The electric cargo bike is ideal for transporting heavy objects, taking your children to school, or enjoying a short weekend by bike. There are many advantages to this type of bike and fans know it!
The electric cargo bike unlike other electrically assisted bikes is larger, more imposing, it is also heavier, its characteristics also combine an easier step-over, a lower center of gravity and a more than efficient solidity of the tubes. How to choose your electric cargo bike? This is precisely what interests us in this article.
There are several models of cargo bikes, it all depends on the use, according to different criteria, to make the best choice, you must understand the difference that exists between the different models available.
To find out more, follow the guide!
The different types of electric cargo bikes
There are different types of electric cargo bikes, including: the two-wheeler, the three-wheeler, the longtail and the compact cargo bike. All models combine: transport capacity, speed in the city, financial and environmental savings.
The choice therefore depends on the use, the distance to be covered, the storage space and the budget. How to choose the right electric cargo bike? Let's start by looking at the advantages and disadvantages of each model. Find out how to make the right choice :
Electric cargo bike:
The biporteur offers a good compromise between capacity and maneuverability.
The electric cargo bike offers a two-wheeled e-bike that can carry much more than a simple electric-assist bike can.
In fact, the electric cargo bike has a very practical loading box generally located at the front of the bike, just in front of the driver. The majority of cargo bikes can carry up to 200 kilos.
The frame of this electric bike is reinforced and also equipped with a powerful motor as well as the brakes. The cargo bike offers style and practicality. To travel with the family, some cargo bike models can carry up to 4 children, to transport slightly heavy equipment more easily, to start as a pizza delivery man, why not? The cargo bike has many capacities.
Electric cargo bikes are designed to spend more time with family, to take nice rides, to transport children safely, to drop them off at school. In short, the cargo bike or other models are much more practical to save time by avoiding traffic jams and to simplify your travels.
Electric tricycle:
The electric tricycle has the advantage of carrying heavy loads. It is stable with its three wheels, it offers a large loading capacity, some models can carry up to 8 children. No worries about transporting a refrigerator or a washing machine!
On the other hand, the tricycle is not easy to handle, especially on bends, you have to be careful, and above all, take the time necessary to adapt to the machine. The tricycle is bulky, so you have to have enough space to park it, and of course, as it is heavier, it is also less fast.
Electric longtail or recumbent bike, carrier bike :
The electric longtail is versatile and easy to handle, especially in the city.
It has a lower capacity, ideal for 1 to 2 children and lighter loads than a two-wheeler or three-wheeler. Practical, the longtail is the model that is similar to a classic bicycle. The longtail is the least bulky so it will be easier to park too.
Longtail and biporteur allow a faster pace, they are less stable, especially when stationary.
Compact cargo bike:
The compact cargo bike offers an affordable carrier bike for transporting groceries and children, it has a good loading capacity. With its rack, front or rear depending on the model and brand, it often offers the possibility of installing two baby seats, and knowing that the rain protections adapt, transport is then done comfortably in all circumstances.
The compact cargo bike offers reliable and robust components, so you can transport children, pets, shopping, it is equipped with numerous attachment points to meet all needs.
Very often, at the price of a traditional cargo bike, the compact cargo bike is a good alternative that must be compared according to your desires, your needs, your uses and your available budget.
Criteria for choosing the right electric cargo bike
The criteria for choosing the right electric cargo bike are as follows:
First of all, the use, if you want to transport children, pets, goods for example.
Next, you need to consider the load capacity, which is the maximum weight the bike can support, and also check the storage space it offers.
Of course, battery life remains an essential selection criterion, it must be adapted to the distance you want to travel and according to the terrain on which you will ride. The power of the engine must also adapt to the slopes and your loaded journeys.
Obviously, the budget is a criterion that should not be neglected, it is advisable to compare the models, the brands, and especially all the functionalities as well as the options available in terms of accessories for example.
Essential accessories and equipment
To choose your electric cargo bike and depending on your usage, it is important to see the options available in terms of cargo bike accessories such as rain covers, child seats, luggage racks.
