Electric Front Loader Cargo Bikes

Electric Front Loader Cargo Bikes

Key Takeaways

Electric cargo bikes with a front loading bin or platform are growing in popularity in cities and urban areas across Australia. Also known as a ‘box bike’, these unique cycles have a large cargo area at the front that can carry anything from kids and pets to tools, groceries, takeaway deliveries and online shopping parcels.

Combining the stability and load carrying ability of a trike with the maneuverability of a bicycle, front loader cargo bikes are revolutionizing urban transport, last mile deliveries, and even family life. This article showcases the leading models, brands, features and reasons for the rising popularity of these innovative electric bikes designed to move goods not just people.

What Are Electric Front Loader Cargo Bikes?

Electric front loader cargo bikes distinguish themselves from other cycles by having a sizeable cargo platform, bin or box mounted low between the handlebars and front wheel. They look a little unusual at first but their boxy front end offers practicality and versatility that’s perfect for moving items around urban areas.

While some models secure the load in an open plastic crate or wire basket, most feature a durable, fully-enclosed polyethylene bin with lockable lid and sturdy aluminum frame. The largest front load cargo bikes can carry up to 200kg in the cargo hold with some able to hold objects nearly 2m long.

Powerful electric pedal assist and integrated lighting systems make these useful workhorses ideal for deliveries, tradesmen, and families. Most models allow you to ride normally or throttle along using the electric motor only without pedaling.

Benefits of Electric Front Loader Cargo Bikes

Practical Urban Transport

With their cavernous front loading area, weatherproof storage and electric assist, electric cargo bikes are built for moving large items around the city. From daily errands and shopping trips to transporting tools, supplies and takeaway deliveries, front loaders offer practical urban mobility.

Eco-Friendly Last Mile Delivery

Electric cargo bikes are revolutionizing last mile deliveries with major couriers using box bikes for parcel delivery. They offer an emissions-free and sustainable solution while the stability, protection from the elements and generous capacity make them ideal for moving goods around urban areas.

Affordable Small Business Solution

From mobile coffee carts and caterers to florists, electric traders and other small businesses, front loading cargo bikes provide an affordable way to transport your wares. Far cheaper to run than a van and often quicker in city traffic, they allow easy parking and access.

Family-Friendly Transport

Electric front loader cargo bikes are a game changer for family transport. The low, stable bin safely carries kids and pets while ample space swallows up groceries, school bags, sports gear and camping equipment. The electric assist takes the strain out of riding when fully loaded.

Reliable Heavy Duty Work Cycle

With a burly aluminum frame and cargo platform that can hold up to 200kg on some models, electric front loaders are robust work cycles. The low center of gravity and stable configuration means they handle securely when fully loaded so are popular with tradies carrying tools and supplies.

Leading Electric Cargo Bike Brands

Several manufacturers have specialized in producing electric cargo bikes with front loading bins to suit different loads and applications. Some of the leading brands include:

Urban Arrow

Dutch company Urban Arrow produce premium front loading cargo e-bikes like the Shorty and Family designed for urban family transport. With load capacities up to 100kg, rain covers and kid seats available, their cargo bikes feature robust build quality and refined styling.

Tern

Known for their quality folding bikes, Tern also produce the sturdy GSD cargo e-bike with front rack options for up to two kids. It’s compact enough for apartment storage with excellent handling when loaded thanks to a low center of gravity.

Riese & Müller

German engineering delivers robust front loading cargo e-bikes from R&M like the sturdy Load 60 with capacity up to 140kg. The Packster 70 isTheir signature green frames and premium components make them a popular though pricey choice.

Babboe

Specializing in cargo bikes, Babboe offers the City-E for around town or the robust Curier for professional use. With a 200kg load capacity on some models, Babboe cargo bikes are built to handle heavy loads across long distances.

Douze Cycles

French front loader cargo bike company Douze Cycles produce the robust and versatile Douze G4 cargo trike rated to carry up to 300kg. The modular box bike can be configured for goods or even for transporting children.

Butchers & Bicycles

Danish brand Butchers & Bicycles offer sleekly designed aluminum front loader cargo e-bikes like the robust MK1-E. Features include integrated lights, removable lithium battery, hydraulic brakes and a range up to 55km per charge.

