Are your bike bags alone no longer sufficient for your everyday travel needs? Whether you use your bike for private or business purposes, you may well be wondering whether to buy a bike trailer or a cargo bike. It must be said that both solutions present a whole range of advantages!
But what are the most important considerations when it comes to carrying your kids, your shopping or your gear? Cargo bike or trailer: in this article, we present 7 criteria to consider before making your choice!
Cargo bike or trailer: an in-depth look at 7 key criteria
Vélo cargo | Remorque vélo | |
1 - Your journey topography | Urban environment | Urban and rural environment |
2 - Admissible weight and volume | Maximum of 250kg, including the weight of any passengers | - around 50kg for bike trailers for private use - up to 250kg for bike trailers for professional use |
3 - Space requirements for parking | We recommend a garage or private storage facility | Folding trailers require very little space. These models can easily fit in a car boot. |
4 - Manoeuvrability and adaptability | Very good - Takes a little while to get the knack of it | Very good - Easily, almost immediately mastered |
5 - Passenger safety | Very good | Very good |
6 - Durability and servicing | Twice-yearly service by a professional | Regular check of the condition of parts and tyres |
7 - Price | Price range for low-end to high-end models: From €1,000 to over €7,000 | Price range for low-end to high-end models: From €100 to over €1,500 (private users) |
1 - The topography of your journeys (main roads, small country roads, narrow streets, hilly roads, distances, etc.)
Cargo bike
Most cargo bikes are designed for use in urban environments, since they are hard to transport and too heavy, as yet, for very long journeys. Two-wheel, three-wheel or longtail cargo bikes are best suited to private and professional city-dwellers.
A cargo bike is easy to ride, especially when equipped with power assistance. If you have to transport heavy loads in hilly terrain, this is the ideal means of transport!
A word of caution, though: if you have to mount footpaths and clear door thresholds, or if your bike shed is difficult to access, your cargo bike’s large form factor and weight may prove to be a drawback.
Also, if you bike long distances every day, check your battery’s charge life. Because cargo bikes are heavier, they can generally cover fewer kilometres than a standard electric-assist bike.
Trailer
When choosing a trailer model , bear in mind the topography of your regular bike trips. For small country roads, trails and other rough tracks, there are all-terrain bike trailers.
If you’re a city dweller, opt instead for a model with two or more wheels. Your load will be more stable both when the bike is stationary and when you’re negotiating a sharp turn or a speed bump.
Note that an electric-assist bike is preferable (though not essential) if you intend to carry heavy loads and/or if you regularly cycle in hilly terrain.
If so, the electrical assistance will do the extra work for you and you’ll hardly notice that you’re towing a trailer. The only difference will be a reduced electric range, depending on the load transported.
2 - The volume and weight that you intend to transport
Cargo bike
In recent years, cargo bikes have become a common sight in cities.
Alongside models equipped with a box at the front, now longtail bikes have hit the streets. Today the roads are teeming with longtail bikes, whose longer rear luggage rack is ideal for carrying children, an animal or even an adult.
Cargo bikes also provide a generous load capacity, with the larger models able to transport up to 250kg. Some cyclists use their cargo bike to carry their DIY gear, suitcases or even moving boxes for small-scale home removals!
Tradesmen regularly travelling with light- to medium-weight loads also find that cargo bikes fit the bill. They can get about town more quickly and avoid the hassle of finding a parking space.
Trailer
The majority of bike trailers can carry a similar load volume to that of a cargo bike. And because they are easy to manoeuvre and quick to unhitch, bike trailers can serve a broader range of purposes.
That said, on trailers designed for non-professional use, the transportable weight is generally limited to around 50kg (EU legislation caps the maximum load at 60kg, including the weight of the trailer).
Moreover, if you want to transport your children, you can carry only two kids. And once children turn four, they will probably be too big (and too heavy) for this mode of travel.
Do you need to transport heavy, bulky loads for your work? The trailer may be just what you need. Depending on your requirements, you can even buy a bespoke professional trailer tailored to your business.
