Cargo Bikes: Electric Assist or Not?
Electric assistance has made cargo bikes more accessible and practical for cyclists, especially those who ride in hilly areas or are not used to carrying heavy loads. Electric cargo bikes allow cyclists to pedal faster and farther. It becomes just as easy to hop on an e-cargo bike than to jump into a car for a quick trip around town for some cyclists. In addition, parents are finding it easier and less hassle to ride an electric cargo bike than tow their children in a trailer or carry them in a bike seat.
E-bikes are expensive, so that's their downside. Some cost nearly twice as much as a standard cargo bike, ranging from $2,000 to $5,000. Furthermore, they are heavier, so carrying them up a flight of stairs, fitting them on buses, or transporting them in a vehicle is hard.
E-bikes may require a license depending on where you live, and the class you choose will determine where you can ride. In the U.S., most e-bikes are categorized into three categories based on their top assisted speed and whether they have a throttle. People for Bikes, an advocacy group for cycling, keeps a state-by-state guide to e-bike regulations. Learn more about e-bikes in Intro to Electric Bikes.
E-bikes are expensive, so that's their downside. Some cost nearly twice as much as a standard cargo bike, ranging from $2,000 to $5,000. Furthermore, they are heavier, so carrying them up a flight of stairs, fitting them on buses, or transporting them in a vehicle is hard.
E-bikes may require a license depending on where you live, and the class you choose will determine where you can ride. In the U.S., most e-bikes are categorized into three categories based on their top assisted speed and whether they have a throttle. People for Bikes, an advocacy group for cycling, keeps a state-by-state guide to e-bike regulations. Learn more about e-bikes in Intro to Electric Bikes.
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