You are planning to buy an electric bike for your passenger and cargo transport needs. The question is: Should you choose the cargo electric bike or rather go for the bike trailer to make your daily life easier? The choice mainly depends on three criteria: the frequency of use, the budget, and the type of load to be transported. Each option has specific advantages that you will take into account before the purchase. In this article, we will compare these two modes of transport to make it easier for you.
Electric cargo bike and bike trailer: what is the difference?
Choosing between the cargo electric bike and the bike trailer depends on the use you want to make of it. Each option allows for transporting heavy loads, but a few notable differences may influence your choice. These differences can be related to design, maneuverability, and cost. But before addressing these topics, let's review together the definitions of each type of e-bike.
What is a cargo electric bike?
The electric cargo bike is a type of e-bike equipped with an integrated platform designed to transport passengers or goods. It comes in several versions:
- The cargo bike equipped with a loading space at the front
- The tricycle offers better stability with its two front wheels.
- The longtail equipped with an extended luggage rack to transport children and heavy loads.
With its electric assistance, the electric cargo bike helps you avoid too much effort during your trips. Unfortunately, its bulkiness and high price can be a deterrent for some buyers.
What is a bike trailer?
The bike trailer is, for its part, an accessory attached to the back of a standard bike. It offers a modular load capacity, suitable for transporting passengers, goods, and animals. More economical and easy to detach, the trailer also allows you to keep your old classic bike. However, stability will vary depending on the quality of the hitch. It can also be more difficult to maneuver, especially on bumpy roads and in tight turns.
Load capacity: which option is the most suitable?
The electric cargo bike and the bike trailer both feature high load capacity. Here, the choice will mainly focus on stability and adaptability. The cargo bike offers better stability due to its low center of gravity, while the trailer is more flexible, being able to be attached or detached at will.
Case of the electric cargo bike
The cargo bike is designed to offer excellent stability. Depending on the models, it can support between 80 and 250 kg, or even up to 400 kg for high-end models. With its reinforced frame and low center of gravity, it provides excellent balance even with heavy loads. This makes it an ideal choice for large families and professionals (delivery people, craftsmen, etc.).
Bike trailer case
The bike trailer offers better flexibility for those who want to enjoy a vehicle that can be adapted to their needs. It can support an average load of 30 to 100 kg for standard models, and up to 200 kg for pro models.
As mentioned earlier, the trailer is fully modular: it can be attached or detached at will, providing a temporary solution that does not affect the bike's maneuverability. However, stability may vary depending on the type of attachment and the weight being carried.
Comfort and maneuverability: what choice for a pleasant drive?
In terms of comfort and maneuverability, the balance is likely to tilt more in favor of the electric cargo bike. Indeed, it is more comfortable and maneuverable, thanks to its smart design. However, the bike trailer is not to be overlooked. At low speeds, it remains relatively maneuverable, with the option to be detached to facilitate movement in certain areas.
The electric cargo bike: increased stability, but greater bulk.
The cargo bike is known for being stable, even when heavily loaded. Thanks to its low center of gravity and robust structure, it maintains an excellent sense of balance, even over long distances. This is an advantage that proves useful for transporting passengers or goods. However, its size can be an issue, especially when navigating in the city center. Fortunately, you have electric assistance to help you navigate more easily through the crowd.
Bike trailer: more flexible, but more restrictive in turns
As for the bike trailer, it is appealing due to its flexibility, which proves to be ineffective when fully loaded. Indeed, once loaded, the behavior of the bike trailer becomes very unpredictable. At high speeds, it becomes downright unstable, forcing the cyclist to anticipate their movements. A very unpleasant constraint on long journeys.
"But this in no way detracts from its practicality, especially for those looking for a modular transport solution without having to invest in an electric cargo bike."
And on the budget side? Electric cargo bike or bike trailer, which is more cost-effective?
Objectively, the electric cargo bike represents a larger investment. However, in the long term, it proves to be significantly more cost-effective. In contrast, the trailer is a more accessible solution, ideal for occasional needs. Your choice will then depend solely on your frequency of use.
