Cargo bike: what is it and what are the benefits?

by Joost Nusselder Updated on: December 9, 2022

Just like a wagon, a cargo bike is a means of transport. Only with a cargo bike we are dealing with a bicycle.

The bicycle is equipped with two or three wheels, and there is a large box at the front. The 'classic' cargo bike has two wheels at the front, a box and behind it the rear wheel of the bicycle.

In that cargo bike you can – just like with a wagon – transport luggage or children. However, a cargo bike is difficult to control at high speeds. At the rear of the box is a stand, which is intended as a steering wheel.

The container can be in the form of an open, flat container, a box with a lid or else a large basket. The cargo bike with 3 wheels is generally more stable than the one with 2 wheels.

However, the cargo bike with 2 wheels is a bit lighter and feels a bit more like a regular bike.

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Why a cargo bike?

If you have children, you are probably often on the road with your little ones. Whether it's shopping, taking it to the shelter or going to the playground together; a cargo bike is a convenient alternative to the car or public transport. Many parents choose to buy a cargo bike if they are expecting their second or third child, or if they often want to take extra things with them.

Why is a cargo bike useful?

A cargo bike is a great way to transport your children. Here are some benefits:

• You can take more with you than you could with a regular bike.
• Your children are safe and comfortable in the box.
• You are more flexible than with a car or public transport.
• You are more environmentally friendly than with a car.

Why is a cargo bike a good choice?

If you're looking for a way to transport your kids, a cargo bike is a great option. Here are some reasons why:

• You can take more with you than with a regular bicycle.
• Your children are safe and comfortable in the box.
• You are more flexible than with a car or public transport.
• You are more environmentally friendly than with a car.
• You can take your kids anywhere.
• You can let your kids sleep in the box when you go somewhere.

When can you take your child on the cargo bike?

The 9 month rule

If you take your child on the cargo bike, it is important that he can sit upright independently. Usually this is when your child is about 9 months old.

car seat

Do you still want to take the cargo bike if your child is not yet independent, or is younger than 9 months? Then choose a car seat that you attach with a special bracket. Preferably position the seat against the direction of travel.

Bicycle seat

Children between 9 months and 2,5 years are best transported in the cargo bike with a bicycle seat.

bench

Is your child older than 2,5 years and can he sit stably? Then he can sit on the bench, possibly supported by a cushion.

Belts

The following applies to every age: always make sure that your little one has his seatbelts on before you set off.

The Cargo Bicycle: A Transport Bicycle with Extras

The cargo bike as a shopping cart

The cargo bike is a convenient way to transport your groceries. You can put all your groceries in it without having to worry about transporting all those heavy shopping bags.

The cargo bike as a sales bike

Companies use the cargo bike as a mobile point of sale. Think of ice creams, coffee, soft drinks, snacks and more. The cargo bike is a great way to sell your products without needing a fixed location.

The cargo bike as a children's vehicle

The cargo bike is also a great way to transport your children. You can transport several children in it, and you don't have to worry about transporting all those child seats. Plus, it's a fun way to transport your kids, with a bit of fresh air and a nice view.

Transport your children safely with a cargo bike

With a cargo bike you can move your children safely. There are cargo bikes with benches and safety belts, so you can keep a close eye on your children. Unlike a bicycle trailer, where your children sit behind you, with a cargo bike you have a good view of your children.

Why is a cargo bike safer than a bicycle trailer?

A cargo bike offers more safety than a bicycle trailer. You have a much better view of your children because they are sitting in front of you. Cargo bikes also have safety belts, so that your children cannot fall out of the box.

Why is a cargo bike useful?

A cargo bike has many advantages. Below a few:

• You can easily take your kids with you without having to push a stroller.
• You can transport your children safely, thanks to the safety belts.
• You have a good view of your children because they are sitting in front of you.
• You can easily take your kids to the supermarket, park or other destinations.
• You can take your children on holiday, because the cargo bike is easy to carry.

