Just some questions which regular come flying our way either as we fly by or when we are stationary between journeys. Her’s some of the regular ones.
Q: Are cargo bikes easy to ride?
A: With some experience of ride a standard bicycle the transition to riding a cargo bike is pretty simple. The steering feels a little strange at first but is very quick to get used to.
Q: Do you need a license to ride a cargo bike?
A: No. You just need to respect other users of the road and in shared spaces, pedestrians. Ideally ring your bell to give other space users a signal that you are there.
Q: Do you have to be a certain age to ride a cargo bike?
A: No. They are bigger than most standard adult bikes, a 12 year old has ridden it this week with 10 year old in the from – Is that the same as someone who is 22 riding a single bike, I’m not sure but they had double fun :).
Q: Can you carry people on a cargo bike?
A: Yes. Here’s an example of us doing exactly that and there are plenty of examples where children are safely carrying distances by cargo bike, and pets too. Cargo bikes have varying weight limits and our fleet carry unto 150KG at a minimum.
Q: How fast can you go on a cargo bike?
A: The electric assisted (you still have to pedal) cargo bikes are currently speed limited in the UK to 15.5mph/26km/h which means when you reach this speed you require only human power to move the bike. When going down hill there is gravity working with you and just like any normal bike you’ll have to control the speed of the bike with your brakes. Some cargo bikes have more than the usual 2 sets of brakes due to the size and potential cargo of the bikes.
Q: Can you go off-road with a cargo bike?
A: If you are used to riding off road then in theory you can also ride off-road with a cargo bike. Bear on mind they are typically longer on the wheel base (similar to tandem lengths) so watch for pedal clearance when going over rough terrain. Precious cargo probably best kept to smoother terrain. Don’t expect any eggs to survive if you try and roll down a rocky terrain.
Q: How far does the battery get you on a cargo bike?
A: If you are used to riding an e-bike already (electric assisted bike) you’ll know what your range os typically by e-bike. When going up hills it uses more battery and when carrying more load (cargo) it uses even more battery, if it’s windy you’ll need more help and so on. A cargo can get from Macclesfield to Buxton and back on a full charge of battery (this has been done on more than one occasion and in various conditions , check our instagram if you want some photo evidence 🙂 )
Q: Is a cargo trike easier to ride than a cargo bike?
A: At first glance you could be mistaken to think that a cargo trike would be easier as it is self balanced. Not always the case! A cargo bike does take some balancing and control and it is also more nimble on terrain, or dodging potholes (sometimes it is like slalom on some of our roads). Trikes while self balanced and cargo more stable can help people try out cargo bike riding, the cornering and pothole doing can take some getting used to.
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