Founder Alan Scholz started a small business called Burley Bike Bags where they made handmade bike bags. Deciding not to use the car at all, he invented the first bicycle trailer so that he could carry his shopping bags and his young daughter as well. This caused great expectation in the city and orders soon poured in.

In 1978, Burley became part of a worker-owned cooperative. The cooperative built a reputation for safe and durable products and the name "Burley" became synonymous with "bicycle trailer". In 2006, the members sold the company to Michael Coughlin.

Today, Burley is known around the world for manufacturing recreational transportation equipment that sets the standard for safety, durability and thoughtful design.