Bicycle trailer
A bicycle trailer is used for transporting loads, such as children or luggage.
Demands on the bike
Both the static and the dynamic additional forces by the trailer claiming both the bicycle frame and the wheels. In particular, bicycle manufacturers, which use aluminum or carbon fiber frame, so basically prohibit the towing in their operating instructions.
Coupling
The clutch is a safety-relevant component dar. It must allow that develop when driving rotation, tilt and yaw angle and can transmit acceleration and braking forces.
Previously they were mostly with a so-called high pole in the area of clamping the seat post with a ball trailer hitch, similar to the usual car, docked on the bike. Today you can find this kind of coupling only for two- load trailers. Couplings and trailer can also be used on mopeds.
For bicycles a more favorable in terms of force coupling in the rear hub of the bicycle is used today mostly by the low access above the ground tends the trailer so less rocking and tilting and the bike frame is relieved entirely static. Nevertheless, the bicycle frame has to continue to include additional dynamic forces by the trailer. Modern clutches can also be faster and more convenient to open or disconnect and shut off.
Types of bicycle trailers
Child Trailer
Child Trailers are built depending on the size and quality for up to two children aged from a few weeks up to about six years. Recent children's bike trailers are due to stable passenger cell with low center of gravity and seat belts the safest bicycle transportation. Here are those trailers the safest, which have a fixed base tray made of metal or plastic and a all-round bumper, increases the distance between the vehicle occupants ( children) and the impact object (car) and simultaneously forms a crumple zone. Stabilizing upholstery and reclining and sitting aids and fixable carrycots for infants and babies make the trailer for parents also in the first few months of life as a mobile alternative to the car or stroller interesting.
In addition, they are by the large storage space as loads or Shopping Transportation and wide range of accessories also as stroller replacement, which can be used by the low center of gravity and track loyalty not only during slow walking, but also while jogging or skating.
Cargo trailers
When the load trailers, there are both two-wheeled, (for example, purchase or transport of animals ) are suitable for transporting larger loads over short distances, as well as one-wheeled, which are used for longer bike tours with lots of luggage. These are increasingly being used by bicycle couriers. Some of these goods trailers are even suitable for a payload of up to 400 kg to wear. However, the load on a bicycle, usually remains limited to 40 kg. Reason is mainly the undamped version of the trailer. The additional load must then be mitgebremst by the usually weak anyway oversized bicycle brakes. About a seat attached to the trailer hitch such a tag is attached to the bike. Contrary to expectation, such bicycle trailer not in the bike shop next door but rather must be purchased in stores for transport systems. It remains the associated bicycle operating instructions must be observed regarding towing a trailer, because many manufacturers forbid the trailer.
Swivel
Unlike normal bicycle trailers Swivel (also bicycle side car or trailer ) are attached to the side of the bicycle. A swivel has only one impeller. It is a result of the non-rigid attachment to the bike over the longitudinal axis parallel to the bicycle rotate. This bike can be in the curve tend while the swivel and not tilt the load therein. This type of bicycle trailer is specially designed for long loads (eg boards or metal pipes), since the load may exceed the length of the bike and so the front and back is about the team out. A further advantage is that the load can be directly observed which is an advantage especially in the transport of dogs.
Legal situation
The renewal of the German Road Traffic Regulations, which came into force on April 1, 2013, also includes the closing of the previously existing loophole, who is allowed to be transported in bicycle trailers. According to § 21 paragraph 3 Highway Code, it is at least 16 years old people allowed up to two children under the age of seven years in trailers that are equipped to carry children to take; with a disabled child, the age limit is omitted. Also important is the "Information for where the trailer behind bicycles " (Federal Ministry of Transport, Building and Housing, November 6, 1999). However, this has obvious shortcomings, which are discussed among others in the cycling club.
In Austria, the legal requirements for bicycle trailers, regulated for both the loads as well as for passenger transport, in § § 5 and 7 of the Regulation bike. The traffic law part about driving on the bicycle facilities and the general road is enshrined in the Highway Code § 68. ( To have fitted) On the day of a lighting system is because of the legislation on bicycle trailer still mandatory, while bikes themselves are exempt since about 2000 of them. It is unclear whether a 90 ° sideways - angled wheel trailer (such as Bob Yak ), which can stand the rig stable when towing bicycle on prescribed rack is valued.