Why a cargo bike is cheaper than a second car

Many families have two cars, if only because they are necessary for work or transporting the children. But what if you only have one car? Then you have to walk everywhere, which is not always convenient. Fortunately, there is a solution: a cargo bike.

Why a cargo bike is cheaper

A cargo bike is cheaper than a second car. You don't have to pay road tax and you don't need petrol. In the end, it is therefore much cheaper with a cargo bike than with a second car.

Advantages of a cargo bike

A cargo bike has many advantages. First, it is cheaper than a second car. Secondly, you don't have to pay road tax and you don't need petrol. Thirdly, you can easily transport your children with a cargo bike. And fourth, it is environmentally friendly.

Why a cargo bike is the best option

If you only have one car, a cargo bike is the best option. You save money, you don't have to pay road tax and you don't need petrol. Moreover, with a cargo bike you can easily transport your children and it is environmentally friendly. What else do you want?

Healthy and active with the cargo bike!

With a cargo bike you not only have a handy means of transport for your daily trips to school, nursery or other activities. It's also a great way to spend your free time. Why not take a day out with the cargo bike?

Discover new places

Grab the cargo bike and go on an adventure! Discover new places, go to the forest or just take a nice bike ride to get some exercise and fresh air.

Bring treats

Bring something nice to eat and drink. This is how you turn your cargo bike outing into a real outing!

Enjoy the outdoors

The outdoors is good for you. Enjoy the fresh air and the beautiful surroundings. Let the children enjoy nature and exercise.

How safe is it to transport your child with a cargo bike?

The results of the crash test

The German Automobile Club (ADAC) has conducted a study into the safety of different ways to transport your child. They have done crash tests with a dummy on a bicycle seat, in a bicycle trailer and in a cargo bike. The results showed that the cargo bike caused the least damage. Although this study dates back to 2011, bicycle seats have also become a lot safer since then.

Make your cargo bike as safe as possible

Although a cargo bike is one of the safest ways to transport your child, it is still important to make your cargo bike as safe as possible. Therefore, always make sure that you use the seat belts and follow the guidelines. If you make your cargo bike yourself, make sure you comply with all safety regulations.

Be careful on the road

Although a cargo bike is one of the safest ways to transport your child, it is still important to be careful on the road. Be extra alert at intersections and pay close attention to other road users. Also make sure that your child is properly secured and that he or she has no loose objects with him.

Light cycling with a cargo bike

When I first got on the cargo bike, I was a little afraid that it wouldn't work. But I was surprised by how light the bike was, like riding a normal bike.

Easy to use

Modern cargo bikes are really very light to use. Cornering wasn't a problem either, although it took some getting used to as the bike is longer. But after a few bends that was also a piece of cake!

Electric drive

The cargo bike I took my first ride on was an electric cargo bike. Ideal if you have to climb a hill or cover a long distance. But I hardly used the electric function, because even without electric drive it worked fine.

No more worries about transporting groceries

No more worrying about whether you can transport all your groceries by bike. With a cargo bike you have enough space for all those packs of diapers and more. Whether you go to the garden center or the hardware store, with the cargo bike you have everything you need.

Enough space for all your groceries

With a cargo bike you have enough space for all your groceries. Whether you need a few packs of diapers, a large plant or a few tools, you can take it all with you. No more worrying about whether you can transport everything on the bike.

No more restrictions

Forget about the limitations of an ordinary bicycle. With a cargo bike you can take all your groceries with you. You no longer have to worry about whether you can take everything with you. You can even shop for a whole day and take all your purchases with you.

No other option anymore

You will never want anything else with a cargo bike. What a box full of space! You can take all your groceries with you, without having to worry about whether you can take everything with you. You can even shop for a whole day and take all your purchases with you.

Do you opt for a cargo bike or a mama bike?

If you have children, choosing a cargo bike or a mama's bike is one of the most important decisions you have to make. But what's the difference? And which option is better? Let us help you compare these two options so you can make the best choice.

Multiple children? No problem!

Whether you choose a cargo bike or a mama's bike, both are suitable for transporting several children. A cargo bike has several seats, while you can mount one or two bicycle seats on a mama's bike. How many seats a cargo bike has depends on its size. For example, some have only one bench with three seats, others have two or more.