Key Features To Look For

Electric cargo bikes come in many shapes and sizes but the best models feature:

• Powerful electric motor – Look for a mid-mounted 250-750W motor with pedal assist sensing for helping move heavy loads.
• Large battery capacity – Range is important for deliveries and trade use. Look for at least 500Wh battery capacity for a range around 50km or up to 1kWh for 100km+ range per charge.
• All-weather cargo bin – A durable polyethylene or wooden bin offers ample, enclosed space protected from the elements. Around 200L is a versatile size.
• High load capacity – Look for a cargo bike rated to carry at least 100kg in the front bin, ideally up to 200kg for heavy loads. Sturdy aluminum frames and cargo racks provide stability.
• Integrated lights – Lights integrated into the frame ensure you remain visible and legal for dawn/night deliveries or family use.
• Puncture resistant tires – Quality tires with puncture protection make sense for heavily loaded cargo bikes that will rack up the miles.
• Hydraulic disc brakes – Sturdy hydraulic disc brakes provide reliable stopping power even when fully loaded.
• Adjustable handlebars – Look for handlebars that adjust for ride comfort and handling when the cargo bin is loaded up.
• Easy storage – Can the cargo bike fold or be wheeled into elevators and stored upright to save space at home or the office?

Cost Considerations

Electric cargo bikes aren’t cheap but can pay for themselves quickly compared to a car or van for urban deliveries. Here’s what to expect:

• Entry-level – Basic front loader e-cargo bikes start around $4000 but may only have smaller batteries suitable for lighter loads and shorter urban trips of sub 20km.
• Mid-range – Look to spend $5000 to $7000 for a robust electric cargo bike with around 500Wh battery capacity, 100kg+ load rating and hydraulic brakes from a quality brand.
• Premium models – High capacity long range front loader cargo bikes with up to 200kg load capacity and large 1kWh batteries for 100km+ range cost up to $8000. But they can replace a car or van for deliveries.

Additional costs may include child seats, bike locks, protective bin covers and any special racks/accessories to suit your usage. Servicing and maintenance is far less than a car.

Overall, electric cargo bikes make commercial and economic sense for urban transport, family use and last mile deliveries. The higher upfront cost is outweighed by the ongoing savings in fuel, parking, registration, insurance and maintenance costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are electric front loader cargo bikes used for?

Front loader e-cargo bikes are ideal for moving items and goods around urban areas. Common uses include urban deliveries, tradie’s transporting tools and supplies between jobs, mobile food/coffee carts, family transportation and everyday errands like shopping.

How much weight can they carry?

Load capacity varies by model but generally front loader cargo bikes can carry 50-200kg or more in the front bin. Some also have rear racks for additional load carrying ability.

Do you need a license to ride electric cargo bikes?

No special license is required to ride an e-cargo bike in Australia. They are classified as regular bicycles as long as motor power is less than 250W and top speed is 25km/h or less.

Are cargo bikes safe?

Modern front loader cargo bikes from quality brands feature sturdy construction and low center of gravity for stability. Follow the weight limit, use common sense and they provide safe and secure transport around the urban environment.

Where can you buy electric cargo bikes in Australia?

Major brands are available online direct and some bike shops specialize in electric cargo bikes. Try McDonald Cycles, Melbourne E-Bike Centre, The Electric Bike Shop, Sydney E-Bikes or Google for local dealers.

Conclusion

With their versatile front cargo platforms and electric power assist, box bikes or front loader cargo cycles are ideal transport for moving goods and family duties around urban areas. Cheaper to run and better for the environment than delivery vans, they offer practical mobility for small businesses, couriers and everyday trips.

From sturdy long-haul models that can replace a car to compact portable bikes, the range of electric front loader cargo bikes makes urban living easier. Powerful electric motors help you haul heavy loads up to 200kg with most offering weatherproof front storage bins to keep items safe and secure.

While not cheap initially, electric cargo bikes soon pay for themselves in fuel and parking savings alone. For emissions-free urban mobility and practical transport with a green ethos, try a test ride of the new generation of electric front loader cargo bikes taking over cities in Australia and beyond.