Top eCargo Bikes in the market: The Future of Urban Mobility
In recent years, cargo bikes have been gaining traction worldwide, and for good reasons. They offer a sustainable solution to urban transportation challenges, addressing concerns such as pollution, congestion, and the desire for car-free lifestyles. Moreover, they provide practical solutions for businesses looking to transport goods efficiently. As the demand for these versatile bikes continues to rise, manufacturers are constantly innovating to meet diverse needs and preferences.
At Propel, we specialize in electric commuter bikes, which naturally led us to explore cargo bikes extensively. They serve as excellent car replacements, offering the capacity to carry belongings, children, and even other adults in many cases. There are various types of cargo bikes catering to different purposes, including average commuters, parents carrying children, businesses transporting goods, and delivery vehicles.
Riese and Muller:
Riese & Müller is a German-based company renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship and innovation in the realm of ebikes and cargo bicycles. Founded in 1993 by Markus Riese and Heiko Müller, the company has since established itself as a leader in the cycling industry, combining German engineering precision with a commitment to sustainability and quality. Each bike is crafted using premium materials and cutting-edge technology to ensure superior performance, comfort, and durability. As advocates for sustainable transportation, Riese & Muller continues to push the boundaries of innovation, empowering riders worldwide to embrace eco-friendly and efficient means of mobility, all while enjoying the thrill of the ride.
Load4
The Riese and Muller Load4 is designed to handle various tasks with ease, boasting stability, heavy-duty construction, and adjustable components for a comfortable ride. Available in different cargo sizes, it can accommodate up to three children or even an adult, with a remarkable cargo capacity of 440lbs. Equipped with Riese & Muller’s Control Technology (full suspension) and the latest Bosch Smart System, it offers a smooth and efficient ride, making it ideal for urban commutes or family outings. This bike also comes in a high speed version, allowing you to ride up to 28mph.
MultiTinker
Bridging the gap between compact cargo bikes and traditional front-loaders, the MultiTinker offers versatility and a compact size, without compromising on cargo capacity. With adjustable features and a foldable design, it caters to riders of various heights and storage constraints. Powered by Bosch’s innovative technology, it ensures a safe and efficient ride, whether you’re running errands or commuting to work. You can carry up to 143 lbs on the rear rack, allowing you to carry two children or a smaller adult with their multiple passenger configurations available to choose from.
Packster 70
The Packster 70 is the ultimate front-loader cargo bike. With ample space and customizable options, it can accommodate multiple children and additional cargo comfortably. Whether you’re a family on the go or a business with delivery needs, the Packster 70 offers practicality and style without compromise. With its front suspension, this bike is sure to be a comfortable ride. It comes with different drive train options, allowing you to choose a belt drive version and even an automatic shifting option. This is great if you don’t want to worry about shifting gears while you’re out and about. The Packster can carry three children up front, and depending on the version, one child on the rear rack.
Carrie
The Carrie is the newest release from Riese and Muller. This bike is a front loader compact cargo bike, offering the largest-possible loading surface on as small a space as possible. It comes with a variety of different transport accessories to choose from in order to best suit your specific needs. The front Flex Box folds open, providing plenty of storage space, while still giving you the ability to effortlessly ride through narrow lanes and find a parking space almost anywhere when collapsed. The front box can carry up to 176 lbs, giving you the ability to carry one tall or two smaller children with its additional child seat options. If you need extra cargo carrying capacity, the rear rack can hold an additional 60 lbs.
Urban Arrow
Urban Arrow is a Dutch company at the forefront of the cargo bike revolution, dedicated to redefining urban mobility with innovative, sustainable solutions. Their commitment to quality and safety is evident in their product lineup, which boasts robust construction and advanced technology. Since its inception, the company has been committed to creating bikes that not only meet the practical needs of urban dwellers but also prioritize safety, comfort, and environmental responsibility. With a diverse product range catering to families, businesses, and urban commuters, Urban Arrow’s cargo bikes are engineered to deliver a smooth, efficient, and enjoyable riding experience.
Urban Arrow Family
The Urban Arrow Family bike is designed for utility-focused micro-mobility, offering comfort, efficiency, and a dash of fun. With Bosch’s Kiox display and Gates Carbon Belt Drive as standard features, it promises a low-maintenance and enjoyable riding experience. You can carry up to three children in the front box, with an impressive weight front box capacity of up to 275 lbs (551 max total weight). With the wide range of accessories, you can tune your bike to match your family’s exact needs. Your Urban Arrow will be so versatile that you might find yourself leaving that car on the driveway!
