Compact cargo bikes: Small vans for the city

Following the cargo bike boom, which has also been brought about by the supportive effect of the electric motor, a new trend seems to be manifesting itself in the utility bike sector: small, manoeuvrable cargo bikes. Not all of them are brand new, but they are on the increase. If you look at the examples, you will recognise two things they have in common: short length and at least one wheel smaller than or equal to 20 inches. This is not yet a category of its own, but there is a common, far-reaching goal: high transport performance with low space consumption and very good everyday suitability for more than one user.

>> This is our big cargo bike buying guide

Compact cargo bikes: small wheels, high payload

The length of the compact cargo bikes contributes to this: It is often significantly less than that of normal 28-inch e-bikes - these measure around two metres. This means more manoeuvrability in the city and significantly less space requirement than normal cargo bikes. However, you can only achieve shortness with more payload by using smaller wheels. These tend to be less comfortable, but not with thick tyres. In other words: If tyres with a width of 50 millimetres or more are fitted, it becomes more comfortable. Rider and cargo don't have to be shaken around wildly - even if the tyres can't compete with a good suspension fork on rough bumps. They do become uncomfortable, especially when there are big potholes. They transmit shocks more than larger wheels.

As far as robustness is concerned, concerns are unjustified. The smaller the wheel, the more stable it tends to be. Conversely, a large wheel makes a bike quieter. This is due to the longer contact area and even more so to the larger flywheel mass resulting from a larger diameter. You may have noticed that large wheels roll out longer than small ones, but are harder to get going. The flywheel mass is the reason for this.

Fresh from the production line

Another compact cargo bike will be available in mid-May: shortly before the editorial deadline, Riese und Müller presented the Carrie, a mini Long John with a multimodal basket and the option of transporting two children. At 2.09 metres, the bike is slightly longer than the similarly constructed Muli. Support is provided by a Boch Performance Line motor with 75 Newton metres.

Lots of details, but what use?

We generally recommend motor assistance for cargo bikes or bikes that are often used to transport freight. This makes a huge difference, especially in urban areas where there is a lot of stop-and-go cycling. And let's be honest: the plan to ditch the car more often and manage everyday life by bike is almost certainly doomed to failure for inexperienced cyclists without a motor. Not to mention the fun that a bike with a bang can bring, especially in the city. Like compact bikes, e-compact cargo bikes are almost always designed as family bikes. This means that people between 1.55 and 1.90 metres tall can get along well on the same bike and can adjust it to suit them in no time at all.

Adjustable and rotating stems, such as the Speedlifter from by.schulz, a quick-release on the saddle and flexible geometry make it possible. The load-bearing capacity of some of these little guys is astonishing. The Moca For example, the front (frame-mounted carrier) and rear each have a load capacity of 35 kilograms. All sample bikes are also approved for child transport. At 210 kilograms, the Moca has the highest possible system weight. The payload limit should be one of the key factors in your choice: Think about how high the bike of your choice needs to be able to carry and take a look at the load capacity of the compact cargo bikes.

Compact cargo bikes: gears and weight

Of course, all of them can be fitted with folding pedals, and the handlebars can be adjusted lengthways on all of them - albeit not always with a flick of the wrist - resulting in a parking width of around 25 centimetres in the garage. Bikes with a front wheel diameter of less than 20 inches are less suitable for long-term use on poor roads. Here, the driver and cargo are shaken around a lot and the material is stressed. The lower the centre of gravity, the smoother the bike tends to run. This rule is particularly noticeable on the Ca Go CS - the bike with a very low centre of gravity.

The water tank is in good hands here. When it comes to the child seat, it's a question of belief, among other things: in the Muli and Yoonit, children are transported in front of the rider to promote communication, while on the others, the classic child seat for the rear carrier is used. Clear decision factor: slightly longer loads. They are easier to transport with these mini long johns.

Belt or chain? This question also influences the decision "hub or derailleur?", as only the hub/belt combination is possible. If you want to be a bit more sporty on the road, derailleur gears and, of necessity, a chain are better for you, but you have to make compromises when it comes to freedom from maintenance. Especially on a cargo bike in the city, the chain and sprocket set are subjected to heavy loads and wear out faster than the belt/hub gear system.

However, there is one thing that none of the compact cargo bikes are really good at: saving weight. Despite their cuddly appearance, they are at least as heavy as many "grown-up" e-bikes, and you have to be aware of that. However, many are easier to carry thanks to their smaller dimensions and the favourably balanced grip on the frame.

Six tips for the purchase decision

• Test, test, test - try out several different cargo bikes in succession to notice the differences.
• When trying out the bikes, it's best to load them with the cargo you intend to use the bike for - even if it's your son in the child seat.
• If the bike has to be stored in the cellar or in the flat: Test how well you can carry it.
• Should several family members ride it? Make a joint "test session" out of the decision-making process.
• Often overlooked, but very important: the stand. The loaded bike should be very stable. All the more important when transporting children. A wide folding two-legged kickstand is the right tool for this.
• If you are convinced by a bike and it seems suitable for all users, you should not make any compromises because of the price that you might regret later.

