List of the best family cargo bikes: The best e-bikes for child transport

Cargo bikes for families: Cargo bikes and, above all, cargo e-bikes have proven to be the ideal replacement for a car for trips to day-care centers and the like. They offer flexibility and driving pleasure, save time and nerves and relieve traffic and the environment. Velomotion presents ten current models that will bring your children safely and comfortably through the city.

More and more people understand that cycling is not only fun and keeps you fit. Being able to get around on two wheels is extremely practical, and not only when it comes to getting yourself from A to B: with a suitable two-wheeler (or tricycle) you can also transport surprisingly large loads, and of course Persons! The former has at least one hundred years of tradition, as commercial cargo bikes were already widespread in the 1920s. Many a famous professional cyclist once began his career as a young deliveryman on a baker's bicycle, and to this day postmen cycle through the streets on heavily loaded bicycles, which fortunately are now motorized.

Great-grandpa John from Denmark

The Danish "Long John" - a cargo bike with a large loading platform in front of the rider - has inspired numerous providers of cargo e-bikes in recent years, and as a "spin-off" many of them have been further developed into family bikes. What does it take? Actually nothing more than a box-shaped structure, which many cargo bikes already have anyway, with seats or a bench plus safety belts and a rain cover in the sense of year-round use.

There is also a whole lot of bicycle and e-bike technology: the seating position and components are usually borrowed from touring or trekking bikes; On the drive side, many manufacturers rely on the Bosch Cargoline, which makes it easier to move heavy loads with a high torque of 85 Nm and 400% support. Other motors are also used, some of which are a little less powerful and testify to different areas of application and user requirements: Dutch models are often somewhat more restrained motorized, since in the country of origin you can swim with cyclists with little power; in this country, on the other hand, people like to use the most powerful drives possible, with which they can better assert themselves against traffic.

Two basic models as a basis

How do the individual cargo bikes for families differ? Basically, two types can be distinguished: In the first, the structure is based on a basic model with a loading platform that is either open on the side (as with the KETTLER) or framed by a lattice frame (giant and miller). Here the children's compartment is only one possibility of construction; the bike can also be equipped with a transport box, or the loading platform remains free. In the second type, the transport tray is more integrated into the overall construction and has a metal frame on the upper edge that is bolted to the frame of the cargo bike, which promises more stability and safety (Ca Go, UrbanArrow). There are also differences in the chassis: the spectrum ranges from full suspension to completely unsprung models; in the latter case, a suspension seat post is a sensible option. The driver's position can be adjusted more or less flexibly, especially since the handlebar height is fixed on some models. Whether you prefer hub or derailleur gears is a matter of taste on the cargo bike as on the conventional (electric) bike; However, many suppliers are committed, whereby the combination of stepless Enviolo transmission and toothed belt instead of chain is popular and makes sense in view of the minimal maintenance effort. However, at least one equipment detail is missing from all cargo bikes: Since it is hardly possible to take your hand off the handlebars, especially when loaded, one would like indicators on cargo bikes that could be attached to the body or to the handlebar ends ("ox eyes").

How the equipment looks in detail is not least a question of the price, and as with all types of bikes, this also varies with family bikes. Simple versions with a hub motor are available for a good 3.000 euros; fully equipped luxury models can cost five figures. How you decide depends on the one hand on your wallet and on the other hand on the type of use: if you only drive short distances, you can get along well with a simple model; If, in addition to the children, shopping etc. are also regularly transported, a model in which the bench seat, for example, can be easily removed, makes sense. It should also be borne in mind that there are time limits for transporting children: Even six-year-old children can be too big for a closed passenger compartment – ​​if you get a taste for cargo when the kids are already in their second year at daycare, you might want to take a model with you put open box.

In any case, riding the cargo bike is a liberating experience, whatever is on the loading area. Most of the time, the trip replaces a car trip, and especially in city traffic we know that the car is by no means faster to the destination. It's also fun, and you quickly get used to the handling of the cargo bike. Anyone who is now in the toddler phase and is wondering what mobility should look like in the coming years will find interesting and exciting means of transport below.

 

Giant and Muller Load 75

The Darmstadt e-bike specialist was one of the pioneers of the cargo wave with the Load. With full suspension and a low loading platform, the cargo bike is top in terms of comfort and driving dynamics; it is available in two lengths, with the larger version having a 50% larger loading area. Both models have a permissible total mass of 200 kilos, which means that the slightly lighter Load 60 has a slightly larger payload.

