Cargo bikes 2022: Cargo bikes have long since outgrown their niche and are becoming increasingly popular, especially in urban areas. Even politicians have recognized the potential of cargo bikes for the upcoming turnaround in mobility, and financial support is available almost everywhere in Germany. The constantly growing popularity also means that the bikes themselves are becoming more sophisticated and the selection is growing.
Tricycle, Long-John, Long-Tail, with tilting technology or without, or rather a compact cargo bike? Cargo bikes are no longer just cargo bikes; the bikes and their concepts are now just as diverse as the areas of application.
Whether as a fully-fledged child transporter, as a veritable pack donkey for larger purchases, a car replacement or rather as a compact addition to the vehicle fleet - a look at the Cargobikes 2022 shows the huge variety. We introduce you to our favourites.
In addition to "real" cargo bikes, we also decided to include two trailers in the list; as a variable addition to the existing bicycle or e-bike, they are still a very good way to expand the use of the two-wheeler - whether for transporting children or shopping or similar.
Comfortable for (co)drivers
The new Go-E from Babboe is based on the successful Curve model: Thanks to the three wheels, it is particularly popular because of its high driving stability. The retro look with the matching wooden box does the rest. The great feature of the Go-E is its lockable door on the front of the transport box. Getting in and out is made easier, especially for dogs, but children are also happy about a smaller "hurdle" when boarding. Otherwise, the bike convinces with the usual qualities: Thanks to the geometry based on Dutch bikes, you can always get your feet on the ground comfortably, and the quiet hub motor tickles up to 60 km range from the 450 Wh battery.
Price: from 3.349 euros /www.babboe.de
Cargo bike in mini format
The E-Cargoville Bakery has already made a name for itself as a compact cargo bike in recent years. For the 2022 model year, the Hamburg company has given the versatile bike a completely new frame and maximum cargo bike power: the permissible total weight has been increased to a whopping 180 kg; The two massive carriers at the front and back alone can carry up to 42 kg. In addition to the well-known Bosch Performance Line, the Elite version now also has the more powerful CX drive to choose from. With both variants, thanks to the 625 Wh battery integrated in the down tube, you have sufficient range reserves on board even during longer journeys
Price: from 3.999 euros /www.bergamont.com
Versatile cargo first
The traditional southern German manufacturer Centurion is celebrating its cargo premiere with the Vario. A conscious decision was made in favor of a long-tail cargo bike as the first in this area. Its construction with an oversized luggage rack is still so close to the classic bicycle or e-bike that decades of experience could be brought in. This can be seen, for example, in the very elegant integration of the 625 Wh battery and the Bosch CX motor. With its maximum permissible total weight of 180 kg, nothing stands in the way of transporting goods or children. For the latter, either a padded seat at the rear is available, or you can trust classic child seats. Nice: A high-quality bag set with three bags – two at the back, one at the front – is included in the scope of delivery
Price: 5.499 euros /www.centurion.de
Compact cargo bike for the city
At just under 3.000 euros, Metz Mobility is sending the E-PACKR 8.0 to the highly competitive cargo market at almost a competitive price. At first glance, you hardly have to make any compromises with the compact city/cargo hybrid: The slim steel frame can be loaded with approx. 150 kg, the in-house motor does not have to compete with its torque of 75 Nm or with the battery capacity of Hide 500 Wh from the competition. Thanks to its 20-inch wheels, the E-PACKR can also be taken on most public transport free of charge. Nice: The entire bike, including the frame, motor and battery, is manufactured entirely in Germany.
Price: from 2.998 euros / www.metz-mobility.de
The cargo hybrid
The versatile concept of the Multicharger between cargo, urban and trekking with a little bit of MTB has already given the bike from Riese & Müller a large fan base in the past. This is unlikely to change in the future either: for 2022, some equipment variants with the new Smart System from Bosch including CX motor, 750 Wh battery and Kiox 300 display will be added. The other, tried and tested key data are of course retained. These include the massive rear luggage rack, which with the appropriate accessories can either be used as a seat for up to two children or alternatively can be loaded with up to 65 kg. If you need more space, you should also be happy about the cargo carrier at the front.
Price: from 5.249 euros / www.rm.de
New frame for the evergreen
Many years before the cargo bike boom, Hercules already had an e-cargo bike in its range with the Rob Cargo – that’s eight (!) years ago now. The concept of a compact and manoeuvrable e-bike that can also transport heavy loads is more relevant today than ever, and it is therefore not surprising that the traditional manufacturer is giving the cargo evergreen a completely new frame for 2022. In addition to a much more modern look, this also increases the permissible total weight to a whopping 180 kg. The naturally quiet Bosch Performance Line should have enough power for most areas of application. Thanks to the Shimano Nexus hub gear and belt drive, the new Rob Cargo should also be pleasantly low-maintenance.
