Cargo bikes are great for families with children and pets. When you think of a bike, you most likely picture it as a two-wheeled machine with one rider. Cargo bikes are just like regular bikes, but they have an extended frame that allows the rider to carry passengers or large objects.
You can transport lots of stuff
Cargo bikes are like two- (or three-) wheeled minivans of the biking world. You can carry kids, adults, a week’s shopping for your family, saplings, a Christmas tree, a rented floor sander — the list goes on! Yes, these are examples of things we’ve personally carried. We love cargo bikes at our office and between us, we’ve tried front-loading bakfiets, long-tail, mid-tail, and trikes. Our current favorites are the Tern GSD and Urban Arrow, but there are lots of excellent cargo bikes available with new ones coming out every year.
Great for the environment
With or without a motor, cargo bikes are good for the environment because they use less energy than a car and they produce no emissions. They also lessen the need for fuel production, which has an impact on climate change. While the batteries and motors fitted on electric bikes add to their environmental footprint, they’re not even on the same scale as even the most ecologically produced car.
You will get a really good workout
A big benefit of owning a cargo bike is that it will give you a good workout. Instead of driving to the store, you can cycle. You’ll get some exercise while running errands instead of sitting in a big metal box. Load up your cargo bike with your kids, backpacks and your work bag and exercise while you do the school run and office commute. If you can’t shower and change your clothes at the office, use an electric cargo bike and commute without breaking a sweat. Studies show that it still counts as exercise!
No stress
Will you have a healthier, happier life if you buy a cargo bike? Everyone has their own opinion when it comes to that question, but many people are convinced that this is true. Rain or shine, being out on your bike immersed in the environment is mentally beneficial. Cargo bikes allow you to do more activities by bike instead of car, which means you won’t be stuck in traffic and arrive at your destination frazzled. You won’t ever have to drive in circles looking for a parking space, either.
A practical and healthy investment
Cargo bikes are investment. Prices range from inexpensive for non-motorized versions to very pricey for electric cargo bikes with the most powerful motors and large-capacity batteries. However much you spend, you can be sure that a cargo bike can save a significant amount of money in the longer-term, while improving your physical and mental health.