Van Rixtel Dog - Graphite

Van Rixtel Dog Graphite at GOfatbike

The Van Rixtel Dog in graphite is an electric cargo bike designed for safely transporting your dog, featuring a dark graphite shade that looks neat and understated. The color helps hide scratches and dust, which is handy for daily use. Beneath the graphite-gray finish is a stable three-wheeler with a spacious box and a motor that assists as soon as you start riding. Even with a full load, you pedal away comfortably. In this guide, you'll learn how to safely take your dog along, how the bike rides, and what to consider before you decide.

The box and safe boarding for your dog

The box is made from EPP, a material that is lightweight, shock-absorbing, and easy to keep clean—pleasant after a rainy walk. At the front, a soft-close door allows your dog to get in and out on their own paws, so lifting isn’t necessary. Because the box sits low, boarding is calm and easy, even for an older or cautious dog. The carrying capacity is about 200 kilos in total, plenty for a large four-legged friend. With a blanket in the graphite box, your dog lies soft and sheltered during the ride.

Stability on three wheels

The bike stands stable on three wheels by itself, even when you stop and your dog moves around. You don’t have to balance anything. A handlebar damper with double security absorbs movements in the box, keeping the steering steady. The front stand keeps the bike upright while boarding. What you’ll notice is that steering feels different than on a two-wheeler because the trike doesn’t lean into turns. You’ll get the hang of it quickly. After some practice, you’ll turn into your street or forest path without thinking.

Range and battery

You can choose between a 450 Wh or 540 Wh battery from Phylion, both protected by a system that prevents deep discharge and monitors battery life. How far you can go can’t be captured in a single number. Your dog’s weight plays a role, along with wind, stops, and the level of assistance chosen. For trips to the park or beach, you have enough power on board. If you want to cover longer distances, the heavier battery is a logical choice, or you can simply take the charger with you.

Motor, gears, and controls

The Ananda rear hub motor with 45 Nm operates via a torque sensor, so the assistance matches your own pedaling power smoothly. This gradual build-up prevents jolts and keeps your dog calm. Eight Shimano gears give you the right ratio for every situation, whether you're accelerating or climbing a bridge. The motor assists up to 25 km/h and then tapers off, just like a regular electric bike, and there is no throttle. Tuning the motor is not recommended: the bike is not designed for it, and you will lose your warranty if you make modifications.

Brakes, lighting, and safety

When carrying a load on a cargo bike, the brakes need to perform well. The hydraulic disc brakes with extra-large rotors provide strong, controllable stopping power, even with weight on board. The spoke-free rims keep maintenance minimal. Enhanced LED lighting ensures you stand out in the dark and bad weather. The cargo bike is tested according to the EN17860 standard, which is reassuring when you have your dog on board. Each detail may seem small, but together they make the ride noticeably safer and calmer for both of you.

Who is this cargo bike for, and how to order

The Van Rixtel Dog in graphite is for those who like to go out with their dog without having to lift them all the time. Be aware: it remains a hefty bike weighing around 59 kilos, so you need space to store it and it’s not easy to move around. For those who ride often and have that space, it’s a small price to pay. If you like the dark graphite color and are unsure about the battery, check out other customers’ experiences. The Van Rixtel Dog is available at GOfatbike.

Also check out: Van Rixtel cargo bikes, all cargo bikes, e-bikes and fatbike accessories.