Andersen Shopping Bike Trolley Buyer’s Guide: Which Frame, Bag and Bike Attachment Do You Need?

A weekly shop is surprisingly easy to underestimate. Bread, vegetables and a few tins sound manageable until milk, washing powder and the entirely unplanned bag of potatoes join the journey home.

Carry everything by hand and the plastic handles begin cutting circulation from your fingers before you reach the second junction. Put it all into a backpack and your shoulders start questioning the route planning. Drive two miles and the carrying problem disappears, but is replaced by traffic, parking and the mild indignity of using a car to transport yoghurt.

An Andersen shopping bike trolley offers a more practical middle ground. Use it as a normal pull-along trolley while walking, take it on public transport, or add the correct Bike & Easy fittings and tow it behind a compatible bicycle. Once you arrive, disconnect it and wheel the same bag into the shop.

That flexibility makes the Andersen Shopper range useful for far more than one type of customer. It suits pedestrians, city cyclists, e-bike riders, market regulars, flat dwellers and anyone attempting to make local journeys without treating every grocery run as a test of upper-body strength.

This guide explains the Andersen Scala, Unus, Royal, Royal Plus, Tura and Komfort ranges, how to choose the right bag and wheels, how the trolley attaches to a bicycle, and when an Andersen makes more sense than the Burley Travoy.

Quick answer: which Andersen trolley should you choose?

• Choose the Scala for a compact, light trolley used mainly on smooth pavements, inside shops and on public transport.
• Choose the Unus for an adjustable handle, modern design and shared use between people of different heights.
• Choose the Royal for regular grocery shopping, larger wheel options and a strong balance between walking and cycling.
• Choose the Royal Plus for a wider, more stable chassis and larger weekly shops.
• Choose the Tura for cobbles, gravel, rough lanes, larger wheels and frequent bicycle towing.
• Choose the Komfort when an integrated seat for rest stops would make walking journeys easier.

The most important point is that an Andersen is a modular system. You choose the frame, bag, wheels and if you want to tow it behind your bicycle, the correct trolley adaptor and bike coupling.

What is an Andersen shopping bike trolley?

An Andersen Shopper is an upright two-wheel shopping trolley. You pull it while walking, take it into the supermarket or market and load the bag directly. Selected models can then become a bike trolley or bike trailer for shopping using Andersen’s Bike & Easy coupling system.

Unlike many traditional cargo trailers, the Andersen remains genuinely useful after you park the bicycle. You do not have to leave it locked outside, carry separate panniers around the shop or transfer everything into another bag. Disconnect the trolley, extend the handle and continue on foot.

This is particularly useful in cities where a journey might include several modes of transport. You could walk to the station, board a train, collect shopping, tow the trolley home by bike and then wheel it straight into the kitchen. One product handles the full journey.

The system is built around four choices:

1. Frame: determines weight, load rating, wheel size, stability, handle style and bicycle adaptor type.
2. Bag: determines capacity, closure, weather resistance, pockets, insulation, appearance and whether it can be carried separately.
3. Wheels: affect noise, comfort, rough-ground ability and folded size.
4. Bike attachment: connects the trolley to the bicycle and must suit both the Andersen frame and the bike.

Choose the frame first. It is tempting to begin with the prettiest bag and Andersen offers plenty of very pretty bags but the chassis decides whether the trolley will manage your route with ease  or resent every kerb along it. Read more about the brand and why we love them. 

The bags are not an afterthought

One of the strongest features of the Andersen range is the sheer variety of bag designs. Some are minimalist and plain. Others use checks, florals, muted natural shades or stronger colours. There are drawstring closures, zipped lids, roll-top designs, thermal compartments, backpack functions, side pockets and hidden front pockets.

This means the trolley does not have to look bland. You can choose something understated enough for commuting, cheerful enough for market days or practical enough for wet-weather grocery runs.

There are also genuinely unusual options. Andersen’s TRUCK bags are made from cleaned, upcycled truck tarpaulins, so every one is different. The material is hard-wearing, water-repellent and easy to clean, while the original colours and markings create a one off design. It is recycling with considerably more character than a brown paper bag. Andersen also produces bags using recycled sails, fishing nets, Swiss army blankets and woven recycled plastic in selected collections. Andersen’s official bag guide uses feature icons to show details such as drawstring closures, roll tops, insulation, removable bags, backpack functions, water resistance, volume and pocket layout.

So the bag should absolutely reflect your taste. The more practical rule is simply to choose the frame and wheels first, then enjoy the design options that fit them. There is little value in falling in love with a particular pattern if the trolley carrying it is wrong for your route.

Who benefits most from an Andersen trolley?

