Thule Bexey Dog Trailer on Test

Thule officially enter the dog trailer business with the Bexey – and they do so with a model that’s clearly gunning for the premium league. It’s far from a bargain, but it’s built for dog owners who want maximum comfort and safety for their four-legged companions. The real question: can the Bexey deliver on that promise, or is it just an overpriced status symbol?

Thule’s idea of taking dogs along in a trailer isn’t entirely new: a few years back, the Swedish manufacturer offered the Courier Dog Trailer Kit – essentially a children’s trailer adapted for canine transport. With the Bexey, however, they’re now striking out on a different path. This is their first dog trailer developed entirely from the ground up, designed not only to offer safety and comfort for four-legged passengers, but also to embody Thule’s hallmarks: premium build quality, clever handling and an elegant design.

In terms of price, the Bexey sits firmly in the premium segment: the size M model, which is suitable for dogs up to 35 kg, retails from € 899.95, while the size L version for bigger dogs up to 45 kg costs € 999.95 Whether the Thule Bexey L can truly live up to the expectations of our Labradoodle Henry – and his favourite human Manne – is what we’ll be finding out in this review.

Thule Dog Trailer Bexey – Manufacturer’s Specifications at a Glance

Thule describe the Bexey as a thoughtfully designed dog trailer for bicycles, combining comfort, safety and durability. The entry sits nice and low, so even bigger dogs can climb in with ease. Inside, a spacious cabin with ample headroom, effective ventilation, and no sharp edges ensures a comfortable and safe ride — even when the terrain gets rough.

Thule promise extra comfort through a padded, sturdy floor that provides support and helps the dog to relax during the journey. The entire build uses robust materials that look solid and stand up to both scratches and bites. A practical feature: the floor and side panels can be removed with the zippers, which the manufacturer says makes it straightforward and hassle-free to clean.

Our test will show whether the Thule Bexey in size L lives up to its promises in the real world – and just how much fun both dog and human have along the way.

Our First Impressions of the Thule Bexey

One of the first things you notice is the practical foot brake, which keeps the trailer securely in place when parked.Another striking feature is the negative camber of the wheels – they tilt slightly outward, giving the trailer extra stability on the move. Overall, the build quality makes a premium impression, and the sturdy plastic floor feels extremely solid – even though there’s no suspension. What is missing, however, is storage: there’s no pocket for small essentials like treats, waste bags, or a water bottle. Our practical test will show how these details actually play out day to day.

Test Team

Test dog Henry is a seven-year-old Labradoodle – weighing 33 kg, with a withers height of 60 cm, and an impressive 75 cm when standing on his hind legs. Together with his favourite human, he brings nearly seven years of dog trailer experience and knows the pros and cons of various models all too well. The duo also took part in our extensive comparison test of nine trailers, gaining plenty of paws-on testing experience along the way.

Test Conditions

The focus of this test was clearly on everyday use. We put the Thule Bexey through its paces in all weathers during daily commutes – office dog Henry covered roughly half the distance on foot, while enjoying the other half comfortably in the trailer. Needless to say, the Thule also had the chance to prove itself on longer weekend trips and over rougher terrain. In total, the duo has so far covered around 800 kilometres with the Thule Bexey.

We chose the Haibike ADVENTR 11 – an “off-road-capable” stepthrough e-bike with ABS brakes and a powerful Bosch CX motor – from the fleet of our sister magazine E-MOUNTAINBIKE to tow the Thule Bexey, and we were very pleased with this combination. Incidentally, Haibike also secured the top spot in our comparison of 10 SUV e-bikes.

Assembly, Build Quality & Design of the Thule Bexey

Before hitting the road, the original rear wheel thru-axle needs to be replaced with a longer version that can accommodate Thule’s proprietary coupling system. Important to note: the length and thread pitch of the new axle must match exactly. Thule offer the most common thru-axle models, but if you can’t find the right one there, The Robert Axle Project provides axles in virtually any length and thread. If in doubt, it’s best to check directly with a specialist dealer.

Assembly
Setting up the dog trailer is refreshingly simple and quick – no tools required. Folding the trailer is just as straightforward, making it especially practical for transport and storage. For those who prefer visual guidance, Thule also produced a highly recommended instructional video.

Material Quality
The Bexey features a sturdy aluminium frame combined with a durable fabric cover. Neatly finished seams and smooth-running zippers add to the impression of durability. The design is free of sharp edges, though it does without the magnetic fasteners that make Croozer models so user-friendly.

Plastic Floor
The floor of the Thule Bexey consists of a continuous plastic tray, a system that offers several advantages: it’s stable and robust, resistant to scratches and damage, and glides effortlessly over rocks and uneven surfaces – unlike cheaper fabric floors. The smooth surface makes it easy to clean, both inside once the padding is removed, and on the underside. Additionally, it’s weatherproof, preventing water from entering the trailer from below.

Even after 800 km and a few hard knocks, the plastic base still shows no signs of weakness.

Design
The Swedes gave the Bexey an elegant, modern design that not only looks great, but also clearly signals that this dog trailer belongs in the premium league. Simple, functional, yet stylish – Scandinavian design at its finest.

Ride Quality, Suspension & Handling

Attachment to the Bike
Thanks to Thule’s proprietary coupling system, the drawbar can be attached to the bike quickly, even with one hand. After that, the safety strap is secured with a carabiner to the fixed part of the coupling – an extra step that adds an additional safety layer. A practical feature: anyone wanting to protect their trailer from opportunistic theft can make use of the integrated lock in the coupling system. This creates a solid connection between the bike and the dog trailer, making opportunistic theft much more difficult.