Tern
Tern stands out for its compact and versatile cargo bikes, ideal for urban living. They offer a wide variety of accessories to enhance the functionality and versatility of their cargo bikes, catering to diverse needs and preferences. From child seats and cargo trays to weatherproof enclosures, Tern ensures that riders have everything they need for a seamless and enjoyable riding experience. These bikes are well-known for their ability to fold and store upright, making it possible to keep your bike in even the tightest of spaces.
GSD
Tern’s flagship cargo bike, the GSD (Get Stuff Done), is renowned for its impressive carrying capacity despite its compact size. With a max carrying capacity of up to 440lbs (220lbs on the rear rack) and accommodates two children plus groceries, it’s perfect for families on the go. This makes it perfect for families, commuters, and businesses alike, offering ample space for groceries, children, and other essentials. The GSD features an adjustable cockpit, allowing riders of various heights to ride comfortably. It also offers a range of accessories, including the Clubhouse Fort for year-round riding comfort for children.
HSD
For those seeking a more compact option, Tern offers the HSD (Haul Stuff Daily), which retains many of the GSD’s capabilities but in a smaller package. With a max carrying capacity of up to 397lbs (187 lbs on the rear rack) and the ability to carry one child or even an adult, the HSD is perfect for urban commuters and smaller families who need just a little bit less bike.
Tern Quickhaul and NBD
Tern’s newest releases, the Quickhaul and the NBD (No Big Deal/New Bike Day), offer a smaller and more affordable alternative to its flagship cargo bikes. Despite their compact size, these models are versatile and functional, catering to a diverse range of urban lifestyles. These bikes are much less heavy duty than many of their other cargo bike models, but come at a lower price and even smaller footprints.
Benno
Benno is a pioneering company dedicated to reimagining urban transportation with innovative, versatile, and stylish bicycles. Founded by Benno Baenziger, the brand stands out for its commitment to creating bikes that seamlessly blend utility and design, catering to the diverse needs of modern urbanites. With a focus on what they term “Etility,” Benno bikes are meticulously crafted to provide practical solutions for everyday tasks while exuding a sense of style and sophistication.
At the heart of Benno’s philosophy is the belief that bicycles should be more than just means of transportation—they should be extensions of individual lifestyles. As such, each Benno bike is thoughtfully designed with versatility and functionality in mind, offering a range of features and accessories to accommodate various tasks and preferences.
Boost
The Boost stands as a testament to the brand’s commitment to blending utility with style in the realm of urban transportation. Engineered to bridge the gap between traditional bicycles and cargo bikes, the Boost embodies versatility, adventure, and functionality. Designed with a vision to provide an all-in-one solution for individuals seeking a reliable mode of transportation that doesn’t compromise on style, the Boost effortlessly carries the ethos of “Etility” forward. The modular design of the Benno Boost allows for easy customization, with interchangeable racks and accessories to suit different needs. The rear rack gives you the ability to carry up to 130 lbs, allowing you to carry groceries, goods, or transport up to two children.
Butchers and Bicycles
Butchers and Bicycles stands as a beacon of innovation and craftsmanship in the world of urban mobility. Founded with a vision to redefine urban transportation, this Danish company has garnered acclaim for its revolutionary trikes that seamlessly blend practicality, style, and performance. Born from a passion for cycling and a desire to create solutions for modern urban living, Butchers and Bicycles is committed to pushing the boundaries of design and engineering to create bikes that inspire adventure and facilitate everyday life.
What sets Butchers and Bicycles apart is its unwavering commitment to quality and craftsmanship. Each trike is meticulously crafted in Denmark using the finest materials and state-of-the-art manufacturing techniques, ensuring unparalleled durability and performance. Their dedication to sustainability is evident in their eco-friendly production processes and use of responsibly sourced materials.
The MK1-E trike
The MK1-E trike provides a car-replacement solution with its impressive load capacity and stability. Ideal for families or heavy-duty hauling, it offers a safe and efficient ride for urban commuters. Its 397 lb weight capacity and large front bucket give you the ability to carry up to 4 children, allowing you to take the whole family along. With a top speed of 20 mph and various drivetrain options, including the Bosch Performance CX motor and Enviolo Automatic shifting, it offers a smooth and efficient ride for daily commuters. The unique tilting mechanism of Butchers and Bicycles trikes ensures stability and safety, making them ideal for transporting children or heavy cargo. Whether you’re running errands or embarking on family outings, the MK1-E provides a reliable and eco-friendly mode of transportation for urban living.
