How it works

Depending on the model up to six children can ride along in a cargo bike. Some cargo bikes are specially designed for taking children. Similar to bike trailers, babies who are not yet able to sit independently can be transported in special infant swings or child seats (depending on the cargo bike model). In most models, the children are seated in front of the cyclist. This means that you can always see them and communicate with them during the ride.

Suspension is important

If a baby is riding along in a cargo bike, the bike or the carrier seat should have suspension as it is comfortable for the baby and gentle on its back. If a child is able to sit independently it can ride along in the cargo bike on an upholstered bench seat, for example. In all cargo bikes, the little passengers are buckled up with model-dependent belt systems, whether in the infant swing, the carrier seat or on the bench seat.

Infant carrier car seats as another possibility

You can use the cargo bike with a carrier car seat as well. This requires a special construction (see picture on the right) which can be installed by the specialised dealer. The carrier car seat often takes up a lot of space, so that another child can usually only be taken with you in a child seat on the luggage rack.

If a baby is riding along in a cargo bike, the bike or the carrier seat should have suspension because babies do not have enough muscles to adequately absorb bumps and shocks.

Different types of cargo bikes

A cargo bike can have two or three wheels. Both types of bikes have different riding qualities and should be tested before purchase. Two-wheel cargo bikes can be ridden more sportily than three-wheels. Depending on the topographical conditions, a cargo bike with electric support up to 25 km/h is advisable. Otherwise the cyclist might physically struggle with the high unladen weight of the bike, the additional weight of the children and uphill traffic. The prices of cargo bikes start at around 1,800 euros (as of July 2018).

Pros / Cons

Pros: Almost all cargo bikes allow a higher weight load than bike trailers. Slightly larger children often enjoy the good view they have on the cargo bike. As soon as the children are mobile themselves, the cargo bike can still be used for other purposes, such as larger shopping tasks.
Cons: A cargo bike is longer, wider, and usually significantly heavier than a conventional bike. It also requires significantly more storage space. Cargo bikes do not fit in elevators. They have a larger turning circle than a normal bike and are less flexible in everyday use than a bike with a trailer or child seat.

Bicycle trailer, cargo bike and child seat in comparison

Flexibilität

Bike trailer

  • If necessary, the trailer needs to be assembled and coupled to the bicycle before setting off
  • Flexible use for couples, so that the trailer can be stored at the place of care

Cargo bike

  • Spontaneous departure/trips possible, no assembly required

Child seat

  • If necessary, the seat needs to be installed before leaving
  • Flexible use for couples, so that the child seat can be stored at the place of care

Features

Bike trailer

  • Attaching baby seats or infant swings to the frame is usually easy
  • Compatible with almost all types of bicycles
  • Suspension useful and available depending on the model
  • Lighting on the trailer is mandatory as the bicycle rear light is covered
  • Belt system available in all models

Cargo bike

  • Attachment of baby seats and infant swings is usually only possible with special equipment
  • Suspension useful and available depending on the model
  • Belt system available in all models

Child seat

  • Belt system and leg protection are standard equipment
  • Compatible with almost all types of bicycles
  • Automatic, independent suspension, depending on the model

Eye contact

Bike trailer

  • The child is seated behind the cyclist
  • During the ride, eye contact with the child is only possible via a rear-view mirror

Cargo bike

  • Depending on the model, eye contact with the child is possible
  • During the ride, communication with the child is possible

Child seat

  • Depending on the model, the child sits in front or behind the cyclist
  • During the ride, communication with the child is possible

Fahrverhalten 

Bike trailer

  • Nearly the same compared to cycling without a trailer

Cargo bike

  • Significantly different, varies depending on the type of cargo bike

Child seat

  • Is changed

Parking

Bike trailer

  • For weather and theft protection a lockable storage room accessible without stairs is recommended
  • Flexible storage due to the foldability of the trailer, also possible in the apartment
  • Weather protection available for occasions when the trailer is parked outside

Cargo bike

  • For weather and theft protection a lockable storage room accessible without stairs is recommended – a cargo bike is often too heavy to carry
  • Weather protection available if the cargo bike is parked outside

Child seat

  • Requires the same space in width as a conventional bicycle
  • Weather protection available if the child seat remains outside on the bike

Useful accessories

Bike trailer

  • Handbrake when using as a stroller and/or jogger
  • Bipod or rear kick stand for stable stand of the bike
  • Flag for better visibility in traffic

Cargo bike

  • Electric assist

Child seat

  • Bipod or rear kick stand for stable stand of the bike
  • Depending on the model, the seat can be tilted when the child is asleep

Costs

Bike trailer

  • Average acquisition costs, about 150 to 1,400 euros (as of July 2018)

Cargo bike

  • High acquisition costs, about 1,000 to 6,000 euros (as of July 2018)

Child seat

  • Low acquisition costs, about 30 to 150 euros (as of July 2018)