The Longtail Cargo Bicycle: A Complete Guide

The longtail cargo bicycle is a versatile and practical mode of transportation that's perfect for daily commutes, grocery shopping, or running errands. Its unique design allows for a longer wheelbase and a lower center of gravity, making it incredibly stable.

This design feature also enables the longtail cargo bicycle to carry heavy loads, such as children, groceries, or even tools, with ease. The average payload capacity of a longtail cargo bicycle is around 200 pounds.

One of the key benefits of longtail cargo bicycles is their ability to navigate rough terrain, including hills and uneven roads. They're also great for city riding, allowing you to avoid traffic and parking hassles.

Longtail cargo bicycles are a game-changer for city dwellers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. They offer a unique combination of style, functionality, and practicality.

These bicycles have a design that allows for easy loading and unloading of cargo, making them perfect for running errands or going on a picnic. The longtail design also provides a lower center of gravity, improving stability and making it easier to ride.

With a longtail cargo bicycle, you can carry a surprising amount of gear, from groceries to camping equipment, all while enjoying the fresh air and exercise of cycling.

A bicycle is a two-wheeled vehicle designed for transportation, typically powered by pedaling with the rider's legs.

There are various types of bicycles, including cargo bikes that offer space for carrying goods and people.

Cycling is an excellent way to improve cardiovascular health. Regular cycling can lower your risk of heart disease by 30%.

Cycling can also boost your mood by releasing endorphins, also known as "feel-good" hormones. This is especially true for those who cycle outdoors.

Cycling can burn up to 600 calories per hour, making it an effective way to lose weight and maintain a healthy weight. This is especially true for those who cycle at a moderate intensity.

Cycling can also improve your mental health by reducing stress and anxiety. In fact, cycling can be just as effective as medication in reducing symptoms of depression.

Cycling can increase your muscle strength and endurance, particularly in your legs. This is due to the repetitive motion of pedaling, which works multiple muscle groups at once.

Cycling can also improve your balance and coordination, reducing your risk of falls and injuries. This is especially true for older adults who may be more prone to falls.

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Let's explore the different types of bicycles that share similarities with the longtail cargo bicycle.

Mountain bikes are designed for off-road riding, with features like wide tires and suspension forks that help navigate rough terrain.

Road bikes are built for speed and efficiency on paved roads, often with narrow tires and drop handlebars.

Hybrid bikes combine elements of mountain and road bikes, offering a versatile option for commuting or casual riding.

The longtail cargo bicycle's design is inspired by the long wheelbase and stable geometry of these hybrid bikes.

When buying a longtail cargo bicycle, consider the attributes that make it suitable for your needs. A good longtail should be sturdy and reliable.

The front porteur rack is a must-have for carrying cargo, and some longtails come with an optional front rack that includes integrated MIK attachment. This allows you to attach various crates, baskets, and bags using the innovative MIK mounting system.

Shimano Acera 8 Speed 11-32T Cassette is a great feature for navigating different terrains, and it's good to know the bike's gearing system can handle varying conditions.

Portal Cargo Bikes can handle up to 140kg of cargo plus the rider, making them perfect for carrying heavy loads.

Their bikes come standard with a 7-speed gear set, complete with a mega-range gear to help conquer even the steepest of climbs, giving you the confidence to tackle any hill.

You can always rest assured that you will stop when you need to, thanks to the reliable front disc brake, which works rain or shine, wet or muddy.

The wheels are made for strength, with 12 gauge spokes that can handle any load you can throw at them, so you don't have to worry about them buckling under the weight.

A heavy-duty kickstand ensures that your bike will withstand a heavy load even after you have reached your destination, making it easy to park and unload.

Their bikes are designed to fit everyone's needs, whether you're a seasoned cyclist or a newbie, and are suitable for riders of all ages and abilities.

With a heavy-duty kickstand and strong wheels, you can ride with ease and confidence, knowing that your bike can handle whatever you throw at it.

On a similar theme: Rad Power Cargo Bike

The front porteur rack is a convenient and versatile feature on some cargo bicycles. It includes an integrated MIK attachment system, allowing you to easily attach crates, baskets, and bags.

This innovative mounting system makes it easy to customize your cargo bicycle to suit your needs. With MIK, you can attach a wide range of accessories.

The Shimano Acera 8 Speed 11-32T Cassette is a great example of the high-quality components often found on cargo bicycles. It provides a reliable and efficient way to shift gears.

A 36V10.5AH 250W Battery with LG battery cells is also a common feature on many cargo bicycles. This powerful battery provides a long-lasting source of energy.

The front porteur rack is a great place to attach your MIK accessories, keeping your cargo organized and within easy reach.

The Longtail Cargo Bicycle is a game-changer for transporting big loads. This bike is designed to handle even the largest of loads, making it perfect for those who need to carry a lot of gear.

One of the most notable features of the Longtail is its size and capacity. As mentioned, it's the largest bike in the Portal lineup, and it's equipped to handle heavy loads with ease. I've seen people use it to carry all sorts of things, from groceries to tools to even furniture!

