Electric Cargo Bike
You have a child, you have packages or heavy loads to transport? Buying an electric cargo bike can help you meet your needs. Widely used in the European Nordic countries, electric freight bicycles are beginning to conquer all city centres.
Advantages of the electric cargo bike
With electric assistance, make it easier for you to travel with your cargo bike. The electric motor will assist you during pedalling and eliminate the weight of the bike or cargo. You will be able to travel longer distances with a loaded bike with 1-2 children and products in the crate. If you live in a hilly area, the electric assistance will help you on the hills and erase the relief. The cargo bike can therefore be a family mode of transport. The purchase of a cargo bike is encouraged by many cities to reduce pollution as a replacement for a thermal car. You will find more information by consulting our section on assistance for the purchase of an electric bicycle.
Carry everything with your electrically assisted cargo bike!
For those who already have a cargo bike, you may choose to convert your current bike by adding an electric motor with battery. Kits to convert the cargo bike are available on the market.
Bi-carrier : The Cargo bike is also called a Bi-carrier.
Cargo Bike Uses
On the cargo bike, it is usually possible to convert the crate by adding a bench to accommodate children. For use as a family vehicle, the Cargo Bike can also be equipped with a specific cell at the front that allows you to ride with babies or children. A protective cloth/tent can be installed to protect children from rain or cold. It is an alternative to bicycles + trailers. Using a Cargo bike is therefore an ecological alternative to the car to take your children to school.
Choosing an electric cargo bike
If you wish to buy a cargo bike with an electric motor, here are some criteria to consider:
- Engine power: Most cargo bicycles are equipped with a 250W motor that can handle the majority of needs. The assistance stops at 25 km/h and you can ride on the bike paths. If you want a more powerful engine, your cargo bike will be considered as a moped and it must be registered with insurance, a helmet…
- Type of cargo bike: there are different types with dual-carrier, long-tail bike, scooter… If you have little cargo to carry, you can also hook a trailer behind your electric bike
- Budget: the price of an electric cargo bike is high. Many municipalities have set up a grant for the purchase of an electric bicycle, ask around.
History of the cargo bike
The first cargo bicycles appeared at the beginning of the 20th century. These bicycles were used by retailers to make deliveries in the vicinity of the store.
Cargo Bike in Denmark
Cargo bicycles are very popular in Denmark and especially on the streets of the capital Copenhagen. The Danish capital authorities estimate that there are more than 40,000 cargo bicycles in circulation on the streets of Copenhagen. Christiania Bikes cargo bicycles are particularly popular. This brand appeared in the Christiana district. This part of Copenhagen is an “autonomous city” created by hippies in 1971. To transport his children, the creator of Christiana Bikes made a robust scooter in 1984. This cargo bike will quickly become a best-seller in Denmark and then in other countries.
Three Wheel cargo bikes
The cargo bike has 3 wheels. The European scooter has a cell / body with 2 wheels at the front on each side and one wheel at the rear.