Cargo bikes for school runs and mobile businesses?

A cargo bike can be a practical solution for transporting kids. Image: IStock/Orbon Alija via AFP Relaxnews.

With sales booming nearly everywhere in Europe, you may have noticed cargo bikes becoming a growing trend in urban centers. Whether it is for carrying people or goods, there are options out there to suit all kinds of needs.

Family transportation

Popular with city dwellers who want a pollution-free way to get around town (while also saving money), a cargo bike is a simple means of transportation for families. One or several children can sit in the box of a front-loading cargo bike, or at the back of a longtail bike, while an adult pedals everyone from A to B. This could, for example, be practical for the school run, so long as you do not have too far to go. Even pets could hop aboard some models.

Best options: For this kind of use, it is worth investing in a longtail cargo bike, a kind of elongated bike with room for two kids on the back. Alternatively, look for a “Long John,”  a two-wheeled cargo bike with a cargo box at the front.

Carrying shopping

As well as ferrying the kids around, a cargo bike can also be used to transport goods. In fact, some models can carry up to 100 kilograms. That should be enough to cover your weekly grocery shop or other purchases like DIY equipment. With this kind of bike, you will no longer need to get in the car to go to your local supermarket.

Best options: A two-wheeled cargo bike is just the job for carrying groceries (and more) in the front-mounted cargo box.

Mobile businesses

A cargo bike, too, can be turned into a versatile basis for a business, from selling drinks or ice creams to delivering flowers. In fact, cargo bikes are being put to use by major chains and small-scale entrepreneurs alike as a cost-effective and flexible solution. A cargo bike makes it a lot easier to bring your business to any street corner, or wherever it is needed, than with a bigger vehicle like a van.

Best options: For this, it could be worth looking into cargo trikes. These three-wheelers have a front loading cargo platform that can be customized to suit your business activity. CC

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