Frequently Asked Questions

**We have developed a general tips & safety page that covers everything you ever wanted to know about biking with a dog.

1) What makes the Bike Tow Leash safer than biking with a normal leash?
2) I have 2 bikes and would like to bike my dog on both. Do I need 2 Bike Tow Leashes?
3) How does the Bike Tow Leash attach to my bike?
4) Does the Bike Tow Leash work with mobility scooters, wheelchairs or recumbent trikes
5) Can I use 2 Bike Tow Leashes on 1 bike?
6) Do I need any accessories with the Bike Tow Leash?
7) I have a smaller dog; will the Bike Tow Leash work with him or her?
8) Can the Bike Tow Leash be used on asphalt/pavement?
9) Will the Bike Tow Leash fit any bike? Even a bike with disc brakes and full suspension?
10) Who can use the Bike Tow Leash?
11) Can the Bike Tow Leash be used with a gas powered scooter or motorized Vehicle?
12) What if the dog abruptly pulls to the left or right?
13) My dog is scared of bikes. Is there any way I can train it to enjoy the Bike Tow Leash?
14) How far should I bike my dog at a time?
15) What is your return policy?

What makes the Bike Tow Leash safer than biking with a normal leash? The Bike Tow Leash is designed by a former aircraft parts engineer. He spent 6 years developing this leash and safety for both human and dog was his biggest priority. The genius of this leash is that it attaches to the rear wheel of the bike, but the design allows your dog to be right to the side of your and remain in your vision. Because the leash is attached at a low point on the bike, the stability is excellent. Even the most powerful of pullers cannot make you lose control and chances of tipping are virtually impossible. It is the only bike leash with a 5 star rating from the American Pet Association.

I have 2 bikes and would like to bike my dog on both. Do I need 2 Bike Tow Leashes? No. The Bike Tow Leash connects and disconnects from you bike in under 2 minutes with no tools required. In most cases it can be switched between bikes of similar style very quickly.

How does the Bike Tow Leash attach to my bike? It attaches to the rear tire of your bike (usually the left side is the easiest). If you would like to attach to the right side instead this may be possible on some model bikes. There are several different configuration options. Below are videos to demonstrate:

Installation Options:

**See some alternate installation options and a printable version of the attachment clamp that is to scale HERE**

Does the Bike Tow Leash work with mobility scooters, wheelchairs or recumbent trikes? The answer to this question is maybe. Customers have had success attaching to many bicycle alternatives. For recumbent style bikes with one tire in the back, the BTL attaches easily in much the same manner as attaching to a regular bike. For trike models with 2 wheels in the back, an adapter is needed that can be purchased directly from the manufacturer. For mobility devices there are a number a configuration options.

Can I use 2 Bike Tow Leashes on 1 bike? Because the Bike Tow Leash ideally connects to the left side of many bikes, we cannot recommend this in 100% of cases. However, depending on the model of your bike, there is a good chance this will work. Send us an email with a picture of the rear wheel from the right side and we will give our recommendation. The manufacturer also carries accessories to make right side attachment easier. Some customers have used a leash coupler to attach 2 dogs to 1 Bike Tow Leash. Contact us if you have further questions. If your bike can accept the Bike Tow Leash on the right side, the videos below shows how to make the required adjustment.

If Adjustment is Needed Or For Right Side Install:

Do I need any accessories with the Bike Tow Leash? The Bike Tow Leash comes with everything you need. Some users (especially those with smaller dogs) may want to consider a padded dog harness. The Urban Trail harness, ComfortFlex Sport harness, or RuffWear Web Master harness tend to work best with this model bike leash. Please keep in mind that using a harness will allow your dog to be slightly farther forward on the bike.

