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

In the city, cargo bikes, longtails, and midtails are now legion. Particularly known for being able to transport children, many models also have the capacity to carry an adult . And that's a real advantage! Eco-friendly, practical, and economical, the cargo bike not only replaces the car and public transport, but also competes with the motorcycle or scooter. However, between safety rules and good practices, transporting an adult on a cargo bike cannot be improvised . Similarly, among all the bike models that exist, not all are designed to carry an additional adult. Want to know more? Galian helps you see more clearly!

Transporting an adult on a cargo bike: what the law says

Riding a cargo bike with an adult passenger isn't rocket science. But it does require you to be aware of the rules. A quick safety tip!

Use a cargo bike designed for transporting adults

Riding a suitable cargo bike is mandatory . Sitting directly on the luggage rack of a conventional bike is out of the question!

To transport an adult, you must have a double saddle (this is the case on certain two-seater bikes) or a suitable seat on your luggage rack.

In the event of failure to comply with this obligation, Article R431-5 of the Highway Code provides for a second-class fixed fine of €35.

Respect the Highway Code

Also a little reminder, all drivers, motorcyclists and cyclists must respect the Highway Code to ensure everyone's safety.

Unlike a car, a cargo bike, like any other bicycle, is a means of transport without a bodywork. As a cyclist, you are therefore ensuring your own safety by respecting the rules! Because ignorance of the law is no excuse (😇), the ones you absolutely must know are the following:

• Where available, use cycle paths and lanes. Where no designated facilities are provided, ride on the right.
• As with other vehicles, respect road markings, signs, traffic lights and pedestrian priority.
• Do not walk on the sidewalks.
• Park on the road or in the designated spaces.
• Don't make phone calls while cycling.
• Do not wear headphones while cycling.
• For your safety, but also that of other users, do not consume alcohol or drugs.

In case of violation, penalties are provided . And the bill can be steep: up to €135 if you do not stop at a stop sign, for example.

💡 Good to know: You may have heard that committing a bicycle offense results in points being deducted from your driver's license. This is a misconception... unless you're cycling while intoxicated or endangering the lives of others. In the most serious cases, a judge may even decide to suspend your license.

Essential accessories for cyclists

Still for your safety and that of your passengers, certain accessories are essential, even obligatory:

• Helmet: For people over the age of twelve, wearing a helmet is not mandatory. However, in the event of an impact, you drastically reduce the risk of serious injury.

Cosmo Connected Bicycle Helmet with Turn Signals

• The retro-reflective vest: it is compulsory for cyclists and their passengers when they are riding outside built-up areas, at night or if visibility is reduced.
• The hazard spacer: this reflective orange rod attached to the frame reminds motorists of the minimum distance to be respected when overtaking a cyclist (in this case 1.50 m). The hazard spacer is optional, but still allows you to be more visible to other road users.
• Lights and reflectors (light-reflecting devices): according to French regulations, a cargo bike must have:
  • front and rear lights;
  • one or more red reflectors at the rear;
  • a white reflector at the front;
  • two orange reflectors on each pedal and two visible laterally (on the wheels). However, these are not mandatory if the bicycle tires are equipped with retroreflective devices.
• Reflectors: To increase visibility, the cargo bike owner can install reflectors on the spokes of its wheels.
• Practical and useful accessories: to cope with bad weather or transport your belongings, think about the essential bike commuter pants or bike bags .

Traajet bike commuter pants

Beautiful in the saddle bike bag

Riding a cargo bike with an adult passenger

Are you already a fan of using a cargo bike to transport your children ? Then you shouldn't have any difficulty riding with an adult passenger .

Just take into account:

• The payload that your cargo bike can carry: this varies on average from 150 to 300 kg.
• Tires: These are well maintained and sufficiently inflated to support the weight of two adults.
• The center of gravity: This is located in the middle of the bike. In the case of a longtail cargo bike, your passenger should sit directly behind you.
• Cargo bike riding: Take into account the weight you're carrying. Ride smoothly and slow down when cornering.

💡 Our tip: No matter how experienced you are with a cargo bike, we recommend practicing in a secluded area. This will help you safely get used to riding with an adult passenger. Generally, ten to fifteen minutes is enough to get the hang of the bike.

Transporting an adult on an electric cargo bike: suitable models

There are a number of different cargo bikes available, many of which are suitable for transporting an adult. But which one should you choose based on your needs? Here's an overview of the different models. ⬇️

The two-seater bike for riding as a couple

The two-seater bike is an ideal model for riding as a couple. In addition, it represents an ecological alternative to the scooter .

Far from the traditional tandem that we all know, this electric-assisted bike has a long two-seater saddle or an extended luggage rack equipped with a seat. In the latter case, depending on the size of the luggage rack, we speak of a longtail or midtail cargo bike .

The three-wheeler for transporting an elderly person or someone with reduced mobility

Not all adults can ride on the back of a longtail bike. A person with reduced mobility or the elderly may not be able to balance on a luggage rack.

Although less maneuverable, the electric tricycle is more stable. Some models are specifically designed to accommodate one or two adults. Examples include:

• The tricycle for transporting a wheelchair : equipped with two ramps and straps, it accommodates almost all types of wheelchairs.
• The bicycle taxi: this adapted tricycle has a large seat at the front that can accommodate one or two adults.

The cargotail for transporting an adult… and children or a pet

Transporting an adult on a cargo bike is great. But is there a model that can accommodate both an adult and children? This is a problem facing many urban families today who want to replace their car with a cargo bike.

To meet this need, Galian designed the Formidable: the world's first cargotail . Able to carry an adult on its extended and reinforced luggage rack, this cargo bike, equipped with Valeo's powerful Cyclee engine (130 Nm), also has a front box that can accommodate one or two children.

With it, you can go out with your family and explore your favorite cycle paths and trails.

💡 Also read: Electric bike motor power : what you need to know