What is a Cargo Bike?
In today's world, where sustainable transportation is gaining prominence, cargo bikes have become an increasingly popular choice for individuals and businesses. These versatile vehicles have evolved from traditional bicycles to specially designed bikes capable of carrying heavy loads. In this article, we will explore what cargo bikes are, their various types, and their advantages. We will also mention some noteworthy brands in the cargo bike industry, including Omnium, Larry vs Harry, and Benno Bikes.
Understanding Cargo Bikes
Cargo bikes, often referred to as utility bikes or sometimes freight bikes, are a unique category of bicycles primarily designed to transport goods, people or pets over short to moderate distances. Their enhanced carrying capacity, typically facilitated by a specialised frame structure and additional load-carrying features such as a rack or cargo bay, sets cargo bikes apart from traditional bicycles.
Types of Cargo Bikes
1. Built-in Rack Cargo Bikes
Evolving from one of the earliest iterations of a cargo bike, the 'Butchers' bike, rack cargo bikes are usually the cargo bike options that ride like a regular bike. The rack is either bolted or welded to a usually slightly elongated down tube (front-facing tube of the bike frame), allowing the weight of the cargo to be shared by the whole frame. An example of this type of cargo bike would be any of the Omnium range, particularly the Omnium Cargo or Omnium Mini-Max.
2. Longjohn Cargo Bikes
This cargo bike type was one of the first to have a frame geometry specifically constructed for carrying cargo. The rear end of the bike, from the handlebars back, is usually similar to or the same as a standard bike; however, from the handlebars forward, the front wheel (usually a smaller 20" size) is much further away, creating a low, very stable, cargo bay. It is sometimes referred to as box bikes due to often having a large box in the cargo bay for loading kids or cargo. This setup makes riding while carrying things much easier; our favourite Longjohn-style cargo bike company is Larry vs Harry, whose pioneeringly agile Bullitt bikes have led the way for over a decade.
3. Longtail and Midtail Cargo Bikes
Longtail bikes traditionally use an elongated rear end and built-in rear rack, allowing child seats or seat pads to be fitted on the back. In recent years, different wheel sizes have meant that Midtail Cargo bikes have been very popular, allowing for the same amount of kid-carrying capability whilst keeping the bike's length closer to that of a normal one. Our favourite mid-tail cargo bike is the Benno Boost; its 24" wheels allow for carrying two kids on the back without sacrificing quality handling, something the smaller wheel (20") mid-tail cargo bikes often struggle with.
4. Cargo Trikes
Commonly only used in very flat countries with brilliant cycling infrastructure due to their size and weight. Denmark and the Netherlands are well suited to cargo trikes for these reasons. However, we find that narrower roads and more hills in the UK mean getting the most out of a cargo trike can be challenging. If a cargo trike is what you're looking for, by far, the most popular choice in Denmark is the Christiania Trike.
Electric Cargo Bikes: Unlock pedal-powered efficiency with Bosch or Shimano motors
All of the above types of cargo bikes have electric options, fitted with a motor that gives you pedalling support when you need it, particularly whilst riding under load. Wherever you choose to purchase your electric cargo bike from, we would always recommend going for a Bosch or Shimano motor. These two brands stand head and shoulders above the competition when considering innovation, weight, lifespan and customer support should anything go wrong.
The Benefits of Cargo Bikes
Cargo bikes offer numerous advantages, making them an excellent option for many individuals, businesses and families.
1. Environmentally Friendly
One of the most significant benefits of cargo bikes is their eco-friendliness. They produce little (electric) to no (non-electric) carbon emissions, reduce traffic congestion, and help combat air pollution in urban areas, contributing to a cleaner and healthier environment. According to a 2021 Government Study, 72% of all car journeys in the UK were under 5 miles, an achievable cycling distance; by providing alternative people and cargo transporting options, cargo bikes can reduce the number of these journeys necessary to be carried out in a car.
2. Cost-Effective
Cargo bikes are a cost-effective transportation solution. Compared to owning and maintaining a car, cargo bikes are a budget-friendly alternative. They eliminate the need for fuel, insurance, and parking fees, resulting in substantial savings over time.
3. Versatile
Cargo bikes are incredibly versatile. They can be used for various purposes, such as commuting, grocery shopping, transporting kids to school, bringing your dog on cycling journeys or running errands. Businesses also use cargo bikes for last-mile deliveries, reducing delivery costs and carbon footprints.
4. Health Benefits
Riding a cargo bike provides excellent physical exercise. It's a low-impact way to stay active while completing your daily tasks. Plus, it's a fun way for families to spend quality time outdoors. Reducing your reliance on a car and changing one of your daily journeys to a cycling journey can hugely improve your mental health.
Notable Cargo Bike Brands
Several reputable cargo bike brands have made a name for themselves. Here are a few noteworthy ones:
Omnium
Omnium is a Danish brand known for its innovative and durable cargo bikes. Their products are designed to be lightweight and agile yet capable of handling heavy loads. We recommend Omnium for those delivering and dropping off cargo rather than only using the bike when loaded with cargo. We love the Omnium Mini-Max because it rides like a regular bike, particularly the WiFi models, as they have offroad capabilities and yet have cargo-carrying ability. The Omnium Cargo is popular among businesses seeking reliable cargo transportation in busy urban environments.
Larry vs Harry
Larry vs Harry, a Danish company, is the creator of the Bullitt cargo bike. The Bullitt is renowned for its significant carrying capability without sacrificing handling. Hugely popular in their hometown of Copenhagen, Bullitt bikes are a joy to ride. They have a wide range of accessories, making them versatile for carrying kids, large amounts of cargo, and even Festool tools.
Benno Bikes
Benno Bikes, based in California, offers a range of stylish and practical cargo bikes. Their designs prioritise user comfort and build quality, focusing on creating a lengthy lifespan for the bike. The Benno Boost E cargo bike, equipped with an electric motor, is popular for family outings and hauling cargo. The rear rack on the Benno Boost can fit two Yepp child seats, two seat pads or a combination of both, which allows the Boost to grow with your family. Benno recently released the Remi Demi, a single kid-carrying cargo bike with a much smaller footprint, making it popular for those with less storage space.
Conclusion
Cargo bikes are emerging as an eco-friendly, cost-effective, and versatile solution for transportation needs. They come in various types to cater to different requirements, whether daily commuting, family outings, or business logistics.
Brands like Omnium, Larry vs Harry, and Benno Bikes have contributed to the growing popularity of cargo bikes by creating high-quality and innovative products. As the world embraces sustainable mobility, cargo bikes will likely play an increasingly vital role in our transportation landscape. So, if you're considering a greener and more practical way to get around, exploring the world of cargo bikes might be the right move for you.
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