Are You Ready For a Cargo Bike?
This article first appeared in the July issue of the Ashland Locals Guide.
Are You Ready For a Cargo Bike?
by Jerry Solomon
Summer has returned and everybody is busy moving about with lots of stuff in tow. Even if you want to be eco-friendly and ride your bike, what happens when the load is more than your basket and/or panniers can handle? What if many of your trips includes one or two small children as your precious cargo? Enter the cargo bike. These are bigger, beefier, purpose built bikes that are capable of pulling serious hauling duty on a daily basis. With the addition of electric assist a cargo bike becomes a manageable two-wheeled possibility for almost anybody.
Imagine how nice it would be to start the day with a pleasurable bike ride to school with your child. You can enjoy a brief outdoor adventure together before you pull right up past the line of cars waiting to unload their little ones at the front door. In the afternoon you repeat the process and the two of you are well on your way while all the other moms and kids are jostling about in their cars waiting to be free from the twice-daily traffic jam in front of the school.
Got an extra big grocery list this week? No problem; larger baskets and bags carry bigger loads. Electric assist makes it virtually effortless… and much more fun! Off to the park or the lake for the day with a load of toys, snacks, and clothing changes? No problem; bigger batteries deliver greater range from a charge to get you there and back without an athlete’s effort. Add a tow-behind trailer and your capacity becomes truly amazing.
Its becoming more popular to organize moving days with the help of friends and their fleet of cargo bikes and trailers. Furniture, boxes, surf boards, all manner of odd shaped items can be managed with a bit of ingenuity on a larger frame cargo bike. As in all things that really matter, choice is good. We have three completely different electric cargo bike styles on hand for you to see and try. You’ll be surprised at how easy and fun they are to ride. The new family station wagon is here and it only has two wheels!