How your child sits on the bike, of course, differs: with a cargo bike, your child is always in the front, so you can keep a close eye on him. But some parents actually like having their child sit on the back, because the weight is better distributed that way.

Seats: Cargo bike or Mama bike?

With a cargo bike, your child sits on a bench with seat belts. Your child sits in a bicycle seat on a mamafiets. A bicycle seat may be more comfortable for your little one, but there are also cushions available that make the ride in a cargo bike more pleasant. In addition, some bicycle seats are suitable for mounting in a cargo bike. This is mainly intended for children between 9 months and 2,5 years. You do need a special bracket to attach the bicycle seat to the seat of the cargo bike.

Bringing extra stuff? No problem!

With a cargo bike you have the space to take extra things with you. For example, think of a load of groceries, or a buggy for when you are at your destination. You can also attach a buggy carrier to a mama's bike, but taking groceries for example becomes a lot more difficult if you already have two bicycle seats mounted on your bike.

Driving behaviour

Both a cargo bike and a mama's bike with a bicycle seat cycle differently than you are used to. So you will have to practice before you hit the road with your little one. Although a cargo bike looks quite big and clumsy, most parents think that it is just as nice to cycle as a regular two-wheeler. In the beginning, you do have to get used to the extra weight at the front and the extra length of a cargo bike, which increases your turning circle. Especially good to keep in mind when taking a turn!

The stable

Do you live in a busy street with few parking spaces for bicycles? Or do you cycle to the station after you have taken your child to daycare and then take the train to work? Then the size of your bike and the ease with which you park it will have a major influence on your choice. For example, you can park a mama's bike just as easily as a regular bike, although you have to take into account the fact that your bike will not fit as well in most bicycle sheds due to a seat in the front or back.

A cargo bike, on the other hand, takes up much more space than a regular bicycle, making it more difficult to find a parking space. However, at most stations you will find special parking spaces for cargo bikes and mother bikes, but you have to be early to get a spot. How complicated parking is depends on the type of cargo bike you choose: tricycles with a large box, for example, are more difficult to park than a collapsible cargo bike.

Purchase costs

Purchasing a new bicycle is always a burden on your wallet, also with a cargo bike or mama bike. Still, a cargo bike takes the cake: an average cargo bike will cost you between 900 and 3 euros

Differences

Cargo bike or bicycle trailer

Cargo bikes are ideal for transporting several children. You simply load and unload them and they fit up to about seven years old. You simply hang the bicycle trailer behind your normal bicycle and it fits a maximum of two children up to about six years old. Some bicycle trailers even have extra front wheels, so that you can also walk or jog with them. There are also models that you can convert into a buggy, so that you can also transport children comfortably when you are not on the bike. In short, if you are looking for a way to transport several children, a cargo bike or bicycle trailer is a good option.

Conclusion

A cargo bike is a handy alternative to the car or public transport when you are on the road with your children. It is safer than a bicycle seat or a bicycle trailer, and you can transport much more with it. You can run errands with it, transport your kids and even take a ride to the garden center or hardware store. A cargo bike is also cheaper than a second car, because you don't need road tax or petrol.

If you opt for a cargo bike, it is important that your child can sit upright independently. A bicycle seat is most suitable for children between 9 months and 2,5 years, while children older than 2,5 years can sit on the bench. Don't forget to always fasten your children properly with the seat belts.

In short, a cargo bike is a great way to transport your children. You have a good view of your children, you can take much more with you and it is cheaper than a second car. If you are considering a cargo bike, think carefully about the age of your children and safety. Also don't forget to use the seat belts. In short, a cargo bike is a 'BICYCLE'-like solution for transporting your children!

Joost Nusselder, the founder of Speelkeuze.nl is a content marketer, father and loves trying out new toys. As a child he came into contact with everything related to games when his mother started the Tinnen Soldaat in Ede. Now he and his team create helpful blog articles to help loyal readers with fun play ideas.