Because no bike really fitted the needs of his young family, Tobias Prager simply took up the pen himself. The man behind the idea of the Chike is a physicist and not a bicycle designer, but his idea of a three-wheeled cargo bike with tilting technology has been causing a stir on the market for years. Unlike other three-wheeled cargo bikes, the Chike can be steered very dynamically.
However, the steering behaviour takes some getting used to. After a few laps in a car park, however, you'll get the hang of it. With a little practice, even tight bends and hectic city traffic can be mastered. Depending on the version, the Chike is designed for transporting luggage or passengers. The lightweight E-Kids works as a daycare taxi, while the Cargo carries normal loads. Our test bike, the E-Cargo Pro with lockable box, is designed more for commercial use and is therefore equipped to a higher standard. The simpler Chikes are available from 6199 euros.
Practical test of the E-Cargo
However, the basis of the bikes is always the same. If necessary, the superstructures can be easily converted. The left hand operates the parking brake on the chike and unlocks the tilt mechanism. You can shift gears on the right. The Di2 hub gear of the high-quality Pro model with low-maintenance belt drive can also do this independently if required.
This allows you to concentrate fully on driving. This also works well with a full load. Up to 80 kilos can be carried in the front of the box. In terms of volume, six crates of drinks, for example, fit inside. Bulky items can be secured with lashing straps. However, the maximum rider weight of 100 kilos should be somewhat higher. Especially as the Chike is certainly capable of carrying heavier loads. The front wheels are also sprung thanks to the tilt mechanism, while the rear is rigid. The double brake at the front is operated with a lever and brings the Chike to a halt so crisply that even the rear becomes light when you put your weight on it. This brings the chike to a halt from 25 km/h and only around two metres.
Shimano motor and 630 battery
Propulsion is provided by a Shimano motor with a 630 battery. Power and range could be slightly higher in comparison. The higher-quality EP801 or Bosch's new Cargo Line based on the CX 5 are a little more lively. Nevertheless, you can expect the Chike to cover 60 kilometres on a single charge. Practical: The luggage rack at the rear offers additional storage space. With an overall length of less than two metres and a width of 73 centimetres, the Cargo Pro is surprisingly compact and just about fits through normal doors - but with almost 60 kilos without a load, steps should not regularly be in the way.
The most important information about the Chike E-Cargo Pro
- Price: from 8199 Euro
- Weight: 57.1 kg (MYBIKE measurements)
- Drive: Shimano EP6 Cargo, 630 Wh
- Circuit: Shimano Inter 5E Di2
- Translation: 263 per cent
- Brakes: Tektro Auriga Twin / HD T-285
- Tyres: Schwalbe Big Apple / Big Ben
- Front/rear lighting system: B & M IQ-XS, 80 Lux / Spanninga Pimento XE
- Frame sizes: One size fits all
- Frame shape: Trapezoid
- Fork: Tilting technology with suspension
- Loading area: 90 x 72 x 30-56 cm, up to 80 kg
- Total length: 191 cm
- Permissible total weight: 200 kg
- Guarantee: 5 years
- Special features: Tilt technology, lockable cargo box for up to six crates of drinks
Review of the Chike E-Cargo Pro
Advantages
- Lockable
- Plenty of storage space and good load capacity
- Unique driving behaviour ...
Disadvantages
- ... that takes some getting used to at first
Conclusion
Once you get the hang of it, the Chike offers many of the advantages of three-wheeled cargo bikes without the major disadvantage of cornering. The high-quality cargo box is impressive. For even more dynamics, the motor could be a little more powerful and the gear range wider, but you can always find something. The price starting at 6199 euros for the entry-level model is comparatively fair in view of the complex and unique tilting technology. - Adrian Kaether, Test Manager MYBIKE
Adrian Kaether
Editor
