Congested streets, smog and the eternal search for a parking space. Modern cities have long had a problem with traffic. Munich is no exception. In 2014, the city, where the MYBIKE editorial office is located, launched a pilot project on the topic of cargo bikes as a car replacement. For ten years, BR reporter Frank Jordan, among others, cycled to every appointment up to the G7 summit with great publicity. Even the Bild newspaper reported on it. His cargo bike has just ended up in the German Museum as an industrial cultural asset. Politicians have also long since realised the consequences and are now promoting cargo bikes for private individuals with generous subsidies across the board.
Government funding for cargo bikes
25 per cent subsidy, up to 500 euros without a motor and up to 750 euros with one. That's a word! Accordingly, cargo bikes are now also well represented on the roads. The Two-Wheeler Industry Association has counted over one million cargo bikes sold in the last five years and the bikes are also being used. In congested urban neighbourhoods, it feels like every second bike on the way to nursery, school or work in the morning is a cargo bike. From minimalist courier bikes to the Urban Arrow. We present the most important cargo bike concepts with their advantages and disadvantages, answer the most frequently asked questions and have tested four exciting cargo bikes as examples.
Cargo bike trend
Cargo bikes are rightly in vogue. They are fun to ride and practical in everyday life. With kids, completely different experiences are possible than when the offspring are just sitting in a trailer. The car likes to be left behind and that's where we all want to go, isn't it? It pays to be quick, and there are currently also state subsidies on top for buying a cargo bike. - Adrian Kaether, Test Manager MYBIKE
FAQ: Questions about the cargo bike
Cargo bike with or without motor?
It depends. But the fact is: cargo bikes have been around for well over 100 years and for most of that time they were non-motorised. As classic baker's bikes, for craftsmen, just like the first Long Johns from the 1930s in Denmark. Anyone who tries them out often realises that cargo bikes can sometimes be moved surprisingly well without a motor, given the right gearing. Of course, the fact that cargo bikes are currently experiencing a boom has to do with the motor. This means that even people with little affinity for cycling and those who are moderately sporty can enjoy longer journeys with large wheels and sometimes heavy loads.
Rule of thumb: If you ride short distances without steep inclines and are fit, you can do without the motor. This also makes the bike lighter. For longer distances and frequent climbs, however, we recommend an e-cargo bike.
What is the range of cargo bikes?
As with classic e-bikes, the range of a cargo bike also depends on various factors. Due to the higher weight, frequent acceleration or long climbs consume a lot of battery power. However, long johns and longtails in particular roll efficiently. On flat terrain, despite their weight, they hardly consume any more battery than classic e-bikes. Ranges of up to 100 kilometres are quite possible with modern e-systems and often 700 watt hours and more. A distance that you first have to cover on a cargo bike. Accordingly, you can also get by with smaller batteries, especially if you are travelling short distances. With a smaller battery, you only need to plug in a little more often.
Suspension or not?
Cargo bikes are usually left outside all year round. This means that the less vulnerable the technology, the better. Especially those who opt for a bike without a motor will also be pleased that it doesn't weigh more. However, cargo bikes are also very passive. You can hardly push the front wheel of a Long John elegantly over the kerb. Passengers in the bike or on the rear carrier are also happy about the suspension. Without suspension, the load can be shaken up quite a bit on uneven surfaces in the cargo area. Both concepts, with and without suspension, therefore have their justification.
Alternative trailers?
It's obvious: If you already own a suitable bike and only need to take the kids on the occasional outing or transport a large purchase home, you can also opt for a trailer. Suitable models from Thule to Croozer are booming, also because they are often still suitable as an all-terrain pram replacement for hiking or jogging. Thanks to the flexible docking and undocking, the bike can still be used as a classic touring bike even with a trailer. However, trailers are usually not braked. Trailers sometimes have less favourable handling characteristics. If you are regularly travelling with kids and cargo, a cargo bike may be the better alternative. The fun factor should not be underestimated either. In a trailer, passengers are travelling separately from the rider, whereas in a cargo bike you experience the tour together.
Type question: longtail, long john or cargo trike?
With the sheer endless variety of models and designs of cargo bikes, it's easy to lose track. We therefore show you the three most important types of cargobike and give you tips on the advantages and disadvantages, exciting models and costs.
Example of a long john
Example of a longtail
Example of a cargo trike
Click here for a detailed overview of Longtail, Long john and cargo trike including model recommendation
Adrian Kaether
Editor