The longer version of the full-suspension cargo bike can carry up to three children, two of whom sit side by side and face the direction of travel, while the third beams at the driver. So that the passenger compartment is not too cramped, there is a footwell between the seats; however, this configuration is only suitable for smaller children. In any case, a different structure should make more sense for daily use: the children's hood, which can accommodate two passengers and whose shape is reminiscent of a children's trailer. In any case, the all-round lattice frame of the Load ensures stability and safety; the low side walls make boarding easier. The seats are adjustable and tilted so much that the children can also sleep in them.

Comfort thanks to full suspension

Riese and Müller offer the Load on the one hand as a conventional 25 km/h model with a "Bosch Cargoline" motor and on the other hand as a fast S-Pedelec, which is not ideal for transporting children or for leisure use. The basic version is also equipped to a high standard; On board is also an automatic brake light as well as an eleven-speed derailleur, delayed with a powerful four-piston brake system. Numerous equipment details can be individualized in the configurator - the dual battery option is interesting, for example, and a luggage rack can also be mounted. The Load is also exemplary in terms of size adjustment: the handlebar mast is not only height-adjustable, but also angle-adjustable, so that the handlebars can be placed further forward for taller riders.

At a base price of 6.900 euros, the Load 75 with two seats and a full top costs around 7.700 euros, which puts it on par with competitors with comparable equipment.

Conclusion
The Riese und Müller pleases with its great flexibility - if you convert the body, you can use it either as a cargo bike or a family carriage. Both the technology and the structure can be customized to a large extent.

Website: rm.de

Urban Arrow Family

The Dutch company is targeting two models at young families, whereby the compact Shorty can be equipped with a child seat, but favors the transport of goods rather than people. The Family, on the other hand, is one of the more spacious cargo bikes with up to three seats in the box in front of the driver and is not least because of this extremely popular. In the basic version, the bike, whose frame construction is welded in the Netherlands, costs just under 5.300 euros, but then with a "Bosch Active Line Plus" motor, which means that the large, heavy bike is somewhat underpowered. The top engine with the high-torque Bosch Cargo Line is an option, with the bike including child-friendly accessories costing a good 7.000 euros. Also on board are the Bosch Purion display and the stepless Enviolo hub in a "heavy duty" design.

The Urban Arrow undoubtedly owes its popularity to its excellent driving characteristics: It rolls along safely and with great driving stability and is easy to handle after a short period of familiarization. The high side wall and the all-round metal frame also speak for a lot of safety on the road.

Dry with hood and poncho

For all-weather drivers, the manufacturer offers two rain covers, which also protect the hands and lower body of the driver from the weather. A rain poncho can be attached to it, which promises maximum weather protection. A tarpaulin is also available, as many Urban Arrows are likely to be parked permanently. In addition, the cargo bike can be equipped with a second battery, which makes sense since the Urban Arrow is delivered with the small 400 Wh battery.

A shortcoming of the family bike, however, is that it has no suspension and is therefore quite hard - curbs and the like require more caution. Users should consider retrofitting a suspension seat post, as specified by the manufacturer on the chic brushed aluminum anniversary model.

Conclusion
Good riding characteristics and lots of space make the Urban Arrow Family a very popular cargo bike. Its advantages include the wide range of accessories and the high level of occupant protection.

Website: urbanarrow.com

 

Babboe City Mountain

The family bikes from the Dutch supplier are a familiar sight with their gray frame and orange-brown wooden box. The popularity of the brand is explained not least by the large product range, which even includes non-motorized models, available from around 1.600 euros. Inexpensive versions with a hub motor are available for around more than 3.000 euros. If you want to ride a little faster and don't just ride on the flat, you should opt for a model with a Yamaha mid-engine (recognizable by the "Mountain" suffix in the name), which pushes powerfully thanks to a torque of 70 Nm - such a bike is then something over 4.000 euros to have.

 

A popular model is the Babboe City, whose transport box can accommodate up to three children - of course, they must not weigh more than 80 kilos together. Various seats and upholstery, which are available in Babboe's large range of accessories, ensure that the little ones are comfortable; a baby seat à la Maxi-Cosi can also be mounted with a special bracket. A large rain cover can also be attached, as can a luggage rack over the rear wheel, although the various accessories are relatively inexpensive.

