Frankfurt-based manufacturer Lax Cycles is launching the Lax One, a versatile mini cargo bike. After five years of development, the award-winning city bike, which is manufactured in Germany, is now on sale.
With its compact overall length of 1.60 metres and 20-inch wheels, the Lax One is designed to be manoeuvrable and easy to transport. At the same time, it offers space for loads of up to 20 kilograms thanks to a generous front carrier measuring 40 × 33 centimetres.
Versatile drive options
Lax Cycles offers the Lax One in three drive variants: As a classic compact cargo bike, optionally with 10-speed derailleur gears or a belt drive, and as an e-bike with electric assistance. The Lax One e-bike weighs 19.5 kilograms and is equipped with a 250 Wh battery in the down tube and a 40 Nm hub motor.
An optional range extender with 160 Wh capacity can be mounted in the bottle cage and increases the range. The drive system uses a dual-torque sensor which, according to the manufacturer, analyses pedal pressure, cadence, speed and motor feedback in real time to provide precise support.
Lightweight muscle bike with belt drive
The classic version of the Lax One without a motor should weigh just under 15 to 16 kilograms. So if you are (still) fit enough, you should be able to master bends and climbs without motor support thanks to the low weight and agile riding characteristics.
The 10 gears of the Shimano derailleur system or, optionally, a low-noise and low-maintenance Gates belt drive in combination with a Shimano Alfine 8-speed hub gear help with this.
All variants of the Lax One are based on the same twin-tube frame, meaning that any classic bike can later be converted into an e-bike - and vice versa.
Equipment suitable for everyday use
In order to optimise the Lax One for everyday use, Lax Cycles has invested in the equipment. The front brake is equipped with four brake pistons and is therefore designed for use with a full load.
To expand the storage space, the manufacturer offers the Lax Bag with a capacity of 55 litres. The pack sack made from water-repellent, recycled polyester is attached to the front basket with a strap system. An extension to the Lax Doggy Bag for the safe transport of dogs and other four-legged friends is being planned.
Awards for innovative concept
The Lax One concept has already won over several juries. For example, the bike was honoured as the Gold Winner in the e-bike category at the Eurobike Award 2024. The jury praised the versatility of the concept and the riding dynamics of the Lax.
The Lax One also received an award at the Design & Innovation Award. The 19-member jury particularly emphasised the combination of load capacity, agility and aesthetics. Most recently, the Lax One concept was also recognised at the Cyclingworld in Düsseldorf won the Gold Winner award in the "Best Classic Urban Bike" category.
Lax One: Technical specifications
General specifications
- Total length: 1,60 m
- Wheel size: 20 inch
- Front carrier: 40 × 33 cm, up to 20 kg payload
- Frame: For body heights 145-195 cm
- Front brake: 4-piston brake
- Price frame set incl. front carrier: 1990 Euro
Lax One e-bike
- Weight: 19.5 kg
- Battery: 250 Wh, integrated in the down tube
- Motor: 40 Nm hub motor in the rear wheel
- Optional range extender: 160 Wh
- Drive: Chain
- Circuit: Shimano 10-speed derailleur gears
- Price: 5250 Euro
Lax One Muscle Bike classic
- Weight: 16 kg
- Frame: Twin-Tube steel frame
- Drive: Chain
- Circuit: Shimano 10-speed derailleur gears
- Price: 3950 Euro
Lax One Muscle Bike Belt Drive
- Weight: 14.8 kg
- Frame: Twin-Tube steel frame
- Price: k. A.
- Drive: Gates belt drive
- Circuit: Shimano Alfine 8-speed gear hub
Lax Bag
- Volume: 55 litres
- Material: Recycled polyester, water-repellent
The Lax One will go on sale in 2025 via the company's own web shop and selected specialist dealers.
Barbara Merz-Weigandt
Editor-in-Chief
