E-cargo bike: The new BTWIN R500E Longtail V2 from Decathlon

Cargo bikes are more than just a means of transport. More and more models are replacing cars in urban areas. The electric motor in particular has increased the range of applications for cargo bikes - hardly anything seems to be out of reach in the city. With the BTWIN R500E Longtail V2, Decathlon is launching a very affordable e-variant on the market - which also promises a high payload.

The BTWIN R500E Longtail V2

What does a cargo bike need to become a real alternative to a car in the urban jungle? In principle, it should be able to master all the tasks that a car can handle without any problems. Transport is of course the top priority.

The BTWIN R500E Longtail V2 has an elongated pannier rack designed for loads of up to 80 kg - the equivalent of two children or one adult. The 60 cm long and 15.5 cm wide surface can also accommodate various panniers and other accessories.

Options include double panniers (50 litres) or a Eurobox (dimensions: 60 × 40 × 40 cm). There is additional space for luggage in the front basket of the cargo bike. This is wider than the previous model and now offers more storage space (dimensions: 37 x 25 x 12 cm).

Designed for 10 kg, the front basket should nevertheless not be loaded with more than a heavy rucksack, for example. The maximum payload of the BTWIN R500E Longtail V2 including rider is 170 kg. For the journey to the nursery or to the weekly shop, the permissible 90 kg load distributed over the carrier and front basket is sufficient to be able to do without a car for transport reasons.

>> You can find a current article on a similar longtail from Cube here.

Range and support of the BTWIN R500E Longtail V2

But what about the range of the e-cargobike? After all, the tasks can only be mastered if you have sufficient support on the 38 kg cargo bike including luggage. Presumably very few people tackle a long climb with a full load but without motor support.

The 58 Nm Vision rear-wheel motor is powered by the 672 Wh Samsung battery. According to the manufacturer, a rider can achieve a range of up to 90 kilometres in the Eco support level (level 1 of 3). That sounds like a lot for a trip into town and back. However, the manufacturer assumes a relatively flat road and a rider weight of 80 kg - without additional load.

In the aforementioned scenario of a high payload and a longer climb, in which support level 2 or 3 is likely to be used, the maximum range is likely to drop rapidly. Nevertheless, the journey to the nursery and the supermarket is pretty much covered. The battery just needs to be charged more frequently at home.

The motor provides classic assistance up to 25 km/h, beyond which the pedal assistance switches off automatically. The manufacturer also advises that the maximum permitted speed of 45 km/h must not be exceeded on the cargo bike, as otherwise the electric system could be damaged.

Further information on the BTWIN R500E Longtail V2 cargo bike

The LCD control display, next to the left handlebar grip, is used to conveniently switch between the three support modes "Eco", "Normal" and "Power". Further information, such as the distance travelled, can also be read on the display. The start-up aid up to 6 km/h is practical if the fully loaded bike needs to be pushed.

For greater puncture resistance, the BTWIN R500E Longtail V2 comes with CST tyres. The difference in wheel size is immediately apparent: 20-inch rear wheel and 26-inch front wheel. The smaller rear wheel means the load is lower, which should improve the stability of the cargo bike. At 80 lux, the front light is more powerful than before, while the rear light comes with a modern brake light function when the speed is reduced.

To prevent theft, a frame lock is fitted to the large front wheel to lock it when the bike is parked. The mudguards on the mudguards of both wheels keep the worst of the dirt away from the rider. The rubber connection caps on the battery have been modified for a better grip when handling the battery. The bipod stand is designed to guarantee a secure hold when parking, loading and unloading the BTWIN R500E Longtail V2.

The most important details about the e-cargobike from Decathlon

• Model, year: BTWIN R500E Longtail V2, 2023
• Price, availability: 2999 Euro, as of now >> available here
• Frame: Aluminium
• Size: One size for a body height of 1.55 m to 1.96 m
• Weight of the bike: 38 kg
• Maximum payload: Luggage rack: 80 kg / Front basket: 10 kg / Total (including rider): 170 kg
• Permissible total weight: 208 kg
• Motor/battery: Vision Industries rear hub motor (58 Nm) / lithium-ion battery from Samsung (672 Wh)
• Display: LCD control display
• Circuit: Microshift Mezzo rear derailleur 8-speed
• Brakes: Hydraulic Tektro disc brakes
• Tyres: CST C1996 for cargo bikes
• Wheel size: Front: 26 inch / Rear: 20 inch
• Lighting: Front: Büchel Shiny 80 with 80 lux/130 lumen / Rear: Rear light with brake function when reducing speed
• Equipment: mudguards, chain guard, spoke guard, two-legged kickstand, frame lock, bell
• Colours: Khaki and sand