Stability and Ride Behaviour
Thanks to its low centre of gravity, the Thule Bexey is exceptionally stable, even when cornering at speed. Ground clearance is just 11 cm – for comparison, the Croozer TAMMO and Hamax Pluto Size L dog trailers sit significantly higher at 18 cm. The low centre of gravity, paired with the lack of suspension-induced rocking in corners and a balanced track-to-height ratio, further enhances stability.The negative camber of the wheels further enhances safety in turns. Both dog and human were thrilled with how secure it felt on the road!

Rolling Behaviour
The 20-inch wheels run smoothly, although after around 800 km of use, the bearings developed a slight play, which is likely due to the plastic bushings Thule use. This is an area where Thule could improve by fitting higher-quality bushings.

Tracking
The trailer follows quietly behind the bike, doesn’t pull to one side, and when empty, you barely notice it while riding.

Breaking
The Thule Bexey features a foot-operated park brake on the left – just step on it, and it’s done. No bending, no fiddling, and both hands remain free while standing upright next to your bike. This allows you to hold the bike with one hand and operate the brake with the other. Extremely practical for everyday use. Anyone who’s ever juggled a nervous dog on a hill will appreciate it: this setup saves you a lot of acrobatics. At present, we consider this brake the most practical on the market.

Suspension
Is a suspension useful and necessary? While we are definite fans of full-suspension mountain bikes (MTBs with front and rear suspension), we’re not convinced this applies to dog trailers. Why? A suspension that truly does its job and improves ride comfort for the dog – while also allowing for “fast” cornering – comes at a price. To borrow the bicycle example again, the cheap suspension on a budget full-suspension MTB may look like a suspension to the untrained eye, but it’s virtually useless.
Our conclusion on the question “Is a suspension necessary on bike dog trailers?” after our extensive comparison test (which included seven suspended and two unsuspended models) is:

With the right dog bed, suspension isn’t necessary!

For those who want a closer look at the reasoning behind our conclusion, it can be found here.

Comfort & Safety for the Dog in the Thule Bexey

Space
For the dog sizes and corresponding weights specified by Thule, the Bexey offers a well-proportioned amount of space. Test dog Henry has plenty of room inside and can even turn around comfortably.

Access & Entry
Entry is via a rear flap secured with two zippers and an additional snap buckle. A magnetic fastener, like on Croozer models, would be a welcome comfort upgrade compared to the snap buckle. Entry height is very low at 17 cm (or 23 cm with a mattress), which makes it easy even for older or unwell dogs to get in and out. In our aforementioned comparison test, only the Burley Tail Wagon featured an equally low entry, while all other models were noticeably higher.

Interior Comfort
The interior padding is high-quality and invitingly cosy, and can be removed with zippers for easy cleaning. A dog lying down, however, cannot see forward – only sideways through the mesh panels. This is also the case with the Burley Bark Ranger, Burley Tail Wagon, and Hamax Pluto. Note: Henry always rides sitting up.

Ventilation
A large mesh panel at the front of the Thule Bexey ensures a flow of fresh air – Henry, however, always keeps it fully open and rolled up, as he loves the unobstructed view. There’s also a mesh panel on the rear door, which can be closed in cold weather; the cover can be neatly stowed above the door in summer. In addition, generous mesh panels are incorporated on both sides. For very cold days, the optional rain cover is recommended to protect the dog from the wind while riding.

Safety Features
There’s no integrated leash or attachment point for securing the dog inside the Thule Bexey. However, a carabiner can be clipped to the crossbar of the frame for any escape artists.

Everyday Usability, Transport & Storage of the Thule Bexey

Rain Protection
A rain cover is available as an accessory for €49.90. It’s easy to attach, works very well, and we recommend it for all-weather riders. When not in use, the rain cover can be folded and stowed either under the dog bed or in a pannier on the bike.

Washability
For easy cleaning, the padded side panels and lightly padded floor can be removed with zippers. The fabric cover can then be taken off and washed.

Foldability
The trailer is quick and easy to set up or fold down—no muscle required.

Dimensions & Weight
When folded, the trailer measures 109 cm x 76 cm x 35 cm and weighs 17.44 kg without the dog bed. That’s totally fair for its size and features, and well within the range of comparable models.
With the wheels removed, it can also double as a transport box in the car—provided there’s enough vertical space, which is usually the case only in larger SUVs. Required space: 109 cm x 77 cm x 89 cm.

Buggy Option
Can be converted into a stroller with the Thule Bexey Stroller Kit L (€99.95 / €89.95 for size M).

Storage
To save space, the trailer can be folded or stored upright.

Our Test Verdict

After around 800 km of everyday use and touring – through sun, rain, and all kinds of terrain – the Thule Bexey totally won us over. It’s quick and easy to set up and take down, handles beautifully, and the foot-operated brake is super convenient. What really sets it apart is the tough plastic tub – rock solid and durable. The only thing we missed? A bit of storage space for small items. All in all, the Thule Bexey is a top-tier, though not exactly budget-friendly, dog trailer we’d definitely recommend.

Tops

• Super easy to set up and fold down
• Excellent handling and road stability
• Foot brake is easy and convenient to use
• High-quality build
• Sleek looks and stylish design
• Padded interior – removable and washable
• Ultra-sturdy base thanks to the plastic tub

Flops

• Rain cover and dog bed not included in the price
• No built-in pockets or storage compartments
• No integrated dog leash
• Plastic wheel bushings

Words: Manne Schmitt Photos: Julian Schwede, Lars Engmann, Manne Schmitt