What is a Cargo Bike?
AKA – WHAT IS THAT THING?!?
Short answer: It is a bicycle (or tricycle) that is specifically built for hauling stuff.
It isn’t:
– A Rack
– A Backpack
– A Trailer
There are 2 basic styles of cargo bike, based on where the cargo is in relation to the rider:
Front-Loading Cargo Bikes
Image Credit: https://uk.pinterest.com/pin/1940-long-john-cargobike–308074430744147427/
Front-loading cargo bikes have a large storage area located at the front, most commonly between the handlebars and the front wheel. This design allows for easy access and viewing of the cargo (precious or otherwise). They are ideal for transporting children, groceries and dogs.
NERD ALERT: Other names include Long John, Bakfiets and What-in-the-heck-is-that-thing?
Rear-Loading Cargo Bikes
Rear-loading cargo bikes, on the other hand, have a storage area located behind the rider. You’ll find a platform for sitting kids and attaching accessories.
The Choice
Personally, I have both. And I actually really love both. The main thing that is the same is they are both easy to ride. They both take a moment to get used to.
My wife prefers to be on the back of the rear-loader.
My daughter prefers to be in the box of the front-loader.
And my son wants to ride his own bike.
How Do I Choose?
The best way is to try them out. You will be weighing a few things:
– Which style makes me (the rider) feel safe? Both options are safe to ride, under proper conditions.
– Which style will work better for the cargo I am hauling? If you can ask your cargo (if they can talk), see what they think.
There are more things to consider. Don’t decide yet. Let’s keep learning.
Front-Loading Cargo Bikes
Image Credit: https://uk.pinterest.com/pin/1940-long-john-cargobike–308074430744147427/
Front-loading cargo bikes have a large storage area located at the front, most commonly between the handlebars and the front wheel. This design allows for easy access and viewing of the cargo (precious or otherwise). They are ideal for transporting children, groceries and dogs.
Image Credit: https://uk.pinterest.com/pin/1940-long-john-cargobike–308074430744147427/
Front-loading cargo bikes have a large storage area located at the front, most commonly between the handlebars and the front wheel. This design allows for easy access and viewing of the cargo (precious or otherwise). They are ideal for transporting children, groceries and dogs.
NERD ALERT: Other names include Long John, Bakfiets (Box Bike in Dutch) and What-in-the-heck-is-that-thing?
Rear-Loading Cargo Bikes
Rear-loading cargo bikes, on the other hand, have a storage area located behind the rider. You’ll find a platform for sitting kids and attaching accessories.
The Choice
Personally, I have both. And I actually really love both. The main thing that is the same is they are both easy to ride. They both take a moment to get used to.
My wife prefers to be on the back of the rear-loader.
My daughter prefers to be in the box of the front-loader.
And my son wants to ride his own bike.
How Do I Choose?
The best way is to try them out. You will be weighing a few things:
– Which style makes me (the rider) feel safe? Both options are safe to ride, under proper conditions.
– Which style will work better for the cargo I am hauling? If you can ask your cargo (if they can talk), see what they think.
There are more things to consider. Don’t decide yet. Let’s keep learning.