The future of electric cargo bikes is looking bright. With advances in battery technology and a growing interest in sustainability, electric cargo bikes are poised to take over the last-mile delivery market.
Cargo bikes are already popular in Europe, and their popularity is growing in the United States as well.
Electric cargo bikes are a cost-effective, sustainable, and efficient way to move goods, and they are only going to become more popular in the years to come.
The future of electric cargo bikes is looking bright. With advances in battery technology and a growing interest in sustainability, electric cargo bikes are poised to take over the last-mile delivery market.
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What is an electric cargo bike?
Manufacturers design electric cargo bikes to combine the best of two worlds resulting in large, gear-hauling bikes with motors. Essentially, the bikes can be loaded with groceries or kids and still be able to handle uphill climbs on the way home.
Electric cargo bikes are quite popular in bike-friendly countries like Denmark. However, their popularity is constantly growing in the US.
In our opinion, the ability to haul things more easily is one of the main pros of electric bikes.
Electric cargo bikes are so good that most delivery drivers have chosen to switch up and acquire power-assisted bikes for an easy and environmentally friendly alternative for transporting goods. Also, riding with companions between various locations is so much easier with cargo bikes.
Read on to find out more about different styles of cargo bikes.
Different Styles of Cargo Bikes
Long-John Bike
The Long-John cargo bike is quite popular as a cargo bike and has a flatbed positioned in front of the cyclist. Manufacturers designed the bike with a long wheelbase, allowing it to carry lots of weight. The bike is easily maneuverable and perfect for long-distance cycling with more cargo than you would transport on regular bikes.
Riders can also fit the bike with a specially designed kid box that kids can ride in, allowing you to keep an eye on them while you cycle. The bike has a good steering motion, similar to regular bikes, and a slim design perfect for riding on busy roads. You can find an electric Long-John model for a smoother riding experience.
Longtail Bike
Longtail bike designs are just as their name suggests. The bikes have longer rear ends than present in regular bikes. The design helps make it easier for cyclists to haul cargo between destinations. Cyclists can place cargo on or on either side of the deck. Longtail bikes have regular handling, making cyclists feel like they would when riding regular bikes.
There are various long-tail bikes in the market with several options to choose from, including folding bikes. The bike’s design makes it easy to use by various individuals, including children and adults. They also come in various electric model variants that ease the transportation of cargo between destinations.
Front-Load Trike
Front-Load trikes’ design allows cyclists to load their cargo on its front end. The trike is more stable than regular bikes and can accommodate much more weight because it has two wheels at the front.
Additionally, the front-load trike has a lowered center of gravity that helps cyclists maintain their balance. Acquiring an electric front-load trike greatly improves the riding experience compared to regular, two-wheel electric bikes. They are more comfortable and better at transporting heavy cargo.
The Benefits of Electric Cargo Bikes
Enough Load Capacity
A study done by Transport for London found out that most cargo transportation vans are about 38% full, and close to 40% of transportation vans are close to 25% full. Most cargo bikes have a 250 kg potential load capacity, making them a direct competitor for transporting cargo.
Quicker in City Centers
Additionally, electric cargo bikes are quicker than vans when transporting cargo in city centers. They have an average drop-off speed of 10 parcels an hour compared to a van’s six parcels each hour. Cyclists using cargo bikes can navigate through traffic fairly easily by taking shortcuts through streets closed off to traffic.
No CO2 Emissions
Electric cargo bikes do not produce CO2 emissions, helping prevent environmental pollution. The transport sector is the biggest contributor to several pollutants, including NOx, PM25, PM10, etc. Companies and individuals that switch to electric cargo bikes will greatly help reduce instances of pollution.
Reduce Traffic
Electric cargo bikes can help reduce traffic because they cover less space and transport the required amounts of cargo. This reduces the number of vehicles that need to be on the road, consequently freeing up the highway. The bikes also improve the cyclists’ health through physical exercise, eliminating cases of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and some forms of cancer.
Read Also: Engwe C20 Pro Review – An Affordable Folding Electric Bike
The future of electric cargo bikes
Electric cargo bikes have a greater future than regular electric bikes, scooters, etc., because they have more applications and room for improvement. They are practical, adaptable, and can be used by individuals and companies. Here are some features that can be improved on with electric cargo bikes.
Increased Range
We can determine the range electric vehicles travel by comparing battery designs and capacity. Logically, better batteries can power an electric vehicle for longer, allowing it to reach greater distances. Additionally, more batteries also mean longer distances, and this can be improved for electric cargo bikes.
Unlike regular electric bikes, their electric cargo bike variants offer a greater opportunity for improvement. You may witness range improvements in the future due to improved battery technology and battery additions that’ll provide the e-cargo bikes with increased range. The designs may also incorporate better recharging technology like solar power to boost the bike’s range.
More Power
Electric cargo bikes are likely to become more powerful with technological advances.
They are currently more powerful than regular electric bikes. There is a possibility that manufacturers will look for ways to make them even more powerful since they are designed for carrying heavy loads.
Better Battery Technology
Most people are ditching regular vehicles for electric variants, and while they may seem appealing, they are costly. As such, more demand seems to shift to electric means of transportation that are more cost-effective.
