Cycling with your dog in a basket is one of those things that sounds complicated until you actually do it. The right basket, a short adjustment period, and some common-sense safety measures are all it takes. I’ve been riding with my dog in a basket for years, and it’s become one of our favorite activities — a faster, more exciting version of a walk, with more ground covered and more tail wagging.
But the wrong basket, the wrong setup, or skipping the safety basics can go badly. A basket that can’t handle your dog’s weight, a dog that isn’t secured inside, or a basket that throws off your bike’s balance — these are real risks that need to be addressed before your first ride.
This guide covers which basket to buy, how to introduce your dog to it safely, and the gear you need to ride together confidently.
For more on cycling adventures with your dog, check out our mountain biking with your dog guide.
Front Basket vs. Rear Basket vs. Trailer
Front Baskets
The basket mounts to your handlebars or the front of the frame. Your dog rides in front of you, which lets you keep an eye on them and allows them to see the world ahead.
Pros:
- You can see your dog at all times
- Your dog gets the best view
- Easier to calm or adjust your dog while riding
- Works well on cruiser-style and commuter bikes
Cons:
- Affects steering and handling (the weight is on the front wheel)
- Weight limit is typically 10–20 pounds
- Can block your view of the road if the basket is tall
- Not compatible with drop-bar road bikes or most mountain bikes
Best for: Small dogs under 15 pounds, casual rides on flat terrain, short trips around the neighborhood.
Rear Baskets and Carriers
A rear basket mounts to a rack over the back wheel. Your dog rides behind you, which allows for a larger, sturdier carrier that handles more weight.
Pros:
- Higher weight capacity (typically 20–35 pounds)
- Less impact on steering and handling
- More stable at speed
- Compatible with most bike types that accept a rear rack
Cons:
- You can’t see your dog without turning around
- Your dog’s view is more limited (they see your back)
- Mounting and dismounting requires more coordination
- The higher center of gravity takes some getting used to
Best for: Medium dogs (15–30 pounds), longer rides, riders who want better bike handling, commuting.
Dog Bike Trailers
For dogs over 30 pounds, a basket won’t work. A bike trailer is the answer. Trailers are essentially small, enclosed carts that tow behind your bike on a hitch.
Pros:
- Can carry dogs up to 75–100 pounds (depending on the trailer)
- The dog has the most space and comfort
- Most trailers have a suspension system for a smoother ride
- Can double as a stroller (many have a front wheel kit)
Cons:
- Expensive ($100–$400)
- Take up significant storage space
- Slower and harder to maneuver than a basket
- Require more bike power (you’re towing extra weight)
Best for: Medium to large dogs, long rides, dogs that need more space to lie down, multi-use (bike trailer + stroller).
Best Dog Bike Baskets
1. Buddyrider Dog Bike Seat — Best Overall
Price: $150–$200 | Weight limit: 25 lbs | Type: Center-mount seat
The Buddyrider sits between you and the handlebars, mounted to the seat post rather than the handlebars. This center-of-gravity position provides the best handling of any basket system I’ve tested. Your dog sits in front of you, low and centered, which barely affects the bike’s balance.
What I like:
- Center-mount design provides dramatically better handling than handlebar-mounted baskets
- 25-pound weight limit accommodates most small to medium-small dogs
- The padded seat is genuinely comfortable for the dog
- Includes a safety tether that connects to the dog’s harness
- Universal fit on most bikes with standard seat posts
What I don’t:
- Premium price point
- Installation requires some mechanical aptitude (not difficult, but not instant)
- Takes up the space where your thighs pedal, which can feel cramped on smaller frames
- Not suitable for dogs that stand up and move around (they need to sit)
Best for: The best riding experience for both rider and dog. Worth the price for regular cyclists who want serious stability.
2. PetSafe Happy Ride Wicker Basket — Best Front Basket
Price: $50–$70 | Weight limit: 13 lbs | Type: Handlebar-mount front basket
The PetSafe wicker basket is the classic dog-in-a-basket look, and it performs well for small dogs. The wicker is reinforced with a steel frame, the interior has a removable sunshade, and the included safety tether keeps your dog secured.
What I like:
- Classic wicker aesthetic that looks great on cruiser and commuter bikes
- The steel frame provides structure that pure wicker baskets lack
- Removable sunshade is a thoughtful feature
- The interior liner is removable and washable
- Quick-release handlebar attachment makes it easy to take on and off
What I don’t:
- 13-pound weight limit is restrictive
- Handlebar-mounted, so steering is affected
- The wicker can be chewed through by determined dogs
- Not weatherproof — the wicker absorbs water
Best for: Small dogs, casual rides, aesthetic-conscious owners, beach cruiser and commuter bikes.
3. Travelin K9 Pet Pilot Bike Basket — Best Rear Basket
Price: $130–$160 | Weight limit: 27 lbs | Type: Rear-rack mount
The Pet Pilot is a padded, enclosed rear basket that mounts to a standard bike rack. The wrap-around design with mesh windows gives your dog visibility while keeping them contained, and the 27-pound weight limit handles most small-to-medium dogs.
