Transport bikes have almost fallen into oblivion in this country and are only widely known in the form of postal bikes. The cargo bike is now experiencing a renaissance. As an affordable, sporty and environmentally friendly alternative to the car, it is very much in tune with the times.
Wide range of designs and equipment
The classic post bike is just one of many variants of the transport bike. The range extends from simple single-speed bikes with enlarged pannier racks to ultra-modern three-wheeled cargo bikes with transport platforms the size of Euro pallets. The latter can carry payloads of up to 180 kilos. There are very different types of front and rear loaders, box vehicles and even more unusual designs in all wheel sizes from 16 to 28 inches. The product tips from fahrradexperten.com provide some examples. Today, there is no need to compromise on equipment either. Hub and derailleur gears are just as available as electric drives, full suspension and disc brakes.
Areas of application
The areas of application for cargo bikes are just as varied as the models. The size of the loading area and the maximum payload are the most important factors. Simple, two-wheeled models are suitable for postal delivery services and private shopping, for example. All kinds of attachments are available for the larger models in particular, allowing the bike to be customised for specific purposes. These include rickshaw-style passenger transporters, snack and ice cream vans, mobile offices, transport vehicles for tradespeople and parcel deliverers and much more. Cargo bikes are not only suitable for companies, but also for environmentally conscious private individuals who want to do without their car as much as possible. However, they are not a substitute for the everyday bike. They are significantly more expensive than normal bikes, unsuitable for fast journeys, heavier and correspondingly unwieldy. Some models can weigh up to 60 kilograms.