Increased demand forces manufacturers to create better products. Creating better batteries is quite critical in the industry since users will be able to ride longer distances. Thus, there is a chance that more efficient batteries will be invented in the future.
Should I buy a cargo bike to transport my two young children?
Electric cargo bikes are great for individuals that want to transport cargo between locations. However, they can also be used to transport children, especially for individuals who don’t have access to a vehicle or those that are environmentally conscious and want to reduce their carbon footprint.
You can buy a cargo bike and use it to transport your children to school, playdates, etc., but you have to ensure you follow specific regulations like staying safe in traffic, following traffic laws, and using straps and other safety accessories.
Also, your children should be old enough to hold their heads in an upright position for extended periods.
What are the best cargo bikes?
Rad Power Bikes RadWagon 4
MSRP: $1,999 Rad Power Bikes
This electric cargo bike is the most affordable option that’s perfect for first-time buyers.
The cargo bike has smaller and fatter tires designed by the company and provides an awesome riding experience. The electric cargo bike has a throttle that comes in handy when you have to move the bike, cargo, or baby quickly around the city.
The bike has a 350-pound load capacity and can be easily maneuvered even when loaded up because of its low center of gravity.
Additionally, it has a powerful 750W motor that can support the bike’s maximum weight capacity and good batteries that can power it for 45 miles on a single charge.
Finally, it has an all-weather stopping ability ensuring all passengers stop efficiently when riding in rainy or sunny weather.
Lectric XPremium (+Cargo Package)
MSRP: $2,150 Lectric
This electric cargo bike provides a good riding experience. The bike has a mid-drive motor that provides 800W of peak and 500W of continuous power to the rider intuitively, allowing them to tackle rough terrain and hills effortlessly.
Lectric XPremium has a foldable design accommodating a dual-battery system that doubles the range.
Additionally, the bike comes with seven gears that riders can tap into effortlessly and use for the perfect situation.
Also, the bike has a dynamic torque sensor that measures how hard or fast you peddle to increase the motor’s responsiveness.
The bike has a 330-pound load capacity and dual batteries with a 1,000Wh combined capacity for a 100-mile maximum range on a single charge.
Blix Packa Genie
MSRP: $1,999 Blix Bike
The Packa is a high-performance electric bike designed with single and dual battery options for shorter or longer ranges depending on the rider’s preference.
The bike has a reliable power capacity due to its powerful 750W hub motor. It can reach 80 miles on a single charge when using dual batteries.
The Packa has efficient hydraulic brakes and can fit a wide range of riders. Blix designed their bike to create a lowered center of gravity for easy handling and a satisfying cycling experience.
The bike can carry over 200 pounds of cargo in varying combinations and is fit for individuals between 5’1” and 6’3”.
Urban Arrow Family
MSRP: $5,200 Urban Arrow
Urban Arrow designed its electric cargo bike to transport children safely. The manufacturers lowered the bike’s center of gravity, making it sturdier and easier to control.
Additionally, the bike has an adjustable and sturdy three-point belt designed to make the ride safer. Also, it has an expanded polypropylene box that protects the occupants from any accidents.
The bike can carry four passengers and has a 50-km range. Riding the bike is super easy since it’s extremely agile. It also has a 250 kg maximum weight and a 25 km/h maximum speed. This makes it the perfect bike for family weekends of fun.
Yuba Spice Curry
MSRP: $5,199 Yuba Bikes
The Yuba Spice Curry’s design makes it easy to ride for cyclists under 6’ tall. The bike has a low center of gravity that facilitates a smooth riding experience when riding with adults, kids, or gear. The bike has a unique frame design that makes it easier for riders to maneuver corners.
Also, Yuba equips its bike with a cargo-specific motor strong enough to handle 400 pounds of weight and an efficient battery that can power the bike for up to 60 miles on a single charge.
The electric cargo bike is perfect for individuals that are between 5’ to 6’5” tall.
Surly Big Easy
MSRP: $5,249 Surly Bikes
Surly’s Big Easy bike is a long-tail, e-cargo bike designed for hauling cargo.
The bike is comfortable to ride and feels like a regular bike. It has an increased stand-over height clearance making it easy to share rides with friends and family members.
Big Easy has dependable Tektro Orion brakes providing efficient stopping power. The bike is also fitted with the powerful Bosch Performance CX drive unit (20 km/h) and a damping headset that helps the rider have a smooth riding experience, especially when carrying heavy loads.
Additionally, the bike has dual batteries that riders can engage for an increased range. It also has large tires designed to provide sufficient grip even in rough terrain.
Pedego Stretch
MSRP: $4,295 Pedego
Pedego Stretch’s 500W motor provides enough acceleration and power to haul 400 pounds of cargo, including children, adults, and other accessories.
The bike is dependable, performs well, and has useful accessories riders can use to carry various forms of cargo.
Pendego Stretch is easy to ride due to its low center of gravity, making it perfect for transporting delicate cargo. It also has a powerful battery that can power it for 76 miles on a single charge.
It’s designed with durable, high-quality materials and has a 5-year warranty.
