Whether you’re a parent looking for a sustainable way to transport your kids, a professional needing to move equipment through city streets or simply someone interested in reducing your carbon footprint, this article provides all the essential information you need before buying your own one.
E-cargo bikes are specifically designed to help you transport heavier or bulkier items with ease. Unlike standard e-bikes, the differences are clear at first glance: some models have the usual two-wheel setup, while others come as tricycles for added stability.
These bikes can carry almost anything – from luggage, groceries, and parcels to children and pets. One of the biggest advantages of e-cargo bikes is the electric motor assistance, which ensures that even with a heavy load, you won’t become a traffic obstacle. With a motor offering enough power and torque, you won’t slow down, even on uphill climbs. Leading motor manufacturers like Bosch eBike Systems offer models specifically for e-cargo bikes. Thanks to modern batteries, e-cargo bikes typically have a range of 50-60 kilometres per charge, depending on the load and riding style, with a full recharge taking about four hours.
Who benefits from e-cargo bikes?
Today, e-cargo bikes are an alternative to cars, especially in urban areas. The standard motors are capped at 25 km/h, meaning you can legally and safely ride them on bike paths, and you don’t need a driver’s license – anyone who knows how to ride a bike can use one.
Expensive but efficient
Quality e-cargo bikes range from 3,500 to 8,000 euros. The price might seem high and sceptics might argue that you could buy a small car for the same amount, which is partly true. However, in urban environments, e-cargo bikes often serve as a second family vehicle, which is why many people choose them. They offer even more versatility, allowing access to places where cars can’t go or are restricted. If you live in a city and need to transport items occasionally, an e-cargo bike could be a surprisingly good option. Plus, they’re cheaper to operate compared to a car – no fuel, parking or insurance costs, and maintenance is significantly more affordable.
Financial support available
Several countries support the adoption of e-cargo bikes through various subsidy programmes. In Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, individuals, businesses, and organisations can access funds from national and regional programmes promoting sustainable transport options. In Germany, for example, the amount varies by state and municipality. In Baden-Württemberg, you can receive up to 4,000 euros when purchasing a cargo bike. In Bremen, private individuals can get a subsidy covering 25% of the purchase price, with a cap of 2,000 euros. Similarly, in Bavaria, the support for both individuals and businesses can cover up to 50% of the cost, with a maximum of 2,000 euros per bike.
Two or three wheels?
The number of wheels often depends on the bike’s intended use. Generally, the heavier the load, the more beneficial a tricycle becomes. Three-wheeled e-cargo bikes offer more stability, making them less likely to tip over – ideal when getting on and off or when stopping. However, tricycles take up more space and require slightly higher technical skills for manoeuvring. Two-wheeled cargo bikes are much more agile and ride almost like a regular bike.
How much can they carry?
The load capacity of e-cargo bikes ranges from about 60 kg to 200 kg. Differences often depend on the placement of racks or transport boxes. On two-wheel models, the weight is evenly distributed between the front and rear, while tricycles usually feature a large box between the front wheels.
E-cargo bikes as family bikes
Daily rides to kindergarten, the doctor or family meetups – if you have kids, you know how often you’re on the go. E-cargo bikes are an ideal way to transport them quickly, affordably, and sustainably, and they’re designed with safety in mind. Accessories like child seats, safety belts, and rain covers make sure your children are comfortable and safe, giving them a much more engaging experience than being in a car seat.
Special child seats allow even the youngest passengers to be transported safely, and as they grow, they can be switched to bench-style seats. For example, in Germany, e-cargo bikes can transport up to four children, and while this is generally very safe, kids should always wear helmets. Whether you choose a two- or three-wheeled bike depends on how many children you plan to carry. Two-wheelers can accommodate up to two children, while three-wheelers can carry up to four, providing more foot space and higher sides for added support.
E-cargo bikes are also ideal for transporting pets comfortably and sustainably. Safety is key – dogs and other pets should be securely fastened but still able to sit comfortably. Some specialised e-cargo models even come with foldable ramps and non-slip mats for easy loading and unloading, as well as built-in tie-down points.
E-cargo bikes for work
Whether you’re a tradesperson, courier or photographer, e-cargo bikes are a practical mode of transportation. They save you both time and money by avoiding parking fees, which are increasingly expensive in European cities. However, when parking on sidewalks, make sure not to obstruct pedestrians, strollers or wheelchairs. Depending on your professional needs, there are various frame designs and attachments available, allowing you to customise the bike for transporting bulky items.
What’s the future of e-cargo bikes?
E-cargo bikes are becoming more and more popular, and this trend is on the rise. A major study from 2013 estimated that around 51 % of all motorised urban transportation could be replaced by e-cargo bikes. EU transport ministers have echoed this, stating that more than half of all motorised cargo trips in EU cities could be shifted to bikes. With increasing demand for alternatives to cars, manufacturers are continuously improving their models, making them more comfortable, manoeuvrable, and efficient. So, are you ready to give one a try?
