Source: Momentum Magazine
Although ubiquitous throughout European cities for decades, cargo bikes & e-cargo bikes are only now becoming more common-place in North America. Cargo Bikes (or the Dutch “ Bakfiets” - Bike Box or Bin Box) historically emerged in Denmark & The Netherlands in the early 1900s. They have a reinforced frame - good for bearing extra weight on either two or three wheels - and have bins or buckets attached to extended racks in the front or back. It may be surprising, however, to learn that the first known cargo bikes were invented by James Starley in England in 1888. They became widely used for various freight needs throughout Europe until after World War II, when more citizens owned private cars and businesses & farmers began using pick-up trucks. In the late nineties they resurfaced into popular use, and, through the last decade, the addition of electric pedal assist to cargo bikes has been the real game-changer.
Momentum Magazine’s recent feature boasts that a cargo bike / e-cargo bike “bests the minivan”. Here are their ten reasons why it is the perfect family vehicle:
It’s cheaper (less than $10,000 USD), MUCH cheaper than owning and operating a car
No worry of gas prices rising with high maintenance costs; only about $100 USD for a tune up per year
Take kids to school and get exercise
Simplify life, take what you need, scale down
Easy / cheap parking
Fun
Great to communicate with other riders, especially with kids
Fights climate change
Puts kids to sleep. Naps are a dream
Fantastic mode to explore, learn, discover and teach together
Earlier this spring, Bloomberg News profiled the growing shift to e-bikes and e-cargo bikes as car replacements for commuting, shopping & ferrying around children, in an era of soaring gas prices coupled with a desire to choose a more environmentally friendly mode of transportation. The piece, however, points to the need for government incentives & tax credits to help trigger a major rethink for North Americans to choose this option.This process is in motion.
Presently, there are incentives in the US & Canada, with California, Colorado, Michigan, Oregon, Texas, Vermont, New York, as the first adopters. The list is expanding weekly!
Alberta - Using the provincial “Scrap-It” scheme Alberta residents can receive a $300 rebate when they scrap their car and purchase an ebike, with a minimum ebike price of $1000.
British Columbia - Utilizing the “Scrap-It” scheme residents of British Columbia can receive $750 towards the purchase of a new ebike when the retail price is over $1200, pre-tax, and it is purchased from a participating retailer.
Business owners in B.C. can get up to $1,700 when they buy a cargo e-bike. The rebate covers one third the cost of a cargo e-bike.
Nova Scotia - Supported by EV Assist Nova Scotia, a $500 rebate is available for Nova Scotia residents on ebikes costing more than $1200.
The US Postal Service has just embraced custom cargo eBikes for efficient delivery.
Electric Bike Review has an insightful forum about ebike rebates for businesses.
Earlier in August, “Not Just Bikes” (a mobility & urban sustainability advocate) returned home to Toronto from Europe to showcase this emerging shift in North American cargo bike culture. The video (as always) is an informative & spirited POV as witnessed by bike. They used a cargo bike & carshare programmes like Enterprise Carshare to do everything, citing the many uses: groceries, musical equipment, landscaping supplies, furniture, companions, kids, pets, work-deliveries / food carts….Cool cargo-bike commercial delivery company Nrbi gets a cameo with their carlacargo e-cargo-bike.
Other fantastic e-cargo pals in Toronto include: the independent e-cargo bike rental startup
Happy Fiets Canada and Curbside Cycle, with their 3 Assist Bullitts and their partnership with FedEX.
From Zygg’s second Canadian city, Vancouver, HUB Cycling has assembled a terrific group of resources & knowledge for the cargo biking enthusiast, and those thinking about making the leap, including links to all stores in Vancouver that sell cargo / e-cargo bikes.
Moving Goods and Services by Bike in Vancouver has specific regulations and guidelines.
Upcoming Events to Consider:
The Canadian Cargo Cycle Conference: “Opening The Mobility Toolbox” has an online event happening on September 20th, 2022.
The Inaugural Montreal Cargo Bike Crit: a fun, racing rally takes place on Aug 21, 2022.
You can always find great info at cargobike.ca !
Let’s get moving!