Thule Chariot LITE Review
A simple, lightweight, and premium-class bike trailer & stroller with tons of variations for upgrading
Thule Chariot Lite is a popular 2in1 bike trailer & stroller due to its sporty, lightweight, and extremely good quality build!
- Chariot Lite 1 – MSRP $900
- Chariot Lite 2 – MSRP $999
Thule Chariot Lite Full Overview
Forget the expectations you had before thinking of getting a lightweight bike trailer for outdoor adventures – Equipped with high-end features, The Lite is Thule’s most minimalistic and lightweight kids’ bike stroller that’s designed to perform on four different activities – strolling, jogging, cycling, skiing.
Thule Chariot series bike trailers come as bike strollers
Out of the box, the Chariot Lite comes as a premium-class bike trailer and a stroller which is more than enough for an average active family. The quality of the Chariot-series carriers models will outlive your expectations with ease, and luckily the design of those new models is quite ageless compared to anything else on the market which gives them great second-hand value when selling.
Thule Chariot LITE Specifications
- Type: Single/Double child bike trailer and stroller
- Dry Weight (Single/Double): 26 lbs/28 lbs (11.7/12.5 kg)
- Seating Capacity: 75/100 lbs (34/45kg)
- Inside height: 27″ (68 cm)
- Inside width: 15.5″/22.4″ (39.5/57cm)
- Maximum body height of passenger: 40″ (111cm)
IN THE BOX
- Trailer
- Bike trailer arm
- Thule VersaWing/Wheel bumper-bar system
- Two high-quality stroller wheels
- Three covers – rain cover, fly net/mesh door, sunshade
- Sturdy safety flag
- Bike attachments, extended extra quick-release included
Wheels – Suspension – Brakes
WHEELS & TIRES
The recommended tire pressure range is written on the tire’s sidewall!
The Chariot Lite is equipped with 20″ inch spoked rear wheels and tube-type tires. High-quality swivel stroller wheels for the front end come as standard.
Removing the wheels has never been easier – the front stroller wheels simply un-do by opening the large blue knobs – after that, the wheels can be flipped the other way around on the same socket when switching from stroller to bicycle trailer.
The rear wheels can be removed by pushing the blue button on the center of the wheel.
SUSPENSION
The back-end is well supported by leaf-spring suspension.
Although the Thule’s Chariot CROSS, LITE, and SPORT models share the same suspension, the LITE’s suspension is not adjustable. Although there’s enough play on the springs, quite a bit can be done by adjusting the pressure accordingly to the upcoming terrain!
- Max recommended pressure 36 psi / 2.5 bar – Full capacity / paved or smooth roads
- Min recommended pressure 30 psi / 2.0 bar – Full/half capacity / unpaved roads
BRAKES
Push-pedal parking brake under the right foot is easily accessible and works flawlessly. It is recommended to always use the parking brake when stopping and going to leave the stroller unattended. Thule carriers have very good rolling qualities.
Exterior & Covers
The lightweight alloy frame is covered with a nice Bluegrass/Black colored rip-stop weatherproof canvas.
A fully adjustable handlebar is most likely the most comfortable you’ll ever get to try! It’s not only the adjustable height of it but also the soft and warm material for a good grip. There is also a safety strap on the handlebar that’s handy when strolling or jogging.
The Lite comes with an integrated zip-down mesh door cover that keeps away the bugs and small rocks that could fly up from the rear wheel. Another great premium feature is the inevitable rain cover and the sunshade that come as stock!
- Raincover is a separate item that might take some time to figure out how it really holds on the frame, but once you figure it out the whole trailer is weatherproof – even sideways as the side windows are made of the same material.
- The sunshade is easy as can be, simply click it on the frame and adjust it wherever needed. Really handy when the sun is low or kids trying to sleep inside. Raincover can be attached over the sunshade, no worries.
- Mesh door – Should be always zipped down when riding. It works as a fly net and protects any unwanted particles from the rear wheel entering inside of the trailer. Once the mesh door is closed there’s nothing to worry about, as it clips right on the bottom doorway.
Thule also added a battery-powered rear light with the package for added security and visibility. The red light attaches to the upper rear frame!
Interior & Ventilation
Adjustable ventilation & comfortable seating
Thule recommends kids up to 40″ / 110cm tall fit comfortably
Inside the carrier, you’ll find a padded 5-point safety harness, medium-size side pockets for toys, a rear mesh ventilation opening. The seats are well padded for maximum comfort.
Extra-large side windows are made of clear plastic for a clear view and a total weather-proof riding experience.