Versatile and popular

If you order the Babboe City with a Yamaha drive, you get the continuously variable NiVinci hub as well as a material-friendly full chain protection. The cheap model with hub motor is logically equipped with derailleur gears. The standard 400 Wh battery is well hidden under the seat; for a surcharge of 200 euros there is a memory with 500 watt hours.

The low-placed transport box ensures a low center of gravity, which improves handling; With a rigid fork and no spring support, the Babboe cannot compete with sedans à la Riese and Müller in terms of shock absorption. A calm, controlled pace is the city's specialty, and the countless families who use the Babboe prove that it works.

Conclusion
Babboe is not only popular because of the low prices. The Dutch are impressive with a large range of models from the "tandem" family bike to the two-track transporter and an extensive range of accessories.

Website: babboe.de

Kettler Cargoline

With the Cargoline, the aluminum frame pioneers offer a technically convincing platform for transporting loads and children. The basic shape of the cargo bike corresponds to the typical "Long John" with a large loading area in front of the driver, which can be particularly long here - the frame part that is pulled up and guides the fork is missing on the Kettler. Instead, there is a spring-loaded swingarm that guides a steerable Elian front wheel hub - a component that is as functional as it is innovative. Together with the discreetly integrated rear suspension, the result is a comfortable and stable chassis, and the driver's position is also well thought out: A "dropper post", i.e. a hydraulically lowerable support, is used for height adjustment; the handlebar mast can be pivoted forward to allow taller riders to sit not only higher, but also longer.

Kettler equips the Cargoline with the Bosch motor of the same name, which is powerful with a torque of 75 Nm. With the standard 625 watt hour battery, the range is already quite large; The second battery option, which doubles the distance traveled, makes sense especially for operational use. The battery is in a slot in the main frame and can be easily pulled out - it couldn't be more elegant. When it comes to bicycle technology, you can look forward to a twelve-speed derailleur, sturdy four-piston brakes and an extremely bright 100-lux spotlight. Clever: a secret compartment with a lockable lid is hidden under the charging box.

High-end chassis and double battery

With the Cargoline – the basic model without a box costs 8.000 euros – Kettler is primarily aiming at transporting loads; Accessories required for transporting children, such as a rain cover, are therefore currently not available. It's a shame, because in view of the high-quality technology and the convincing riding characteristics, one would like to see the bike, which is available in yellow and black, more often in family use.

 

Conclusion
The Kettler pleases with innovative technology and many high-quality details; the driving characteristics are great. There is a need to catch up when it comes to accessories.

Website: kettler-alu-rad-.de

Approximately Go FS 200

The family bike from the Koblenz manufacturer is unparalleled in terms of solidity and safety. Chassis and structure work as a unit, where some transport compartments seem like they were grafted on. The high transport box made of high-strength PU foam and a surrounding aluminum frame are the best in terms of occupant protection; together with the convertible top, this results in a comfortable shelter for journeys in any weather. The driver also benefits from the weather protection of the body, which is higher than the handlebars and thus even keeps his hands on the handlebars out of the wind.

With the continuously variable Enviolo gears and "Bosch Cargoline" motor, the Ca Go is very comfortable to ride: The drive provides powerful thrust, and the electronic gear maintains an individually adjustable pedaling frequency, which means that the subject of shifting is over. The potent braking system creates confidence, but needs to be operated sensitively, especially when cornering. The bright headlight is also equipped with high beam for driving in complete darkness.

Weather protection and a lot of security

With a dead weight of 54 kilos (manufacturer information), the Ca Go has a whopping 170 kilos of payload including the driver, which of course you will hardly need in everyday life. While a suspension fork absorbs bumps in the road at the front, the rear of the Ca Go seems quite hard - so the "suspension seat post" option should definitely be selected when ordering. The handlebars are not height-adjustable, but positioned just high enough for drivers of different sizes to achieve a comfortable hand and arm position. As with any cargo bike, it also takes a few kilometers to get used to it, and you will soon notice how easy it is to handle. Even heavy loads can be transported safely with the Ca Go, which of course applies above all to the youngsters.

While the basic model costs 7.490 euros, almost 9.000 euros are due with special equipment suitable for children - the Ca Go should not become a mass phenomenon for the time being.

