Choosing Your Professional Cargo Bike | The Complete Guide

Are you planning to invest in a cargo bike for your business ? Whether you're a three-wheeled or two-wheeled bike, a compact cargo bike, or a utility trailer, one thing's for sure: you're spoiled for choice! Whether you're a retailer, restaurant owner, bike delivery driver, or even a mover, there's a cargo bike for every profession!

Not sure which one to choose? Models of trailers and cargo bikes, advantages and disadvantages of each and costs involved: Galian offers you a complete guide to professional cargo bikes .

The different types of professional cargo bikes

When we think of a professional cargo bike, we all have different images in mind. From large three-wheelers to compact cargo bikes, there are a wide variety of models available. And they adapt to you and your business.

Quick recap of the different types of professional cargo bikes:

• The tricycle with front or rear box: integrated into the bike, the large storage box allows you to store your equipment or products. Note the difference between classic tricycles (more stable, but less maneuverable) or pendulum tricycles (wheels that lean in turns, more maneuverable, but less stable).
• The versatile two-wheeler with a box at the front and/or an extended luggage rack (longtail): also used by individuals, this type of two-wheeler is suitable for professional journeys.
• The compact cargo bike: a minimalist cargo bike, it can carry less goods than a standard cargo bike.
• The e-bike with a trailer: equipped with a flatbed or converted trailer, a classic e-bike quickly transforms into a professional cargo bike. This solution is ideal if you want to remove the trailer for your personal journeys.

Now that you have the different models in mind, let's get to the heart of the matter: choosing your professional cargo bike , the one that will become your everyday ally (and favorite)!

Professional cargo bike: making the best choice

Choosing the right professional cargo bike—the one that will accompany us for years to come—can seem complicated. We'll help you see things more clearly.

Define its use

There are as many professional cargo bikes as there are professional cyclists. Yes, this type of bike can be customized to suit your daily life!

Thus, a restaurateur, a craftsman, a physiotherapist or a cycle logistics professional will not have the same needs.

Depending on your activity, first assess the maximum payload in kilos and the carrying capacity in volume you need. These two points will determine:

• the type of pro cargo bike to choose
• the minimum volume of the box
• the power of the engine torque required

Also consider the type of journeys you will be making on a daily basis. The daily distance, the topography (plain, hilly or mountainous terrain, etc.), the type of cycle facilities and the frequency of journeys will determine:

• battery life
• the power of the engine torque
• cargo bike maneuverability
• the weight of the empty bicycle

➡️ Also read: the testimony of Pierre, physiotherapist and user of a pro cargo bike

Choosing your professional cargo bike: 5 characteristics to consider

With your future professional cargo bike, you'll be carrying a lot of weight and covering many kilometers every day. To avoid making a mistake, we'll take a look at 5 essential checkpoints to consider before purchasing.

1 - The power of the engine torque

Expressed in Newton meters (Nm), the torque of an electric bike determines the power of your pedaling. The higher its value, the more easily you can pull a heavy load.

For a conventional e-bike equipped with a trailer, a minimum motor torque of 80 Nm is recommended. If you use a professional cargo bike and need to transport heavy equipment, we recommend going for a motor torque of 100 Nm or more (the latest generation of motors even goes up to 130 Nm).

2 - The maximum load supported

Some specific professional trailers and cargo bikes can carry a payload of up to 300 kilos .

For cargo bikes, it will be specified whether this load is equal to the load carried or the total capacity of the bike (including the rider's weight). For compact cargo bikes, you can take a look at the permitted weight on the rear rack and the front rack.

For most activities, a payload of 100 kilos is more than adequate. Consider assessing your needs beforehand!

3 - Reinforced tires

Heavy weight means reinforced tires are essential! Because of the load, your tires must withstand higher pressure than standard tires.

Professional cargo bike models already come with tires adapted to their size . They are wider (usually between 55 and 70 mm) and have rubber that is more resistant to wear and braking.

As a professional, your time is precious and a puncture is unwelcome. Therefore, some tire models have additional protection against tearing.

If you plan to use a conventional e-bike to tow a cargo trailer, don't neglect the tires! Consider replacing them if they aren't strong enough.

4 - Battery life

For a professional cyclist, good battery life is essential . Its capacity is expressed in Wh. The higher it is, the more kilometers you will be able to travel.

For example, the theoretical range of a 750 Wh battery will be 45 to 100 km. Why such a difference? Because range is also determined by other criteria:

• the assistance mode used (economy, intermediate, turbo)
• the route (flat or steep terrain, paved road or path, etc.)
• the weight carried, more or less heavy
• tire inflation and quality
• climatic conditions (temperature variations, wind, etc.)

