The electric cargo bike is becoming increasingly common on the streets of our cities. In the face of this enthusiasm, one question keeps coming up: is it better to choose a two-wheeler or a three-wheeler? Between maneuverability, stability, carrying capacity, and bulkiness, the choice is not so obvious. To help you see more clearly, here is a comparison of these electric cargo bikes. Let's go!
Biporteur and triporteur: two visions of the cargo bike
Before choosing your future travel companion, it is essential to understand what distinguishes a two-wheeler from a three-wheeler. These two types of electric cargo bikes each have their own characteristics and meet very different needs.
What is a biporteur?
The biporteur is a two-wheeled electric cargo bike with a box usually placed at the front. Its greatest asset is its maneuverability. Lighter and more agile than a tricycle, it easily weaves through crowded streets and offers an intuitive ride, similar to that of a traditional bicycle.
Ideal for urban and daily trips, the cargo bike allows you to easily transport 1 to 2 children, or even groceries.
What is a cargo tricycle?
The tricycle, on the other hand, rests on three wheels, with two at the front supporting a large transport box. Its great strength lies in its stability; even fully loaded or stationary, it remains perfectly balanced.
This is the ideal bike for large families, professionals, or those who need to transport bulky loads. More cumbersome and imposing than the two-wheeler cargo bike, it is, however, reassuring and practical in situations where stability is essential.
Comparison of two-wheeled cargo bike vs three-wheeled cargo bike: advantages and disadvantages
To properly choose between a two-wheeler cargo bike and a three-wheeler cargo bike, it is important to review the main criteria that make a difference in use. Stability, maneuverability, transport capacity, or footprint: each has its strengths and limitations.
Stability and safety
If you are primarily looking for flawless stability, especially when stationary or under heavy load, the tricycle is unbeatable. Thanks to its three wheels, it remains perfectly stable, even on uneven terrain.
The two-wheeler cargo bike, for its part, is more compact and can feel less reassuring when heavily loaded or at low speed. It requires a bit of practice, but then offers a smooth and lively ride.
Handling and driving
In terms of maneuverability, advantage goes to the biporteur. Its two-wheel configuration and more compact size allow it to easily weave through narrow streets, negotiate tight turns, and park without difficulty.
The tricycle, wider and longer, requires more space and a slight adjustment period to get used to its handling, especially when turning.
Transport capacity
If your priority is to transport many people or goods, the cargo tricycle wins the day. Its large box can accommodate up to 4 to 6 children or bulky loads of up to 250 kg depending on the models. The two-wheeler, more limited, is perfect for 1 to 3 children and generally supports up to 100 kg of load.
Dimensions and weight
In terms of size, the three-wheeler is significantly larger with a width ranging between 88 and 95 cm and a weight that can reach 75 kg. The two-wheeler, slimmer and lighter, ranges between 65 and 76 cm wide with an average weight of 30 to 40 kg.
Passenger comfort
For children and passengers, the tricycle offers superior comfort. The boxes are often equipped with benches, seat belts, and sometimes protection against rain or sun. The two-wheeler remains more minimalist but still ensures the essentials for daily trips.
Electric two-wheeler or three-wheeler: which one to choose?
Electric assistance has completely changed the practice of electric cargo biking. It improves daily comfort and makes travel much more accessible, especially when the load is substantial. But its effect differs depending on whether you are riding a two-wheeler or a three-wheeler, with very distinct sensations and energy needs.
Electric biporter: agile and responsive
With its reduced weight and smooth ride, the electric cargo bike is lively and maneuverable, even with a substantial load. Less energy-consuming than a three-wheeler, it offers good autonomy and allows you to easily cover long distances in urban areas. Its responsiveness in traffic and moderate size make it an ideal ally for your daily trips.
Electric tricycle: sturdy, but energy-consuming
The electric tricycle is designed for transporting heavy and bulky loads. Its stability remains its major asset, but its weight and wind resistance put more strain on the battery.
Electric assistance quickly becomes indispensable to avoid getting out of breath, especially on rough terrain or with several children on board. In return, you enjoy a bike with excellent comfort and unmatched loading capacity.
Which cargo bike for which profile?
Every cyclist and every family have different habits. Before choosing your electric cargo bike, think about what you will be carrying, the distance traveled, and the traffic conditions. These are the factors that will guide your choice between maneuverability and capacity, lightweight two-wheeler or ultra-stable three-wheeler.
For families with 1 to 2 children
If you live in the city and need to transport one or two children daily, the cargo bike is probably the most suitable solution. Its maneuverability, compact size, and ability to weave through traffic make it a valuable ally for trips between home, school, and work or for shopping in the city center without stress.
For large families with 3 children or more
For larger families, the cargo tricycle naturally stands out. Its spacious box can accommodate up to four, or even six children depending on the models, with secure benches and seat belts. Its stability when stationary is also reassuring when loading or unloading several passengers. An ideal choice for group outings or long family rides.
For professionals
If you are a craftsman, home nurse, delivery person, etc., the electric cargo bike is perfect for regular and quick trips. Its compact size and sufficient loading capacity allow you to easily transport equipment, tools, or packages while moving freely in urban areas.
On-site activity (food bike, street vending...)
For itinerant trades and mobile merchants, the tricycle is the most suitable model. Its large box provides a stable and easily adaptable stand to display your products or set up a temporary sales point. Its stability and ability to transport bulky equipment make it indispensable for this type of activity.
Ease of driving outside urban areas: two-wheeler cargo bike or three-wheeler cargo bike?
When leaving the cobblestone streets of the city to go onto more varied or sloping paths, the features of each cargo bike model play an important role. Depending on the terrain you travel, one of the two models might offer a more enjoyable and suitable riding experience.
On less paved roads
The two-wheeler, although agile in the city, may encounter some limitations on rougher terrain. Its lightness allows it to maintain a certain flexibility, but it can become less comfortable on bumpy paths, especially when loaded. It may be necessary to invest in tires suited for uneven surfaces to get the best out of it.
On the other hand, the tricycle excels on this type of terrain thanks to its three wheels and wide base. This configuration offers increased stability, even on less maintained trails. However, due to its larger size, the tricycle can be more difficult to maneuver on narrow or winding paths.
Climbs and slopes: what performance?
When going uphill, the cargo bike is responsive, but its limited load and lighter weight can make slopes difficult to overcome, especially if the bike is loaded. The electric assistance kicks in to compensate for this lack of power on moderate climbs, but the cyclist will sometimes have to put in a bit more effort.
The tricycle, on the other hand, handles heavy loads better and remains stable even uphill. However, due to its weight and aerodynamics, it can put more strain on the battery, making electric assistance more essential. On steep slopes or rough terrain, it is therefore more comfortable but requires more energy, which can reduce the range.
Conclusion
So, two-wheeler or three-wheeler? It all depends on what you expect from your cargo bike. If maneuverability and lightness are your priorities for city trips, the two-wheeler is made for you. If, on the other hand, stability and carrying capacity are your priorities, opt for a three-wheeler. Discover a wide selection on Weebot, with brands like Garrett Miller or Onemile, and book your test ride without delay to find the model that suits you.