When Does It Make Sense to Rent a Motorcycle Trailer?
Buying a motorcycle trailer makes sense mainly if you use it several times a year and know exactly which type suits your bikes. In many cases, renting is the far smarter choice – especially when the trailer is only needed occasionally and would otherwise take up valuable space.
Renting a motorcycle trailer instead of buying is ideal when:
- Infrequent use: You transport your motorcycle only once or twice a year and don’t want to buy an expensive piece of equipment that sits unused most of the time.
- One-time need: You’re planning a one-off transport – e.g. after a breakdown, for a race event or when buying a new motorcycle – and only need the trailer for a few days.
- Test before buying: You’re considering buying your own motorcycle trailer, but want to try out different types first, such as lowerable models or enclosed trailers.
- No storage space: Trailers take up space – and not everyone has it. Those who rent or don’t have a large garage save themselves a lot of hassle by renting.
Typical Everyday Situations
Transporting a Motorcycle After a Breakdown
It happens faster than you’d think: your motorcycle breaks down on the road and needs to go to the workshop. In such situations, you need a reliable motorcycle trailer at short notice – ideally with a ramp or lowerable loading deck so the bike can be loaded without much effort. On Sharely, motorcycle trailers can be rented spontaneously and for just one day, directly from lenders nearby.
Transport to a Race or Event
Racers, biker clubs, or motorcycle enthusiasts attending events often need to transport their machines over longer distances. For such use cases, motorcycle trailers for 2, 3 or even 4 bikes are ideal. Instead of buying an expensive vehicle that then sits unused for years, you simply rent the right model – exactly when you need it.
Buying or Selling a Motorcycle
Whoever buys or sells a used motorcycle often has to transport it themselves. A bike trailer is indispensable in such cases – but it would be a waste of money to buy one just for that. Markus from Bern brought his newly purchased bike home without any trouble using a rented trailer from Sharely: simply book online, pick up, load up, and return.
✔ These examples show how versatile the use of a motorcycle trailer can be – from emergency transport to planned race events. With Sharely, you rent exactly when you truly need it: flexibly, locally, and without long-term commitments.
How to Choose the Right Motorcycle Trailer
Not every motorcycle trailer suits every purpose. The following criteria will help you find the right model on Sharely. If you’re unsure, you can contact the lenders directly through the platform before booking to get advice.
1
Number of Motorcycles
Do you want to transport just one bike, or several at once? To carry 2 to 4 motorcycles, you’ll need a correspondingly wider or longer trailer with multiple anchor points. Pay attention to the trailer’s payload and loading area.
2
Lowerable or Fixed Ramp?
Lowerable motorcycle trailers make loading and unloading much easier, as the deck is lowered and the ramp becomes less steep. This is a major advantage especially for heavy motorcycles. Trailers with a fixed ramp are often simpler in design and well suited for lighter machines.
3
Open or Enclosed?
Enclosed motorcycle trailers protect your bike from rain, dust, and prying eyes – ideal for longer transport routes or valuable bikes. Open trailers are lighter, easier to load, and often perfectly sufficient for short transports.
4
Weight and Payload
Check whether your towing vehicle is permitted to pull the trailer plus motorcycle. What matters is the trailer’s maximum permissible weight and your car’s towing capacity. You’ll find the technical specifications directly in each rental listing on Sharely.
Reference Values for Motorcycle Trailers – Sizes and Capacities
Depending on motorcycle size and the number of bikes to be transported, different reference values apply. The overview below gives you an initial orientation – the exact technical specifications can always be found in the respective rental listing.
1 motorcycle (up to approx. 250 kg): trailer with approx. 1.5–2 m loading area, payload from 350 kg
2 motorcycles: wide loading area approx. 2 m, payload from 600–750 kg
3–4 motorcycles: tandem axle trailer with approx. 4–5 m length, payload from 1,000 kg
Lowerable models: loading deck can be lowered to approx. 10–15 cm ground clearance
Enclosed trailers: interior height from approx. 1.8 m, ideal for upright transport
These figures are reference values and may vary depending on the manufacturer and model. Always check compatibility with your towing vehicle and the permitted towing capacity before renting. If you have any questions, the lenders on Sharely are always happy to help.
Rent Motorcycle Trailer locally
Equipment & Preparation – What Else You’ll Need
A motorcycle trailer alone isn’t enough for safe transport. With the right preparation and the appropriate accessories, you ensure your motorcycle arrives safely and without damage. The following list serves as a practical checklist.
Equipment
- High-quality tie-down straps (at least 4 recommended)
- Front wheel chock or motorcycle stand for secure positioning
- Tow hitch on the towing vehicle (compatible with the trailer standard)
- Adapter cable for lighting (13-pin or 7-pin, depending on the trailer)
- Loading ramp (if not included with the trailer)
Preparation
- Check the permitted towing capacity of your vehicle in advance
- Secure the motorcycle sufficiently – no movement in any direction
- Check the trailer’s tyre pressure and brakes before setting off
- Check your licence category: for heavy trailers (over 750 kg) category B96 or BE is required
These notes are not a substitute for professional advice, but provide a solid starting point for a smooth transport. If in doubt, we recommend contacting the lenders directly before pick-up – they know their trailer best.
Why Rent a Motorcycle Trailer Through Sharely?
On Sharely, you rent motorcycle trailers directly from local lenders – private individuals, workshops or small businesses who want to share their trailers in a meaningful way. This means: you benefit from a wide selection of different models, fair prices, and personal contact on site.
Marketplace instead of mass rental
Sharely is a marketplace, not a classic rental company. You can see profiles, reviews, and locations of the lenders and can contact them directly before renting if you have questions. This way, you know who you are renting from – and find offers in your area.
Insured through Zurich
All rentals via Sharely are insured through our partner Zurich. Damage during regular use is generally covered. You can find the exact services and conditions in the insurance information on the platform.
Secure payment & personal support
Payment is secure and convenient via Sharely. In case of questions or problems, you can reach our team personally – straightforward and without waiting in line.
Whether a lowerable bike trailer, an enclosed model with ramp, or a large trailer for multiple motorcycles – on Sharely you’ll find the right offer for every use case. Payment is made securely through the platform, and all rental items are covered by Zurich Insurance during the rental period. So you rent with peace of mind – locally, sustainably, and without unnecessary purchases. Find out more about our mission and how Sharely works at «about Sharely», and get a glimpse of our community on Instagram and Facebook.