These criteria make the actual capacity of your battery more uncertain. So, if you have to travel many kilometers each day and your journey is punctuated by many stops, you are strongly advised to keep a spare battery with you.

5 - Maneuverability

The maneuverability of a cargo bike is linked to:

• Its geometry: the two-wheeler is more maneuverable than a three-wheeler.
• Its empty weight: the lighter the cargo bike, the easier it will be to start, maneuver and change direction.
• Wheelbase (the distance between the front wheel axle and the rear wheel axle): the longer it is, the less agile the bike will be when cornering.
• Center of gravity: the lower the box, the better the stability and handling.
• Weight distribution: This is essential, especially if you're carrying a lot of weight. A cargo bike with an unevenly distributed load will be more difficult to ride.
• The steering angle of the wheel: the tighter it is, the easier it will be for you to take tight turns.

It's worth noting, however, that a heavy and bulky bike doesn't necessarily mean poor handling. In recent years, technical developments have been real, and cargo bikes are becoming increasingly efficient!

The cost of a professional cargo bike

The purchase price of a pro cargo bike/cargo trailer

Depending on the model of professional cargo bike you choose, the price ranges from €1,200 (non-electric compact cargo bike) to more than €10,000 for a high-end model (three- or two-wheeled bike with a high payload).

The price of a cargo trailer varies from around €500 to more than €4,500 for models with a large volume box.

Depending on your budget, it's then up to you to balance your needs, your budget, the quality and robustness of the chosen model.

💡 Good to know: There are monthly financing options. Galian offers zero-interest loans and leasing through its partner Taalweg .

Additional costs: flocking, insurance, assistance, maintenance, repair, replacement of parts

Aside from the purchase price, a cargo bike or trailer incurs several costs. These include:

• the basic investment :
• safety accessories: helmet, vest, additional lighting, anti-theft devices, etc.
• professional modules and crates: for example, insulated crate, module specific to animal transport, etc.
• bike equipment: rain cover, protective cover, extra battery, etc.
• flocking and personalization with your company name if necessary

• Recurring costs:
• Maintenance (2 to 3 times a year for daily use)
• Replacement of mechanical and electronic parts if worn or defective
• Professional liability insurance
• Bicycle insurance (theft, breakage, assistance)
• electricity for recharging the battery

For all these elements, it's impossible to give you a fixed price, since it will vary enormously depending on your activity and the bike chosen. Indeed, there's no comparison between a bicycle mover and a florist who makes occasional deliveries.

To give you an idea, you will still need to count between 10 and 20% of the price of the bike per year in maintenance and additional costs.

Advantages and disadvantages depending on the pro cargo bike chosen

Cargo bike type	Benefits	Disadvantages
The three-wheeler with front or rear box	✅ High load capacity (weight and volume) ✅Stability when stationary ✅ Ideal for urban logistics, markets or street vending	❌ Depending on the model, bulky cargo bike ❌ The significant empty weight ❌ Less maneuverable than a cargo bike, especially if it is not a swing bike ❌ More expensive to purchase and maintain
The two-wheeler with front or rear box	✅ Good compromise between capacity and maneuverability ✅ More maneuverable than a tricycle ✅ Riding comfort close to a classic bike ✅ Suitable for goods, but also for children or animals	❌ Less volume than a three-wheeler ❌ Requires a balanced load for good stability ❌ Requires time to adapt to driving
The compact cargo bike	✅ Format close to a classic bicycle ✅ Easy to park ✅ Very handy ✅Cheaper than a two-wheeler or three-wheeler	❌ More limited load capacity (weight and volume) ❌ Reduced comfort if fully loaded
The VAE with trailer	✅ Flexible solution: detachable trailer ✅ Lower initial cost (especially if you already own an e-bike) ✅ Trailer suitable for heavy or specific loads (parcels, equipment, dog) ✅ Easy to store separately	❌ Less maneuverable with a loaded trailer ❌ Less practical in narrow streets and cycle paths ❌ Requires having a powerful, stable and robust VAE.

Of course, take these elements as a guide. Capacity, payload, frame shape: the choice of a professional cargo bike is very… personal! It's your needs and lifestyle that will guide you towards this or that model.

As a French manufacturer of electric cargo bikes , Galian has several commitments, including the decarbonization of daily travel. As a professional cyclist, you are participating in this revolution. And just knowing that makes us want to innovate even more!