The cargo e-bike – the perfect addition to your stressful everyday life

A cargo e-bike offers many great advantages in everyday life. The bikes can be used for different purposes and have already replaced cars for many people in the city. Cargo bikes are becoming a common sight in cityscapes and even mail and other packages are delivered using the practical bikes.

If you want to buy an electric cargo bike, you should pay attention to a few things. If you are also wondering whether you can transport your dog or children with a cargo e-bike, don't miss the information in our article. We will explain what you can transport with a cargo bike and how to find a suitable model.

Buying an electric cargo bike – What you need to pay attention to

Do you want to transport your shopping, moving boxes and other heavy loads quickly and easily through the city with a cargo e-bike? To make this work without any complications, there are important points to consider before you buy.

Cargo bikes carry an enormous load of up to 200 kg. Depending on the model, they can travel at speeds of 25 to 45 km/h. In order to make the most of the power and performance of the bikes, the bike must suit your riding style and daily route.

Cargo e-bikes – the model is crucial

A cargo bike is available as a two-wheeler or a three-wheeler. If you like to be a bit sportier and need the bike in narrow streets, a two-wheeler is ideal. The two wheels make the bike maneuverable and offer flexibility, which is ideal for tight city traffic.

Would you like it to be a little more stable? Then the tricycle is the perfect choice. It is characterized by stable handling, which means that tipping over is almost impossible, even with a heavy load.

A practical advantage of the tricycle: you can also use the loading area to transport your children. It is important that the bike is properly equipped. Special child seats often have to be added.

With a speed of 25 km/h, you can ride the cargo e-bike anywhere where normal bicycles are allowed. If you want a cargo bike with a speed of up to 45 km/h, there are special regulations:

• Cycle paths and footpaths may not be used

• A helmet and a class AM driving license are mandatory

Are you still unsure whether a cargo bike is the right choice for you? Then take a look at our alternatives. The myvélo models Palma and Rio are powerful e-bikes with great features.

The Rio and Palma electric folding bikes have a sturdy luggage rack. This provides additional loading space and is a useful addition both in city traffic and on day trips. Shopping and packages can be transported easily with appropriate security.

Front loader or rear loader – what’s the difference?

The difference between the two models lies in the placement of the load. A front loader has a box in front of the handlebars in which the load is placed. With a front loader, the front wheel is slightly smaller because this is where the loading area is located. There are different versions of a front loader:

• As a tricycle, it has a large loading area between two wheels at the front. The baker's bike version has a sturdy luggage rack above the front wheel.

• Modern front loader models have a wheel positioned far forward and a large loading area between the handlebars and the front wheel, which ensures safe transport of the load.

• The modern variants and tricycles are also ideal for transporting children or dogs.

Breech-loaders have a box behind the saddle on which additional cargo can be distributed. As the name suggests, the center of gravity of a breech-loader is shifted to the rear. Due to the shifted center of gravity, comfort when riding is somewhat limited.

A variant of the rear loader is the backpacker. The wheelbase is slightly longer and offers space for a sturdy luggage rack. If you want to travel by bike, you can attach heavy backpacks and other luggage to the additional loading area.

Can I transport my dog ​​with a cargo e-bike?

Do you own a dog and have always wondered if you can transport it on a cargo bike? The answer is yes, a dog can be transported on a cargo bike. To ensure that every four-legged friend gets from A to B safely, please note the following:

If your dog is very large, it will need a lot of space in the cargo e-bike. The box should offer your four-legged friend enough space and be comfortable. A cargo bike with a door is particularly practical in this case. Your dog can get in and out independently through the small door in the loading area. This means that even dogs that cannot be lifted or are a little too heavy can easily get into the cargo bike.

If the bike in the transport box has an additional eyelet, you can secure your dog with a leash. It is also practical to use a double leash or two different leashes. This way the dog can be safely secured on both sides of the box.

Tip : If the door on the bike becomes a small ramp, it is even easier for the dog to get in. An additional floor mat also increases comfort, so that dogs also enjoy riding the bike. A rain cover option is also useful so that your four-legged friend doesn't get wet.

You can even take your dog with you on long, hilly routes. The right electronic support is important here. The stronger the bike's motor and battery, the easier the ride with your four-legged friend. A powerful mid-engine is particularly suitable for rides with steep sections.

Pedal assistance with different levels makes driving easier and the additional weight of your dog is hardly noticeable. This means that the fun of driving is not lost despite the additional weight and you can even manage long distances with your dog on the loading area.

The suspension of the tires should not be underestimated either. The better the suspension and the larger the tires, the more comfortable the ride. It is important to consider the terrain on which you want to use the cargo bike with your dog.

Are children allowed to ride an electric cargo bike?

Transporting children is also possible with a cargo bike. Many cargo e-bikes can also be equipped with a rain cover, seat cushions, child seats and even baby seats. The transport boxes for dogs are often also suitable for children. They have an additional bench that can be easily mounted or folded out and secure belts.

Is your child not yet old enough to use a bench? Child seats and baby carriers provide a safe alternative.

Since cargo bikes can be chosen as two- or three-wheelers, you should decide in advance which features are necessary for your daily ride.

Do I want to take my child to kindergarten or do some shopping together? Then a sturdy tricycle is suitable. If the bike is to be used on longer journeys at a higher speed, a two-wheeler is the better choice. Another important factor is how safe you feel while riding. In this case, a test drive is always a good decision-making aid.

Electric cargo bike – many possibilities in one bike

A cargo e-bike is a practical addition to everyday life and offers many possibilities. Whether for transporting a dog, children or the weekly shopping, a cargo bike becomes a real all-rounder. The following applies:

• a tricycle is more stable, two-wheelers are suitable for agile driving

• Front loaders have a box with a large loading area in front of the handlebar

• Rear loaders have a shifted weight due to the loading area behind the seat

• If you want to transport children or dogs, a front loader is suitable

The cargo e-bike is a worthwhile investment. The additional loading space makes it a real alternative to the car and, thanks to the powerful motor, it can cover even long distances without any problems.

FAQ about cargo e-bikes

How much does a good electric cargo bike cost?

The price of a cargo bike depends on the model and the equipment. An e-bike cargo bike costs on average €3,500.

Is there a difference between a cargo pedelec and a cargo e-bike?

Depending on the motor and power, an e-bike can run without pedal assistance. With a Pedelec, you have to pedal additionally, because there is no pedal assistance at the push of a button.

What loads can I transport with an e-bike?

A cargo bike can transport loads of up to 200 kg. Whether moving boxes, shopping or other heavy items for the bike, this is no problem. Dogs or children can also easily ride along in a front loader.