Conclusion
The Ca Go scores with maximum occupant protection and a solid driving impression, the technology is convincing all round. The only drawback is the high price with additional equipment.

Website: cagobike.com

 

Bergamont E-Cargoville LJ Expert

The Hamburg company also offers a cargo bike in the classic "Long John" format. A special feature is that the bike is available in two versions, namely with a 50 and 70 cm long loading area - the entire vehicle is shorter or longer accordingly. Including the body, the E-Cargoville weighs less than 45 kilos; with a permissible total mass of 220 kilos, it can be heavily loaded. The construction made of angular tubes looks very stable and pleases with its particularly deep step-through; With a quick release on the seat clamp and an angle-adjustable stem, the seating position can be easily adjusted. The battery is integrated in the steering column and, with 625 watt hours, is designed for long ranges; As usual, the cargo bike is pushed by the “Bosch Cargo Line” mid-engine. If you want, you can mount a second battery at the front of the seat tube - the mounting kit for this does not cost 20 euros.

Bergamont also relies on the stepless Enviolo hub in "Heavy Duty" design, at the front a particularly stable hub with four bearings rotates, which is attached via a 15 mm thru axle. The manufacturer also pays attention to solidity in other respects: no toothed belt is used, but at least a highly resilient KMC chain, as is also used in track sports. Details such as the rear mudguard, which is pulled far down, are also commendable. Be careful when you step on your irons: Bergamont also installs a four-piston brake on the front wheel.

Flexible with up to three children

A spacious transport box (€350) with a surrounding metal bracket is available as an accessory, which in turn can be equipped with a seat for two children (€220) and a rain cover open towards the driver (€250). The latter is raised high and protects the driver's hands and lower body from moisture. If you want to take child transport to the limit, you can get a long rear carrier for the E-Cargoville, which can be equipped with seat cushions, running boards and even a protective bar all around. So child number three also fits on the Bergamont.

The Bergamont E-Cargoville Expert costs 5.999 euros; the "Edition" with eleven-speed derailleur gears and 500 Wh battery is 800 euros cheaper. The “Elite” model variant with electronic Enviolo gearshift and belt drive costs just under 6.800 euros.

Conclusion
The Bergamont E-Cargoville, which is available in two lengths, can be used flexibly with a wide range of accessories, while being stable and of high quality.

Website: bergamont.com

Cube Cargo Hybrid 500

Cube offers its cargo bike with two different gears: with the continuously variable Enviolo hub and with a ten-speed derailleur gear. The latter provides a price advantage of 300 euros, so that the basic version with a 500 Wh battery is already available for 4.900 euros. The package includes the "Bosch Cargo Line" motor with the proven large Intuvia display, Magura disc brakes and practical parts such as the Speedlifter stem, which can be adjusted quickly and without tools. A suspension fork on the 20-inch front wheel absorbs shocks; As so often, a spring support would be advisable at the rear.

Safe with high side wall

Of course, there is also a spacious transport box made of stable foam on board with a metal frame all around. The box becomes a children's compartment with a double seat bench (€230) and a rain cover (€270), whereby the latter is quite large and, thanks to its height, also offers the driver good weather protection. The side walls of the box are quite high, which benefits the occupant protection. For additional luggage transport, a luggage rack with a "Rilink" adapter for system accessories can be attached to the Cargo - in addition to the classic side bags, you can click on a bicycle basket, for example, which can simply be taken with you when shopping, for example.

With a low top tube that continues the line of the rear stays to the frame of the transport box, the Cube has a step-through that is not quite as deep. A bottle cage can be attached to the underside of the top tube; the battery is on the outside of the back of the box and can be easily removed.

Conclusion
Overall, the Cube cargo bike is good: the equipment leaves nothing to be desired, the basic price is comparatively low and already includes the transport box. The accessories are also quite cheap.

Website: cube.eu

Larry vs Harry Bullitt

The Copenhagen-based cargo bike company, which has existed for over ten years, is in the direct tradition of the Danish "Long Johns", which were used there around 100 years ago. The Bullitt was one of the first modern cargo bikes and has been used by bike couriers for many years. It differs from the modern mainstream in a number of respects: the sporty sitting position with a clearly raised saddle is striking; In addition, the classic Bullitt is not motorized, but is tuned for easy running with narrow tires. A basic model with derailleur gears costs a good 3.000 euros; there are also two variants with a Shimano drive to choose from.

