ADAC tests e-cargo bikes – high prices and a bike without effective brakes

Bike test
ADAC tests e-cargo bikes – high prices and a bike without effective brakes

The Chike e-Kids convinces with its elaborate tilting technology

© PR

E-cargo bikes are trendy. The ADAC checked five popular models. The prices are steep, but the cheap model failed with brake failure.

Electric cargo bikes achieved a certain fame during the election campaign. It remains to be seen whether cargo vehicles will really become the urban transport system of the future, but they are an interesting alternative. If the load function is used on a daily basis – for example for transporting children – families consider purchasing such a device. For an occasional purchase, a much cheaper cargo trailer would do the same. With around 80,000 e-cargo bikes sold, they are definitely in vogue. And through the “E” – only with a motor can the heavy wheels move with some effort.

Five bikes in the test

The ADAC took a closer look at five three-wheeled e-cargo bikes. In view of the high prices, the verdict is not particularly flattering: Only two models did well, and one bike even failed. There was a surprise right at the beginning of the test. The first feedback was consistently negative, as the driving and steering behavior of the tricycles differs massively from that of a bicycle. Relearning is therefore essential. For safety reasons alone, you should train extensively.

The Vogue Carry 3 failed and that of all things with the brakes. The ADAC did not even carry out a tough load test. The bike does not create the minimum deceleration required by the DIN standard. So hands off. The Carry 3 costs around 3000 euros. For an e-cargo bike, that’s on the lower end of the spectrum, but there are only inadequate brakes and a China drive from Bafang. And then 300 euros are too much.

Big investment

The test winner was the Chike e-Kids. However, it also costs almost 6,000 euros. The ADAC writes: “The high-quality e-cargo bike with tilt technology is most likely to ride like a ‘normal’ bike.” Second place goes to the Butchers & Bicycles MK1-E Automatic for a proud 7600 euros. Here it says: “The most expensive in the test field, but also very valuable and equipped with inclination technology is the MK1-E from Butchers & Bicycles. However, it does not drive as well in the bends as the Chike.”

The thrifty ADAC testers point out that for certain tasks, such as transporting children, additional, high-priced accessories must be purchased. The MK1-E can then be more expensive than a small car with short registration.

Note the total weight

Interested parties should also consider the size and sometimes impressive weight of the bikes. Without motor power, the buzzers can hardly be moved. You can only move it with several people via a staircase. Usually they cannot be taken with you on vacation. The testers point out discrepancies with the reported weight of the loads. Sometimes a very high payload is suggested, but this can only be achieved if the driver is a flyweight, because in addition to the payload, the total weight of the load, driver and bike must also be adhered to.

Don’t drive like a two-wheeler

Driving the tricycles takes getting used to. The comparatively large turning circle does not match the dimensions of the bike and footpaths. If two-wheelers are maneuvered, you quickly lift a wheel to move the wheel in a small space. This is not the case with a heavy tricycle.

Tricycles without built-in tilting technology have a big problem, if inclined surfaces are driven across, then the whole wheel tilts in the direction of the incline. Tricycles react even worse to driving errors. If one of the small wheels slips off the curb during an evasive maneuver, a surprised driver can fall.

If you want to go from the curb pavement to the street, this is a real maneuver that you should not do at an angle, but only at a 90 degree angle.

Two-wheeled e-cargo bikes can be moved much more dynamically and similar to a bicycle. However, they have not been tested.

The ranges are between 40 and 65 kilometers and should therefore be practical. As expected, the weight of the tricycles absorbs more electricity than a trekking bike. When charging, it depends on the charger supplied. Fast chargers fill the battery in half the time – they are ready in under four hours. Anyone who uses something like this must always be careful not to plug several of these heavy power consumers into a three-way extension.

source site