A Guide to Electric Cargo Bikes and Why You Need One
BRIEF HISTORY OF CARGO BIKES
Cargo bikes were prominent during the 1930s since they were used for leisure and business purposes. One of the prime examples of an early cargo bike is the Long John where the freight is placed between the handlebar and the front wheel. A Long John is controlled via cable steering, which is very similar to what we now know as the front-loading “bakfiet” bike, but more on that later.
Long John was used for day-to-day living and played an important role in the commercial industry because they were used to deliver milk, newspapers, and mail using these bikes. They used to have an annual cargo race to celebrate the usability of these bikes. However, the market for cargo bikes steadily declined during the 60s once the era of trucks ushered in as a new transportation system and cars were taking over the roads. By that time, cargo bikes were turned into a display only to commemorate the past and nothing more.
WHAT IS AN ELECTRIC CARGO BIKE
An electric cargo bike is a utility vehicle for hauling passengers, groceries, or deliveries. The idea is adapted from earlier designs but with added benefits from using a motor system. They are an eco-friendly alternative to leisure driving and logistics. What sets them apart from other electric bikes is having designated space for cargo in either their rear or front end or both.
TYPES OF ELECTRIC CARGO BIKES
There are three main types of electric cargo bikes—midtail, longtail, and front-loading cargo. Each one is uniquely built to cater to various user needs.
Midtail
The rear end of a midtail cargo e-bike is a little bit longer compared to standard bikes. They are generally designed to carry the load on the rear end, where depending on the capacity, can even onboard two kids. Look into this option if you are torn between a longtail and a standard bike or still getting used to riding with a cargo.
Longtail
A longtail cargo e-bike has an extended length, making it a reliable form of cargo and passenger transportation. Usually, there is a rear accessory or a built-in cargo space fitted into the bike for hauling purposes. This type is surprisingly stable due to the longer wheelbase giving balance to the bike and the rider. Families, especially younger ones, would love them.
Front-Loading (Bakfiet)
A front-loading cargo e-bike or a ‘Bakfiet’ is an adaptation of the early design called a Long John. They made their comeback in the streets of the Netherlands and became recognized as a car replacement. Similar to its blueprint, the cargo space is in between the handlebar and the front wheel of the bike. It has come a long way from the 19th-century version because the modern design is engineered in such a way that it is reliable, stable, and capable. A front-loading cargo e-bike has optimum carrying capacity among all other e-bikes. The manufacturers ensure that they have a high-quality motor and battery system that guarantees peak performance.
HAULING CAPACITIES
Cargos have a high maximum payload capacity. Here are our top three picks, one from each trusted brands we carry, with their payload capacities:
220 kg |
 250 kg |
 200 kg |
BENEFITS OF ELECTRIC CARGO BIKES
Electric cargo bikes have been one of the most efficient forms of transportation, especially in the growing commercial industry. However, it is also one of the biggest contributing factors to the growing problem of pollution, especially since fuel-powered vehicles are still the core logistic option. Now that electrification is revolutionizing the transportation sector, it is also high time for logistics to catch up to the trend. Here are some of the benefits that these bikes offer:
SUSTAINABILITY
Electric bikes are known for their reduced contribution to carbon emissions, unlike fossil fuels. They can also be charged using various renewable energy sources, they reduce traffic, and they make a good substitute for short car trips. This makes electric cargo an eco-friendly solution for logistic issues.
COST-EFFECTIVENESS
Cargo e-bikes are different from bikes and e-bikes. Even though they cost a bit more, it is because they are capable of carrying a bit more weight, which would be difficult to haul for a standard bike. Furthermore, cargo e-bikes cost a lot less than cars. In fact, a cargo e-bike only costs as much as an accessory, part, or maintenance procedure of a car. The additional electric bill is also much less than that of fuel cost because the price of fuel has drastically increased over the past few months, which also made consumers look for another option.
AMPLE OF FEATURES
There are various features that an electric cargo bike offers. When purchasing one, it all boils down to personal preference or the bike’s purpose. This feature can be an accessory, an integrated design, in-store upgrade option, cargo type, capacity, and other advanced features that set them apart from other e-bikes.
