Transport bikes are currently experiencing a real boom; in big cities like Munich they are already part of the street scene. There are reasons for this: The light transporters are environmentally friendly, space-saving and - compared to small cars - super cheap to buy and operate. There is hardly a more sensible means of transport for transporting not too bulky loads of up to around 70 kilograms over short distances. Cargo pedelecs are also becoming increasingly popular as children's taxis. Some local authorities have already recognised that cargo bikes are a valuable means of relieving inner-city traffic and are also good for air quality: As pedelecs are excluded from the state electric mobility subsidy, they are setting up their own programmes. Munich, for example, subsidises the purchase of a cargo pedelec for businesses as well as private individuals with 25 percent of the net costs and a maximum of 1,000 euros. Leasing costs are also eligible for subsidisation. In addition, a scrappage bonus of the same amount can be applied for for the replaced vehicle. This makes the purchase attractive for many users.
We have tested these e-cargo bikes:
- Cargobike Sweden Cargobike Electric
- i:SY E Car:Go
- Johnny Loco E-Cargo Brighton
- Riese & Müller Packster Nuvinci 60 (E-BIKE test winner)
Two-wheeler or three-wheeler
We took a closer look at four transport pedelecs: two single-track "low-loaders" (Riese & Müller Packster, Hartje i:SY eCargo) and two three-wheel cargo e-bikes with two wheels on the front axle (Schweden Cargobike, Johnny Loco E-Cargo Brighton). Single-track vans tend to be slightly longer and narrower than the three-wheelers. The differences are small, but may be decisive when parking. For example, the Packster requires a parking space of around 2.50 metres, while the three-track Sweden Cargobike is only 2.30 metres long. The Sweden Cargo is 85 centimetres wide, while the Packster is only 71 centimetres wide. The Johnny Loco has roughly the same overall dimensions as the Schweden Cargobike, while the compact i:SY is significantly narrower than the Packster.
Because the loading areas of the three-track bikes are not limited at the front by the wheel, their transport boxes are significantly longer in relation to the overall length - by around 20 centimetres on our test bikes. They all weigh around 50 kilos, but the Sweden Cargo is a real heavyweight at 68 kilos. However, this is more due to the material than the design. With a permissible total weight of 200 kilos, this bike still has a payload of 52 kilos - assuming the rider weighs 80 kilos. Under the same conditions, the Packster can carry a load of 72 kilos, the i:SY a good 70 kilos; the manufacturer limits the load weight of the Johnny Loco to 50 kilos.
Sprinter or articulated lorry
However, the two concepts differ not only in terms of shape, but also in terms of riding behaviour. To get a practical impression, we loaded the bikes with 40 kilos for our test drives. As you would expect, single-track transporters are much livelier to drive than three-track cargo bikes. This is mainly due to the steering behaviour and cornering stability. With three-track bikes, the wide front axle, including the load box and payload, has to be pushed into the bend - so there is a lot of mass to move. In addition, the wheel cannot be turned into the bend by shifting weight - steering is only possible via the handlebars. This can cause the wheel on the inside of the bend to lift off in tight bends. Although this is controllable, it takes some getting used to.
Apart from their length, single-track vans can be steered like normal bikes. Thanks to the low centre of gravity, the heavy weight is no longer noticeable even at low speeds, and even fast cornering is intuitive after a short period of familiarisation. Because the front wheel is far forward, you turn the pedelec a little too early when first trying to ride it - it's a bit like switching from a Smart For Two to a VW bus. Again, this is more bike-specific: because the handlebars are not directly connected to the head tube, the front wheel sometimes reacts somewhat imprecisely to the steering impulse. On low-loaders, the distance between the handlebars and the steering tube is bridged by a steering linkage, which creates a little play in the steering system. At the beginning you tend to oversteer because you intuitively try to correct this on the handlebars. The best way to prevent early turn-in and thus oversteer is not to look at the front wheel, but to keep looking forwards. After a few kilometres, you will get to grips with the long companions very well.
Equipment and safety
All manufacturers have useful accessories in their range: tarpaulins, child seat boards with seat belts or even canopies - so that the journey to nursery doesn't fall through on rainy days. However, these accessories usually cost extra. The loading area of the Riese & Müller Packster is designed for Euro stacking boxes; if you opt for the long version of the bike, you can even fit two of them on the loading area.