3 - Available parking space for your bike or trailer
Cargo bike
Parking a cargo bike in a city can be challenging, given that they are generally bulky and hard to park. If you want to limit the risks of vandalism or theft, it’s best to have your own garage or a shared bike shed.
Many public parking facilities now offer secure solutions for cargo bikes.
Trailer
Do you live in a building that doesn’t have a lift, and you don’t have an available storage area or garage? If so, the bike trailer is made for you!
These days, many bike trailers are foldable. They take up a minimum of space and can easily be stored in your entry cupboard. So yes, your cupboard is still your best anti-theft device!
4 - Your bike’s manoeuvrability and adaptability
Cargo bike
Once you’ve got the knack of it, a cargo bike is easy to manoeuvre and steer. However, riding it is not the same as riding a traditional bike.
If you’re new to cargo bikes, spend some time getting accustomed to its size and geometry (because the front wheel of a cargo bike that has a box at the front is further away). Because the bike is heavier, when travelling at low speeds you’ll need to get your balance.
Are you worried it might be too difficult to get accustomed to the bike? The longtail bike, with its lengthier rear luggage rack, is a real hit. Riding it is like riding a traditional bike.
Trailer
If you’re new to bike trailers, this one is light and easier to become accustomed to because it doesn’t affect your balance when you’re cycling. It is suitable for a variety of settings (urban or rural) and can be used with any type of bike.
It is lighter than a cargo bike and can tag along even on hikes and bike tours, since it can travel by train with you (folding models only).
5 - The safety of your passengers / trailer coupling
Cargo bike
If your bike is your everyday means of transport for your children, rest assured that a cargo bike is very safe. Your kids are protected by safety rails and/or a safety harness. For cargo bikes with a box at the front, your children are in your line of sight, which can be reassuring in a dense urban area.
Trailer
With a trailer, on the other hand, you do not have a direct view of your children or your load. Bear in mind, though, that the latest trailer models are fitted with reflectors or lights to keep you visible on the road.
6 - The durability and upkeep of your gear
Cargo bike
A great majority of the cargo bikes currently on the market are electric-assist bikes. This feature obliges you to perform regular maintenance on your bike (about twice a year if you’re using it regularly).
This is because the heavy weight of these bikes causes the brakes and transmission, for example, to wear more quickly.
Proper maintenance and the replacement of mechanical and electronic components as and when necessary are essential for ensuring your cargo bike’s durability.
💡 Good to know: if your cargo bike is parked outdoors, we strongly recommend covering it with a tarpaulin.
Trailer
To a lesser extent, bike trailers also have to be inspected regularly, though this is less costly and less restrictive.
It is important to regularly check the condition of the tyres and that all parts are securely screwed on.
7 - The price
Cargo bike
One of the main drawbacks of the cargo bike is effectively its price, which, only logically, is far higher than that of a trailer. Even so, investing in this type of bike can make good sense if, for example, you intend to use your bike instead of your vehicle for everyday getting around.
💡 On a super-tight budget? Muscle-power cargo bikes (i.e. with no electric assist) are available from €1,000. Higher-end ones start at €7,000.
Trailer
A trailer is not only cheaper than a cargo bike, it can also be shared among members of your family or your company. When equipment is pooled like that, the cost is soon recouped.
What’s more, in the majority of cases, you won’t need to invest in a new bike. Simply choose a trailer that has a compatible hitch.
The price of a bike trailer ranges from €100 to over €1,500. The price largely depends on the trailer’s size, the materials used and the country of manufacture. Models manufactured in Europe start at around €500 (incl. VAT).
Should you opt for a cargo bike or a trailer?
Whether you’re considering a bike for private or business purposes, the cargo bike and the bike trailer each have specific advantages. Whereas a trailer is the perfect adjunct to a traditional bike for family outings or for transporting gear, a cargo bike is the ideal solution for anyone looking for an all-in-one means of transport.
If you’re a professional, why not choose both? By adding a trailer to your cargo bike, you double its transport capacity without having to invest in a second bike.
💡 Did you know? ODILO is the perfect cargo trailer for private citizens and professionals looking to simplify their trips by bike. This compact, light, multipurpose trailer has all the benefits of a cargo bike without the bulk! So... tempted?