Cargo bikes best mini-vans as the perfect family vehicle and here are 10 reasons why

Cargo bikes are more popular than ever before. A new report suggests that in Europe alone as many as half a million cargo bikes will sell in 2022, and it’s changing the urban landscape for the better. The global market is no different and is projected to grow to a staggering $3.8 billion by 2030.

In Europe, governments have made significant investments in developing efficient and affordable cargo bikes that are environmentally friendly, thereby decreasing regional carbon emissions. Several measures, such as a tax break on cargo bike purchases, have been implemented in the region to increase consumer demand and promote the growth of the cargo bike market.

Although North America is a bit behind in focusing on promoting the growth of this market, things are happening, especially at the city level where more and more bucket bikes, long tails and other cargo bicycles can be seen on the streets as delivery vehicles as well as legitimate second vehicles for families.

Here are 10 of the top cargo bicycle brands:

• Butchers & Bicycles
• Tern
• Urban Arrow
• Specialized
• Xtracycle
• Riese & Muller GmbH
• Yuba Electric Cargo Bikes
• Rad Power Bikes LLC 
• Aventon
• Lectric

The idea of a cargo bike as a second vehicle, one that can whisk the kids to school, go on a grocery run, or head to the beach on the weekend is growing. And why not? There are so many reasons why cargo bikes trump automobiles we decided to make a list. Have any to add? Just let us know.

The price tag is significantly lower

Even at the highest end of the cargo bike spectrum, prices are likely to remain below $10,000US. Yes, it’s a lot for a bicycle but there is a wide range of cargo bikes for a few thousand that do the trick, including a slew of new models released this year.

Don’t worry about gas price increases

This past summer has seen the price of fuel rise to shocking levels, much to the chagrin of automobile drivers from sea to shining sea. Cargo bikes are powered by leg muscles and joy, and those are free and lovingly maintained with each ride. Owning a vehicle in North America is likely to run a person approximately $10,000 per year in fuel, insurance and maintenance. Cargo bikes? Not so much. Maybe a good tune-up a year and the occasional replacement part could ding owners $100 or so per year.

Take the kids to school and get a workout at the same time

Still on the cost savings tip, having a cargo bike as a second vehicle does take away some of the need for a gym membership or any extra workouts. Sure, it’s not exactly a full body workout, but still, there is a great degree of satisfaction that comes with getting exercise at the same time one is transporting kids to school or groceries back home.

Take only what you need

Although a large bucket cargo bike can carry an incredible amount of stuff and kids, it still requires one to pare down for trips and what a joy that is. There is no need to pile needless stuff into the trunk of the car, there is no need for a stroller in which to plunk your kid at the end of the line between the car and wherever. It’s all built-in for door-to-door service and it comes with a lesson in simple living.

No need to worry about parking

Pedaling a cargo bike means not having to worry about parking, or, perhaps, more importantly, paying for parking. While others throw caution to the wind and play fast-and-loose with bylaw officers, rest assured that pulling a cargo bike up as close as possible to the destination comes with no risk of a ticket. Just be sure to lock it up.

Share the fun

A cargo bike can easily be ridden by anyone, so there is no need to designate a specific driver for the task at hand, no special insurance riders, nothing. Just hop on and away you go.

Communication is easy

Whether it is the kids in the bucket or your date, it’s easy and fun to talk while riding along to the school, or the park for a picnic. The exercise and the fresh air are great to keep people in a good mood.

Fight the climate crisis

We are facing a massive global challenge in trying to combat the climate crisis, and often it seems like there is little we can do on a personal level to effect the change we need because it just seems so massive. But, riding a bicycle, and even better, replacing a vehicle with a human-powered bicycle offers huge environmental benefits and helps turn back the tide of guilt. It feels good to put the planet first.

Bikes are better for naps

Sure, we’ve all heard the anecdotal evidence from parents that driving around in the car for an hour helps put Junior to sleep. But, it’s even better in a cargo bike where they are in the fresh air, bumping along on the trail and watching the world go by.

Teaching moments

Most importantly, a cargo bicycle is an opportunity to teach your children, heck even that date of yours, about the neighbourhood, safe streets and our environmental impact. They will thank you for it in the years to come, we promise.