For families of up to 4 people, the choice of a 4-seater electric cargo bike model is primarily based on the number of seats available. Some cargo models can accommodate more than 4.
An electric cargo bike for 4 people or more must combine design, quality equipment, robustness and safety.
How to choose your 4-seater electric cargo bike? This is exactly what we are going to focus on here.
For increased autonomy, for comfort, for different ways of travelling with a contribution to greater ecology while also saving money, the cargo bike is an excellent alternative to the car, especially in urban areas. To know how to make the right choice among the 4-seater cargo bike models, follow the guide!
The different types of 4-seater electric cargo bikes
There are several types of multi-seater bikes available on the market. How to choose your 4-seater electric cargo bike?
Each model has its own characteristics, its own configuration to be able to transport up to 4 people and sometimes more. Let's see the main types of cargo bike with VAE that can be considered:
Longtail
The Longtail is the extended bike model. It is equipped with a very long luggage rack which allows the transport of loads or people, it has the advantage of being very similar to a classic bike, it is simply longer.
This model remains the favorite of city families, it can have large panniers or can be equipped to accommodate additional passengers.
The frame is elongated and the child seats can be placed in the back, one behind the other.
This bike is compact and easy to handle, making it ideal for urban environments.
Other child seats can be considered on the front.
Biporteur
The two-wheeled cargo bike offers a large loading area at the front, this type of large box can therefore accommodate up to 3 children or goods.
This model is ideal for families and small businesses. On a cargo bike, the front box can take various forms, sometimes it is very atypical like the Urban Arrow Shorty model, sometimes the brands remain quite classic.
Tricycle
The tricycle type bike is wider and as its name suggests it already has three wheels, depending on the model there are either two wheels at the front or two wheels at the rear.
This model is stable with a high load capacity. It is truly the historic Dutch cargoBike.
Basically, the tricycle is designed for transport. It has a very large trunk which, depending on the model and the age of the children, can carry 2 to 8 small passengers. It is less maneuverable than other models and you need to get the hang of it, especially when taking turns with caution, but it is also a question of getting used to it!
What criteria should you use to choose a 4-seater cargo bike?
To choose your 4-seater bike, it is necessary to consider the essential factors that make a quality cargo bike, and even more so when it comes to a bike that will transport several people.
To make the right choice on a cargo bike, whether it is classic or an electric model, beyond the measurements and the size, you must especially focus on these 5 criteria:
- The number and ages of children who will be transported
- You need to consider your journey in terms of distance and terrain
- Consider the usual or even exceptional load if you have to take care of the shopping and your children's school bags and your bag!
- Type of use: for transporting children only or transporting children and also goods
- See storage space constraints
Why should you try your cargo bike before buying it?
It is important to ask to do a test before buying your 4-seater bike, this allows you to get a better idea of the real handling of the machine, and also to see on which model you feel most comfortable. Try it first, alone and also with the children afterwards. This way, you will be more reassured about your choice.
Key factors to consider
When choosing your future 4-seater cargo bike, you should pay attention to:
Engine power
For the engine, you need to think carefully about performance that is suitable to support the loads you plan to transport.
The cargo bike is equipped with a motor, a battery and assistance. To be really precise, we will talk about an electrically assisted cargo bike (EAB)
There are 3 types of motors for an electric bike (front wheel, rear wheel, pedal), for a cargo bike there is no doubt that you should turn to the pedal motor. This motor for this type of bike is the most stable. For the power, you need to know:
- 250W (compliant with European regulations).
- 500W and more for heavy loads and uphill travel.
- Mid-engine vs. rear-wheel motor: which one to choose?
Generally, the criteria for choosing the engine revolve around the brand, model and power. But there is also the choice of the positioning of the engine: central at the level of the pedal, in the rear wheel, or, more rarely now in the front wheel.
This choice varies depending on the range of cargo bikes, but it is important not to simply limit your choice to your wallet. You will see this when you browse the different models of cargo bikes, there is a price hierarchy between bikes with front, rear or central motors. The " central motor " technology is generally more expensive but it remains the most stable and reliable.
