Is a cargo bike right for me?
Hello!
I’m currently considering getting a e-bike, as a second car for our family would be overkill. I never had an e-bike before, but have a motorcycle licence. Wife can ride a bike, but she is light weight and I have concerns if she can support the load she would be carrying. I’ve been reading a lot of reviews but thought I’d reach out here to hear more real life feedback on whether we should get one and which models or types to consider. Here is the important info:
- Live in Vancouver. Some hills, some high traffic roads, some bike lanes.
- Planning to use it mostly for school runs (less than 10 minute bike ride, mostly low traffic streets, except 2 very heavy traffic crossings. Also planning to take kids to activities, also 10 minutes away, low traffic roads. I’m more concerned over the school runs though. Although most of the ride is in low traffic back streets, we need to cross 2 high traffic roads.
- we also have a car to use on heavy rain days or snow. But if not too wet, would like to use the bike, as school commute has a lot of traffic.
- carrying 2 children, 9 and 5 years old. And also their backpacks. Somewhat concerned here, as pictures from long tail bikes seem really crowded with 2 kids. Wife would be doing a lot of these runs, so it also concerns me if she can safely balance the 2 kids.
- still figuring out storage. We live in a townhouse complex with gated garage. Looking with strata into whether I can park an e-bike in my 2nd slot, but will also need to consider how to secure it. Alternatively, might need to bring it to unit backyard, but this would be quite a hassle.
- many threads in this sub recommend brands that have local presence. So I’m considering the ENVO U50 (Longtail), Abound LR (Longtail), or the Letrigo KONA (has a sidecar, which is really cool! But this depends on whether we can park it in garage. The sidecar also give the ride some stability. But curious what people’s thoughts are on sidecars, as they increase the width of the ride). All options are around $3k-$4k with accessories pre tax.
My main concerns are safety, and whether my bike choices can support wife with 2 kids and 2 backpacks. Would love to hear if I should have other points to consider, or whether any of this sounds feasible/stupid from those with similar experiences. Thank you!