Ventilation for the interior can be adjusted on the front end of the trailer where there are two vent holes.
Storage
Basic storage inside out for lightweight traveling
The model Lite has cut off all the excess to purely focus on lightweight traveling. There’s still the mandatory storage for the bike arm on the left side of the trailer and a sleek way to store the stroller wheels placing them upside-down on the VersaWing system.
The Mesh door has its own compartment right under the roof. There are small mesh pockets inside of the trailer for the little ones to store their essentials. The biggest compartment on the Lite is the large mesh pocket on the rear end of the trailer.
Folding
It must’ve been hard to design a folding system that’s genuinely simple and solid as it’s on the whole Chariot Series. It is by far the most user-friendly and of high quality as you could ask for.
- Remove the shades, open the door
- Fold the handlebar to the top of the carrier
- Go behind the trailer, press two folding buttons on the side frame (One of the buttons has a plastic cover)
- Push the trailer together until it clips behind the latch on the left side of the trailer
Hitching
The Chariot Lite comes with an extended-length quick-release nut and a ball-point. If your bicycle has a through-axle system, Thule offers a wide variety of most used axles and adapters to suit any bicycle! Check out their extras from the bottom of the page.
Attaching the trailer to the bike is as easy and safe as it can be!
- Ball-point hitching is secured by a deep-clip
- Rubber cover as an extra safety feature to prevent the deep coming undone
- Finally, a safety strap should be wrapped around the bicycle’s frame in case of ball-point failure!
Thule Chariot Lite Safety Advice
- Go easy on the trailer. Although the carriers are sturdy and made of high-quality components, Thule’s bicycle trailer conceptions don’t really require applying too much power when opening or closing the carrier. If you are forcing something, you are probably doing something wrong.
- Always “put it in Park” when turning your back on the trailer or when lifting kids in and out of the carrier. Big wheels tend to roll quite easily, especially when there’s some weight inside of it.
- Fold-down the handlebar when cycling, it might get stuck with some unseen objects on the street/forest
- Use the right pressure in accordance with the environment
- When carrying only one child on a two-seater carrier, seat the kid on the right side of the trailer!
- When folding, don’t pack the wheel’s axle facing the entrance mesh door. While transportation, sharp objects can damage your fly-net door.
- Register your product online! That way you can extend your warranty for free.
Thule Chariot LITE vs. Thule Chariot CROSS vs. Thule Chariot SPORT
- LITE = Suspension & Ventilation
- CROSS = Adjustable Suspension & adj. Ventilation & XL Storage & reclinable seats
- SPORT = Adjustable Suspensions & adj. Ventilation + removable windows & brakes & XL Storage & reclinable seats
The Lite is 20% cheaper than the Cross, and up to 30% cheaper than the Sport
The lite is obviously lighter due to the lack of the components such as the XL storage pouch, brakes. Lite is designed to be used as a baby stroller, a jogger trailer, a cycle trailer, and a skiing trailer – a 4in1 lightweight cart. Thule VersaWing system allows us to freely change from one activity to another.
Why is getting the Thule Carrier a great investment?
Getting a bicycle trailer for kids is a truly priceless investment. Yes, Thule’s kid’s carriers are of premium range and tend to cost a fracture more than the average trailer on the market, but for a few good reasons:
- Extremely well built & easy to use
- Hold their value – Thule carriers are in a high-demand in the second-hand market
- Most likely last way longer than you’ll need it
- Look modern and ageless
- Chariot models can be used all year round, on 5 different activities (hike, bike, stroll, jog, ski)
- Spare parts widely available – Matter of fact, the whole trailer is designed in a way that everything can be replaced. Yes, everything.
VERSATILE
One of the main reasons people tend to choose Thule over other bike trailer manufacturers in the vast field of use with their trailers. The Thule Chariot series hosts a unique feature called VersaWing – which allows changing from one activity to another.
VersaWing system also works as wheel guards that help the trailer bump away from posts or small trees that would get stuck between the wheel and the cart!
Out of the box the carrier can be used as a pushable stroller or pulled behind a bike trailer for kids. With availability to get the jogging/skiing kit, the cart turns into a 4 in 1 carrier: a baby stroller, bicycle trailer for kids, a jogger, and a ski trailer. Some people even use the skiing body harness on hikes! So, it’s really a 5 in 1 in theory.
EASE OF USE
All Thule’s cycle trailers have a logical approach to their design, but as simple and straightforward as the trailer might seem, it is still best practice to go through the manual and how-to’s before use. Everything that can be adjusted on Thule carriers – is marked with blue knobs and buttons.
