Top 10: best electric cargo bikes and electric bike kits

For an electric cargo bike, several options 👇

1. Converting a classic bicycle into an electric cargo bike (thanks to the work of specialized craftsmen)
2. Converting a new or used classic cargo bike to electric (same thing)
3. Buy a brand new electric cargo bike (simply find the right model)

In today's article, we're combining options 2 and 3. And to make it really concrete, we're sharing our top 10 cargo bike models (electric or classic convertible to electric). Let's go! ✨

Yuba Mundo Lux

The Yuba Mundo Lux is presented by the manufacturer as the minivan of bicycles.

This is one of the most popular cargo bike models in France today. The reasons? Its unique design, original colors, comfortable seat that can carry up to 3 children, and hydraulic disc brakes for good safety.

In short, it's an extended cargo bike model that we recommend without hesitation. Yes, but it doesn't have a Motor, yes? Well, exactly. It's possible to buy this model and add a Virvolt electrification kit. This gives you the same level of assistance as a new one, but at a more affordable price.

A little tip to save money: Rather than having it at €4899 (This is Yuba Mundo EP8), You can get the Yuba Mundo Lux (€2349) and add a Virvolt 900 kit (€1500). This represents a total budget of €3849. (representing a saving of €1050).

Yuba Kombi

Same logic as for the Yuba Mundo Lux.

Here you'll find one of Yuba's flagship and entry-level models. It also stands out for its unique design, comfort, and practicality. The model shown is the classic, mechanical version. An electric version (the Yuba Kombi E5) is also available, but we offer the same option as above: purchase the more affordable version and add an electric kit.

A little tip to save money: Rather than having it at €3399 (This is the Yuba Kombi E5), You can get the Yuba Kombi Classic (€999) and add a Virvolt 900 kit (€1500). This represents a total budget of €2499. (representing a saving of €900).

The Little Carrier

This is a brand we love.

The bikes offered by Le Petit Porteur are cargo bikes, but with A compact version, therefore with a short length (168 cm). They are thus very practical for everyday use and parking. They also have the advantage of being lightweight and therefore easy to maneuver.

Their model is offered from €990 up to €1090 depending on the options and formats.

Jean Fourche

After its classic range, the Bordeaux-based brand Jean Fourche recently launched into electric vehicles. In particular, she released her very first model, halfway between a city bike and a cargo bike.This bike, nicknamed Jean Foudre, is also equipped with a Virvolt mid-drive motor. Coincidence? We think not ;)

Objectively speaking, this bike is a little marvel. A stunning design, an ultra-comfortable seat, a committed approach with assembly in Europe and unprecedented repairability.

This bicycle is available from €2290. It is eligible for aid and subsidies from the city of Bordeaux.

Hagen

Hagen is a brand that offers a wide selection of bikes, from gravel to freestyle to cargo.

Their added advantage? All the frames are made from the highest quality steel. Their frames also come with a 5-year warranty. We mentioned this in our article dedicated to...ecological impact of cycling, Steel is also a material that is easily repaired and recycled.

The cargo models offered by Hagen also boast a very refined design and a very pleasant ride. The brand also offers a system with an integrated anti-theft GPS tracker. And when you know thatBetween 350,000 and 580,000 bicycles are stolen each year in France., It's a real differentiating factor.

Botch Cargo

It's the cargo ship with a southern flair.

Botch Cargo is one of the most renowned craftsmen in the field of cargo bikes, known for their meticulous work. Their vision? The cargo bike is one of the best alternatives to the city car and small van. So, naturally, we wholeheartedly agree with their vision.

Botch offers custom-made models, far removed from the impersonal standards and formats sometimes found on the market. Their bikes are created using a manufacturing process that allows them to offer a locally made, affordable cargo bike with a unique design.

PS: Botch Cargo is also one of Virvolt's earliest and longest-standing partners 💛

Everyone agrees, proof

Semaphore

Sémaphore is a brand that handcrafts steel longtail boats in Riom near Clermont Ferrand.

The Sémaphore is designed to easily transport all types of loads. It features a longer luggage rack, allowing for the easy installation of two seats, four panniers, a long bench seat, or even a cargo box. In short, it's suitable for all situations.

The frame and fork are designed and manufactured from Chromoly steel.

The entire assembly is done by hand, with care.

Caminade

Caminade is craftsmanship in its purest form.

The brand produces high-quality bicycles with titanium frames. They recently launched a cargo bike with a unique, custom-made frame, a stunning design, and a size tailored to your measurements. This model retails for around €6,800.

Alternatively, Caminade also makes upcycled cargo bikes.In other words? Here's a small example below with a superb Sunn 503 converted into an electric cargo bike. The latter is much more affordable, as it is offered at a price of €1150.

Nihola

Nihola is a company that pioneered the tricycle market in France.

For nearly 15 years, Nihola They design, build, assemble, market and promote cargo bikes throughout France. They currently have 5 flagship ranges, including 2 focused on cargo bikes (Cargo and Cargo XL).

Prices range from €2700 to €5600 depending on the model, size, and options chosen. Many of our customers have opted to purchase a Nihola cargo bike in its standard version and then electrify it with a Virvolt kit.

Cyclable

The Cyclable brand offers 3 ranges based on cargo bikes (longtail, two-wheeled, three-wheeled). In particular, there is one format that is proving especially successful. important : THE compact non-electric longtail with A luggage rack capable of supporting a 50 kg load. It is offered at a price of €1400.

The latter can then be converted with a Virvolt 900 kit (standard or performance depending on the desired battery life).

What aid and subsidies are available for cargo bikes? 🇫🇷

Good question! Let's take a closer look. 🔍

This type of bicycle represents a significant investment. Between €500 and €5000. In 2020, according to the Union Sport et Cycle, the average price of a cargo bike was even around €4000.

Fortunately, there are ways to reduce this budget.

First piece of information > Cargo bikes are eligible for the vast majority of subsidies. In the Île-de-France region, for example, these subsidies can reach up to €2,600 for the purchase of a new electric cargo bike. In Bordeaux, it's up to €2,100, and in Lyon, up to €2,000. Some subsidies are income-based, others are not. Some can be combined with others, others cannot. Be sure to check the details carefully. 😉

Second piece of information > It's also possible to buy a new cargo ship plus a Virvolt conversion kit. This allows you to benefit from subsidies on the ship and, in some regions, on the kits as well. The subsidy is often less substantial, but the initial purchase price is also significantly lower. It's worth calculating. Depending on the circumstances, this second option can be very advantageous.

More information about subsidies is available on our location-based simulator.

What are the regulations in France regarding electric cargo bikes? 👨⚖

The electric cargo bike is not exempt from current manufacturing and safety standards.

Like all electrically assisted bicycles, the cargo bike must comply with the NF EN 15194 standard. This one specifies two key elements:

1. The power of the electric motor (250 Watts maximum)
2. Speed (capped at a maximum speed of 25 km/h)
3. The assistance (it should only activate when pedaling and deactivate when pedaling stops)

We discuss this standard in more detail in our dedicated article.bicycle electrification.

Another point, slightly removed from our initial topic. Discussions are beginning to take place at the level of urban planning to make the installation of designated spaces for cargo bikes mandatory. Below is an example from the city of Strasbourg, which has already taken this step.

Previewed here with an initiative from the city of Strasbourg

In short, cargo bikes have a very bright future ahead of them! 💛