Battery life
The average range of an electric bike generally varies between 50 and 120 km.
What can influence the battery life is the battery capacity, the weight carried, the weather conditions and the type of terrain.
Riding style and bike maintenance also play a major role in battery life.
On average, the range of an electric bike varies between 50 and 120 km, some models offer a long range that can reach more than 200 km. It should be remembered that an electric bike with a range of 70 km is perfect for urban use, this is also the average range of the batteries.
In summary:
- 500Wh to 1000Wh battery recommended for carrying multiple passengers.
- Factors influencing autonomy: weight, terrain, weather.
Weight and handling
A heavier bike, which carries heavy loads or children, consumes more energy, this can reduce the battery life by several dozen kilometers.
- Cargo bikes can weigh 30-70kg, it is necessary to do a test ride to test the handling.
- Favor hydraulic brakes and shock absorbers for optimal comfort.
Comfort and safety
For comfort and safety, you should not skimp on the choice of different equipment designed to improve safety and especially if you are transporting your children, here is what you should also think about when buying a 4-seater bike.
- Safety harnesses and child-friendly seats.
- Windshield, rain hood and essential accessories.
Price and budget
| Range | Average price (€) | Autonomy | Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry level | 2,500 - 4,000 € | 50-80 km | Occasional walks |
| Mid-range | 4,000 - 6,500 € | 80-100 km | Daily use |
| High-end | 6,500 - 9,000 € | 100-150 km | Long journeys & professional |
Transporting and maintaining a 4-seater cargo bike
Can you transport a cargo bike in a car?
You can transport your cargo bike by car provided you have a suitable trailer or bike rack.
Maintenance and durability
Proper maintenance and follow-up of your cargo bike is essential. Consider taking out insurance that can protect you in the event of a breakdown, vandalism or other. In terms of maintenance, consider:
- Check the brakes and battery regularly.
- Reinforced tires to support the extra weight.
Conclusion: How to choose the right 4-seater electric cargo bike?
The 4-seater electric cargo bike is truly the excellent alternative to the car for urban travel. Anyone who wants to combine efficiency and ecology is necessarily interested, and increasingly so, in this means of transport.
To avoid daily traffic jams, to take your children to school more easily, to avoid the hassle of looking for a parking space, to do your shopping and simply to get to work, the electric cargo bike is ideal.
Of course, it is also necessary to be able to park it under cover and preferably in a garage, so this is not possible for everyone.
With an impressive load capacity of 150 kg, in addition to the driver, the cargo bike offers enough space to transport children and goods safely.
The frame is made of very sturdy steel. Do not forget to consider carefully before using it, this will also allow you to establish the right budget to plan for. Do not forget to find out about the state aid that is available, and also see the regional council and the municipalities that also sometimes offer aid. Finally, to reassure you about all the capacities of the available types of cargo bikes:
🚲 Discover our selection on BatooBike .
FAQ - Everything you need to know about the 4-seater electric cargo bike
What power should you choose for a cargo bike?
250W is the permitted power at European level. For cargo bikes with electric assistance limited to 25km/h, the regulations impose a maximum motor power of 250W. The torques of these motors vary depending on the manufacturer.
For example, at Bosch, the torque of the motor dedicated to cargo bikes (cargo line) can reach 85 NM.
How much does a 4-seater electric cargo bike cost?
The price of a cargo bike depends on its type, brand, equipment, comfort, handling, engine, battery, autonomy, so the lowest prices range from 2500 to 4000 euros, the highest between 6500 and 9000 euros, sometimes more.
What is the difference between a cargo bike and a tricycle?
Cargo bike = a bike with a reinforced frame or extended luggage rack, it can carry two children, or even more depending on the model or heavy loads. The biporteur offers a two-wheeled bike with a box at the front. The triporteur is a three-wheeled bike with a box at the front.
How to transport a cargo bike by car?
To transport your cargo bike by car, you absolutely must be equipped with a suitable trailer or a bike rack adapted to your cargo bike model.