VALUE
Thule baby bike trailers are known for superior quality, therefore last well over their expected life of use. All the Chariot series bike trailers come with Flynet/Mesh door, rain cover, and a sunshade.
MANEUVERABILITY
People not familiar with toddler bike trailers tend to have an idea that bike strollers are large and clumsy, heavy to pull, and hard to maneuver. It’s the exact opposite of the whole Thule range. The turning radius is over 90’degrees on the bike, going left or right.
In stroller mode, it’s surprisingly compact for its size as the swivel wheels allow it to turn freely even in crowded areas.
When you are thinking of getting the jogger kit, it would be the best investment towards supreme passability. Three-wheeled carts have way better terrain-tackling capabilities than the four-wheel stroller. Anyone familiar with the Thule Urban Glide 2 will understand the level of upgrade.
SAFETY
Now if we are talking about the combination of Swedish engineering and Canadian safety regulations – the Lite from the Chariot series is another example of what to expect from a decent bike trailer in 2019. It’s safe for both kids and parents alike. Besides the obvious safety harnesses, a solid frame, flag, safety hooks for the trailer arm – it’s got more than one could expect.
1. Tires 2. & 3. front end 4. & 5. rear-end. New trailers also come with a battery-powered rear red light.
DESIGN
User-friendly construction, compact fold, neat & sporty design are what make the Thule Lite an ageless choice for maximalists.
Thule kids’ bike trailers are built for active families who’d like to take the whole family anywhere, without losing too much cargo space inside the car.
Everything that’s not in use can be packed away nicely. Everything around the trailer is neat, nothing’s sloppy or hanging out. It fits right in the city center and deep forest trails.
RECOMMENDATIONS for Upgrades
JOGGING KIT
If you really want to use the Cross to the max, a jogging kit is something many Thule Chariot users prefer.
Out of the box, Chariot Sport is a bicycle/trailer and stroller, but the jogging kit allows you to change the two small front wheels to a large single wheel and easily use it as an everyday sport stroller.
Unlike using the trailer as a bike stroller with one arm the jogging kit comes with two. Another great feature with an extra is that you can place the rear wheel on the back of the rear-end storage compartment with two straps (included). There are designated hooks to attach the straps!
The large single front wheel gives the trailer more clearance and stability on uneven trails! And, let’s be honest, that’s usually where the fun starts! A single fixed large front wheel really improves going through sandy, snowy or rocky terrains where the two swivel wheels would struggle to lead the way.
Note: Two arms lock in the same way as the bicycle arm, but there are also adjustable screw-knobs on the trailer part of the hitch!
LOCK KIT
The locking kit allows locking the trailer arm on both sides preventing anyone from just grabbing the trailer/or the bike and bugger off. Although it takes really two locks to lock the whole system, the add-on extra has only one lock and two keys, but it is something!
DISC BRAKES
One major difference between the Thule’s #1 trailer is the absence of disc brakes. If you are planning to take the Cross on some really awesome hikes or fast-speed journeys – disc brakes are probably something you should be looking at.
INFANT SLING (0-10 months)
A hammock-style sling allows taking the little ones with the Cross trailer. There’s a safe and special way to attach the sling. The Infant sling lies right over one of the seats, so the same 5-point safety harness can be used.
BABY SUPPORTER (6-18 months)
The baby supporter is a great safety feature that allows extra comfort for the little one to feel comfortable. Especially when going on off-road terrains or the kid tends to fall asleep when riding in the trailer)
FOOTMUFF / FOOTMUFF SPORT
Insulated sleeping-bag-alike cocoon for cold-weather activities. Both models are compatible with the 5-point harness system.
SKI KIT & BODY HARNESS
Awesome opportunity to use the trailer on all four seasons. Comes with skis (instead of wheels) and a body harness. The body harness can be used with wheels on hikes as well!
Warranty & Spare Parts
Thule offers a “Limited lifetime warranty” on their bicycle child trailers and strollers.
View Warranty Details
PROs & CONs
- Thule VersaWing system – 4 in 1 carrier ready
- User-friendly ease of use
- Safe & sturdy build
- Leaf spring suspension
- The stock model is pretty advanced
- Fully adjustable, very comfortable handlebar
- Lack of suspension adjustability
- Fixed seats
- Expensive extras
Conclusion
The Lite is the best bike trailer in terms of sportiness and weight category. If you are not after too much cargo space and adjustable suspension, but still need all the covers and supreme high-quality features – this bike carriage and stroller might be for you! It’s simple, yet very agile. It is a simple and easy to use carrier.
Where to Buy Thule Chariot Lite
Share this on:
