Your ultimate guide to family cargo bikes

If you read the recent headlines about the rising trend of cargo bikes in Luxembourg, it might have got you thinking about how you travel around with your own family.
 
I am a huge fan of the family cargo bike, having recently spent a couple of years living a car-free existence in the Netherlands, cycling everywhere with my two children.

Cargo bikes provide families with an efficient, fun and environmentally friendly way to travel, and the Luxembourg government will soon be offering a €1000 grant for the purchase of an electric cargo bike. 
 
So is it time to re-evaluate your current mode of transport?

What is a cargo bike?

The purpose of a cargo bike is to carry extra ‘cargo’, be it children or stuff (think groceries, school bags, sporting equipment, dogs… one year I even cycled home with a 6-foot Christmas tree in my bike box!).

There are various different sizes, shapes and styles of cargo bike to cater for individual preference and need.

Which style is right for me?

The bakfiets style, or Long John, is a popular two-wheeled bike with the cargo box placed between the rider and the front wheel. Depending on how heavy your load is, these can take a little getting used to.

They can feel a bit ‘tippy’ and require some core strength when kicking off and parking, which I found a challenge with my two growing boys in the box.

However, the steering is usually fairly smooth and they take corners easily. The top of the range Urban Arrow Family is one of the most popular and visually appealing bakfiets.
 
The front box style bike, or bucket bike, has two wheels on either side of the box, so the bike is a lot wider and the stability is much better. Even in wintry conditions, my three-wheeler was usually the only bike on the road not slipping and sliding on the icy paths!

Often the handlebars are attached to the box on this type of bike, such as the CargoTrike by Bakfiets.nl, which can mean it feels a bit heavy to steer. Most models have the box at the front, but some, such as the Madsen, have the box at the back.
 
There is another type of family cargo bike called the longtail; a two-wheel bike which holds the cargo at the back, behind the rider. Imagine an extra long bike, with a couple of seats, one behind the other. 

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How many children can I fit in a cargo bike?

Anywhere from two to five children, depending on the make and model. In our two-seater Nihola Family 2, we could squeeze in three children but one would be on another’s lap, or on the floor.

A friend had a Babboe Big and would easily take four children home for a play date. The Bunch 4.0 also boasts four seats, and the Trek Fetch+ 4 can carry up to five children.
 
Bakfiets or front box cargo bikes usually have little benches for the kids to sit on and sometimes these are removable, which can be handy when transporting things other than children. The eBullitt by Larry vs Harry is particularly versatile. 
 
For your youngest passengers, there are additional seating options such as baby seats, or adaptors to fix car seats into the box. For older children, safe travel is ensured with 5-point harnesses or lap-only seat belts.
 
You can also usually fit an additional mounted child seat onto a cargo bike if you require an extra place. 

Electric assistance

If you are cycling with more than one child or navigating anything other than a relatively flat landscape, I would absolutely recommend getting a cargo bike with an electric pedal-assist system.

You should consider motor size and battery capacity, which affect the ‘oomph’ and the maximum km/h; the range and life of the battery; charging speed; whether there is ‘turbo’ or ‘eco’ mode and so on.

Cargoo by Winther offers the rider a choice between a rear hub motor for power and a mid-drive motor for comfort. Without wishing to get too technical here, it could be useful to inform yourself of the different types of motor within pedal-assist systems before deciding.
 
You can retrofit a standard cargo bike with an electric system, but this can end up costing the same as buying an e-bike outright. Another thing to look out for is whether the battery is integrated or removable, bearing in mind where your bike might be kept. 

Additional features

Rain and sun covers; floor mats and luggage holders; extra seats; custom made blankets and colourful cushions… There are a range of accessories available to make the ride more comfortable for your children. One family I knew had pimped their ride with a boombox and fairy lights!
 
It is worth investing in a durable, waterproof cover if your bike is going to be kept outside, to prevent rust and colour fading. 

Are you convinced yet?

If you live somewhere bike-friendly, love getting out in the fresh air and having the wind in your hair, there is nothing better than a cargo bike. Not only that, but it’s kind to the planet, it’s a great way to stay fit and the kids will love it!