People who walk to the shops

You do not need to own a bicycle to benefit from Andersen. A well chosen shopping trolley removes the load from your hands and shoulders and makes a larger local shop more realistic. Larger wheels are particularly useful where pavements are uneven or kerbs are unavoidable.

City cyclists

A shopping bike trolley increases the carrying ability of an ordinary city bike, hybrid or compatible e-bike without requiring a cargo bike. It can leave the bicycle rack available for other compatible luggage, depending on the coupling used.

Public-transport users

The upright trolley format is easier to manage on trains and buses than many wide cargo trailers. Compact models can be parked beside a seat or held upright on a platform without occupying the approximate floor area of a small studio flat.

Flat dwellers

Most Andersen frames fold to some degree and the wheels can be removed on many models. That matters when storage is a hallway, cupboard or corner rather than a garage.

Eco-conscious households

A trolley makes car-free shopping less dependent on ideal conditions. It allows you to buy more than will fit into a backpack, carry chilled items in suitable bags and complete the final walking section comfortably. Cycling UK’s guide to shopping by cycle is a useful resource for planning local shopping journeys and choosing between panniers, trailers and cargo bikes.

Andersen Scala: compact and straightforward

The Scala is the entry point into the range and a good choice for smooth urban journeys. Its standard 15 cm whisper wheels keep it light and compact, while the fold-down handle helps with storage and transport.

The Scala frame at 1.8 kg with a maximum load capacity of 40 kg. The bag can be removed, allowing the chassis to carry other suitable loads, and the frame can be converted for bicycle use with Bike & Easy accessories.

The Scala suits routes made up of supermarket floors, ordinary pavements, pedestrian areas and station platforms. Its smaller wheels are less well suited to repeated cobbles, loose gravel or badly broken surfaces. Small wheels are perfectly civilised indoors; introduce them to a stretch of historic paving and they may begin filing a formal complaint.

For bicycle use, the Scala takes the Type 1 trolley adaptor. It works best when cycling is an occasional or secondary part of the journey rather than the main reason for buying the trolley.

Choose the Scala when:

• You want a compact, lightweight shopping trolley.
• Your normal route is mostly smooth and urban.
• You frequently use trains or buses.
• Storage space is limited.
• You want the option to add bicycle towing later.

Choose a larger frame when: you regularly cross rough paving, carry heavier weekly shops or intend to tow by bicycle frequently.

Andersen Unus: modern design and an adjustable handle

The Unus is the design led choice in the Andersen range. Its three-way adjustable handle allows the grip position and height to be altered, which is useful when the trolley is shared or when you prefer a more upright pulling position.

The frame uses smooth-running ball-bearing wheels and accepts Type 2 Bike & Easy compatibility. It feels more contemporary than a traditional fixed-handle trolley and works particularly well for urban shoppers who want something practical without pretending aesthetics are irrelevant.

The Unus also has verified design pedigree. It received a Red Dot Product Design award, with the jury highlighting its aluminium construction, ergonomic adjustable handle and practical wheel system. You can see the independent award listing on the Red Dot website.

A strong Hitch A Bike option is the Andersen Unus with Jelke bag. The Jelke offers a clean, understated appearance and suits customers who want a trolley that works for errands, commuting and shopping rather than looking dedicated to one purpose.

For wetter journeys, the Unus with Hydro 3.0 bag adds stronger weather protection and a removable bag that can also be carried separately.

The Unus is also where Andersen’s more individual bags make particular sense. A plain frame can be paired with a minimalist bag, a patterned option or one of the unique upcycled TRUCK tarpaulin bags. The practical chassis does not require you to surrender all evidence of personal taste.

Choose the Unus when:

• You want an adjustable handle.
• The trolley will be shared by people of different heights.
• You prefer a modern, design-led appearance.
• You want quiet urban wheels and bicycle compatibility.
• You value unusual, premium or upcycled bag options.
  
  

Andersen Royal: the dependable all-rounder

The Royal range is the sensible middle ground: substantial enough for a proper weekly shop, but not so large that it becomes a permanent hallway resident.

Its larger wheel options make a noticeable difference on uneven paving, particularly once the bag contains bottles, tins and potatoes rather than a single optimistic baguette. Depending on the chosen configuration, Royal models can use ball-bearing whisper wheels or larger pneumatic wheels.

The Royal has a maximum frame load of 50 kg on current Andersen specifications, although the usable bag capacity and safe towing load should still be respected. The frame accepts the Type 1 trolley adaptor and works well for shoppers who divide their journeys between walking and cycling.

