Party in the front or the back? Choosing the right cargo bike set up

So, you’re curious about how an eBike might help you ditch the car? Fantastic! But, where do you even start with all the different cargo bike set ups and price points to choose from?! Here. You start here. 

One decision we help people make is whether to carry their load out in front of them or out behind. Although people tend to like the look of one or the other, the choice goes way beyond aesthetics. Here are some of the questions we ask them to help guide their decision-making process! 

Often called a ‘Frontloader’, Cargo eBikes like the Riese & Muller Carrie have a box in front for carrying Cargo and/or passengers

 

‘Longtails’ like the Tern GSD carry passengers behind. Additional cargo carrying accessories can be fitted on the back and front.

 

1. Will you be carrying passengers and, if so, how big are they?

TLDR: If your passengers are small children, carrying them out in front could be a great option. If your passengers are older, riding out behind is more roomy.

You definitely don’t need passengers to justify a cargo eBike…they are incredibly useful for carrying all sorts of cargo! But, a key advantage to them is their ability to transport people or pets!

Passengers up front: Lug+Carrie offers cargo bike set ups that carry up to three passengers – two in the front box and one in a rear child seat. Each seat has a three point harness fitted for extra safety. Because legs need to fit completely inside the front box, these eBikes are most suited to smaller children. Some riders prefer to be able to see their children in front of them too. Larger frontloaders like the Riese & Muller Load4 60 or Packster can definitely accommodate adults. But, if you’re planning to carry a fully grown human regularly, they’ll be comfier sitting behind you.

Passengers out back: carrying passengers behind you offers a little more flexibility, because anyone from an infant to an adult can sit on the rear bench. Shorttails like the Tern HSD and Quick Haul can carry one passenger on the back. Weight limits range from 60kg to 80kg depending on the eBike. Longtails (like a shorttail only longer 😉) such as the Tern Quick Haul Long, Riese & Muller Multicharger and Tern Orox can carry up to two passengers out behind. Weight limits on these haulers tend to be around 100kg. So, that might be two children, a child and an adult, or one large adult. As your kids grow and want to ride their own bike, you can easily tow another bike behind. This is an added bonus if you want the eBike to grow with your family.  

Both types of cargo bike set up are pet-friendly! Our short and longtails have excellent pet-carrying accessories. Larger dogs might prefer to ride in the front. We’ve also seen customers successfully transport medium-sized dogs in panniers or large dogs in a trailer behind. The best way to decide is to bring your furry friend along for a test ride!

The Riese & Muller Carrie is incredibly compact but can carry up to three children. Two in the front and one at the back.

 

Add pet carrying accessories like this dog crate and dog roof mini to carry your furry passengers.

 

2. What cargo will you haul?

TLDR: all cargo bikes are built to carry a load. Large cargo and weird shapes might be better suited to a longtail cargo eBike

Some are ready to replace their car entirely. Others might only want to throw in a kid and a school bag, or just a work bag or laptop. When choosing whether to haul your load up front or behind, consider your typical cargo and any necessary accessories.

Cargo out in front: Front loaders are ideal for simply throwing everything in. Groceries, work gear, beach essentials – no worries. The Riese & Muller Carrie even features a lockable storage box for added security. If you’re carrying both kids and cargo, the space in the box might be a consideration. We offer various front loader sizes and can add cargo bags (panniers) beneath the rear rack, or different crates or carriers, for extra capacity.

Cargo out behind: Longtails in particular, like the Tern GSD and Riese & Muller Multitinker and Multicharger, can handle almost anything – trips to Bunnings, taking a platter and some wine to a mate’s place, strapping on your Christmas tree (we’ve seen it all!). With these eBikes it’s more important to distribute the load evenly on each side for better balance. Even with passengers, you can load up cargo bags and the front rack without much disturbance, making them incredibly versatile. Many riders also tow trailers for additional cargo.

3. How experienced are you at riding?

TLDR: carrying your cargo out in front takes a little more getting used to.

We like to think all our eBikes are fairly easy to ride, but short and longtails tend to be slightly more intuitive. Depending on your riding experience, it’s really important that you feel comfortable and confident riding your eBike!

