Are you looking for a practical, eco-friendly , and economical transportation solution for your city trips? The electric cargo bike may be the ideal solution for you! With its heavy-duty carrying capacity and electric assistance , the electric cargo bike makes it easy to get around while transporting your groceries, children, or even your pet. Find out more about this enjoyable mode of transportation .
Go directly to the chapter that interests you:
Why choose an electric cargo bike?
10 questions to ask yourself before buying an electric cargo bike
Electric cargo bike: two-wheeler or three-wheeler?
Equipment to check on the electric cargo bike
Pay attention to the dimensions and weight of the cargo bike!
Understanding electric cargo bike assistance
Before you adopt your electric cargo bike, try it!
Are you looking for a quality French electric cargo bike?
Why choose an electric cargo bike?
If you are considering purchasing a cargo bike , also known as a cargo bike , it is important to consider several factors to make the best choice .
The first important thing to determine is whether you want an electric model or not.
At Galian , we recommend you opt for an electric bike . Non-electric models can be difficult to use due to their weight, especially once loaded.
A cargo bike is heavier than a traditional bike and can be very difficult to pedal with a heavy load.
In the vast majority of cases, people who opt for a non-electric vehicle end up having to find a way to electrify it because it's too heavy. So don't make this mistake and opt for the right solution right away!
10 questions to ask yourself before buying an electric cargo bike
There are a wide variety of electric cargo bike models available on the market.
In order to choose the model best suited to your needs, you must take into account the different uses you envisage for your bike by answering the following questions:
- What is the relief of your region: hilly or rather flat?
- Do you live in a house or an apartment?
- Will you be using your bike every day or occasionally on weekends?
- What are the main uses of your bike: transporting children , shopping , traveling for work ?
- Do you use the bike for business or personal use, or both?
- How many children do you need to transport at the same time?
- Do you also need to carry an adult ?
- How many kilometers do you plan to travel?
- What is your budget for this project?
- Are you considering completely replacing your car with your cargo bike ?
By answering these different questions, you will be able to choose the characteristics best suited to your needs for your electric cargo bike .
To help you answer these questions, here are three elements not to be overlooked:
- If you're looking to replace your car, you might want to consider that some uses won't be possible, such as going to the recycling center. In this case, a cargo bike would be more suitable than a longtail bike .
- If you decide to replace your car with a cargo bike, you can benefit from a conversion bonus of up to 3000 euros for the purchase of an electric cargo bike .
- Considering an electric cargo bike for business use? There may also be financing options available with a grant , so ask for details!
Electric cargo bike: two-wheeler or three-wheeler?
Some cargo bikes are two-wheelers , while others are three-wheelers . The difference between these two types of bikes is that a two-wheeler bike has two wheels, while a three-wheeler bike has three wheels .
So how do you choose between the two?
Two-wheelers are the best-selling because they are more maneuverable and faster than three-wheelers. They are more agile, easier to turn and maneuver in tight spaces.
Tricycles, on the other hand, are suitable for transporting 3 to 4 children. This is ideal for childminders looking for something very stable and safe. In this case, speed is of little importance.
If you are always carrying a lot of luggage and have to make many stops along the way , a tricycle can be a good option. However, the preferred configuration for bicycle carriers or delivery people is often a two-wheeler + trailer .
People with reduced mobility or balance problems (poor eyesight, imbalanced inner ear) can use a tricycle to enjoy a more stable and safer alternative to cycling .
The problem with the tricycle, if it is fixed and not pendulum , is that you risk ending up on two wheels instead of three when you turn too quickly and therefore lose your balance.
You should be aware that cornering with a cargo bike and a three-wheeler is not the same. Three-wheelers are more difficult to maneuver and require a larger turning radius .
The choice between a three-wheeler and a two-wheeler will therefore depend on your needs, particularly in terms of maneuverability , and your driving style.
Equipment to check on the electric cargo bike
If you are looking for a convenient way to transport your family , the electric cargo bike is a great option.
Before making your choice, you must consider certain essential elements that ensure comfort, safety and practicality .
Seating and storage
First, check if the inside of the front box has a wooden or foam seat so that the children can sit comfortably .
Also make sure that the seat is equipped with seat belts . 5-point seat belts are particularly recommended for optimal safety.
Another consideration is your children's development. As they grow, they may no longer want to sit in the cargo bike's crate, but they won't be old enough to ride on their own yet. This is where a cargo and longtail bike , like the Formidable, may be the best option.
Also check if the front box has storage space for the protective cover , your children's toys or any other items needed for your daily life.
