Chariots of Fun – Free Kids Bike Trailer Scheme

Kids bike trailers are trailers that attach to most adult bikes – we like to call them Chariots of Fun! Each trailer has room for up to 2 children, up to the age of 6 (117cm / 22kg). They can be detached easily and folded flat for storage, and they even have a handy storage compartment.

There are lots of great reasons to use a kids bike trailer. Here are just a few…

• A journey of just 2 miles in the car costs you £700 each year in running costs. Just think what you could do with that money instead!
• It’s better for little lungs! Air pollution levels can be 9-12 times higher inside a car than outside.
• It’s often quicker to get around by bike than by car, especially during the school run.
• It’s good exercise for you too! A 20-minute bike ride can use the same amount of calories as a cappuccino, a bar of chocolate or a 175ml glass of wine.

All families living in or around SE24. This project is particularly aimed at those who live or work in Herne Hill or who go to school in this area. 

Each family can only use this free trial scheme once so that as many families as possible can have a go. If you love it you can always consider buying one for yourself.

Collection sessions are currently held every 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month at Bicyclenation (83 Norwood Rd, opposite Brockwell Park).

We will ask you to return your Chariot of Fun on the day specified at the time you make your booking. This is currently the Monday at the end of your two week trial period. 

The trailer can be dropped off at Bicyclenation any time between 9am – 4pm. A mechanic will need to detach the trailer from your bike and give it a quick check for any significant damage. Please allow 15 minutes to make your return. 

If you wish to return your trailer on a different day this might be possible, provided it is within your two week trial period. Please contact Bicyclenation directly to check that a mechanic will be available to help you with your return (020 8671 6900)

Our Chariots of Fun are Hamax Travellers. The Hamax Traveller is a high quality, popular bike trailer option for families. It’s lightweight and can easily convert into a stroller (a huge bonus for busy families!). It has plenty of space for 2 kids as well as your luggage, and it’s easy to fold/unfold.

You can find out more information about them here.

Yes, the brand of trailer that we use for our Chariots of Fun (the Hamax Traveller) can be easily folded and unfolded.

Yes, the brand of trailer that we use for our Chariots of Fun (the Hamax Traveller) can be easily converted to a stroller.

Our Chariots of Fun are compatible with most adult bikes, with a few exceptions such as racing bikes, electric bikes and brompton bikes. 

It is important to check your bike’s compatibility before booking, so if you’re not sure we suggest popping into the Bicyclenation shop (83 Norwood Rd, opposite Brockwell Park). Their mechanics will be happy to take a look at your bike and advise you. They can also give your bike a quick service!

You’ll need a bike if you want to try a Chariot of Fun. If you don’t already have a bike we suggest taking a look at the range of bikes that Peddle My Wheels has on offer. They have a range of new and nearly-new bikes which you can try for a small monthly fee before deciding whether or not to buy. 

The bike trailers are suitable for children from 6 months to approximately 6 years old. The trailers have a maximum child height limit of 117 cm and maximum weight allowance of 22kg, approximately the weight and height of an average 6 year old.

The booking page is available here.

If you love your trailer (and we think you will!) you can always consider buying one for yourself. We recommend speaking to the team at Bicyclenation when you return your trailer. They can advise you and answer any questions.

We want to know what the barriers are to active travel in Herne Hill. Perhaps you’ve been thinking about cycling with your kids before but something has stopped you. Whatever your reasons, we’d love to hear what they are. And more importantly, we’d like to know whether a Chariot of Fun has made a difference to your active travel habits.

As a condition to taking part in this scheme, we kindly ask you to participate in our short, simple evaluation questionnaire. We’ll send this to you via email and we ask that you complete this before returning your trailer.

When you collect your trailer you will be given a cycle training session by a qualified cycling instructor to help get you started. It’s easier than you might think!

We suggest you get familiar with your trailer by trying it at the weekend, or by taking it to one of the Low Traffic Neighbourhoods, a park or another traffic-free route. 

All the trailers come with rear light, a Five Point Harness and quality buckles and Quick Release Obstacle deflectors.

You are responsible for looking after your bike trailer, and you will be liable for the trailer if it is damaged or stolen.

Remember to use the bike lock provided to lock your bike whenever you’re not using it.