Also see the customization options that can enhance your comfort and safety. It is always advisable to also opt for a backup battery, or second battery, which can save you from sometimes unintentional inconveniences.
Comparison of popular electric cargo bikes
Comparison of cargo bikes: three-wheeled, two-wheeled, longtail… As we have seen, cargo bikes can take several forms. The term “cargo bike” actually covers a multitude of very different models of electric bikes.
The principle remains the same: the front or rear wheel is further away than on a classic bicycle to leave room for a loading box or luggage rack.
You can compare models and see which are the best cargo bikes , before making your final choice.
Comparison of cargo bike models suitable for each use:
The biporteur :- It rides on two wheels, like a classic bicycle. The front wheel is moved forward in relation to the driver, the cyclist, this space allows the location of a loading box.
- Biporters are well suited to families to transport up to 4 children depending on the model. Delivery people also appreciate the biporter, it is easy to handle, especially in the city you can slip in everywhere and avoid traffic jams and to ride on cycle paths when they are provided.
- It is stable, fairly easy to handle when stationary and at low speed, but you should be careful when cornering. For some configurations, the cargo box is placed between the 2 front wheels, making it more balanced and can be even more imposing, depending on the model. Some tricycles can carry 4 to 8 children.
- This bike is however much wider and therefore more difficult to park, you need to have enough space for this.
- Some tricycles are pendulum, which means that they have front wheels that lean when cornering to facilitate the operation, because as we said before, you have to be careful when cornering with a tricycle.
- The tricycle is equipped with powerful hydraulic disc brakes.
- Ideal for heavy loads and for carrying one or two children. On these models, the front wheel is in its usual location, it is the rear wheel that is further back than on a classic bike. It is a model very close to a classic bike, the handlebar-fork-wheel axis is preserved, the size of the wheels also remains similar.
- The load carried is therefore placed on an elongated luggage rack, the center of gravity is therefore moved upwards compared to the two previous models. Some models try to lower this center of gravity by reducing the size of the rear wheel, thus, with children, driving is more stable.
- There are several formats depending on the wheel sizes. If parents have good reasons to choose this type of electric longtail to ride with the family, they cannot keep a constant eye on the children, they need rearview mirrors.
Tips for testing and buying an electric cargo bike
To make the right choice and to better understand the different characteristics of all electric cargo bike models, testing in real conditions is ideal.
To do this, the best thing is to contact a manufacturer or brand that offers you the option of being able to try out your bike in real conditions to help you decide on the model you will then choose. At Batoo this option is available, this Swiss manufacturer offers testing in real conditions, a significant plus.
To get the best advice but also the best guarantees, buying your cargo bike from a manufacturer is the safe option on many factors, spare parts, monitoring of your bike, insurance offered, suitable accessories, to ride with complete peace of mind!
Conclusion
The essential question was “how to choose the right electric cargo bike?”
Now you know some criteria to help you make your choice.
The use you want to make of your cargo bike, the route you have to do, whether you are in the city or not, whether you have a garage or not, whether you want to transport children or not, just transport goods. These are the factors that will tip the balance between this or that model of electric cargo bike.
AtBatoo , a Swiss manufacturer, a durable and practical solution is available to help you make the best choice for your cargo bike. If you live in Switzerland, we invite you to learn about the advantages offered for the purchase of your cargo bike.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to choose a cargo bike?
To choose your cargo bike, you have to consider the use you are going to make of it, but also the type of journey you are going to make. Are you going to transport goods, children, pets? Are you riding in the city? Are there cycle paths? With all these questions, you have to take the time to compare the different models.
How to choose a longtail?
To choose a recumbent longtail bike, you need to consider these six criteria: the stability of the bike, the handling, the comfort of the passengers, the load capacity, the parking of the electric cargo bike and the price.
What are the most stable cargo bikes?
The tricycle is the most stable of cargo bikes and can carry a maximum load.
Are cargo bikes heavy?
Electric cargo bikes weigh on average between 25 and 50 kg, depending on the type (longtail, two-wheeler or three-wheeler) and the materials used. This weight often includes the battery, which contributes around 3 to 5 kg.