Reliable brakes are an absolute must due to the high dead and total weight of the loaded bikes. Disc brakes are the most suitable. They are usually fitted as standard anyway and are available for an extra charge on Swedish Cargobikes. To ensure that single-track pedelecs stand securely when loaded, they need stable and wide stands that are mounted close to the centre of gravity and are securely fixed when folded up. The stands from Packster and i:SY offer no cause for criticism, they are easy to operate with the foot and do not rattle against the transport boxes while riding. Three-track pedelecs can manage without a stand, but can start rolling on their own even on slightly sloping terrain. The brakes on the Johnny Loco have a locking function that prevents the bike from rolling on its own.
Leg power from the socket
Let's move on to what makes cargo bikes so attractive today: the electric drive, which makes it much easier to move the heavy load. For this to work, you should make sure you buy a powerful drive. The i:SY is very well equipped with the powerful GoSwissDrive hub motor, as is the Packster with the high-torque Bosch Performance CX. The Shimano Steps of the Johnny Loco is not quite as powerful, but fits in well with the already rather relaxed character of the transporter. Although the hub motor of the Swedish Cargobike is not overtaxed by the heavy bike, it clearly lags behind the performance of the three competitors. Because transport bikes are usually only available in one frame size, they should be adaptable to different rider sizes. Packster and i:SY have height-adjustable stems for this purpose. With the three-track models, this is not possible due to the design; the saddle height adjustment must be sufficient. Regardless of whether you opt for a single-track or three-track pedelec: Even with transport bikes, only a test ride will clarify which bike is right for you. And: Make sure you try out the bikes loaded. This is the only way to realistically assess whether you will be able to cope with them in everyday life.
The cargo bikes in detail:
Cargobike Sweden Cargobike Electric
The Cargobike - the best-selling cargo bike in Sweden according to the manufacturer - offers plenty of space and variable load options. The wooden box is equipped with a wooden board at the front and rear and can theoretically transport four small children - or even bulky loads. With an overall width of 85 centimetres and an unladen weight of just under 68 kilos, the transporter is not only bulky, but also quite heavy. The payload is probably maxed out at around 50 kilos. Due to the high weight, you have to steer with relative commitment - especially when taking tight bends. The rear hub motor is cadence-controlled, it pushes as soon as the crank moves. Due to the high weight, you should not expect too much dynamism from the Cargobike and should definitely order it with disc brakes. The 50 millimetre wide 20-inch tyres at the front provide sufficient cushioning, and the soft saddle is also okay for short distances. Various transport boxes are available for the Cargobike for a wide range of purposes.
ConclusionSturdy but heavy three-track pedelec. Large loading area, but low effective payload
Overall rating* of the cargo bike: 2.3
- Comfort: 2.5
- Safety: 1.8
- Drive: 2.6
- Practice: 2.5
- Service: 4.5
*The E-BIKE judgement is independent of price. Grading key according to school grades from 1 (very good) to 5 (poor).
Details:
- Motor system/battery: N. N. HR hub/396 Wh
- derailleur gearsShimano Tourney , 6-speed
- Starting and pushing aid: yes
- Suspension: none
- BrakesDisc, Tektro Auriga
- Wheelbase: 1274 mm
- Driving stability: high
- Handlebar width: 520 mm
- Permissible total weight: 200 kg
- TyresKenda Reflex; front 50-406, rear 50-507
- Weight (v/h in %**)67.9 kg ( 76/24)
- Price: 2999 Euro
i:SY E Car:Go
The i:SY lorry is derived from the brand's compact 20-inch city runabout. The frame has been extended to van dimensions and a Go SwissDrive motor sits in the rear wheel hub. The powerful drive suits the compact van well and gives it a surprisingly good kick. The informative high-end display from Go SwissDrive comes as standard. The eCargo runs with impeccable driving stability, even fast bends with a full load do not throw it off track. Thanks to minimal play in the steering system, steering impulses are implemented almost without delay and the bike is easy to control. Although the i:SY has no suspension elements, the 54 millimetre wide tyres provide good damping; even cobblestones only cause minimal disturbance to the load in the wooden box. Two small children can be transported in it after inserting a seat board, and seat belts have even been included - the i:SY is therefore also a practical family transporter.
