1. How much should I expect to pay?
It's an investment in your family mobility & happiness.
E-Cargo bikes range from $1,000 to $10,000. For a solid, well built bike with a reliable motor, sturdy components, a good warranty and responsive customer support, you'll want rule out anything under $2.5k. On the upper end of $7k and above, you’re paying a lot more for features you aren’t likely to need in everyday situations.
$3-5k may give you some sticker shock if you’re stuck thinking of a bike as a leisure item. But when you understand that electric cargo bikes can be your daily transportation, the savings over a car (or 2nd car) are huge. For the cost of an annual car payment you can buy a quality e-cargo bike that can carry just as many passengers and last 25+ years.
Xtracycle gives you added value by including accessories that help you carry kids and cargo, and offering free shipping & local assembly with every bike.
2. Is it hard to ride with kids on the back?
Surprisingly, no! It’s just like riding a bike.
A well-designed e-cargo bike has a natural ride feel, even when loaded. Unlike a classic bike + kid seat set-up, the weight of your child or cargo is much lower to the ground, bringing your center of gravity down. This gives you a very stable ride.
The length of the bike does not make as much of a difference as you might think, either. Turning is the same, and the motor picks up the slack of pedaling the heavier load.
The longtail Swoop easily transports three wriggly kids around town, while the Stoker is right at home carrying loads on or off-road. If you’re comfortable riding a bike you’ll be comfortable riding an Xtracycle.
3. How fast does it go? How far can it go?
As fast and as far as you’re likely to want.
Around town, on bike paths and in bike lanes, most riders rarely need to exceed 15mph, and a 20mph top speed motor (known as a Class 1 motor) gives you room to speed up. A 28mph top speed bike (known as Class 3) is a great option for people who need to go farther and want to get there faster, for example, the morning trip to drop the kids at school, and then a commute into work downtown.
Xtracycle bikes come standard with long-range batteries giving you up to 60-miles per charge. Many families can ride the better part of a week without worrying about charging the bike. That’s also long enough for a big weekend outing with two or three kids and all the gear you need.
4. How safe are they?
It's your top priority, and ours, too!
Safety first is never more important than when it comes to transporting family. Being an alert, informed rider, and choosing a well-built, reliable cargo bike with top safety features will give you the most confidence in overall safety. While no mode of transportation is entirely risk-free, car accidents pose a much greater threat to family safety than riding a bike.
At Xtracycle, safety is our top priority–all bikes come with quick-response hydraulic disc brakes for superior stopping power, and no-lag pedal assist motors for a smooth ride. Our first-of-its-kind modular Hooptie system protects kids and cargo with a full wrap-around enclosure with dual hand-rails designed to keep little hands safe at all times.
5. So, is it really worth it?
Absolutely, cargo bikes are worth it in three big ways:
Pocketbook - With 64% of trips within 0-5 miles and 79% within 10 miles of home*, a cargo bike is a viable alternative for many daily errands, commutes, and family outings. Requiring $0.00 in gas, registration, or insurance, and nominal maintenance, they can lead to reduced car ownership** and substantial cost savings.
Convenience - No more circling for parking or traffic jams. You can easily pull right up to your destination to shop for groceries or drop off kids. The increased carrying capacity allows you to run multiple errands and transport larger loads, all with one less car on the road.
Happiness - The greatest reward! You’re moving your body, getting fresh air, and connecting your kids to the world around them in a way a car simply can’t. Alongside the proven environmental and health benefits of cycling, there’s great value in being an active family that rides together.
* Green Car Congress, ** Transportation Research Journal
BONUS QUESTION
How long am I really going to use it?
The answer just might be forever.
While it's easy to think cargo bikes are just for family years with little kids 1-6 years old, the truth is a great bike can fit your familyfor years more. Xtracycle's modular Hooptie system grows with your changing needs.
The HalfHooptie allows more independent kids (think 6+) the ability to get on & off more easily, while SnackBars accommodate teens and adults quite comfortably (and with less embarrassment for those junior high and even high school years!)
But these bikes aren’t just for hauling kids – they are workhorses for hauling groceries, Costco runs, and odd-sized items you might not even be able to fit in your car or SUV.
With a proven track record and built-to-last quality, an Xtracycle can pay both financial and happiness dividends for decades to come.
More topics to dig into
Get acquainted with the cargo bike life and start riding with Xtracycle
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