Sometimes things evolve towards simplicity. The growing commitment to the bicycle is a good example of this. Transport pedelecs in particular provide a welcome counterpoint to the flood of cars in city centres. There are good reasons why cargo bikes are becoming more and more popular: They are environmentally friendly, space-saving and comparatively cheap to buy and operate. Because the pedal-powered lorries also relieve inner-city traffic, there is no more sensible means of transport for loads that are not too bulky. The lightweight transporters can be used to transport children, shopping or even tradesmen's utensils. The transport weight also plays only a minor role with pedelecs, as their powerful motors push the bikes effortlessly up even steep climbs.
Long or wide?
Cargo bikes come in different guises. We took a closer look at seven representatives: three single-track low loaders (Bergamont, Kargon, Riese & Müller), two single-track longtails (Kettler, Yuba) and two three-wheelers with two wheels on the front axle (Sblocs and Winther).
- Bergamont E-Cargoville LJ 710
- Kargon One
- Kettler Familiano L-N
- Riese & Müller Load 75 Vario
- Sblocs Calderas 2020
- Winther Kangaroo Luxe
- Yuba Mundo Electric E8000
As different as the designs are, so too are the dimensions and driving characteristics. Single-track low-loaders tend to be very long, with a low loading area between the driver and the front wheel. The low centre of gravity means that the tipping forces remain low when manoeuvring and driving. After a short period of familiarisation, the pedelecs can be moved intuitively and quickly. Although the front wheel is out of the rider's field of vision, the cargo or children are always in view. When parking and manoeuvring, the long wheels prove to be rather unwieldy. For example, at just under 2.70 metres, the Bergamont requires significantly more space than the 2.06 metre long Sblocs three-wheeler - which is, however, significantly wider than the single-wheeler. Because the loading area is not limited at the front by the wheel, the transport boxes of three-trackers are significantly longer in relation to the overall length.
Longtails are an interesting compromise between low-loaders and three-trackers. They transport their loads on special rear carriers. Apart from the long rear end, they are built like normal bikes; longtails are therefore very intuitive to ride and their dimensions are manageable. Several people can be carried on the sturdy carrier and even adults can be seated - provided the bike is equipped with a grab rail and footrests.
Test results - compactly summarised
To get a practical impression, we loaded the bikes with 35 kilograms. As expected, single-track Cargos steer more true to track and more lively than three-trackers. Because their front axle has to be pushed into the bend together with the loading area, they require significantly more force on the handlebars. In addition, you can't lean a three-wheeler with a rigid front axle into a bend, so the centrifugal force pushes the wheel noticeably towards the outside of the bend. Tricycles like the Sblocs can do better: with tilting technology in the front axle, they eliminate unpleasant centrifugal forces. The riding characteristics of longtails depend primarily on the frame stiffness and the centre of gravity, so they are more design-related than system-related. The compact Kettler has a very torsion-resistant frame and rolls almost as smoothly as a normal bike, even when heavily loaded, thanks to its low centre of gravity. In contrast, the Yuba requires significantly more attention due to its high centre of gravity and length. With abrupt steering movements, the rear triangle can push out of the track.
Child transport
Bergamont, Kargon and Sblocs are universal cargo bikes. Optional seats and seat belts can be integrated into their transport boxes for transporting children. Because the seats are not very high above the floor of the transport boxes, children have to bend their knees a lot. This quickly becomes uncomfortable during longer journeys. Winther Kangaroo and Riese & Müller Load can do this better, they are designed as child taxis from the outset. There is ergonomically favourable space for the feet in recessed footwells, and both cargo pedelecs have a practical canopy to protect against rain, dust and sun. In addition to baskets and bags, ergonomically designed child seats can be mounted on the longtail carriers from Kettler and Yuba, where children can also sit very comfortably.
You can conveniently download the complete comparison test of the seven cargo bikes as a PDF below the article. The test costs 1.99 euros.
Why not free of charge? Because quality journalism has a price. In return, we guarantee independence and objectivity. This applies in particular to the tests in MYBIKE. We don't charge for them, but the opposite is the case: we do charge for them - hundreds of thousands of euros every year.