Sporty with and without a motor

On the one hand, the eBullit is offered with the EP8 drive from the Japanese manufacturer, which comes from the mountain bike sector and, with 85 Nm of torque, is also ideal for transporting loads. This sporty version is only available with an eleven-speed derailleur and costs 6.260 euros plus further equipment. With a basic price of 5.130 euros (with five-speed hub gears from Shimano), the version with the Shimano e6100 is significantly cheaper, which of course has much more restrained support with 60 Nm.

There are numerous different superstructures for Bullitt and eBullitt, and of course something for children. A double child seat costs 500 euros; the right all-round weather protection with a metal frame goes over the counter for 490 euros. Alternatively, there is a solid aluminum box with two seats and a rain cover that can be folded up; the whole thing costs a whopping 1.700 euros.

Conclusion
The sporty Bullitt is a modern classic and perhaps particularly interesting in the non-motorised version. The range of accessories is large, the children's transport can be expensive.

Website: larryvsharry.de

Bakfiets CargoBike Classic Long Steps

"Bakfiets" means cargo bike in Dutch, and the name says it all: the provider has different cargo bikes with two or three wheels in its range, most of which are also available without a motor. The Bakfiets comes with a full chain guard and jacket protector in the typical Dutch look, and tried-and-tested components such as the hub gears, which all models are equipped with, are designed for reliability and low maintenance. The characteristic wooden box is more angular than that of the competitor Babboe; conceptually, however, both bikes are quite similar. Bakfiets scores with numerous color options and the choice between different braking systems - hydraulic rim brakes and roller brakes can also be ordered. The e-cargo bike is powered by the Shimano e6100, which delivers harmonious thrust; A 418 Wh battery is installed as standard, although a 199 Wh storage unit can also be ordered for an additional charge of 500 euros.

Three children under the high tent

The long version of the Bakfiet costs a good 3.840 euros with a seven-speed hub and roller brakes; the wooden box and a bench are already included. Accessories include a tall rain cover, which is available in different colors from around 300 euros, and an additional seat so that three children can ride along, although they must not be too big. In any case, the children sit relatively high in the rather flat box, if you compare the Bakfiets with concepts like the Ca Go.

The flat seat angle is favorable when adjusting the height, as the horizontal distance between the handlebars and saddle is also significantly larger; the shaft stem cannot be adjusted in height without tools. If you want, you can order a comfortable parallelogram support as well as a saddle with an integrated handle, rear carrier or particularly robust tires - none of these are overly expensive.

Conclusion
The inexpensive Bakfiets pleases with numerous customization options and is a good solution for a calm pace in city traffic.

Website: bakfiets.de

 

 

Gleam Escape

The Austrian provider Gleam presented one of the most interesting models in the booming cargo scene last year: With the Escape, sophisticated tilting technology ensures maximum driving dynamics - even though the bike is equipped with a 60×100 cm loading platform that can be customized can be provided with superstructures. The two rear wheels are individually suspended and spring-loaded, which means that bumps, edges or ledges that are driven over on one side do not disturb the chassis or, in the worst case, cause the wheel to tip over. In addition, the suspension including the suspension fork at the front ensures a lot of comfort.

 

Top chassis thanks to tilting technology

A total of three belts transmit the power of the Bosch motor to the rear wheels - the main belt drives a shaft from which two shorter belts lead to the rear wheels. If the Gleam is parked, the tilting mechanism can become blocked; but it cannot tip over even if this is not done. There is also a parking brake. The approx. 70 kg cargo bike is designed for a payload of 200 kg (incl. driver), which is easily enough for transporting children - primarily commercial use is of course intended. The Flex.Life family body has a bench with two child seats, behind which there is still plenty of space for additional loads. In contrast to many other family bikes, the children riding with you sit very high, since the entire structure is above the wheel suspension.

The elaborately designed bike costs around 8.000 euros plus assembly and is definitely worth the money given the convincing driving characteristics. Last but not least, it can be used in a variety of ways, whereas many family bikes are designed purely for transporting people.

Conclusion
The tilting technology of the Gleam allows a dynamic driving style and improves safety and comfort. Equipped with a Bosch drive in the current model year, the Austrian cargo sports bike can fully impress.

Website: gleam-bikes.com

 

Here you will find the best and most exciting cargo bikes of 2022