The cargo bike is a pedal-powered SUV – only far cooler

When it comes to moving people around a city, cars are distinctly sub-optimal. Quite apart from damage to the environment and road danger, it’s a matter of physics; most cities simply don’t have the space to accommodate a single car per inhabitant – not to mention those used by visitors. By contrast, every city can comfortably store a bicycle for every one of its people…plus countless more. It’s a fallacy that cars are a city’s lifeblood and that it’s impossible to carry heavy and bulky loads without them. The cargo bike is a pedal-powered SUV – only far more cool.

The Stroke Cargo Trike by Japanese bike company Daga shows what’s possible when open thinking is applied to urban personal transport. The trike has a tilting mechanism that allows it to lean into corners like a conventional bike and a novel removable luggage system that allows the cargo area to be reconfigured in seconds. The addition of electric assist makes it even more practical.

Other small-wheeled cargo bike we like include the electric powered Tern GSD – a bike designed to carry two kids, a week’s worth of groceries or 180 kg of cargo.

The GSD uses the now ubiquitous Bosch electric motor, which powered by up to two batteries can cover an impressive 250km. The bike arrives equipped with built-in lighting, rack, mudguards, double kickstand, two large panniers and retractable passenger foot pegs.

There’s little doubt the GSD is an impressive proposition, but if the 3,999 euro entry price is a little steep, there are cheaper ways to enter the small-wheel cargo bike market. Donky Bike is an innovative British-designed utility vehicle: An affordable and versatile load-carrying bicycle.

Many of the bikes used on city streets appear unsuitable for urban use. cheap mountain bikes grab sales by boasting many gears and suspended forks, but rarely offer luggage racks or mudguards. Inspired by load-carrying designs from the Netherlands and the strength and simplicity of BMX components, Ben Wilson and Jonathan Pooley set out to build an affordable and practical town bike. A bike for life, not landfill.

The result is the £499 Donky – a compact 20” wheel bike with removable cargo platforms front and rear.

Cycle insurance for cargo bikes

We’ve been advocates of cargo bikes for years..in fact we own a few ourselves. If you need to insure your cargo bike, please get a quote online or give us a call on 01932 828 882 and speak to our friendly team.