Cargo bike or bicycle trailer: which is the better fit?
A bicycle trailer is enough if you have a suitable bike and only transport children or shopping occasionally. The ADAC even considers it the safer option for most uses. A cargo bike is worthwhile if you ride almost every day, take more than two children with you, or want to keep them in front of you where you can see them.
Here, we compare both options point by point. Below, you’ll find cargo bikes to compare.
Which is safer: a cargo bike or trailer?
For most uses, the ADAC considers a bicycle trailer the safer transport option. However, it is not without drawbacks: On narrow cycle paths, when facing oncoming traffic, and when maneuvering, the combination becomes difficult because of its width.
With a cargo bike, you need to plan for its width and turning circle; sometimes a cycle path is no longer wide enough. On the other hand, with a cargo bike with a front box, the children remain in your field of vision. In both cases, the ADAC recommends that children wear a helmet and be strapped in.
What does the StVO say about transporting children?
The rules are set out in § 21 para. 3 StVO. Anyone carrying people on a bicycle must be at least 16 years old. The bike must also be designed and equipped for carrying passengers.
Up to two children under the age of seven may ride in a trailer if it is equipped for children. On the bicycle itself, children under seven need special seats and protection to prevent their feet from getting caught in the spokes. The age limit of seven does not apply to a child with a disability.
According to the ADAC, there is no clear legal rule specifying the age at which a baby should ride in a trailer. For cargo bikes, the ADAC’s general guideline is that the child should be able to sit upright independently and steadily, from the age of nine months.
How many children fit inside?
According to the StVO, a trailer can carry a maximum of two children. According to Vogue, the loading box of the Vogue Carry 3 can hold up to four children. The manufacturer determines how many children may ride in another cargo bike and how many seats have harnesses. Check the manufacturer’s specifications before buying.
With one child, either option works. If you want to take three or more children at once, a trailer is not an option.
Riding experience and storage space
You can uncouple the trailer, leaving your bike as a regular bike. A cargo bike is always a large vehicle. According to Vogue, the Vogue Avenger is 225 centimeters long. You therefore need a permanent spot in the yard, garage, or in front of your house.
A three-wheeled cargo bike rides differently from a bicycle. The ADAC describes it as more comfortable and stable when parked and loaded, but says its handling cannot be compared with that of a bicycle. According to Vogue, the Vogue Carry 2 is a two-wheeled cargo bike. A two-wheeler feels more like a bicycle to ride, but is less stable than a three-wheeler when being loaded.
Can your bicycle pull a trailer?
Before buying a trailer, check how much total weight your bicycle is allowed to pull according to the manufacturer. Otherwise, the frame may break if the load is too heavy, according to the ADAC. With an e-bike, you should also check that the manufacturer has approved it for trailer use.
The trailer’s own operating instructions specify the applicable limits. If this information is missing, an unbraked trailer should not weigh more than 40 kilos, including its load, according to the ADAC. The trailer also needs the legally required lighting.
Who benefits from a cargo bike instead of a trailer?
A cargo bike is particularly worthwhile if you use it almost every day: for daycare, school, or weekly shopping. You save yourself the effort of coupling and uncoupling the trailer, and your shopping and children fit in the same box. A trailer is a better choice if you only take children with you at weekends or want to use your bike on its own during the week.
With an electric cargo bike, expect less range than with a regular e-bike: Because of their greater weight, electric cargo bikes generally have less range, according to the ADAC.
Children sitting one behind the other on an extended luggage rack instead of in a box? That’s a Longtail. You can find out more about Longtails.
Which fatbike suits you?
Compare the models below. Check each product page for the latest details.
Vogue Superior: Mittelmotor mit 80 Nm und 540 Wh
Laut Vogue treibt ein Ananda-M81-Mittelmotor mit 80 Nm die Superior an. Der Akku hat 15 Ah und 540 Wh, gebremst wird hydraulisch mit Scheibenbremsen. Eine Federung hat sie nicht.
Vogue Journey Plus: 24 Zoll vorn, 26 Zoll hinten
Laut Vogue rollt die Journey Plus vorn auf 24 und hinten auf 26 Zoll. Dazu ein Ananda-M81-Mittelmotor mit 65 Nm, ein Akku mit 14,5 Ah und 522 Wh, hydraulische Scheibenbremsen und eine Kettenschaltung mit sieben Gängen. Gefedert ist sie nicht.
Vogue Carry 3: Dreirad mit Ladebox für vier Kinder
Die Carry 3 ist ein dreirädriges Lastenrad ohne Federung. In die Ladebox passen laut Vogue höchstens vier Kinder. Als Dreirad braucht sie einen festen Stellplatz.
Vogue Carry 3 Bafang: Mittelmotor mit 80 Nm
Die Variante der Carry 3 mit Bafang-M400-Mittelmotor, laut Vogue mit 250 Watt und 80 Nm. Wie die andere Carry 3 ist sie ein Dreirad ohne Federung, und in die Ladebox passen laut Vogue höchstens vier Kinder.
Vogue Carry 2: zweirädrig und näher am Fahrrad
Die Carry 2 ist laut Vogue ein zweirädriges Lastenrad. Ein Ananda-M81-Mittelmotor mit 80 Nm, ein Akku mit 15 Ah und 540 Wh und hydraulische Scheibenbremsen. Gefedert ist sie nicht. Ein Zweirad musst du im Stand halten, dafür fährt es sich eher wie ein Fahrrad.
