Tips for Maintaining a Cargo Bike
Imagine a world in which it is convenient and practical to forgo the minivan and pick up a bike instead. Of course, a cargo bike won’t magically improve the bicycle infrastructure and culture in your city, but it will allow you to easily haul kids, groceries, soccer balls, school backpacks.
Cargo bikes are sturdy bicycles used to carry heavy loads, usually two or more people. These bicycles vary in size and shape, may have two or three wheels, and usually have a longer wheelbase than standard bicycles, with room to haul loads either at the front or at the back.
Cargo Bike
Why buy a cargo bike?
A cargo bike allows you to do all the things you do on a bike, but its sturdiness means you can haul more stuff without throwing everything and everyone off balance. The most powerful bikes have the capacity to carry up to several hundred pounds. (Families use them to haul their kids (and all their stuff) to school, the park, and other places nearby; they're versatile because you can carry a smaller child and an older child at the same time. Cyclists choose them as an easy, eco-friendly, and fun way to scoot around town without having to worry about finding a parking space.
Different types of cargo bikes
There are three popular types of cargo bikes.
Long-tail bikes. These bikes let you carry children and other goods on an extended rear rack above the rear wheel. They are popular with families with more than one child. Children can sit on a child seat mounted on the rack or on a bench on the rear rack.
Mid-tail bikes. These compact utility bikes are shorter than long-tailed bikes. Some are about the same length as a standard bicycle but have better traction capacity. They are easier to store, transport and maneuver; some can be folded up. They may not be able to handle multiple children, so may not be as versatile for larger families.
Cargo Bike
Front-loading cargo bikes (sometimes called bakfiets, Dutch for “box bike”) let you carry your cargo in a box or container that sits low between the handlebars and the front wheel. Families like these bikes because they can put their children and pets in front so they can keep an eye on them, and conversation is often easier. Riding them takes some practice, but they are surprisingly easy to maneuver.
Tips for Maintaining a Cargo Bike
Generally speaking, cargo bikes need to be serviced more regularly, even if you’re doing short trips every day. They’re heavier bikes often with longer chains, and should be routinely checked for wear and replaced as needed. With heavier bikes carrying cargo, you’re asking more of your brakes, so check the brakes more frequently as well. Follow your manufacturer’s recommendations on maintaining your cargo bike.
As the best cargo bikes manufacturer and supplier, Beijivehicle has a variety of cargo bicycles for sale. All cargo trikes are designed by experts and will definitely meet your needs. If you want to buy the best cargo bikes for kids, please contact us.