If you're someone who values safety and confidence while riding, the Longtail might not be the best choice. It's a heavy-duty bike, and while it's surprisingly maneuverable, it's not as agile as some of the other options out there.

The Long-Tail is a game-changer for families. It's perfect for transporting multiple children, with some models offering special seat belts and padding for added comfort and safety.

This type of cargo bike is equipped to handle even the biggest of loads, making it ideal for families with multiple kids or for those who need to carry a lot of gear. It's also great for navigating hectic city traffic with maximum agility.

The Portal Long-Tail is a great example of this type of bike, offering an extensive range of standard accessories and affordable optional extras. This means you can customize it to suit your needs and budget.

Some longtail cargo bikes are surprisingly maneuverable, despite their size, making them a great option for families who want to explore new places together. Just be aware that a heavy-duty pack mule won't be as agile as a compact city runabout.

The BTWIN Cargo R500E Longtail V2 is a great example of a longtail cargo bike that offers unbeatable value for money, with a price tag of €2,999. It's also equipped with a 672 Wh battery, making it a high-performance option for families on the go.

The price of a longtail cargo bike can vary, but the Bike 43 Longtail cargo bike starts at £4790.

This price point is competitive with other customisable longtail cargo bikes on the market.

You can choose from different motors and gearing systems with the Bike 43 Longtail cargo bike.

This level of customisability is a major selling point for the Bike 43 Longtail cargo bike.

The Riese & Müller Packster2 70 Touring is a top-notch cargo bike that stands out from the rest. Its price may be the highest in the test field, but it's justified by its exceptional performance.

The Packster2 boasts numerous clever features that make it easier to transport your goods. One of its standout features is its full suspension, which provides unparalleled ride comfort.

The bike comes with a 750 Wh battery as standard, and can be expanded to a tremendous 1,500 Wh in the configurator. This makes it perfect for long-distance rides or heavy loads.

You'll also find an RX chip for anti-theft protection and an ABS braking system, giving you peace of mind while riding. The Packster2 is a worthwhile investment for anyone looking for a reliable and versatile cargo bike.

Here are some key features of the Riese & Müller Packster2 70 Touring at a glance:

The Packster2 70 Touring is the most versatile all-rounder in the test, making it well-deserving of the best in test title.

You'll want to consider the safety and security of your cargo bike, especially since it's a desirable item that might attract thieves. Frame locks can provide some protection, but GPS trackers are a more reliable option.

A GPS tracker is a great investment for your cargo bike, as it allows you to keep tabs on its location and recover it if it's stolen.

If you're worried about theft, you might consider babysitting your cargo bike, but that's not the most practical solution.

The Evamos Longtail cargo bike is designed to be incredibly flexible, allowing you to transport a wide range of items and passengers.

You can customize the bike with various accessories, including seats for children, luggage racks, baskets, and other transport solutions.

The bike comes 90% assembled, and you can either complete the assembly yourself using the provided tools or hire a mobile bike mechanic for a fee of around $150.

As you consider what you want to transport, think about how adaptable the bike needs to be. Do you need a Eurobox at the rear, or would you rather have a foldable transport box up front?

The world of accessories and customization options for longtail cargo bikes is a vast and exciting one. You can add seats for children, luggage racks, baskets, and other transport solutions to make your bike truly unique.

Maintenance costs for a longtail cargo bike are generally lower compared to a car, and the purchase costs are also significantly lower. This means you can invest in accessories and customization options without breaking the bank.

The Evamos Longtail comes 90% assembled, making it easy to add your own accessories and customization options. You can choose to assemble it yourself or hire a mobile bike mechanic for a fee of around $150.

Some accessories, like child seats or luggage racks, are easy to install and remove, while others, like a rain or anti-theft cover, may require professional installation. It's essential to consider your needs and preferences when selecting accessories and customization options.

The rear rack of the Evamos Longtail can bolt on 2 x MIK HD adaptor plates, allowing you to install child seats, crates, baskets, and bags that use the innovative MIK mounting system. This adds flexibility and convenience to your bike.

The built-in tail light is a game-changer for nighttime rides.

This feature ensures you and your group are easily visible to others, reducing the risk of accidents.

The light is conveniently activated from the handlebars, making it easy to turn on and off as needed.

This thoughtful design element adds an extra layer of safety and peace of mind for riders.

The Bike 43 Longtail cargo bike is a great option for those who need to carry a variety of items while riding.

With its spacious cargo area, you can easily stow items that are in and out of use as you ride.

Community interaction is also a key benefit of biking, as it keeps you more connected with your surroundings and community compared to driving a car.

The Evamos is a great option for families with kids, as it can easily fit three kids in the back and groceries in the front basket.

Many customers have praised the bike's ability to handle steep hills, including one reviewer who mentioned it manages hills in Sydney with ease.

The Evamos also gets great reviews for its battery life, with one customer mentioning it's good enough for their needs.

Nick and the team have been praised for their excellent customer service, with one reviewer mentioning they've been a pleasure to deal with.