What I like:
- Sturdy construction with aluminum frame and reinforced base
- Mesh windows on three sides for airflow and visibility
- Padded interior with a removable, washable cushion
- The height of the walls prevents dogs from jumping out
- Includes a safety tether attachment point
- The zipper entry makes loading your dog easy
What I don’t:
- Requires a rear rack (not included). Standard rear racks cost $20–$40.
- The basket is tall, which creates a slight top-heavy feel at low speeds
- Takes up the entire rear rack (no room for panniers or other cargo)
- Assembly is required and the instructions are just okay
Best for: Medium dogs (15–27 pounds), riders who want better handling than a front basket, longer rides where the dog needs comfort and space.
4. Schwinn Rascal Dog Bike Trailer — Best Trailer
Price: $100–$140 | Weight limit: 50 lbs | Type: Tow-behind trailer
If your dog is over 25 pounds, a trailer is the way to go. The Schwinn Rascal provides enough space for dogs up to 50 pounds, with a steel frame, mesh windows, and a quick-release hitch that connects to most rear axles.
What I like:
- 50-pound weight limit opens cycling to medium-sized dogs
- The interior space (23" L x 17" W x 21" H) is comfortable for most dogs
- Mesh windows on the sides and rear provide ventilation
- The quick-release hitch makes setup and breakdown fast
- Folds relatively flat for storage
- Includes a safety flag for road visibility
What I don’t:
- It’s a trailer, so you’re towing additional weight and length
- The turning radius is wider than a basket setup
- The wheels are small (16"), which makes for a bumpier ride on rough roads
- Not suitable for off-road or gravel paths
- Your dog is behind you and out of sight
Best for: Dogs 25–50 pounds, flat-terrain rides, bike paths, neighborhood cruising.
Safety Essentials
Always Use a Safety Tether
Every basket ride should include a short tether connecting your dog’s harness (not collar) to the basket. If the basket fails, if you hit a bump, or if your dog gets startled, the tether prevents them from jumping out into traffic.
Use a harness, not a collar. A dog that jumps from a basket and gets caught by a collar can be strangled. A properly fitted harness distributes the force across the chest.
Start Slow
Don’t clip on the basket and ride five miles on your first outing. Start with:
- Stationary bike + basket: Let your dog sit in the basket while the bike is on a stand or leaning against a wall. Treats. Praise.
- Walk the bike: Push the bike with your dog in the basket. Walk around the block.
- Short, slow ride: A five-minute ride on a quiet street. Keep speeds under 10 mph.
- Build up: Gradually increase distance and speed as your dog shows confidence.
Check Weight Limits
Overloading a basket is dangerous. The mounting hardware, the basket structure, and the bike’s handling are all designed for a specific maximum weight. Exceeding it risks the basket detaching, the bike becoming unstable, or the basket collapsing.
Weigh your dog, including whatever harness or clothing they’ll wear, and stay under the stated limit.
Stay on Bike-Appropriate Routes
Busy roads, high-speed streets, and rough terrain are risky enough on a bike alone. Adding a dog increases the risk. Stick to:
- Dedicated bike paths
- Quiet neighborhood streets
- Park trails (paved or smooth gravel)
- Low-speed zones
Use Protective Gear
- Your dog should wear a harness (not a collar) connected to the safety tether
- You should wear a helmet (always)
- Consider dog boots if your dog’s paws will contact the ground during stops
- A reflective vest or LED collar light for low-light riding
When Not to Bike With Your Dog
- Extreme heat: Asphalt radiates heat, and a dog sitting low in a basket or trailer is closer to it. If it’s over 85 degrees, consider postponing.
- Your dog is anxious or panicked: Not every dog enjoys biking. If your dog shows signs of stress (panting, drooling, whale eye, trying to escape), stop and try again another day with a shorter session. Some dogs never enjoy it, and that’s okay.
- Traffic-heavy routes: A dog in a basket can be unpredictable. Avoid situations where a sudden movement could put you both in danger.
- Your dog is too large for the basket: If your dog is over the weight limit, don’t try to make it work. Get a trailer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size dog can ride in a bike basket?
Most front baskets: under 15 pounds. Rear baskets: under 25–30 pounds. Trailers: under 50–75 pounds (depending on the trailer). Always check the specific weight limit of your basket.
How do I keep my dog from jumping out?
A safety tether attached to a harness is essential. Most quality baskets include a tether point. Beyond that, gradual introduction builds confidence — dogs that are comfortable in the basket don’t want to jump out.
Can I use a regular bike basket for my dog?
You can, but it’s not recommended. Standard bike baskets lack safety tether attachment points, have lower weight capacities, and don’t have padded interiors. A purpose-built dog basket is safer and more comfortable for your dog.
My dog is 40 pounds. Can I use a basket?
No. At 40 pounds, you need a trailer. No handlebar or rear basket is rated for 40 pounds, and the weight would make the bike dangerously unstable.
How fast can I ride with my dog in a basket?
Keep speeds under 15 mph for baskets and under 12 mph for trailers. Higher speeds increase the risk and severity of accidents, and the wind can be uncomfortable for dogs.
Is it legal to ride a bike with a dog in a basket?
Laws vary by location. Most jurisdictions don’t specifically prohibit carrying a dog in a bike basket, but general distracted-cycling laws may apply if the dog creates an unsafe situation. Check your local regulations.
Prices last updated February 2026. We use affiliate links — if you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
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