design meets ASTM’s stability requirements, so you don’t have to worry about it flipping during sharp turns or uneven surfaces.

      1. Weather and Environmental Protection

      • Wike’s Premium Suspension Bike Trailer comes with weather-resistant materials that keep your kids protected from the elements. The included rain shield, durable waterproof canopy, and rust-proof frame design shield your loved ones from rain, wind, and sun, all while offering ample ventilation thanks to the adjustable roll-up side windows. The fabric used is UV-resistant, aligning with ASTM's environmental protection standards.
      • From our experience, the roll-up side window feature gets great feedback from families living in warmer climates, as well as kids that sometimes need some sensory assistance. Whether it’s a hot sunny day or an unexpected rain shower, cycle safely home knowing that your kids are comfortable and dry inside the trailer.

      1. Storage and Convenience

      • Another feature unique to Wike products, including the Wike Premium Suspension Bike Trailer, is our patented quick-folding frame which allows you to collapse it flat, making it easy to transport or store in smaller spaces, like the trunk of a car or a closet.
      • Despite its lightweight frame, the Wike Suspension trailer can handle up to 60kg of combined weight (trailer, children and cargo), making it perfect for both toddlers and school-age kids.

      What ASTM Certification Means for Your Family

      When you see that a bicycle trailer is ASTM-certified, it means that you can trust its safety, durability, and performance. Let’s break down what this certification means for you as a parent:

      1. Reassurance of Safety
      • An ASTM-certified trailer gives you peace of mind. It ensures that the product has passed rigorous safety testing, from the frame and hitch to the harness system and stability. You can trust that your child will be safe and secure during rides, no matter the conditions.
      1. Long-Lasting Durability
      • The durability tests required by ASTM ensure that certified trailers are built to last. This means you can count on your trailer to withstand years of regular use without the need for frequent repairs or replacements. This is especially important when your family is active and your trailer sees plenty of miles.
      1. Reliable Performance in Various Conditions
      • ASTM standards test trailers for performance across a range of scenarios, from smooth paths to rough terrain. This means that, with an ASTM-certified trailer, you’ll be confident it will perform well and stay stable no matter where your rides take you.
      1. Environmental Protection
      • With weather and UV resistance built into the ASTM standards, you can be sure that your child will be protected from the elements. Whether you’re riding in the rain or under the hot sun, ASTM-certified trailers are designed to keep kids comfortable and safe.
      1. Accident Prevention
      • Safety features like the five-point harness, hitch security, and anti-tip testing all work together to help prevent accidents. Whether you’re navigating city streets or country trails, you can ride with the assurance that your child is securely restrained and that the trailer is unlikely to tip over or disconnect from the bike.

      Conclusion: Why ASTM Bicycle Trailers Are the Smart Choice

      When choosing a bicycle trailer for your child, safety should always be the top priority. ASTM certification ensures that the trailer has passed rigorous safety tests, from the strength of the frame to the security of the harness system. At Wike, we take pride in adhering to—and often exceeding—these standards, giving families like yours the peace of mind that their kids are safe while out enjoying the ride.

      By investing in an ASTM-certified Wike trailer, you’re investing in more than just a product. You’re investing in your child’s safety, comfort, and well-being, ensuring that every ride is both fun and secure for the whole family. Whether you’re a casual cyclist or a weekend warrior, choosing a trailer that meets ASTM standards is a key step in making sure your adventures are as safe and enjoyable as possible.

      Still wondering about Wike products and how they can benefit your family? Reach out to our friendly customer service team today at customerservice@wikeinc.com, where they are always happy to assist with your questions or concerns.

      Back to blog