The Royal is particularly useful when you want flexibility without moving to the wider Royal Plus or the larger-wheeled Tura. It handles urban kerbs and mixed surfaces more comfortably than a small-wheel trolley, while remaining easier to store and manoeuvre indoors than the largest models.

Choose the Royal when:

• You want one trolley for both walking and regular bicycle use.
• Your routes include kerbs, cracked paving or occasional gravel.
• You want a broader choice of wheel types and bags.
• You carry larger grocery shops but still need indoor manoeuvrability.

Andersen Royal Plus: the stable flagship for weekly shopping

The Royal Plus widens the chassis to a 58 cm wheel track. That extra width improves lateral stability when the bag is heavily loaded or the surface is uneven.

It is a useful difference in real life. Shopping rarely distributes itself with engineering precision. A loaf of bread weighs very little; four bottles of wine leaning together in one corner do not. The wider chassis makes a heavily loaded trolley feel secure on cambered pavements and during bicycle towing.

Andersen specifies a 50 kg frame load, 25 cm ball-bearing wheels, removable wheels and a foldable, expandable loading platform. The frame takes the Type 1 trolley adaptor and is one of the strongest choices for customers who want a genuine cargo trailer for shopping and daily errands without giving up the upright trolley format.

Flagship product: Royal Plus with Hydro 3.0 bag

The Royal Plus with Hydro 3.0 bag is our flagship all-round recommendation for regular shopping by bike.

It combines the stable Royal Plus chassis with a weather-focused bag and practical 25 cm wheel options. It is large enough for a proper weekly shop, stable enough for regular towing and still works as a conventional shopping trolley once you arrive.

The wider track does take more storage space and can feel substantial in a narrow hallway or crowded shop. Measure the places that matter before ordering: front door, lift, storage cupboard and any narrow gateways on your route.

Choose the Royal Plus when:

• You carry larger weekly shops or need a bike trolley trailer for work errands
• Stability matters more than minimum width.
• You intend to tow by bicycle regularly.
• You want a premium bag with better weather protection.
• You need more confidence on uneven or cambered surfaces.

Andersen Tura: large wheels for rougher routes

The Tura is for routes where the phrase “smooth urban pavement” would be considered misleading advertising.

Its 29 cm wheel options, broad chassis and adjustable handle make it better suited to cobbles, gravel, forest paths, rough lanes and longer bicycle journeys. The larger wheels reduce the effort needed to roll over uneven ground and make the Tura feel closer to a dedicated bike trailer than the lighter Andersen frames.

The trade-off is size. The Tura takes more room to store, is less nimble in cramped shops and is unnecessary for a short walk across polished flooring to buy milk and one allegedly essential item from the middle aisle.

Flagship rough-route option: Tura with Ortlieb bag

The Tura with Ortlieb bag is the strongest Andersen option for riders who prioritise rough-ground performance and waterproof storage.

The Ortlieb bag makes sense for exposed routes, year-round cycling and shoppers who cannot wait for one of Britain’s three fully dry afternoons. Combined with the large-wheel Tura chassis, it becomes a credible enclosed bike trailer for shopping, picnics, allotment trips or everyday cargo.

The Tura uses the Type 2 trolley adaptor.

Choose the Tura when:

• Your route includes cobbles, gravel or rough lanes.
• You want the largest practical wheels in the Andersen range.
• You tow by bicycle frequently.
• You need a substantial weatherproof bag.
• Storage size is less important than rolling comfort.

Andersen Komfort: a trolley with somewhere to sit

The Komfort includes an integrated retractable seat. That makes it useful for markets, town-centre shopping, long queues, public-transport waits or journeys where regular rest stops make the difference between going out comfortably and avoiding the trip.

It should not be presented only as a trolley for older shoppers. The seat can be useful for anyone managing fatigue, reduced stamina, injury or a long day on foot. Practical design does not need to come with an age category attached.

The Komfort uses a conventional U-handle and takes the Type 1 trolley adaptor. It is best understood as a walking-first shopping trolley with bicycle capability rather than the first choice for frequent cycling.

Choose the Komfort when:

• A built-in seat would make journeys easier.
• Walking and public transport are the main uses.
• You still want the option to connect the trolley to a bicycle.
  

How to choose the right bag

Drawstring bags

A drawstring beneath the lid helps contain the load and allows the top of the bag to close around irregular items. It is practical for groceries, market shopping and anything that does not naturally arrange itself into neat right angles.

Roll-top bags

Roll-top closures allow the bag volume to adapt to the load and usually provide stronger weather protection. They are particularly useful for cycling, commuting and carrying taller items.

Zipped and lidded bags

A zipped lid provides secure closure and helps insulated bags retain temperature. It also keeps smaller items from attempting independence when the trolley crosses a kerb.

