Johann Schmidt, founder and product designer behind Veolo, has spent the last two years living with his own creation. That experience, combined with extensive customer feedback, has led to a thorough rethinking of what a bike trailer can be. The result is the Veolo 2.0, a second-generation trailer that sheds significant weight, introduces a fully modular architecture, and incorporates a series of refinements that address real-world use cases. Weighing in at just 6.7 kilograms, it is among the lightest cargo trailers in its class, and the company is preparing to launch a Kickstarter campaign to bring it to mass production.
Iterating from Real-World Use
The original Veolo, launched in 2023, earned strong reviews from cycling and travel publications and collected a Design and Innovation Award in 2025. But Schmidt, a product designer by training, noticed details that could be improved over long-term ownership. Small frustrations with the original design, combined with requests from early adopters, created a clear roadmap for version 2.0. Rather than resting on the accolades, the team went back to the drawing board to address every point where the trailer could be more useful, lighter, or easier to live with.
A Modular System Built for Versatility
The most significant conceptual shift in the Veolo 2.0 is its evolution into a genuinely modular platform. The base trailer now accepts a range of purpose-built kits that allow it to transform for different tasks. There are dedicated configurations for heavy loads, for items up to 3.5 meters in length, for shopping trips, for camping expeditions, and for transporting dogs. This flexibility is unusual in the bike trailer market, where most products are designed for a single primary use case.
Each kit will be sold separately, which means buyers can start with the configuration that suits their immediate needs and add capabilities later. The base trailer itself is equipped with a variety of interface points: snap-on adapters, magnets for attaching a large pack bag, and multiple eyelets for securing straps. This ecosystem of attachments is designed to make the trailer adaptable without requiring tools or permanent modifications.
Narrower Track, Better Handling
Schmidt and his team made a deliberate decision to reduce the width of the Veolo 2.0 compared to its predecessor. Riding tests indicated that a narrower trailer tracks more closely behind the bike, which improves handling in urban environments and on tighter trails. The reduced width also makes it easier to navigate narrow passages, whether in city infrastructure or on singletrack. The trade-off is a slight increase in length, but Schmidt reports that the longer wheelbase does not negatively affect maneuverability. A very low center of gravity, combined with wheels that are angled inward by 20 degrees, ensures stability even when cornering or traversing uneven surfaces. The track width measures 68 centimeters, well under the 100-centimeter maximum permitted on most bike paths, so the changes have no impact on where the trailer can be ridden. The cargo area itself measures 93 centimeters in length and 48 centimeters at its widest point, tapering to 38 centimeters at the ends.
Weight Reduction to 6.7 Kilograms
The original Veolo was already recognized as lightweight, tipping the scales at under nine kilograms. For the 2.0 version, the manufacturer targeted every gram. The empty weight now sits at 6.7 kilograms, a reduction of more than two kilograms. This matters for several reasons. On an e-bike, less mass means less drain on the battery and therefore greater range. On a conventional bicycle, it translates directly into reduced rider fatigue. The lighter weight also makes the trailer easier to handle off the bike: lifting it onto public transport, carrying it up stairs, reconfiguring it, or hanging it for storage all become noticeably simpler with two or three fewer kilograms to manage.
To achieve this, every component was re-engineered. Reinforcements, the swing arm, all connection points, and even the large forged crescent were milled down to the minimum material needed while maintaining structural integrity. Schmidt acknowledges that the current design is approaching the practical limit for aluminum construction. Further weight reduction would likely require a switch to carbon fiber, a direction the company is not currently pursuing but has not ruled out for future iterations.
Fabric Base Replaces Aluminum Tray
One of the most visible changes is the cargo floor. The original model used flat aluminum rails to form a rigid tray. The Veolo 2.0 replaces this with a durable ripstop fabric that spans the entire base. This eliminates a persistent annoyance: small items that rolled to the bottom of the old trailer could slip through the gaps between the aluminum struts. The new fabric surface prevents that entirely. Five wide transverse reinforcements, made with Hypalon and carbon fiber, add stiffness in the areas that bear the heaviest loads. The mesh-like construction allows rainwater to drain through the center and dries quickly, a practical benefit for anyone who uses the trailer in wet conditions. The fabric also contributes to a more compact fold, reducing the storage footprint when the trailer is not in use. Magnets and multiple attachment points for straps and hooks are integrated directly into the base design.
Dedicated Cargo Box for Daily Utility
A completely new accessory is a 220-liter box that attaches to the base. This was a direct response to requests from first-generation owners who wanted a more enclosed solution for everyday tasks like grocery shopping. The box is constructed from high-performance textiles: Cordura fabric forms the lower tray, while X-Pack material is used for the upper sections. It secures to the trailer using large brackets on both narrow ends, supplemented by longitudinal struts. A separate waterproof tarp serves as a cover, and zip-lock ties can be threaded through the sides to fasten the tarp to the box, securing the contents. The box is designed to remain installed permanently for users who prioritize quick, frequent access.
