Cargo-Bikes
Rent a Cargo Bike – flexible, sustainable & suitable for everyday life
Imagine the stressful morning to daycare suddenly running relaxed: the children climb into the cargo box, you buckle them in safely, and instead of sitting in traffic, you roll past the cars laughing. A quick detour to the bakery? No problem – there’s plenty of space for rolls, groceries and a favourite cuddly toy. That’s exactly what cargo bikes are made for – no matter whether you know them as a cargo bike or an e-cargo bike. As a true family cargo bike it offers you comfort, flexibility and a big portion of freedom. Whether you take the children to daycare with the cargo bike, do the weekend shop or go on a trip to the countryside – you are independent of the car. And the best part: with StrollMe you can rent a cargo bike and calmly try out how much it makes your everyday life easier – sustainable, practical and with a good portion of riding fun.
Why a cargo bike is the perfect solution for families
A cargo bike is not just a bicycle – it’s like a small family van on two wheels. Especially in everyday life with children it makes many things easier:
- Master daycare & school runs with ease: two children including backpacks sit safely buckled in the cargo box – you have them in view and are often faster than by car.
- Shopping without lugging: crates of drinks, large shopping trips or the entire weekend shop simply come along.
- Outings with comfort: picnic basket, scooter or even the balance bike fit in easily, and the kids enjoy the ride instead of being tired before the playground.
- Space for more than just kids: dog, tools or moving boxes can also be transported without any problems – a real multi-talent.
- Sustainable & cheaper than the car: you save fuel, parking searches and high fixed costs – while still being mobile.
- Electric assist: the motor ensures that the bike is easy to pedal even when fully loaded – even on longer routes or uphill.
In short: a cargo bike is the ideal family vehicle if you want to be flexible, sustainable and independent of the car – and by renting with StrollMe you can try it without risk instead of immediately investing a lot of money in a purchase.
Cargo bike types at a glance – what suits you?
Cargo bikes – or freight bicycles – come in different designs. Some ride almost like a normal bike, others are small transport wonders with maximum stability. Especially as a family cargo bike, the choice between a two-wheeler and a three-wheeler as well as the cargo position plays an important role.
🚲 Two-wheeled vs. three-wheeled e-cargo bike
| Type | Advantages | Suitable for | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Two-wheeled e-cargo (Long John/Longtail) | rides sporty and agile, fits through narrow streets, easy to park | city families who want to be flexible | slightly less cargo space, balance feel needs some getting used to |
| Three-wheeled e-cargo | extremely stable, very large cargo box, space for two children plus shopping | families with several children or a lot of transport needs | bulkier, less agile in narrow streets |
A two-wheeled cargo bike feels almost like a normal bike – ideal for the city and narrow paths. A three-wheeler is a real space miracle: stable, hard to tip and perfect if you are regularly on the road with children and lots of luggage.
📦 Cargo space at the front or back
In addition to the riding feel, the question of where the cargo space is located also decides: front or rear.
| Cargo position | Advantages | Suitable for | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Front cargo box | direct eye contact with the children, a lot of space for 2 kids + shopping | families who ride daycare and school routes or outings with lots of luggage | the bike is longer, needs more space when parking |
| Rear rack/longtail | more compact, rides almost like a normal bicycle, practical in tight cities | parents who often ride alone and occasionally take children or shopping | less space, children sit behind you without direct eye contact |
Conclusion: with StrollMe you can rent both variants and find out for yourself what suits you better. In the front cargo box you always have the children in view and plenty of space – ideal if you are often on the road with the cargo bike and kids. Rear cargo is more compact and perfect for everyone who mainly wants to stay quick and flexible in the city.
Safety & ergonomics – children well looked after in the cargo bike
A cargo bike is a real family vehicle – but the decisive factor is safety for children in the cargo bike. Manufacturers and the road traffic regulations also provide clear guidelines as to when taking them along makes sense and what equipment you need. This keeps the cargo bike with kids not only practical but also reliably safe.
👶 From when can children ride along?
| Child’s age | Option to ride | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| from approx. 9 months | infant shell or special seat with adapter | only if approved by the manufacturer; shock-damped; short, calm routes |
| from approx. 12 months | padded bench with 3/5-point harness | when the child can sit independently; always buckle up and wear a helmet |
| from approx. 2 years | regular seats with harness system | depending on the model up to 2 children; harness and helmet required; longer routes possible |
⚠️ Safety notice: The German StVO permits transporting children in the cargo bike up to the age of 7 – but only if you are at least 16 and the bike has suitable seats with harnesses. Older kids may only ride if the model is explicitly approved for passenger transport.
Checklist – this is how you ride safely & relaxed
- ✅ Always secure with a 3- or 5-point harness
- ✅ Helmet on – no matter how short the route
- ✅ Only use bikes approved for transporting children
- ✅ Protect feet: install covers or spoke guards
- ✅ Use weather protection (rain cover, sun canopy, wind shield)
- ✅ If the children sit in front: maintain eye contact and chat – makes the ride more relaxed
- ✅ Observe ergonomics: adjust handlebar height, use motor assist
- ✅ Before every ride: quick safety check (brakes, harnesses, lights)
👉 For suitable head protection you’ll find a wide selection of children’s helmets with us – safe, comfortable and stylish.