Thermal bags

Andersen offers full thermal bags and bags with separate insulated compartments. A full thermal bag is useful for larger chilled shops, picnics and longer journeys. A smaller thermal compartment is often enough when you simply need to separate dairy, frozen food or lunch from the rest of the load.

Backpack bags

Selected bags can be removed and worn as backpacks. This is useful for stairs, crowded transport or short sections where wheels are inconvenient. It also makes the bag useful away from the trolley.

Upcycled and recycled bags

The TRUCK A7 is made from used truck tarpaulin and each bag is unique. Andersen also works with recycled sails, fishing nets, army blankets and recycled plastic in selected collections. These options offer more than a sustainability claim; they create bags with distinctive textures and designs that are genuinely different from one another.

Andersen wheel choices explained

15 cm whisper wheels

Compact and light, these suit smooth pavements, indoor shopping areas and public transport. They keep the trolley easy to store but are less comfortable over repeated rough surfaces.

17 cm ball-bearing wheels

Common on the Unus, these provide a smoother and quieter urban roll while keeping the trolley reasonably compact.

25 cm ball-bearing wheels

These are a strong all-round choice for Royal and Royal Plus models. They cope better with kerbs and imperfect paving and remain maintenance-free compared with pneumatic tyres.

29 cm pneumatic wheels

Large pneumatic wheels provide the best cushioning over cobbles, gravel and rough tracks. They are bulkier and can puncture, but they offer the closest ride comfort to a conventional bicycle trailer.

Stair-climbing wheel units

Three-wheel stair climbers can help when steps dominate a walking route. They are not the natural choice for bicycle towing, so select them when the trolley will be used mainly on foot.

How does an Andersen trolley attach to a bicycle?

An Andersen does not attach to the bicycle using the trolley handle alone. The Bike & Easy system uses two matching components:

1. An adaptor fitted to the Andersen frame.
2. A coupling fitted to the bicycle.

Once both are installed, the trolley can be connected and disconnected quickly. Andersen has offered its Bike & Easy concept for more than two decades, and the system is designed so the trolley can convert between walking and cycling use without tools during an ordinary journey. See the official Andersen Bike & Easy overview.

Type 1 trolley adaptor

The Type 1 adaptor is used with selected conventional U-handle frames, including Scala, Royal, Royal Plus and Komfort.

Type 2 trolley adaptor

The Type 2 adaptor is used with three-way-handle frames including Unus and Tura.

Bicycle-side couplings  

The correct bicycle fitting depends on the rear luggage carrier and frame arrangement.

• Pull Easy: fits many compatible rear luggage carriers, subject to Andersen’s dimensional requirements.
• Easy Snap: designed for specified compatible carrier systems.
• Big Easy: intended for certain bicycles without a suitable conventional rack, subject to frame compatibility.

The practical advantage is simple. Cycle to the supermarket, disconnect the trolley, wheel it inside, shop directly into the bag and reconnect outside. This avoids leaving an empty cargo trailer locked to the bike while carrying separate bags around the shop.

Can an Andersen trolley attach to an e-bike?

Often, yes. Compatibility depends on the luggage carrier, battery position, rack struts and available clearance. Some e-bikes with batteries beneath the rack can work with the Pull Easy, provided the rack meets the required dimensions.

Do not rely on the phrase “standard rear rack”. The cycling industry has never knowingly allowed the word standard to remain simple for long.

Before ordering, send Hitch A Bike the bicycle make and model together with clear photographs of the rear rack, seat stays, battery and axle area. We will help identify the likely coupling and flag anything that needs confirmation.

How to load and ride with a shopping bike trolley

Keep heavy items low and close to the centre of the bag. Bottles, tins and jars should sit beneath lighter food and soft items. Avoid placing all the weight on one side.

Check the trolley adaptor and bicycle coupling before every ride. Make sure the connection is fully engaged and that nothing can catch in the wheel.

Ride more slowly than you would without a load. Allow extra braking distance and take corners smoothly. A trolley that follows perfectly well at a sensible pace may become considerably more expressive if introduced to a sharp turn at speed.

Be aware of the trolley’s width when passing bollards, kerbs and parked vehicles. Practise with a light load before attempting a full weekly shop.

Andersen or Burley Travoy?

The Andersen range and the Burley Travoy overlap, but they begin from different ideas.

An Andersen is primarily a shopping trolley that can become a bike trailer.

The Travoy is primarily a folding cargo bike trailer that can become a hand cart.

