Cargo Bikes
Whether you need to get to work, the shops or the kindergarten – the cargo bike can be used for a variety of purposes, making your everyday life easier and stress-free. It also combines exercise with a balanced fitness routine, making it a modern, innovative and sustainable alternative to a second car.
The most important features of a cargo bike at a glance!
A cargo bike is a bicycle designed specifically for transporting luggage, shopping or other goods. The main features of a cargo bike include:
- A longer and sturdier frame construction to support the additional weight (up to 150 kg) of the luggage or cargo.
- A larger bicycle fork to provide adequate ground clearance and stability when transporting heavy loads.
- A larger seat post and saddle to comfortably accommodate taller riders.
- A more robust construction to withstand heavy loads.
- Special trailer couplings to enable trailers or other transport containers to be attached to the cargo bike.
- Possibly also special functions such as additional lighting, luggage racks or mudguards.
What types of e-cargo bikes and cargo bikes are there? Which cargo bike is right for me?
Long John e-cargo bike
The long and slender design of the Long John cargo bike is probably the most popular of the frame models. It is particularly suitable as a family bike and for transporting children. The load is centered between the rear wheel and the handlebars and front wheel, so you can always see it. The maximum load is up to 150 kg. The narrow design makes the model sporty and agile, even on narrow bike paths.
Backpacker E-Cargo Bike
A cargo bike is basically a normal bike with an elongated luggage rack. However, this is much more stable than on a conventional bike and can carry much more weight. Unwieldy items of luggage, large child seats or shopping can be transported without any problems.
Tricycles/trikes
The trike has one rear wheel and two front wheels. These two wheels give the bike more stability than the Long John, and it stays upright even without a kickstand, making it easy to load. Due to the design, it is rather more comfortable to handle and not as sporty as a bike with two wheels. Tricycles are the ideal companion if you have a dog or if you want to go on family trips with lots of luggage.
Who is an e-bike cargo bike suitable for?
Cargo bikes are ideal for trips with lots of luggage or large shopping trips. Taking the kids to kindergarten? No problem! Do you have a dog? It can come too! The possibilities are virtually endless. What's more, you can travel in a sustainable and environmentally friendly way and avoid using your car from time to time. Switching to a cargo bike is particularly worthwhile in larger cities. It allows you to cleverly avoid some traffic and save time and hassle.
Cargo bike instead of car – the cargo bike as a company vehicle! This is how you save money with a cargo bike!
A cargo bike can be a good alternative to a car, especially for shorter trips and in urban environments. Cargo bikes are more environmentally friendly than cars and also offer health benefits as they provide an opportunity to move and exercise while riding. They can also be maneuvered more easily than cars on narrow streets and bike paths. However, cargo bikes may not be suitable for all types of travel, especially for longer distances or in bad weather. When it comes to the right clothing, the saying still applies: there is no such thing as bad weather – only bad clothing.
How much does an e-cargo bike cost? Buy cargo bikes at a low price!
The price of an e-cargo bike depends on various factors, such as the model, the manufacturer, the features and the individual customization options. E-cargo bikes can vary in price depending on these factors, ranging from several hundred to several thousand euros.
How safe is an e-cargo bike on the road?
Cargo e-bikes are generally just as safe as conventional bicycles on the road as long as they are properly maintained and used. It is important to follow the traffic rules and always wear a helmet to reduce the risk of accidents. It is also advisable to find out about the laws and regulations regarding e-cargo bikes in your country or region to ensure that you are always on the road legally.
Who can ride an e-cargo bike?
In principle, e-cargo bikes, pedelecs and e-bikes that are throttled to 25 km/h, i.e. they can be driven by anyone without a license or registration. E-bike motors only provide assistance when pushing the bike (pushing aid) up to 6 km/h without having to operate the pedals; according to German law, you cannot go faster than that. But it is more than enough. Modern motors have up to 85 Nm of power and will get you up any mountain and down any trail with ease.
Transporting children and babies with a cargo bike – How many children can I transport with a cargo bike?
The number of children you can carry on an eBike cargo bike depends on the size and design of the cargo bike, as well as the age and size of the children. Some cargo bikes have special seats or baby carriers that are suitable for transporting children or babies, while others may only be designed for transporting luggage or shopping. It is important to read the user manual of the cargo bike carefully.
Can I transport my dog with the cargo bike?
It is possible to transport your dog with an e-cargo bike, as long as the cargo bike has enough space and a suitable way of transporting the dog. Some cargo bikes have special trailers or transport boxes that are suitable for transporting pets, while others are only designed for carrying luggage or shopping. It is important to read the cargo bike's user manual carefully to ensure that you use the bike safely and correctly. If you are transporting your dog with the cargo bike, you should also make sure that the dog is on a leash and in a secure and comfortable transport container. Due to the increased speed that a cargo bike can reach, it is especially important that your dog is transported safely to avoid accidents.
Can I attach a trailer to my electric cargo bike?
Whether you can attach a trailer to your e-cargo bike depends on the type of cargo bike and trailer. Some cargo bikes are designed with trailer mounts that allow you to attach a trailer. In this case, you can usually buy a suitable trailer and mount it on the cargo bike. Other cargo bikes may not have trailer mounts, in which case you can still mount a trailer on your cargo bike by using an adapter kit. However, it is always advisable to contact the manufacturer to ensure that the trailer can be securely and correctly attached to your cargo bike.
What accessories are available for e-bike cargo bikes?
There are numerous accessories for cargo bikes that allow you to customize your bike to your needs and preferences. Some of the most common accessories for cargo bikes include:
- Trailers: A trailer makes it possible to transport additional cargo or passengers without taking up space on the bike itself.
- Cargo boxes: Cargo boxes can be attached to the bike to safely store luggage or purchases and protect them from rain or dirt.
- Bike seats: Bike seats can be attached to the bike to enable the transportation of children or other passengers.
- Mudguards: Mudguards protect riders from dirt and moisture kicked up by the wheels.
- Lighting: Additional lighting can be mounted on the bike to increase visibility in traffic.
- Luggage rack: A luggage rack makes it possible to attach smaller items or bags to the bike without taking up space in the bike basket or transport box.
These are just a few examples of accessories for cargo bikes. There are many more options and possibilities for customizing your bike.
Is it hard to ride an e-bike cargo bike?
In general, cargo bikes are a bit heavier than conventional bikes because they have a longer and sturdier frame construction to support the extra weight of luggage and cargo. This can make the bike feel a bit heavier to accelerate and steer than a conventional bike. With e-cargo bikes, which are equipped with an electric motor, weight is no longer an issue. As a rule, you can get used to riding a cargo bike and you don't need a high level of riding skill to master it.