If you’re considering a cargo bike, you’ll probably be wondering what it can add to your lifestyle. And the answer is a lot!
A cargo bike is designed to carry cargo, as the name suggests, and many are also adapted to carry children as well as heavy loads. They are a serious option for eco-minded travellers, and can be considered as an alternative to a family car for many people in Ireland.
Electric cargo bikes are another level of awesome, and we’re delighted to see them growing in popularity in Irish cities. These offer a cleaner, more cost-effective way to carry out your daily tasks and transport yourself and your family, and with the extra pedal power provided by a motor, you can increase your fitness effortlessly, too!
Why Choose a Cargo Bike?
A cargo bike is a greener method of transport than a car or even public transport, and could also save you a great deal of money. If you’re considering getting rid of your car, you’ll be making big savings on tax and insurance, as well as fuel, and you’ll spend much less time sitting in traffic, as well!
Cargo bikes are not just about the financial savings, though. Riding a bike is also a great way to maintain your health and fitness, feel more connected with the world around you, and is a great learning experience to pass on to your children. There are many different types of cargo bikes available, and you can get everyone involved in finding the right model for you. We’re always happy to demonstrate our range and offer guidance when you’re narrowing down the options.
Cargo Bikes: Which Type?
A cargo bike offers a whole lifestyle upgrade, and finding the right model will make all the difference. The types include:
Box Bikes. A Box bike is designed to carry heavy loads, with a large box-style container at the front of the bike, which can carry children or cargo. This is great for riders who want to see their cargo or children as they ride, and is a very popular choice with parents doing the school or nursery run by bike. There are options for two- or three-wheel designs, and the load is low to the ground for maximum stability.
Longtail Bikes. Longtail cargo bikes have a long frame, with a platform at the back of the bike that can accommodate a child seat or large panniers, and feel more like a regular bike to ride. A long tail design offers stability and ease of riding, and is usually not as wide as a box bike.
Electric Bike. An electric cargo bike can transform your lifestyle and make your eco dreams a reality. Heading up hills is often a chore, but it can become a pleasure with pedal assist functions, even if you are carrying a heavy load. A cargo bike can be challenging to manoeuvre, especially on inclines, and adding a motor can help you to make light work of this and optimise every journey. Cargo bikes are an excellent choice for city cycling, giving you the freedom to travel to work or do your shopping without using the car or sitting in a queue of traffic for hours. You’ll also save on parking, and most Irish cities are developing their cycle path networks to give you safer, easier routes and convenient bike parking options.
Bike to Work Schemes
Did you know that electric bikes and cargo bikes are included in the Government bike to work schemes here in Ireland?
In January 2023, the Bike to Work Scheme was updated to increase the allowance for cargo bikes significantly, taking it up to €3,000. This has enabled more people to take advantage of the cargo bike as a practical, eco-friendly option for everyday travel to work.
The Bike to Work Scheme enables employees to buy a bicycle via their tax-free salary, and allows for purchases of up to €1,250 for standard pedal bikes, €1,500 for electric bikes and €3,000 for cargo bikes and electric cargo bikes. This scheme aims to make cycling to work accessible to more people here in Ireland, and enables you to save around 29-49% on the cost of your bike, depending on your tax band.
You can apply via your employer or HR department, and we can help you with the process when you visit us at The Edge.
Our Favourite Cargo Bikes
The type of cargo bike that is right for you will depend on the type of riding you will be doing. If you are likely to be carrying children to school or nursery, or carrying heavy loads for short distances, you may find that a box bike is the ideal choice. On the other hand, if you need to travel longer distances, perhaps with just one child or with loads that can be packed into panniers, you may prefer the convenience of a longtail cargo bike.
Our recommendations include:
Cube Longtail Hybrid Comfort Family 800. This is a versatile bike that is an excellent choice for every day, and it features an adaptable rear carrier system with a comfortable bench seat, side protection and a step board. This model has a carrying capacity of up to 200kg, and the 800Wh battery gives you the smooth pedal assistance you need.
Cube Longtail Sport Hybrid 725 Cargo eBike. This is a stylish and practical model that is designed to handle a load of up to 200kg and is powered by Bosch’s fourth-generation CX Line motor. You have many options here, with 60kg capacity on the sturdy, extended rear carrier and an optional extension to allow the fitting of a standard Eurobox, a headset-mounted front carrier and even an optional downtube carrier for extra load carrying. This is a great option for transporting loads around town, and the sleek design gives you the versatility you need in traffic and on cycle paths. Whatever your requirements, come and visit us at The Edge and see our cargo bikes in action. We know that you need a solution that streamlines your lifestyle and feels great to ride, and we can help you to decide on your priorities and narrow down your shortlist.
Outdoor Adventures in Ireland
At The Edge, we have an excellent range of bikes, including cargo bikes and electric bikes to suit every budget and lifestyle. We stock cycling equipment and clothing that will ensure you can enjoy the ride in all weather, and we can help you to find the best options for you and your family.
We specialise in outdoor adventure equipment, and you’ll find everything you need for swimming, surfing, triathlon and running in our range, including clothing and equipment. Come in and chat with our friendly team in-store or explore our products online.