Choose Andersen when:

• You will use the trolley regularly while walking.
• You want an enclosed upright grocery bag.
• You want to wheel the trolley around the supermarket or market.
• You value thermal compartments, roll tops, drawstrings, waterproof bags or unique designs.
• You want larger wheel and chassis choices for different terrain.
• You want the option of a built-in seat.
• Your journey combines walking, cycling and public transport.

Choose the Burley Travoy when:

• Cycling is the main purpose.
• You carry boxes, tools, sports gear or awkward-shaped cargo.
• You need a particularly compact fold.
• You prefer a seatpost-mounted hitch.
• You frequently move the trailer between bicycles.
• You want an open platform with tie-down straps rather than an enclosed shopping bag.

The Travoy carries up to 27 kg and folds into a compact package. Its Quick Hitch connects to a compatible seatpost without tools, and its platform is better suited to boxes or irregular loads.

Andersen offers a more natural shopping experience away from the bicycle. The upright bag stands beside you, enters the shop and is available on days when you walk or use public transport.

The choice is therefore less about which product is universally superior and more about what happens after you park the bike. If the answer is “wheel the same enclosed bag around the shop”, Andersen is usually the stronger fit. If the answer is “unstrap a box of equipment and fold the trailer under a desk”, the Travoy makes more sense.

Best Andersen trolley by use case

Best compact bike trolley

Scala. Best for smooth urban routes, limited storage and occasional bicycle use.

Best design-led city trolley

Unus with Jelke, Hydro or a TRUCK bag. Best for an adjustable handle, modern design and distinctive bag choices.

Best all-rounder

Royal. Best balance of wheel choice, carrying capacity, indoor usability and regular towing.

Best flagship for weekly shopping

Royal Plus with Hydro 3.0. Best for stability, larger shops and regular bike use.

Best cargo trailer for shopping

Tura with Ortlieb bag. Best for rougher ground, larger wheels and wet-weather cycling.

Best shopping trolley with a seat

Komfort. Best when planned rest stops are an important part of the journey.

Frequently asked questions

Does an Andersen trolley include the bike attachment?

No. The trolley adaptor and bicycle coupling are purchased separately because the correct parts depend on the frame and bicycle.

Can the bike attachment be added later?

Yes. Many customers begin with the trolley for walking and add the correct Bike & Easy components later.

Which Andersen trolley is best for cobbles?

The Tura with 29 cm wheels is the strongest choice for repeated cobbles and rough ground. A Royal or Royal Plus with larger pneumatic wheels is a more compact alternative.

Which Andersen bag is best for chilled food?

Choose a full thermal bag such as IPEK Ma for larger chilled shops, or a bag with a dedicated thermal compartment when only part of the load needs insulation.

Are Andersen bags removable?

Yes, Andersen bags are designed to remove from the frame. Some also include backpack straps or separate carry handles. Check the individual product page because features vary by bag.

Can I carry two crates?

Some Andersen chassis include expandable loading platforms or crate-fixing systems, but this varies by frame. Confirm the exact frame specification and remain within its maximum load.

Can an Andersen replace a cargo bike?

For groceries and moderate everyday loads, it can replace many journeys that might otherwise require a car or cargo bike. It does not replace a cargo bike for very large loads. Many professionals use the Andersen range for work, photographers, tradesmen, mobile wellness. 

Can I take it on a train?

Usually, the upright trolley format is practical for rail travel, but operator rules and available space vary. Smaller Scala and Unus models are easier to manage than Royal Plus or Tura combinations.

Hitch A Bike expert note

We’ve found that most Andersen buying mistakes begin with the bag rather than the frame. The pattern catches the eye, but wheel size, chassis width and handle type decide whether the trolley will suit your route and which bike adaptor it needs. Choose the frame first, then select the bag from the compatible options, there is still plenty of room for style, including minimalist designs, patterned bags, roll tops and completely unique upcycled tarpaulin versions.

Our recommendation

Begin by deciding how the trolley will be used most often.

Choose the Scala or Unus when walking, compact storage and city use come first. Choose the Royal for the best balance between everyday shopping and regular bicycle towing. Move to the Royal Plus when stability and larger weekly shops matter more than minimum width. Choose the Tura when your route includes cobbles, gravel or rough lanes. Choose the Komfort when an integrated seat will make the journey more manageable.

For regular weekly shopping by bike, our flagship recommendation is the Royal Plus with Hydro 3.0 bag. For rougher routes and the closest Andersen experience to a dedicated enclosed cargo trailer, choose the Tura with Ortlieb bag.

Browse the full Andersen shopping trolley and bike trolley collection, or contact Hitch A Bike with your preferred frame, bicycle make and model, and clear photographs of the rear rack or frame. We will help match the frame, bag, wheels and Bike & Easy components before you order.