Advantages and disadvantages of compact cargo bikes

Plus:

• Short length offers advantages when parking and transporting the bike
• High manoeuvrability ensures plenty of everyday practicality in tight city traffic and when parking and leaving parking spaces
• Lower weight than large cargo bikes helps when storing in the cellar etc.
• Usually high payload
• Ergonomically wide adjustable
• Usually a lot of driving fun and good acceleration due to small wheels

Minus:

• Very small wheels (smaller than 20 inches) react very clearly to potholes and cycle path kerbs
• Quirkiness and indirect control are not everyone's cup of tea

These are our 6 compact cargo bikes

Ca Go CS: Long John with second floor

The Ca Go CS, published in 2023 is something like a hidden Long John. Its hallmark: The front wheel is in front of the cargo area. On the CS, there is another luggage rack above it, which can even be supplemented with a further loading area. Up to 35 kilos can be loaded at the bottom. The special feature: the low centre of gravity between the wheels ensures very relaxed handling.

• Price: from 5590 Euro
• Motor system: Bosch Cargo Line Smart System
• Wheel sizes front/rear: 20 inch
• Carrier / authorisations: above: 18 / below: 35 / at the back: 27 kg / Overall authorisation: 75 kilos
• Suitable for child seats: Yes
• Bicycle weight: from 35.5 kg
• Length: 204 cm
• Special features/accessories: Suspension fork, variants with chain and hub drive (Enviolo)

Hercules Rob Cargo: Classic

Hercules relies on classic carriers that are enlarged. "We also come from postal and delivery bikes and wanted to transfer the concept to private users," explains Jens Lang, Head of Product Management. We therefore see two pannier racks in the usual place on the Rob Cargo - but significantly reinforced; both are not bolted together but are part of the frame. The concept has a system weight of a whopping 200 kilograms! The 20-inch wheels give the bike a low centre of gravity.

• Price: from 4499 Euro >> available here
• Motor system: Bosch Performance Line Smart System, 545 Wh
• Wheel sizes: 24 inch
• Carrier / approvals: front: 25 / at the back: 50 / Driver: maximum 135 kilos / maximum system weight: 200 kilos
• Suitable for child seats: Yes
• Bicycle weight: 29.8 kilos Length 177 cm
• Special features/accessories: Five-speed hub with belt drive, basket or crate as accessory, system carrier front and rear

Messingschlager Moca: Another baker's wheel?

This time like the "real" one: the rear wheel of the Moca is large, the front one small. The sturdy pannier rack above it ensures that shopping and sports bags can be transported safely together. The large rear wheel also ensures a smoother ride. Nevertheless, at 175 centimetres, the bike is unparalleled short for a transporter.

• Price: 4699 Euro
• Motor system: Bosch Cargo Line/630 WH
• Wheel sizes: 26/20 inch
• Carrier / approvals: front: 35 / at the back: 35 kilos, permissible total weight: 220 kilos
• Child seat compatible: Yes
• Bicycle weight: 32.4 kg Length 175 cm
• Special features/accessories: wide range of transport boxes, bags, baskets and various accessories

>> The Messingschlager Moca 23 in an individual test

Tern Quick Haul P5I: Longtail, short version

The Tern focusses primarily on the rear carrier - a short longtail, you could call this creation. Its sister model, the GSD, plays in the actual longtail category and therefore falls outside the compact cargo theme for us. Here we have a system weight of 150 kilos.

• Price: from 3499 Euro
• Motor system: Bosch Performance Line 500 Wh battery
• Wheel sizes: 20 inch
• Carrier / authorisations: maximum payload: 126.8 kilos / maximum carrier campaign: 50 kilos / permissible total weight: 150 kilos
• Suitable for child seats: Yes
• Bicycle weight: from 23.2 kg Length 172 cm
• Special features/accessories: Speedlifter stem, vertical parking, many accessories (for children, cargo, touring)

Muli Motor: Long John, short version

The Muli turns out to be a classic long john concept. A very small front wheel creates space for plenty of loading length, while a deep metal basket also provides plenty of volume. It can even be locked so that nothing falls out even when the volume is fully utilised. The linkage steering is necessary, but is easy and safe to operate.

• Price: from 4460 Euro with Pendix motor system
• Motor system: Pendix e-Drive 300/300 WH or various Shimano motors (surcharge)
• Wheel sizes: 20/16 inch
• Carrier / approvals: front: 70 kilos, rear (accessory): 27 kilos/ permissible total weight: 195 kilos
• Suitable for child seats: Yes, in the basket and rear possible for 2 children
• Bicycle weight: 34 kg
• Length: 195 cm
• Special features/accessories: Various motors to choose from, folding basket (area: 2 Euro crates), child seat device, various accessories such as basket cover, rain cover, etc.

Yoonit Electric: Baker's wheel for long baguettes

With really small wheels (only 16 inches at the front), Yoonit gets the cargo bike short. As is usual with Long John, indirect steering is required, in this case a steering linkage that does its job properly. The loading area is mounted at a significant angle. Thanks to the long wheelbase, the wheel runs straight despite the small wheels. The highlight: the cargo bed is multimodal!

• Price: from 5230 Euro
• Motor system: Shimano EP6/504 WH
• Wheel sizes: 18/16 inch
• Carrier / authorisations: Maximum payload: 155 Kilo/max.
• Suitable for child seats: Yes
• Bicycle weight: from 26 kg
• Length: 177 cm
• Special features/accessories: Various crates, baskets and superstructures as accessories, also for commercial use