For use in professional logistics, cargo models must be reliable, low on maintenance and high on payloads. This year’s Eurobike offers a comprehensive overview and opportunities to ride the latest technologies on the outdoor test track.
are tailor-made for deliveries in packed city centers.
Many large cities in Europe have started to restrict city-center access to trucks and certain kinds of internal combustion engine vehicles to reduce pollution and ease congestion. This development has further spurred the search for new logistics concepts, with extra-large cargo trikes and quads as a central element. Since these offerings cater to a pure b2b audience, different logics apply than for cargo bikes catering to consumers. Durability is key, as downtime always comes at a loss in logistics. Batteries need loads of capacity and ideally should be easily swappable, and the e-drive systems need plenty of torque. Given the substantial payloads these XL cargo trikes and quads can take, weight is not a priority, but powerful brakes certainly are.
Of course, these oversized cargo trikes and quads need adequate infrastructure to move safely. Again, the political trend toward greener cities comes in handy here. Tests in the historic heart of Amsterdam have shown that large cargo trikes and quads can do more deliveries within a given time than conventional vans, as they can pick much more direct routes due to their status as bicycles. When making clever use of micro depots that can be supplied by larger vans or trucks while the city is asleep, the lower payload of pedal-powered delivery vehicles can be mitigated. As for the drivers, they get to enjoy some exercise and more fresh air than when using a conventional van to do the job. Finding a parking lot close to the actual destination is likely to get a lot less challenging as well; again access is key.
With the International Cargo Bike Festival there is even an event entirely dedicated to this segment. Plenty of interesting brands and suppliers are exhibiting their products at Eurobike as well, displaying an amazing diversity in terms of approaches. Some focus on transport logistics and thus design their vehicles to fit standard box and container sizes used in logistics, or even pallets. Others are looking into ways to safely carry a group of children or cater to the needs of landscapers, municipal workers and craftspeople. To make for a rock-solid base when loading and parking, most manufacturers opt for designs with three or four wheels. And many prefer a serial hybrid solution where a generator in the bottom bracket area produces electricity that is feeding hub motors directly to a chain- or beltdrive-based transmission for reasons of wear and ease of construction.
Claiming to offer a right-sized solution for urban logistics, Estonian manufacturer Vok Bikes packs a lot of technology into its cargo quads. The Vok 4 Drive system is a serial hybrid design that works without a chain and feeds electricity to hub motors built into all four wheels. You get four-wheel drive, regenerative braking with ABS and electronic traction control. As the system is limited to 250W and a top speed of 25 kph and only supports you when you pedal, these quads legally are e-bikes and thus can be ridden both on roads and bicycle lanes. Built to carry a payload of up to 200kg and a rider with a maximum weight of 100kg, these pedal vans are offered in two versions: The Vok-XL is optimized to carry parcels, standard boxes and containers, whereas the Vok-U comes with a modular and tiltable flatbed. With their windshields, partially covered cockpits and comfy seat, these cargo quads look like downsized conventional vans while beating them at their task of delivering goods efficiently.
The Intelectra Cargobike XL of Dynamic Drives Giessen attracts plenty of doubletakes thanks to its futuristic design and the unusual position of the driver. But there is more to this four-wheeler than just looks, as it has been built to fit various standard box and container sizes commonly used in logistics or to serve as a flexible base for customizations of all kinds. This cargo quad is pushing the limits of what can be deemed an e-bike, boasting a payload of 400kg (including the driver) and weighing 180kg itself. To carry this weight, it rolls on four 24 inch-wheels, with hub motors delivering a peak torque of 190 Nm built into the rear wheels. The motors and the polymer wheels are proprietary developments by Dynamic Drives Giessen. Given the length of the Cargobike XL, going for a serial hybrid solution is a logical step. Easy-to-swap battery packs and 4-piston disc brakes aided by regenerative braking technology add to both the utility and safety of this massive cargo quad.
