Cargo or Longtail Bike: 6 Criteria to Help You Make Your Choice!

Cargo bikes , also called carrier bikes, are becoming more and more popular. It must be said that with their imposing size, they are noticeable! Presenting the enormous advantage of being able to transport several children , but also heavy loads, these electric bikes are multiplying in large cities around the world. And they are increasingly replacing more polluting vehicles like cars or scooters. But when it comes to choosing a family bike model, things get complicated! Cargo bike or longtail ? Which model will be best suited to your needs? In this article, Galian helps you make your choice!

Cargo bike, longtail bike: what does it mean exactly?

Cargo bike, longtail, two-wheeler, three-wheeler : if you're not familiar with the specific vocabulary of cycling, there's a good chance you'll get confused! Here's a quick look at two of the family-favorite cargo bikes: the cargo bike with a front trunk and the longtail bike!

The cargo bike

A cargo bike, as its name suggests, is an electric bike that allows you to carry heavy loads (like your groceries, for example), but also other people. It can have a large front trunk or an extended luggage rack that can accommodate two, three, or even four children.

Also called a cargo bike , it can have two or three wheels:

• The cargo bike: easy to handle and fast, this cargo bike model has a box at the front.
• The three-wheeler: Designed to carry heavier loads, it is particularly popular with professionals. Due to its two front wheels, it is more stable than a two-wheeler. However, its speed, stability, and maneuverability are lower.

The longtail cargo bike, on the other hand, differs from the classic cargo bike . Let's take a closer look.

The longtail bike

The longtail bike is a bike that has an extended luggage rack at the rear . Its long range allows it to carry packages, but also people.

You will also find longtail bikes that are muscular (a term that refers to a cycle without electrical assistance) or electric . The latter are the most popular. They are easier to ride when the load being carried is heavy.

In recent years, its popularity, particularly among parents of young children, has only grown. The logical extension of the baby carrier, which cannot accommodate children over 22 kg, is the longtail solution, which is increasingly popular. Take a walk around a school in the morning and you'll see for yourself!

Choosing between a cargo or longtail bike: 6 criteria to consider

Are you hesitating between a cargo bike or a longtail bike ? Before investing in one or the other, it's important to ask yourself the right questions. The following 6 criteria are the most important to consider when choosing your electric cargo bike .

1 — The stability of the bike

One of the first questions that comes up among the uninitiated is the stability of cargo bikes. And for good reason: whether you're transporting goods or your children, your safety, as well as that of other road users, is paramount.

This stability depends on two factors: the center of gravity and the wheelbase (distance between the front wheel axle and the rear wheel axle). Manufacturers of electric cargo bikes make these criteria their priorities.

The cargo bike, with its front box, has a longer wheelbase than a longtail bike. Likewise, the cargo bike's center of gravity remains lower than a longtail bike's and is therefore more stable. Indeed, on a longtail, children are higher up than in a cargo bike's front box. Therefore, the cargo bike is the most stable bike.

2 — Maneuverability

Sidewalks, speed bumps, narrowings: the road is riddled with all kinds of pitfalls that you need to know how to avoid. And if you're not an experienced cyclist, handling a cargo bike weighing over 40 kilos can be daunting. Don't panic! Even when fully loaded, cargo and longtail bikes remain easy to handle on the road.

In terms of bike handling, the longtail model is the one that comes closest to the classic bike . Its handling when you are in pedestrian mode next to it or when parking it is also very simple.

Cargo bikes with a front box can sometimes be difficult to maneuver when your route includes selective barriers or when your bike garage is difficult to access. Choose a cargo bike with a steering cable rather than a steering bar for better maneuverability.

3 — Passenger comfort

With its front trunk, the cargo bike is the unsurprising winner. Younger children can sit comfortably on a bench seat . They can also be protected from the rain with a protective cover, also called a canopy.

Despite everything, the longtail bike is not left out. To transport your children, you only need to add a cushion to the luggage rack as well as a protective barrier to ensure their safety. With their feet firmly planted on the footrests and protected from the wheel spokes by the skirt, older children will feel comfortable in the back.

To summarize, a child under 6 years old will be more comfortable sitting on the front of a cargo bike, while a larger child or adult will prefer to be seated on the back of a longtail.

💡 Also read: Transporting an adult on a cargo bike : everything you need to know

4 — Load capacity

The electric cargo bike, with its large front box, has a significant load capacity. It can easily replace the trunk of your car for your daily shopping.

For transporting goods, the extended rear bike is less practical, but it's still possible! All you need to do is invest in carrying bags that you can attach to the luggage rack. You'll then have to choose between transporting children or carrying luggage.

5 — Parking the electric cargo bike

The size of a cargo bike is an important factor to consider. Cargo bike or longtail: not all models are created equal.

An extended bike takes up less space and can easily be parked in a shared bike garage or stairwell. For a cargo bike with a front box, it's best to park it in a closed garage due to its bulkiness. However, new buildings are now required to provide "cargo bike" spaces in their shared bike parking areas. Some people are therefore lucky enough to be able to live in an apartment building and store their cargo bike there.

6 — The price

For similar quality and components, a cargo bike with a front trunk is more expensive than a longtail. Trunk components, especially the seats, represent a certain cost that must be added to the bike's structure.

Beyond the price difference between these two models, several criteria determine their sale price:

• The quality of materials and components: for example, an aluminum frame will be more expensive than a steel frame.
• The origin of materials and components: production costs are higher in Europe than in Asia.
• The place of manufacturing and assembly: similarly, labor is more expensive in France and Europe than in Asia.
• Motor torque and location: Motor torque is expressed in Newtons per meter (Nm). A motor with higher torque makes it easier to climb hills. It's also best to have this motor located in the bike's bottom bracket. This will make it more efficient.
• Battery life: Battery capacity is measured in Watt-hours (Wh). The higher the battery capacity, the greater the distance you can travel before recharging. Battery life also depends on other factors such as the weight carried, the unevenness of the terrain, and the assistance mode selected.

Due to the wide variation in these criteria, the price range for a longtail or cargo bike is wide . Expect to pay around €1,500 for a muscular longtail bike. For a cargo bike made with high-end materials and manufactured and assembled in France, the price can climb to around €10,000 .

The Formidable: the electric cargo bike that replaces your second car

Still undecided between a cargo bike or a longtail bike? Then why not opt ​​for both? At Galian, we have designed the Formidable, the first electric bike that combines a trunk at the front and an extended luggage rack at the rear .

This new generation cargo bike has one goal: to replace your second car . Whether it's for taking your kids to school, doing your shopping, or even taking a friend to the train station, this family bike is multifunctional.

Comfortable, easy to handle, and high-performance, the Formidable has everything you need to win you over. So, let's all saddle up!

I discover the Formidable