Load Capacity and Long-Item Transport
For heavy or irregularly shaped loads, the trailer can be configured with aluminum brackets that mount to the two short sides. This represents a change from the original model, which allowed mounting on the long sides. In practice, the long-side mounting position could not adequately absorb the momentum of heavy loads, causing the brackets to splay apart as the screws gave way. The revised design restricts mounting to the ends, where the structure handles the forces more effectively. The maximum rated payload has been adjusted from 80 kilograms to 60 kilograms, a change partly attributable to the switch to a textile base. An optional extra-long drawbar extends the trailer’s capability to transport items up to 3.5 meters in length, making it suitable for kayaks, canoes, surfboards, or stand-up paddleboards.
A One-Handed Hitch with Integrated Security
The connection between trailer and bike has been redesigned with a new coupling mechanism. It is based on a familiar Thule-style mounting system but incorporates a locking mechanism that automatically retracts to allow the drawbar to slide into the socket, then snaps back into place. The entire operation can be performed with one hand: plug in, click, done. An additional anti-theft feature uses a cylinder on the coupling socket that can be turned and locked with a matching pin. The coupling will not release the drawbar until the pin is inserted. The pin can be carried on a keychain. While a determined thief could still unscrew the drawbar from the trailer or the hitch from the bike, the lock provides a meaningful deterrent for short-term parking in public spaces.
Trailer Independence: Usability Without the Bike
The Veolo 2.0 can be used as a standalone cart when detached from the bicycle. An optional drawbar and wheel kit transforms it into a hand-pulled cart for situations where riding is impractical. A kickstand is included for the first time, allowing the trailer to stand upright when parked, whether attached to the bike or not. This seemingly small addition significantly improves everyday usability, especially when loading or unloading cargo.
Integrated Deflector and Wall-Mount Storage
A small but functional detail is a deflector that sits at the front of the trailer. Its job is to redirect debris, mud, and water away from the cargo area, keeping loads cleaner during wet or dusty rides. For storage, the manufacturer offers a wall-mount system that allows the folded trailer to hang flat against a wall, turning it into something closer to wall decor than a piece of bulky outdoor gear. This reflects the design philosophy that a frequently used tool should not be an eyesore when not in use.
Color Palette with Purpose
Veolo has introduced a new range of color options for the 2.0 version. The choice of colors is not purely aesthetic. Schmidt describes the palette as symbolizing the manufacturer’s motivation: each color represents a different aspect of the brand’s philosophy, from adventure and exploration to urban practicality. While the connection may be subtle, the availability of multiple colorways allows owners to personalize the trailer in a way that was not possible with the original model.
What Remains Unchanged
Not everything has been redesigned. The core suspension geometry, the inward wheel angle that provides stability, and the fundamental philosophy of a lightweight, high-performance trailer carry over from the first generation. The materials and manufacturing processes that earned the Design and Innovation Award remain the foundation of the product. The changes in version 2.0 are targeted improvements, not a complete departure from what made the original successful.
Pricing and Global Reach
The shift to a modular system and the introduction of multiple accessory kits necessarily affects pricing. The base trailer will be more affordable than the original, in part because the company has expanded its supply chain and manufacturing partnerships internationally. By sourcing components from a broader network, Veolo has been able to reduce production costs. The individual kits will be priced separately, allowing customers to build the exact configuration they need without paying for features they will not use. The overall cost of a fully equipped trailer will be higher than the original single-configuration model, but the starting price for the base unit is lower, making the entry point more accessible.
Kickstarter Campaign for Production Ramp
Veolo is launching a Kickstarter campaign in the coming days to fund mass production of the 2.0 trailer. Early backers will have access to discounted pricing and limited-edition configurations. The crowdfunding approach allows the company to scale manufacturing without taking on traditional debt or equity financing, and it provides a direct channel for early adopters to influence the final product through feedback during the campaign period. Given the strong reception of the first generation and the clear improvements in version 2.0, the campaign is positioned to attract interest from both existing Veolo owners and newcomers to the category.
The Veolo 2.0 represents a thoughtful iteration on an already well-regarded product. By addressing the specific pain points that emerged from real-world use, reducing weight to a class-leading figure, and introducing a modular system that adapts to different lifestyles, Schmidt and his team have created a trailer that is more versatile and more refined than its predecessor. The combination of a fabric base, integrated anti-theft hitch, optional cargo box, and compatibility with long loads makes it one of the most flexible options on the market. For anyone who has been waiting for a bike trailer that is light enough to carry on public transport, adaptable enough for both grocery runs and outdoor adventures, and secure enough to leave parked outside a cafe, the Veolo 2.0 makes a compelling case.
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