I have a smaller dog; will the Bike Tow Leash work with him or her? We suggest the activity of biking for dogs that are over 30 lbs and a year old or more. These are our suggestions. It is up to you, knowing you dog's capabilities, if this is an activity that is well suited for your dog. If you are on the fence, it would be a good idea to consult your vet or a professional dog trainer that you trust. Always ride at your dog's pace - NEVER pull your dog along - our dog bike leashes are tools for the enjoyment of your pet and should never be used irresponsibly. The smaller your dog, the slower you should ride and for shorter distances. Always make sure you have an understanding of your dog's obedience, capabilities, and physical condition before biking your dog. In my opinion, our bike leashes are best used with medium to large dogs that have a need for extra exercise and prefer to trot or run.

Can the Bike Tow Leash be used on asphalt/pavement? Yes, but monitor the wear on your dog's pads. Hot summer months can really heat up the asphalt and damage your dog's paws with extended biking. If you can't hold your hand against the road for more than 7 seconds without discomfort, don't take your dog biking or even walking. Extended riding in general on pavement can damage your dog's paws if they are not conditioned well. Please don't find this out the hard way. When possible, try to alter the terrain that you bike your dog on. In addition, products such as Musher's Secret paw pad wax are excellent for conditioning and protecting your dog's pads. I bike on pavement with my dog - just monitor pad wear and slowly build up the distance you ride. Over time pads will become tougher.

Will the Bike Tow Leash fit any bike? Even a bike with disc brakes and full suspension? Due to the multiple configuration options, the Bike Tow Leash should fit any standard model bike and will fit most recumbent style bikes as well. It has recently found use in combination with some personal mobility devices and scooters. I spent about an hour in a bike shop one day testing and could not find a bike that it would not work with. If your bike has disc brakes the fit might be a little tight, but it is unlikely this will prevent you from installing; there is almost always a solution. So far we have had nearly a 100% success rate installing on bikes with disc brakes. The manufacturer carries accessories to make mounting on difficult bikes a possibility. Ideally it is best to use a bike leash with a bike that has regular to wide tires. I don't feel that bikes with very skinny racing style tires work as well. If you have any questions at all, please feel free to contact us. **See some alternate installation options and a printable version of the attachment clamp that is to scale HERE**

Suspension and Disc Brake Installation

 

If Adjustment is Needed Or For Right Side Install:

**In most cases adjustment is not necessary

Who can use the Bike Tow Leash? Any adult that is comfortable riding a bicycle. The Bike Tow Leash should NOT be used by children. Please always use a helmet when biking your dog

Can the Bike Tow Leash be used with a gas powered scooter or motorized vehicle? NO!

What if the dog abruptly pulls to the left or right? The flexible mast will absorb the shock of a dog pulling or lunging to the side. Since the leash is attached at a low point on the bike, the stability is excellent. I have deliberately tested this leash with my 75 lb Lab mix Parker in the worst of scenarios (in the presence of a large male deer) and maintained complete control. I have also personally biked a 170 lb Great Dane named Diesel and maintained complete control. There is a video of this on the Bike Tow Leash page.

My dog is scared of bikes. Is there any way I can train it to enjoy the Bike Tow Leash? Most dogs immediately will take to the Bike Tow Leash. Here is my suggestion for dogs that are hesitant: When first introducing your dog to the leash, hook them up and just walk alongside your bike without getting on. You want your dog to realize that this is no different than going for a normal walk. Once they become comfortable, try getting on and riding slowly until they become relaxed. NEVER pull your dog along. If necessary you can bring treats as a reward. More than likely after taking these steps, you and your dog will be enjoying a bike ride together. Please keep in mind that biking may not be for all dogs. Don't force them into the activity if they clearly want nothing to do with it.

How far should I bike my dog at a time? This will vary from dog to dog. My suggestion is to limit the distance at first until your dog builds up stamina - they are just like people in this sense. Here are some things to keep in mind. Do not bike for very long periods of time on pavement - this can wear down your dog's pads and is a special concern during summer months (just monitor your dog's pads). In fact, only bike during the coolest parts of the day during the summer. ALWAYS bring water for your dog and give them breaks to have a drink.

What is your return policy? Please see our return and exchange policy on the Returns/Exchanges page

If you have other questions you may want to check out our Buyer's Guide or you can contact us with specific questions.