When we started Tribe Bikes, cargo bikes and even e-bikes were a novelty. Double takes were common when someone would see a bike loaded with kids, and it was sure to spark up conversation at the local park.
However, the pandemic changed everything. As families looked to get the most out of their local area, they bit the bullet and went all in on cargo bikes, and we saw over a reasonably short period of time, the popularity explode.
The pandemic is a distant memory for most of us now, but the growth in cargo bikes certainly has not subsided. As one parent recently said to me “It’s like I’ve found the cheat code to life”, more and more families are seeing the light and making cargo biking a part of their day to day life.
Here’s some of the top reasons we think you should buy a cargo bike for your family.
Cargo bikes are cost effective
Whilst the up front cost may seem high, a cargo bike can save you thousands of dollars. A full battery charge is about 20 cents, you don’t need to pay for parking or tolls and if you are in a position to sell your second car and replace it with a cargo bike the cost savings are many of thousands of dollars a year.
Plus, the resale value on cargo bikes is generally pretty good as long as you look after your bike, so when your family has outgrown your bike, you’ll get back a large chunk of the initial outlay.
Cargo bikes are convenient
There’s a sweet sweet feeling of satisfaction rolling into the school pickup gate 30 seconds before the bell when other parents have been there for 20 minutes in order to find a park. Remember the parent who thought they found the cheat code? This is what they were talking about. If you’re one of the many Australians who work from home, get your school run done in a few minutes, not even long enough for your Teams icon to go off green!
Kids full of sand after a long outing at the beach? No problems, throw them in the bike and get them home to go straight in the shower, no more vacuuming the sandpit out of your car every couple of weeks.
Carry heaps of stuff
In the pre-cargo bike world, the biggest downfall of cycling was the lack of ability to carry much at all. Wanted to grab a few things at the shops on your way home on your ride? Good luck trying to balance a bike and a bag of groceries.
Cargo bikes are tailor made to carry heaps of stuff. Whether you are looking at a longtail or front loader bike, both styles can carry enough for your outing and more if you have the urge to pick up a bottle of wine on your way home.
Health and fitness benefits
In our view the best type of exercise you can get is the incidental exercise, where you didn’t really need to work for it. This is the great thing with using a cargo bike for your daily errands, you’re getting exercise doing what you’d be doing anyway.
Don’t worry, a cargo bike isn’t a sweat machine, the motor does most of the heavy lifting, with different levels of assistance available depending on how much you really want to work for it.
Versatility and customisation
Everyone has different needs when it comes to getting around, from needing to carry anything from no kids to 4 kids, carry dogs or adults, ride in very cold and wet areas or very hot and dry areas, no 2 family’s needs are the same. This is why we’ve developed a huge range of accessories for your bike, as well as a wide range of bikes for different needs. Customise your cargo bike for exactly how it suits you.
It’s heaps of fun!
Finally, the number one reason why you should buy an electric cargo bike for your family is it’s heaps of fun! Young kids think cargo biking is the coolest thing to do. You’ll discover new areas of your neighbourhood you never knew existed, meet new friends and give your kids lifelong memories.
Convinced you it’s time to get your family cargo biking? Check out our range or get in touch!
