Sunday afternoons are our family's cherished time together—the one day we all unplug for fun, active outings. Lately, cargo bike rides have become our go-to adventure.
Known as the biporteur or cargo bike, this distinctive bicycle with its wooden front box caught my eye during a family trip to Amsterdam. The Dutch rely on it daily, and now I see why. It's ideal for groceries, handling heavy loads effortlessly. Parents use it for school drop-offs, and others for pet walks. Truly multifunctional.
Eager to try one, we borrowed our hosts' two models. My kids loved it instantly, and we were hooked as a family.
Back in France, where these are still rare locally, I ordered ours right away. I've since inspired two neighbors to get theirs. Now, we gather on weekends for group rides with the kids. Ready to join us? Order from Holland Bikes for home delivery.
First, distinguish between two-wheeled biporteurs (front box on two wheels) and three-wheeled cargo bikes (one front wheel, stabilized kickstand, higher load capacity). Know your model to avoid mix-ups.
Consider your needs: For short trips like school runs, a standard pedal cargo bike offers exercise and calorie burn.
For my longer routes, I chose an electric model with a 250-watt motor and 7 gears—perfect for hills and rough paths. For kid comfort, I added a cushioned bench with belts and a rain cover.
(Creative Commons photo credits -Rick Wilson, Sarah Gilbert, Colville-Andersen)