Nijland Cycling has been in the business for a long time and is known for classic-looking cargo trikes with wooden load beds. With its Cargo Cycling brand, the Dutch cargo specialist strikes an all different, modern tone: The Doer powered by Metrucks is a state-of-the-art quad that comes with a cargo box offering a generous 2 cubic meters of space. The pilot stays dry thanks to the rider cabin, with an ergonomic recumbent seat adding to the comfort. The Doer rolls on four suspended scooter-grade wheels, comes with four powerful disc brakes and features a chainless serial hybrid e-drive system for low maintenance and high durability. For the Chariot FS2 cargo trike, Cargo Cycling has developed a hybrid tilting system in close cooperation with Movaria GmbH. This system locks the front part of the frame in an upright position at low speeds while enabling it to tilt naturally in corners at higher speeds. Add a LoadR Pro cargo box with electronic locks and integrated RFID technology for keyless operation, and you are ready to deliver goods of all kinds.
The Musketier of German cargo specialist Radkutsche has been around for some years. And various e-drive systems have been used to power it over that time. At this year’s Eurobike, the latest version will be presented, relying on a new serial hybrid e-drive system rather than a classic mid-drive motor and a chain. This system has been developed in cooperation with Cixi and SEG Automotive, with Embedded Innovation supplying the motor control unit and Fahrwerker the powerful brakes—a European cooperation to develop and build a system tailor-made for large, heavy cargo trikes and quads. Based on a sturdy steel frame, the Musketier cargo trike can be configured for various purposes, with the payload including the driver being limited to 300kg. Cargo boxes with a volume of up to 2 cubic meters can be added for delivery duties as well.
Finnish manufacturer Ouca Bikes sells its premium cargo trikes in both a Transport and a Kiddiebus configuration. The frame design has been updated to fit Valeo’s Cyclee mid-drive motor with an integrated automatic gear box. With a maximum torque of 130 Nm and no need to think about the right gear, this e-drive system is a smart choice for large cargo models used in professional logistics. It also features a digital locking function through a mobile app, adding theft-protection to the ease of operation. As for the frame, Ouca Bikes has reduced its width to below 1 meter, which is important for maneuverability in tight spaces. And for more range, the Finns have added a rack battery with a generous capacity of 1240Wh. This battery can be swapped easily, and the entire cargo trike has been built with durability and ease of maintenance in mind.
The burly XCYC Work cargo trikes of Youmo have been around for some years and have proven their worth for various applications. As a new option, the cargo trike can be fitted with a superstructure designed for the specific needs of landscapers and municipality services. This high-quality flatbed has been developed with and is built by German trailer specialists Stema and only weighs 40kg. Three of the four side panels can be folded down, and the entire loading area can be tilted by up to 30 degrees, either manually or by using a powertool.
for many tasks with its tilting cargo bay.
The Mocci cargo bike may only roll on two wheels, but it takes aim at the b2b cargo and fleet market. Both the frame and the six-spoke wheels sport unique looks and are made from injection-molded plastics, so they can be recycled if a part ever fails. Various sticker kits allow for an easily customizable look. Carriers can be fitted to the back and to the steerer tube area where Mocci has also built in a lockable compartment. For larger loads fitting trailers in two sizes are available as well, as are various accessories to safely transport different kinds of goods. As the maximum payload is set to 200kg, ample support is needed. This is provided by a serial hybrid e-drive system developed in cooperation with Heinzmann, Schaeffler and Ansmann. A high-torque hub motor is built into the rear wheel, and a stepless automatic transmission always puts in the right gear.
With its heavy-duty flatbed trailers available in three sizes, Carla Cargo plays in a league of its own. The Carla mini version has been designed to transport beverage crates, the medium-sized version is perfect to carry standard euro boxes and the largest Carla Maxi version even fits a Euro pallet. Due to maximum system weights of 250 to 275kg, these trailers come with an overrun brake and a heavy duty coupling that also comes in handy when maneuvering the trailer by hand. To keep things moving, the two larger versions are offered with an e-drive system of its own as an option. This consists of a powerful hub motor supplied by Bafang, an external battery with a capacity of 720Wh and accompanying sensors and electronics.
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