Buy or rent a cargo bike – which suits you better?
A good cargo bike is a big investment. Purchase costs are often between €4,000 and €7,000, plus maintenance and depreciation. For many families the question therefore arises: is buying worth it – or is renting by subscription better? With StrollMe you can use a cargo bike flexibly in a subscription and try it out in everyday life without immediately spending several thousand euros.
📊 Comparison: buying vs. renting with StrollMe
| Criterion | Buying | Renting with StrollMe |
|---|---|---|
| Costs | High purchase price (€4,000–€7,000 + ongoing expenses) | Monthly rate from approx. €155, plannable & transparent |
| Flexibility | Tied to one model | Model change possible at any time – perfect if your everyday life changes |
| Depreciation | Bike loses value every year | No risk – return or change in the subscription at any time |
| Sustainability | New bike, high resource consumption | Reuse & refurbishment – better for environment & budget |
| Testing & adapting | Test ride usually only short | Everyday test over months, without purchase pressure |
Conclusion: If you’re still unsure or simply want to remain flexible, renting with StrollMe is clearly more relaxed. You test your family cargo bike in real everyday life, keep costs under control and can switch within the subscription at any time – without the risk of an expensive mispurchase.
Cargo bike vs. bike trailer – what suits you?
Whether you want to rent a cargo bike or would rather rent a bike trailer – both solutions have their very own advantages. A family cargo bike is unbeatable if you want to have children and luggage directly in front of you and agility in city traffic is important. A trailer plays to its strengths if you want to remain flexible: detachable, can also be used as a jogger and particularly practical for outings.
| Criterion | Cargo bike | Bike trailer |
|---|---|---|
| Closeness & communication | children sit in the front cargo box, you have them in view and can chat while riding | children sit protected in the trailer, calmer and somewhat more secluded |
| Everyday flexibility | start directly, no hitching and unhitching necessary, plenty of space also for shopping | detachable, also usable as a jogger or buggy – ideal for leisure and travel |
| Safety | stable harness systems, good overview for parents, safe riding with motor assist | low center of gravity, protected cabin, very safe during braking maneuvers |
| Storage space | front cargo box or rear longtail – space for children plus luggage | storage more limited, additional luggage mostly on the bike itself |
| Sustainability | replaces many car trips, versatile in everyday life | also sustainable, practical for active families and outings |
Conclusion: There is no “better” or “worse” – only what suits your family. Do you want your children close to you and at the same time use a lot of storage space? Then the family cargo bike is your match. If you value maximum flexibility and versatile use, the trailer scores. The best thing: with StrollMe you don’t have to decide immediately – you can rent both variants and test them in everyday life at your leisure.
FAQ – the most frequently asked questions about cargo bikes
From when are children allowed to ride in a cargo bike?
From about 9 months if a manufacturer-approved infant shell is used. From approx. 12 months children can sit stably with a harness system, from 2 years also on regular seats. According to German road rules (StVO) children may ride up to 7 years – always with suitable seats and harnesses.
Does my child need a helmet in the cargo bike?
Yes, a helmet is strongly recommended. Even short rides can be risky, for example in a sudden braking maneuver. A suitable children’s helmet significantly increases safety.
How many children fit in a cargo bike?
Most models offer space for 1–2 children, some front boxes even for 3. The decisive factors are the maximum payload and the manufacturer’s approval.
Is an e-cargo bike useful for families?
Definitely. With motor assist, riding remains pleasant even with children and luggage, even uphill or on longer routes. That’s why almost all family cargo bikes today rely on e-drive. Examples at StrollMe: Riese & Müller Packster 70 Vario, Carrie Vario, Multicharger GT Vario 750 and Multicharger2 Mixte GT Vario.
Cargo bike or bike trailer – which is better?
Both are safe and practical. The cargo bike offers closeness, eye contact and lots of storage space. The trailer scores with flexibility and a protected seating area. Which solution fits better depends on your routes and needs.
What does cargo bike rental cost?
Rental starts at about €150 per month – full service included. Maintenance, wear parts and repairs are already included so you don’t have to worry about anything. This way you can test the bike in everyday life without immediately spending several thousand euros on a purchase.
Which models are available at StrollMe?
Currently there are high-quality Riese & Müller models to choose from: the Packster 70 Vario with a large front box, the compact Carrie Vario as well as the Multicharger variants for longer routes and high payload.
Where are you allowed to ride a cargo bike?
Cargo bikes are legally considered bicycles. You may use cycle paths, bicycle streets and paths released for bicycles. Only fast S-pedelec variants (over 25 km/h) are subject to different rules.
How much payload is allowed?
Depending on the model, the maximum load is usually between 100 and 200 kg including the rider. You will always find this information in the manufacturer’s specifications or in the product details.
Can I change a cargo bike flexibly?
Yes, that’s exactly the advantage of renting. If your everyday life changes or you want to try another model, you can easily swap or return the bike – without the risk of an expensive mispurchase.