Here are some features that the electric cargo bikes we carry here in CLOUD eBikes offer:
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Powerful Motor and Battery Manufacturers ensure that they equip their cargo e-bikes with high-performing motor and battery systems, which guarantee quality, power, and reliability. Anti-Theft Protection Feature E-bike manufacturers like Riese & Muller offer an anti-theft feature. It notifies the user and allows tracking of the bike via GPS and Cellular module. The hardware is strategically integrated within the bike so that it is away in plain sight. Passenger Protection Feature An electric cargo takes pride in its ability to carry passengers, unlike any other bike. The passenger area usually has some of the following features that you can rely on for a safe and enjoyable ride: |
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Seat: The passenger seat varies mostly according to the type of cargo. It could be a rear seat, a 2- to 3-seater, or a combination. Seatbelt: Seatbelts are one of the trusted equipment to keep the passenger safe in any type of vehicle. Seats for cargo bikes have integrated seatbelts that increase security. Foot Rest: A footrest gives stability to the passenger since it is both uncomfortable and unsafe for a passenger to dangle their feet on a moving vehicle. Hand Railings: The main purpose of a handrail is to give the passenger something to hold on to, so they can feel safer. It also restricts the arms of the passenger from going outside the perimeter of the cargo area. This not only improves the safety aspects of a cargo e-bike but also allows the e-bike to carry more passengers with a wider age range. |
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Accessorizing A cargo e-bike is a type of e-bike where you can be as flexible as you want in terms of accessories. You have the freedom to go big or be as minimal as possible as long as they suit your needs. These accessories can be attached easily and can also be dismantled once necessary. You may check out some accessories we carry in our store: |
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REDUCE TRAFFIC CONGESTION
On top of air pollution, road congestion has always been a major problem especially now that there has been a significant increase in the number of cars on the road. A car can have as little as one person inside—the driver. Imagine this: If there are 50 drivers, then there will be 50 cars as well. If all of them take a bus instead, then that will take much less space than 50 cars. However, not everyone likes to take public transportation due to the growing demotivating stigma related to its safety, comfort, and convenience. This is why cargo e-bikes have been sought after for their ability to fit in narrow spaces. Nowadays, it is recognized as one of the most efficient and evolved forms of logistic transportation for urban areas. They can reach point A to point B with ease even when loaded with cargo. They can still fit through tight spaces that cars won’t fit through.
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Electric bikes have a lot of health benefits as featured in our article, “Health Benefits of Riding an Electric Bike” You may harness all the health benefits of cycling with an electric cargo bike such as improving health, maintaining weight, reducing stress, and many more. In addition to that, the pedal assist system helps reduce exhaustion despite the added weight of the cargo.
BUILD RELATIONSHIPS
The design of a cargo e-bike brings people together. Just like carpooling, sharing a ride with family, friends, or pets can enhance your relationships due to shared experiences. Unlike cars, cargo e-bikes have an open design that allows you to socialize with your passengers as well as your fellow road users. This e-bike also has cargo space, allowing you to enjoy picnic dates or a leisure activity in the park.
DELIVERY SOLUTION
Cargo bikes are seen as a delivery service solution as it has been since a century ago. Standard cargo bikes were thought to be helpful, but they can be unreliable when it comes to uphill trails, especially with fully loaded cargo. This is where the electrification of cargo bikes became really important in solving the design flaw, so the cargo bike can adapt to modern-day problems. Motor, battery, and pedal-assist features paved the way for the modernization of electric bikes. The motor provides the power, the battery is responsible for the range, and pedal-assist makes acceleration a lot easier.
Electric cargo bikes are recognized for their potential to replace fuel-powered delivery services. These bikes are compact and operate quietly, making them ideal for residential areas. This is also an opportunity for local businesses looking to deliver their products closer to their customers.
SAFETY MEASURES WHEN HAULING PASSENGERS
1. Ensure passengers have appropriate seats for their size, weight, and age.
2. Helmets are also necessary for any rider, so the chances of traffic-related risks are reduced.
3. Teach the passengers the proper etiquette when before, during, and after the ride. Make sure they do not affect your stability by maintaining proper posture, refraining from distractive decorum, and keeping their arms and legs within designated space.
4. Ride the bike safely. A new rider of a cargo e-bike should be well-practiced before boarding a passenger. It is understandable that even experienced bikers can have difficulty with cargo due to the learning curve required by its design and additional weight.
DISCOVER CLOUDEBIKES.CA’s ELECTRIC CARGO BIKES
CLOUD eBikes takes pride in customer satisfaction, which is why we keep your selection fresh with only the finest e-bikes in the industry today. We also offer services such as nationwide delivery, test rides, and warranty-covered repair and replacement. Visit our website to select from our latest collection of cargo e-bikes or take a trip to our stores near you.
Address:
- Vancouver: 1991 Main st Vancouver BC, V5T3C1
- POCO: 3610 B Westwood St, Port Coquitlam, BC V3B 4S8
Contact us at:
- Vancouver: (604) 728-8347
- POCO: (604) 764-7443