Cargo out in front: eBikes that are built to carry cargo in the front, are different to steer than regular bikes so they take a bit more getting used to. The wheel wheel is positioned a fair way out in front of the handlebars. That means you need to steer based on what is out in front of you. While most riders adapt quickly, it’s a good idea to practise  with a load. Funnily enough the low centre of gravity actually improves stability when these eBikes are loaded up.

Cargo out behind: eBikes built to carry cargo out behind feel much like riding a regular bike. This makes them a good choice for less experienced riders. Even loaded up with passengers and cargo, many of our customers who haven’t ridden in a long time or are new to cycling find it really easy to adapt to.

Practising riding with a load is really important. Riders generally get the hang of it quickly!

 

4. How and where will you store your eBike?

TLDR: Ebikes that have boxes up front for carrying cargo usually take up more room and are less versatile in tight places

Just like you wouldn’t buy a Landcruiser with limited space for parking, you’ll need to think about how much storage space you have and the right cargo bike set up for that space. 

If storage space is a consideration, eBikes that carry their load out behind can be stored in tighter places and even vertically.

 

Cargo out in front: With the box at the front, unsurprisingly these eBikes are usually larger and require more space, both for storing at home and when locking up out and about. If you have a large storage area like a garage that’s easy to get to, you won’t need to worry too much. But, if space is tighter, it’s worth considering! The Riese & Muller Carrie is the most compact of our front loaders. The length of a regular bike, its storage box also folds up to make it even more compact. 

Cargo out behind: If your storage space is limited, a shorttail or longtail might be more suitable. These are more like a regular eBike so can be easily manoeuvred into smaller spaces. They can easily be pulled up to store vertically, making them more convenient for apartments or shared living spaces. We have plenty of customers that take their eBike up in an elevator and store it in an apartment!

5. Do you need to transport your eBike?

 TLDR: eBikes that carry cargo out behind are more compact and versatile for taking on public transport or in a vehicle

Some riders only use their eBike to get from A to B, while others want to take it on public transport or out of town for weekends or holidays.  If you want to do any of these things, it’s a good idea to think about where you’ll be going and what you’ll be doing and which eBike will be the easiest for you. 

Cargo out in front: Front loaders tend to be larger, but we know plenty of riders that take them on the train. Compact front loaders like the Riese & Muller Carrie are easily manoeuvrable. It pays to check ahead for station accessibility and specific instructions for how and where to board with your eBike. Particular trailers and car hitches are also available to transport these eBikes by car. 

Cargo out behind: Their compact design, especially those with foldable handlebars make this type of eBike easier to transport e.g. in the back of your SUV or on a bike carrier or trailer. When it comes to taking an eBike on the train, a short or longtail may be more convenient given it’s more like a regular bike. Most train operators have designated bike carriages, but check specific station accessibility and travel during off-peak hours to avoid crowded carriages.

6. What’s your eBike budget?

 TLDR: eBikes that carry cargo out in front tend to be more expensive but require less accessories

Our cargo eBikes are genuinely capable of replacing a car, with high quality components to last, and powered by Bosch motors and batteries – the safest and most reliable on the market. According to the Australian Automobile Association (AAA), the average Australian family spends an eye-watering $459 per week on running a car which includes things like car repayments, fuel, insurance and servicing. When considering this, a cargo eBike starts to look pretty cost effective! 

We are making it accessible and affordable to make a good move by offering options like all-inclusive weekly subscriptions starting at $49 per week, subscribe to buy, or buy refurbished. We’ve also set our Riese & Muller eBike prices at 15% below those you’ll typically see at other retailers.

Having said all this, a good quality eBike is an investment, so it’s important to consider your budget carefully when choosing the right cargo bike set up for you. 

Cargo out in front: front loader eBikes tend to be slightly more expensive but often require less accessories for carrying cargo.

Cargo out behind: Short and longtail eBikes tend to be slightly cheaper but may require more accessories for cargo, so factor in those costs before you compare. 

When it comes to choosing the right type of cargo eBike, ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs and preferences. Make sure you consider factors like who and what you’ll be transporting, storage options, and your riding experience. But, most importantly, choose the eBike that brings you the most joy! If you do, you’ll get out on it more and in your car less!

Our team is here to help you make a good move. Browse our range of eBikes and come in for a test ride to find your perfect fit!

 

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