Price: from 3.899 euros /www.hercules-bikes.de
Resilient everyday companion
The name says it all: The new Macina Multi from KTM wants to be more than "just" a cargo bike. On the one hand, its compact design with 24-inch wheels, "Bosch Performance Line" drive and wide tires makes it a practical companion in everyday life; on the other hand, thanks to a payload of more than 120 kg and variable luggage racks at the front and rear, it also makes an excellent modern pack donkey. Thanks to the option of the dual-battery system from Bosch, the bike can also be equipped with a total capacity of up to 1.000 Wh and is therefore well prepared for mountainous terrain or longer tours.
Price: from 3.599 euros /www.ktm-bikes.at
Innovative concept bike
In the run-up to the IAA, an exciting cargo concept bike that emerged from a cooperation between BMW and Cube surprised even those who know the industry. The Munich-based automotive giant is probably responsible for the majority of the development, while Cube is responsible for the specific implementation. The "Concept Dynamic Cargo inspired by BMW" is a multi-lane cargo bike that looks like a fusion of e-bike and trailer. The two rear wheels remain firmly on the ground when cornering - thanks to the swivel axle. There is currently no information about the specific equipment, the market launch or prices. However, you can always be excited.
Price: not known yet / www.cube.eu
Family bike with added safety
Winora calls his new cargo creation the Family Utility Bike (FUB). The area of application is therefore already clear: the focus is on transporting children. For this, Winora relies on a transport box made of shock-absorbing EPP particle foam, which is also equipped with side impact protection. For their part, mum and dad are happy about the powerful “Bosch Cargo Line” motor, which is powered by one or two 500 Wh batteries. The Shimano Nexus shifting hub, which has been optimized for e-bikes, is responsible for changing gears. Last but not least: Alternatively, the FUB is also available as a tricycle for up to four children.
Price: not known yet / www.winora.com
Mini bike trailer
Darling, I shrunk the pendant! The Carrie Me is not only visually reminiscent of its counterpart in the car, but also fulfills a similar purpose: everything that does not fit on or in the towing vehicle can be transported here - whether for shopping at the hardware store or when moving. The loading area of the Carrie Me measures approx. 60 by 80 centimeters and thus offers significantly more space than a conventional (children's) trailer - especially for bulky goods. Practical: The low drawbar can be converted into a hand drawbar by simply reconnecting it; the trailer then becomes a handcart.
Price: from 499 euros /www.roland-werk.de
High-end meets functionality
With the NC-1, Nicolai is breaking new ground: Up until now, the company was almost exclusively on the road in the MTB segment - so the step to cargo bikes seems pretty big. But the NC-1 also immediately shows the qualities that have brought the manufacturer from Lower Saxony a loyal fan base for many years: clear, timeless shapes, beautifully even welds and technical finesse. The latter consists of the NC-1, for example, in the cleverly designed handlebars, with which even tight curve radii are no problem - actually a classic weakness of "Long John" cargo bikes. The lockable stand, which acts as an immobilizer, is also clever. Superstructures such as child seats are currently being developed together with a partner. The new Bosch Smart System with CX motor and 750 Wh battery is already installed in the drive. A second slot allows you to carry another battery.
Price: from 7.499 euros /www.nicolai-bicycles.com
Child trailer with lots of space
For the year 2022, the child seat specialists from Bobike presented their first trailer. Designed for up to two children, the Bobike trailer comes with a number of clever features: the entire front of the trailer can be folded up to make it easier for passengers to get on. It can also be converted into a buggy in just a few simple steps, and there is space for the weekly shop in the storage compartment on the back.
Price: 659 euros /www.bobike.com
Noble birthday equipment
It's hard to believe that Urban Arrow's Family is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year. The Dutchman's cargo bike is probably still one of the most popular models today. It is all the more astonishing that little has changed in terms of the basic form and the concept in a decade: a geometry inspired by Dutch bikes,
the transport box made of EPP particle foam, tailored to the transport of children, and the high-quality technical equipment. The latter, of course, underwent numerous modernizations during the "lifetime" of the Family and has reached its peak with the anniversary model. Buyers of the bike, which will be available from November, can look forward to an automatic transmission from Enviolo with a belt drive, powerful disc brakes from Magura and a classy lighting system including a brake light from Supernova. The Dutch company has also given the tried-and-tested “Bosch Cargo Line” drive the versatile Nyon display.
Price: 6.999 euros /www.urbanarrow.com
You can find more interesting cargo bikes in our Readers' Choice 2021:
https://www.velomotion.de/magazin/2021/01/cargo-bikes-2021-leserwahl/