Some cargo bikes have a rear rack , which can be useful for carrying shopping bags in addition to children in the front.
Weather protection
The ability to cover the front box with a waterproof tarpaulin is also an advantage, as this prevents water from entering the front box in case of rain or bad weather . The bike can therefore remain outside without the risk of it getting wet or flooded.
Installing a tarp also helps to visually camouflage what is inside the front box of the cargo bike.
For winter use, check that the electric cargo bike is equipped with rain and wind protection. Some models offer an additional canopy. This transparent plastic structure protects children from the elements.
However, this option can cause a large draft and lead to a risk of imbalance in the event of strong winds.
Baby transport
Some cargo bike models allow you to install a car seat attachment in the front box to transport babies under 9 months . The idea is that the car seat suitable for babies that you put in the car can also fit in the front box of the bike.
This practice is not recommended by manufacturers due to the potential risk of accidents. Babies are fragile and can be affected by jolts and vibrations when cycling , even on cycle paths .
Before choosing an electric cargo bike for your family, be sure to check these essential features for convenient and safe use.
Pay attention to the dimensions and weight of the cargo bike!
When choosing your cargo bike, you should pay attention to its dimensions and weight. Some models are so wide that they won't fit through standard doors in your house or garage.
The weight of the bike definitely has an impact on battery life . The heavier the bike, the shorter the battery life, for the same battery.
Cargo bike frames are made from a variety of materials, but some are lighter than others. For example, an aluminum or titanium frame is lighter than a steel frame, which is a fairly heavy material. The material of the cargo bike's front box also impacts the weight of the electric cargo bike: an ABS box will often be lighter than a wooden one.
Understanding electric cargo bike assistance
The level of electric assistance : how does it work?
In concrete terms, when you use an electrically assisted cargo bike ( EAB ), you have to pedal to move forward, but the electric motor helps you with this effort necessary to push the bike.
You can choose your level of electric assistance from your bike's dashboard: economy mode, intermediate mode, trubo mode or even booster mode, if your bike is equipped with it, to ride effortlessly .
The choice of this level of assistance depends on the muscular intensity you want to provide: with the eco mode you will need more muscles, while the turbo mode will allow you to rest more.
Some engines even feature intelligent assistance , which adapts to your pedaling intensity to give you optimal speed. This is called an automatic gearbox, like in cars. The bicycle engine from French manufacturer Valeo is equipped with this.
According to the regulations, the maximum speed allowed for an e-bike , cargo or not, is 25 km/h when the engine is running. When going downhill , your bike can exceed this limit, but at this point, it will no longer be thanks to the electric motor, it will be an unassisted speed.
If you need more powerful electric assistance , you can opt for a speed bike , which is limited to 45 km/h and subject to stricter regulations: brake lights, compulsory motorcycle helmet , necessary license plate , etc.
Before you adopt your electric cargo bike, try it!
Before taking the plunge and buying your bike, it is recommended that you try it out first to get used to its unique handling. Don't be surprised if you're not comfortable at first; it takes time to get used to riding it properly.
Since the front wheel is located one meter further down the road, you should familiarize yourself with this change for safe driving.
Test out several electric cargo bike models to choose the one that best suits your needs and the way you prefer to ride. Some cargo bikes offer a smooth and flexible riding experience, while others are more responsive and dynamic.
Consider the specific features of each bike model . For example, some cargo bikes are equipped with side doors to make it easier for children to get on board. This option is particularly popular because it allows children to climb onto the bike themselves, saving parents from back pain while carrying them.
Testing several cargo bikes will allow you to choose the model that meets your needs and offers you the optimal riding experience.
If you're not ready to invest in buying a cargo e-bike , you should know that some cities offer rentals at attractive rates. Bike rentals can be done for half a day , a day, or even for longer periods (6 months - 1 year).
To find out more about local services available near you, refer to your city's manager of this type of local service. You can contact your city's Maison du Vélo or the tourist office .
Are you looking for a quality French electric cargo bike?
You may have noticed that most electric bikes on the market come from Asian countries. However, some European brands have proven themselves. French-made bike brands are also very popular.
However, beware of brands that claim to be French without actually being so. Often, only the assembly is done in France, and the parts are produced abroad. If you're looking for a genuinely French cargo bike, choose brands that make the effort to manufacture and assemble locally.
This is the case for Galian for the Formidable. We make it a point of honor to produce as many bicycle components as possible in France . Thus, 86% of the value of the Formidable is made in France. With our expertise and our commitment to quality, you are assured of benefiting from a product that combines innovation, practicality and ecological responsibility .
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