Which engine for your electric cargo bike and electric kit ?

A cargo bike has greater constraints than a conventional bicycle.

Yes, we're stating the obvious. But it's important to emphasize this point because it impacts the sizing of the engine and the various components chosen. In this article, we explain everything you need to know to make the right selection. the most suitable engine (power, use, manufacturer, etc.).

Let's go!

A glimpse of a superb cargo bike made by Botch Cargo in Toulouse

What is an electric cargo bike?

We recently mentioned it in our article dedicated to the converting a classic bicycle into a cargo bike.

So there are two points: the electric aspect, the cargo bike aspect.

First, the electrical dimension ⚡

It's the same as a regular bicycle. In other words? A cargo bike is equipped with a motor, a battery, and assistance. To be precise, we're talking about a cargo bike. cargo electrically assisted (EAE) and not simply electric bicycle (but in practice - we often take the shortcut).

Now, the cargo aspect 🚴♀

A cargo bike is a bike with a larger format (consisting of a box at the front or rear) and heavier (which allows for the transport of bulky loads (equipment, people, etc.)).

Let's talk about uses. 👇

Another cargo bike made by Botch Cargo in Toulouse

What are the uses of an electric cargo bike?

Dozens of possible uses.

Here are the 5 most common uses for cargo bikes 👇

• THE factors (for transporting mail)
• THE merchants street vendors (shops, cafes, bakeries, etc…)
• THE delivery drivers and/or carriers (to transport their packages)
• THE families (for transporting children)
• THE movers (yes, yes, it's especially useful in urban areas where cars can't go)

Simply put, a cargo bike is a utility vehicle 🚛

Its use is almost universal. This is why it is a format that is attracting more and more people in France and around the world.

4 key points to consider when choosing the motor for your cargo bike

As mentioned in the introduction to this article, cargo bikes are associated with specific needs.

For the engine, you need performance that will allow you to handle the loads being transported, while still driving comfortably. Here's an overview of the 4 elements to consider before choosing the right engine for your cargo vehicle.

A bottom bracket motor

There are 3 types of motors for a bicycle (front wheel, rear wheel, crankset).

For a cargo bike, no doubt. Opt for the most efficient and stable option: the mid-drive motor. This ensures good balance and better weight distribution on the bike. Two essential elements for a cargo bike, especially a two- or three-wheeled model.

A torque sensor 💪

Assistance is key to ensuring you can ride comfortably.

It will allow you to feel the weight of the bike less and to have acceleration adapted to your strength and needs. Depending on the settings and the number of assistance levels, you will be able to pedal effortlessly, avoid jolts, and ride safely.

Our advice? Don't buy the cheapest model. You risk overworking the motor and experiencing breakdowns and problems quite quickly. At Virvolt, our bottom bracket motor (Made in France) is perfectly suited to this type of bike. Its torque sensor (85Nm) makes riding smooth and enjoyable.

In fact, there are two people on the team who have equipped their cargo bikes (Bullitt and Yuba) and have been riding with them for a few years now.

Powerful assistance 💪

Depending on the engine type, there are versions with between 3 and 5 levels of assistance.

Choose models with 5 levels of assistance. This will allow you to easily adjust the assistance level depending on how you're using your bike (loaded or unloaded, uphill or on flat ground, starting from a standstill or at full speed, etc.). At Virvolt, we've created a mid-drive motor with 5 levels of assistance.

A suitable program

We will present this topic in more detail in a dedicated article.

Please note that it is possible to program your bicycle's motor according to your usage and based on several essential criteria:

• L'effort provided : Does the person want to exert effort while pedaling, or on the contrary, exert as little force as possible?
• There speed : Does the person want each gear to lead to the maximum speed, or rather a progression based on assistance levels?
• There reactivity : Does the person want a flexible or more responsive assistance system (one that reacts instantly)?
• There pedaling power : Does the person usually pedal hard or not? The idea is to calibrate the torque sensor accordingly.

Interested in this topic? Sign up for our newsletter at the bottom of the page. We will keep you informed as soon as this feature is operational and available to our partners. (by the end of summer 2023).

What is the lifespan of an electric bicycle motor?

It is difficult to give a precise lifespan.

Bosch mentions 30,000 km for its motors.

Cycloboost mentions 10,000 hours for its brushless motors, such as the Bafang.

Generally, bicycle motor manufacturers quote a lifespan of around 30,000 km, or the equivalent of 10,000 hours of cycling. However, this varies considerably. Some people need to replace their motors after 5,000 km, others after 40,000 km. Furthermore, even after these advertised lifespans, the motor isn't necessarily unusable. It's usually just slightly less efficient.

The process is similar to that for the battery. We recently discussed this in an article where we shared our tips for optimize battery life.

Simply put, the lifespan of your motor largely depends on how you use your bike on a daily basis.

On the other hand, what is important to look at is the repairability of the engine.

What matters is being able to replace certain components, those that wear out over time, in order to simply extend the overall lifespan of the motor. This is particularly true of the Virvolt motor. We have ensured that our motor (made in France) is as repairable and durable as possible.

What power output is needed for a cargo bike?

Yet another answer that will seem vague to you.

The power required depends on the cargo bike, the weight you are carrying, and your typical route. (elevation change or not). In short, there is no universal rule that applies to everyone.

One thing is certain, the cargo ship must comply with the NF EN 15194 standard. More specifically, this standard stipulates that the motor's power must be less than or equal to 250 watts. Furthermore, the assistance must cut off above a maximum speed of 25 km/h.

Which Virvolt kit is right for an electric cargo bike?

The most suitable kit is our Virvolt 900 performance kit.

It was designed to guarantee a pleasant user experience, with an appropriate level of assistance, a high-performance motor, and a battery with excellent range. We've already installed it on numerous cargo bikes, and everyone has been delighted.

Here are the specifications of the latter 👇

A high-capacity battery

• Weight: 3.5 kg
• Voltage: 36V
• Dimensions: 36.5*9.0*9.0 cm
• Technology: Lithium-Ion 21700

A bottom bracket motor

• Weight: 3 kg
• Rated power: 250 W
• Assistance levels: 1 to 5
• Sensor type: torque sensor
• Torque developed: 80 Nm

A glimpse of engine assembly in France, at the Renault factory in Flins.

Interested in switching to a cargo bike?

We understand you 💛

We also have some great partners to help you with this, artisans who even offer... convert your standard bike into a cargo bike.

Yes, it is possible to adapt your current bike to your future needs.