ConclusionNimble low-loader with powerful drive. Very stable and manoeuvrable
Overall rating*: 1.8
- Comfort: 2.5
- Safety: 1.5
- Drive: 2.3
- Practice: 1.7
- Service: 2.0
*The E-BIKE judgement is independent of price. Grading key according to school grades from 1 (very good) to 5 (poor).
Details about the bike
- Motor system/batteryGo Swissdrive HR hub/522 Wh
- derailleur gearsShimano Sora, 9-speed
- Starting and pushing aid: yes
- Suspension: none
- Brakes: Disc, Tektro Draco 2
- Wheelbase: 1772 mm
- Handlebar width: 620 mm
- permissible total weight: 200 kg
- Driving stability: very high
- Tyres: Schwalbe Crazy Bob 54-406
- Weight (v/h in %**): 49.5 kg (64/36)
- Price4099 Euro
Johnny Loco E-Cargo Brighton
With a maximum load of 50 kilos, the Johnny Loco has the lowest permissible payload of our test cargos. The transporter offers a relatively large loading area, although this is limited by the permanently installed child seat bench. However, it should not be loaded with more than 20 kilos. During our tests, the metal loading tray sank so far from a load of 25 kilos that it rubbed against the bolt of the steering stop, which is welded vertically to the centre tube; a design flaw that should not occur on a transport bike. The Shimano Steps drivetrain and the 7-speed Nexus hub are a good match, and the mechanical disc brakes on the front axle are adequately dimensioned. You should ride carefully on rough surfaces, as the damping of the cargo is limited. However, you sit comfortably on the soft, sprung saddle. Practical: locking pins on the brake handles prevent the parked transporter from rolling away.
ConclusionClassic look and harmonious drive. Large loading area, but low payload. Sliding steering stop
Overall rating* of the Johnny Loco E-Cargo Brighton 2.6
- Comfort: 2.3
- Safety: 2.0
- Practice: 5.0
- Service: 3.8
*The E-BIKE judgement is independent of price. Grading key according to school grades from 1 (very good) to 5 (poor).
details
- Suspension: none
- Brakes: Mechanical front disc, rear roller brake
- Driving stability: high
- Motor system/battery: Shimano Steps/418 Wh
- Gear hubShimano Nexus 7-speed
- Starting and pushing aid: no
- Tyres: Kenda Cruiser Reflex 50-507 front, 50-559 rear
- Weight (v/h in %**)50.3 kg (68/32)
- Wheelbase: 1230 mm
- Handlebar width: 500 mm
- permissible total weight: 170 kg (max. load 50 kg)
- Price: 4299 Euro
Riese & Müller Packster Nuvinci 60
In terms of design, the Packster is similar to the classic cargo bike from Riese & Müller - the Load. The Packster does without the rear swing arm and instead of the tubular frame construction, aluminium box sections sit under the loading area. And: The Packster is heavier. The highlight: the bike is available with two different load lengths, either with a narrow board as a load surface or with a wooden tray - and seat boards and safety belts for transporting children. The Bosch Performance mid-motor harmonises well with the continuously variable Nuvinci hub, and a carbon belt is fitted instead of a chain. If you are travelling long distances, order the dual-battery system, which increases the battery capacity to 1,000 Wh. The steering behaviour is a little more nervous than on the i:SY - but you soon get used to it. You also ride very safely at high speeds. The equipment and workmanship are good, the suspension fork and parallelogram seat post offer a comfortable ride.
ConclusionVery well equipped, powerful mid-engine. Pleasantly safe riding behaviour. Relatively expensive
Overall rating* of the Riese & Müller Packster Nuvinci 60: 1.5
- Comfort: 2.0
- Safety: 1.7
- Drive: 1.0
- Practice: 1.2
- Service: 2.3
*The E-BIKE judgement is independent of price. Grading key according to school grades from 1 (very good) to 5 (poor).
Details:
- Fork: Spinner Grind OS
- SuspensionParallelogram seat post
- Brakes: Disc, Tektro Dorado
- Driving stability: high
- Motor system/battery***Bosch Performance CX/500, 1,000 Wh
- Gear hubNuvinci N380
- Starting and pushing aid: yes
- Tyres: Schwalbe Big Ben 55-406 front, Schwalbe Super Moto X 62-584 rear
- Weight (v/h in %**): 48.2 kg (73/27)
- Wheelbase: 1871 mm
- Handlebar width: 610 mm
- permissible total weight: 200 kg
- Price: 6078 Euro
