Am I ready for a Cargo Bike?
Several things are important to think about before you choose, purchase and use a cargo bike. This article is a starting point.
Imagine Your Life with a Cargo Bike
Let’s think about the factors to consider when you are looking at a cargo bike life. These are things that can need to be considered, so you don’t find yourself without answers.
We are going to think about 4 basic elements:
Storage – where can I park my cargo bike when it isn’t being ridden?
Terrain/Environment – when am I riding my cargo bike and what are the natural factors I need to consider?
Uses – what do I want to use my cargo bike for? what are there special considerations to my future adventures (parades, trick or treating, etc)?
Maintenance – who is fixing my cargo bike and how will that actually happen?
Storage
Picture where in your life you can park your cargo bike.
Perhaps you own a house with a garage or shed. Maybe you live in an apartment that has bike parking. Or you might live in a row house or building that doesn’t offer any amenities like this. So let’s think through this at the most basic level.
Actual Space – Can I consistently fit my cargo bike here? Will it get damaged?
Environmental factors – Will rain, snow and sun reach my cargo bike while it is parked?
Safety factors – Will thieves be able to easily reach my cargo bike? Do I feel personally safe parking my cargo bike here? Do I need to (and can I) lock my cargo bike?
Access – What will potentially block me from retrieving my cargo bike?
Ideally
- your cargo bike can be parked
- in a dedicated place, where cars and people will not have an opportunity to damage your cargo bike
- sheltered from water or sun
- well lit and safe
- not a chaotic place that keeps changing
- you feel confident with the amount of security you can provide
Options:
- park in a generally safe area
- purchase a cover that protects your cargo bike
- be vigilant and prepared
- be flexible and patient
Cargo Bike Life Pro Tips: Bike Lock Knowledge
U-locks seem to be best at preventing attempted thefts.
Cable locks are always able to be cut, but are great as a way to keep people honest.
Locks are never fool proof and can ALL be cut.
Terrain and Environment
Consider what you think through when preparing for your day. You think about where you are going, what you are doing and how the world is going to be. With a cargo bike, you have a few things that may be different than a car, mass transit or even walking. Really imagine loading up your cargo bike and having an adventure in your neighborhood or beyond.
Terrain – Is your route going to be hilly or flat? Are you riding only on pavement or will you have gravel sections? Will you encounter hazards, such as broken glass or thorns?
Weather – When you are going to ride your cargo bike, do you anticipate rain, bright sunshine, snow, wind? Are you going to ride no matter the weather?
Ideally
- Your cargo bike has gearing that allows you to climb any hills that you can encounter.
- If you are using an electric cargo bike, it has enough range and power
- Your tires are the right choice for the pavement, dirt and inclement weather that you will encounter.
- Your tires are puncture resistant, if needed
- You have proper clothing and accessories for the weather
Optionally
- You can walk your cargo bike as needed to avoid hazards such as broken glass or bumpy trail
- You can not use the bike when weather gets too bad
Cargo Bike Uses
Cargo bikes make every adventure a bit more adventurous. So right now, use your imagination and plan ahead in your mind. Where would you like to start your ride? What do I need to prepare for? Imagine taking your kids to school, picking up groceries, going to baseball practice, etc. Now, picture a cargo bike for trick or treating or for watching a parade.
Common Uses – Will a cargo bike be useful and usable as I am imagining? Am I being realistic?
Starting place – Will all of your adventures start from your parking area? Can you get to the event easily?
Ideally
- When you imagine your most common uses, the cargo bike fits in easily
- Your cargo bike is as portable as you need.
- You have enough room to carry all the cargo you imagine you will need.
Optionally
- You can adjust your expectations
- You can rent an appropriate transport for your cargo bike
- You can carry less stuff or add accessories, such as a rack, to carry more
Maintenance
Because you are getting prepared to own a cargo bike, you are going to use it often. This means that your cargo bike will require maintenance. So let’s consider what needs to be done and who is going to do it.
Essential Ride Maintenance – Frequently, cargo bikes need a few basic checks. Make sure you can go, stop and steer.
Maintenance and Repairs – A cargo bike that gets ridden often will need additional repairs and maintenance to stay safe and efficient.
Ideally
- You feel comfortable with:
- Lubing a chain (unless you have a belt-drive)
- Pumping up tires
- Checking your brakes
- You have a bike shop that:
- You can transport your cargo bike to
- Knows how to do the work on your cargo bike
- Is willing to store your cargo bike or do the work on the spot
Cargo Bike Life Pro Tips: Working with Bike Shops
Call ahead and confirm about timing, storage and costs of repairs.
Check if there is time to do the repairs while you wait.
Get drivetrain and brake maintenance done during the slow season (in most of the US, that is November through March)
Optionally
- You can look up repairs on YouTube and make them yourself
- You can hire a mechanic to come to your cargo bike