The Tribe Evamos Longtail is a popular choice among families, with one reviewer mentioning their 5-year-old is always excited to go for a bike ride on it.

The bike's gears and battery are simple and easy to use, making it a great option for families with kids who want to ride independently.

One reviewer mentioned their son can get in and out of his seat by himself using the wooden step, which is a great feature for kids learning to ride.

The bike's bright and happy color is also a big hit with customers, with one reviewer mentioning people often stop to ask about it or give a compliment.

The Evamos is a great option for families who want to support local businesses, as Nick and the team are based in Australia.

Many customers have praised the bike's ability to fit a lot of cargo, including one reviewer who mentioned they can fit all three kids on, including a baby seat.

The bike is also great for families who want to be more active and connected with their community, as one reviewer mentioned biking keeps you more connected with your surroundings.

The BTWIN Cargo R500E Longtail V2 is our top pick, priced at exactly € 2,999.

This cargo bike offers unbeatable value for money, thanks to its extensive range of standard accessories and affordable optional extras.

The intuitive and stable handling of the BTWIN Cargo R500E Longtail V2 makes it a great choice for riders of all experience levels, including cargo bike newbies.

A 672 Wh battery powers this capable cargo bike, delivering a high level of performance.

The BTWIN Cargo R500E Longtail V2 is a great choice for anyone looking for an affordable yet capable cargo bike.

A longtail cargo bike offers an integrated solution for transporting loads, with the loading capacity integrated directly into the frame of the bike. This ensures better stability and handling, especially with heavy or bulky items.

The compact design of a longtail cargo bike allows for easier navigation through narrow streets and bike paths without having to attach and detach a separate trailer.

An e-bike with a trailer offers the flexibility to use the trailer only when it is actually needed, making the e-bike a more versatile everyday vehicle.

The Bosch Cargo Line motor on our longtail cargo bicycle is a fine motor with plenty of power to get going and climb hills with ease.

This motor is powerful, but it requires a lot of power from the battery, which can drain quickly, especially when loaded up with kids and riding on hilly terrain.

The stated range is up to 80km, but this is only possible in ideal conditions, such as riding on smooth, flat cycle lanes with the wind behind you.

In our experience, the battery life is not sufficient for frequent use in hilly areas, and we'd love to see a larger battery to match the bike's intended use.

The motor and battery performance of a longtail electric cargo bike are crucial for its overall performance and efficiency. The Bosch Cargo Line motor is a fine motor with plenty of power to get going and handle hills, but it requires a lot of power from the battery.

A 545Wh battery can drain quickly, especially when loaded up with kids and riding on hilly terrain. The stated range of up to 80km is possible in ideal conditions, such as smooth, flat cycle lanes with the wind behind you.

Charging the battery frequently is a necessity, especially in areas with hilly terrain. I've had to charge my bike almost after every ride, and I've had heavy cargo bikes before, but this has been the case.

A larger battery, such as the 725Wh option, will be available as an optional extra in March 2024. This will be a welcome upgrade, as it will provide more range and reduce the need for frequent charging.

Electric Vehicles on UK Roads are quite accessible, as long as you follow the rules. Longtail electric cargo bikes are legal on UK roads and are classified under the same regulations as standard electric bikes.

Riders must be at least 14 years old to use an electric bike on public roads, but no licence or registration is required.

The longtail cargo bicycle has its downsides, but they're relatively minor.

One drawback is the higher center of gravity due to the extended rear end, which can make the bike more prone to tipping over.

This can be mitigated with proper handling and balance, but it's essential to be aware of this potential issue.

The added weight of the cargo capacity can also affect the bike's overall speed and acceleration, making it less suitable for long-distance touring or high-speed commuting.

However, for most users, the benefits of the longtail cargo bicycle far outweigh the negatives.

The Bike 43's cargo capacity is limited, lacking a bucket to store items like a tadpole or front loader design.

The bike's cargo option under the rider's seat isn't very useful, as anything placed in it tends to fall out due to its open design.

The bike's range is a downside, but a new battery arriving in March 2024 should address this issue.

The final verdict is that this bike is a great option for families. The seating for kids behind is ample and comfortable, making it a delightful ride for them.

The battery pack is a crucial aspect of this bike, and with a bigger one, it could make a significant difference in your daily commute. This bike could be a game-changer for nursery commutes or school runs.

A longtail cargo bicycle is a versatile vehicle that can serve multiple purposes. It can be used as a workhorse during the week, perfect for daily commutes or errands.

You can also use your longtail cargo bicycle for bikepacking and overnighters, making it an adventure mobile at the weekend. This flexibility is one of the things we love most about cargo bikes.

They can be used in a variety of ways, so it's essential to consider what you'll be using it for most often.

Using a cargo bike is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint, especially in urban areas where air quality is often poor.

A longtail cargo bike produces no emissions, making it an environmentally friendly alternative to a car.

A cargo bike can serve as a workhorse during the week, making it an ideal mode of transportation for daily commutes or errands.

You can also use your cargo bike as an adventure mobile at the weekend, perfect for bikepacking and overnight trips.