What is a cargo bike?

More and more families are adopting this means of transport. But what exactly is a cargo bike? How does it work, and why is it so popular? In this article, we explain everything you need to know about this mode of transport.

The cargo bike originated at the end of the 19th century in Northern Europe, where the bicycle was already a very popular means of transport. Traders and craftsmen were looking for an efficient way of transporting goods without having to rely on horses or expensive carriages.

As early as the 1900s, three-wheeled models equipped with bins at the front or rear appeared, particularly in the Netherlands and Denmark. They were used by bakers, milk deliverers and postmen on their daily rounds.

Over the years, their uses have evolved, giving way to new models, each designed to meet specific needs.

Here’s an overview of the main types of cargo bike:

The longtail is a bike with an elongated frame at the rear, offering plenty of carrying capacity. It can be ridden like a conventional bike.

– Capacity: It can carry up to 2 children or 1 adult, plus bags or baskets for shopping.

– Use: Perfect for families who want to transport their children on a daily basis or for small entrepreneurs with moderate loads.

– Main advantage: Its manoeuvrability, similar to that of a conventional bicycle, making it ideal for urban use.

With its platform located between the handlebars and the front wheel, the two-wheeler is designed for heavy loads while maintaining great stability.

– Capacity: Can carry up to 100 kg at the front.

– Use: Perfect for families with children and for entrepreneurs wishing to transport bulky parcels or equipment.

– Main advantage: Its low centre of gravity, which ensures excellent stability even when loaded.

The three-wheeled scooter is often used by professionals or families who prefer stability. It is less manoeuvrable than a two-wheeler, because it is bulkier.

– Capacities: Offers the largest load capacity, with boxes that can hold up to 300 kg.

– Use: Perfect for tradespeople, shopkeepers or city-centre delivery structures.

– Main advantage: Its stability when stationary, ideal for easy loading and unloading, even with heavy loads.

Cargo bikes are very popular around the world. Cities such as Copenhagen, Amsterdam and Paris are encouraging its use by developing appropriate infrastructure.

In France, cargo bikes are growing by around 30% every year, thanks to local initiatives. A family can save up to €300 a month by replacing a car with an electric cargo bike.