The purchase cost
On one hand, investing in a cargo electric bike represents a significant investment that deserves consideration. Entry-level models have average prices of €2500, while high-end versions can climb up to €6000. This high price is explained by the quality of the product: frame robustness, motor quality, battery autonomy, etc.
On the other hand, the bike trailer is a more economical alternative. It costs between €150 and €1000, depending on the models, load capacity, and additional features such as suspensions or a reinforced attachment system.
The cost of maintenance and repairs
Of course, the maintenance of the cargo bike is more expensive and more demanding than that of the bike trailer. The battery requires regular monitoring to ensure optimal performance, and the brakes, often subjected to heavy loads, wear out more quickly. The transmission is also heavily used and requires special attention.
In comparison, the bike trailer is easier to maintain. You just need to check its tires and its hitch system. This makes it a wise choice, especially for occasional use.
Child safety and transportation: which option to prioritize?
For transporting children, the electric cargo bike has models equipped with integrated seats and seat belts. This maximizes the comfort and safety of your young passengers. As for the trailer, it will mainly represent a recreational solution for outings outside the urban area. We will tell you more in this section.
The electric cargo bike: a safe and stable solution for children
The electric cargo bike is much safer than a trailer for transporting children. Its reinforced frame and low center of gravity provide excellent stability, even at full load. Moreover, there are models that directly integrate seats and seat belts, even a windshield that protects children from wind and bad weather. This ensures a pleasant and safe ride for your kids.
Bike trailer: a confined space, but exposed to traffic
Child-friendly bike trailers have a confined space that protects from wind and bad weather, but with low visibility for other road users. Presented this way, they may seem unreliable, but they have undeniable advantages. First, their solid attachment can withstand bumps, especially on bumpy roads. Next, the suspensions available on some models greatly improve comfort, although the trailer remains exposed to sudden movements that require increased vigilance from the cyclist.
What option for professional or daily use?
Professionals are the main stakeholders in these two options. Indeed, they will need their load capacity to make deliveries or to transport goods. Their choice will then be based on their industry, their needs, and their budget. Let's take stock.
For professional use (deliveries, transport of equipment)
The cargo-type electric bike is an excellent choice for professionals looking for a reliable and efficient means of transport. Its large load capacity and increased stability are major assets for optimizing deliveries and transporting equipment safely.
Its electric assistance reduces pedaling effort and facilitates travel, even over long distances. Moreover, the electric cargo bike has privileged access to restricted urban areas, where motorized vehicles are sometimes prohibited.
For occasional or modular use
On the other hand, for occasional needs, the bike trailer is more sensible, more economical, and more adaptable. Easy to attach and detach, it is perfectly suited for users with variable needs. Moreover, it provides a practical solution, alternating between classic bike use and utility vehicle.
FAQ
Is a bike trailer a good choice for transporting fragile loads?
Bike trailers are not ideal for fragile or sensitive loads. If you need to transport delicate items, it is better to opt for an electric cargo bike that offers more safety and stability, particularly due to a low center of gravity and better protection for the contents.
Can you install a child seat on a cargo electric bike?
Yes, several models of cargo electric bikes such as the Garrett Miller ranges are equipped to transport children. They often offer special seats and safety systems like seat belts, providing extra comfort and protection for young passengers.
Is it possible to ride a cargo electric bike in tandem?
Some cargo bike models can be equipped to carry more than one person, but this depends on the design and features of the model. These bikes are often designed for family use or to transport bulky items conveniently.
What type of terrain is ideal for a bike trailer?
Bike trailers are better suited for flat or slightly hilly terrain. On very rough or uphill terrain, maneuverability and stability can be compromised, especially if the trailer is heavily loaded.
Conclusion
The choice between an electric cargo bike and a bike trailer primarily depends on your needs and budget. If you regularly transport heavy loads or travel with your children, the electric cargo bike is the one for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a more economical and versatile alternative for occasional needs, the bike trailer will be more suitable. Don't hesitate to check out the available models on Weebot. In addition to electric bikes, we also have all the necessary equipment to ensure your safety on the road.