5 Reasons to consider a front loader e-cargo bike
If you’re already in the market for an e-cargo bike, you may have discovered there’s a whole world of options available. Front loader, long tail, hub drive, mid drive, whether to spend $2000 or $10,000–where to even begin?! But, if the idea of a front loader has already piqued your interest, then you’ve come to the right place. Here are five reasons why you should consider a front loader e-cargo bike.
1. Carry more kids (or cargo)
The extended box or wheelbarrow design of a front loader allows you to carry more than the more common long tail cargo bike style. And we mean more in every sense of the word: passengers, weight, and items. The Urban Arrow Family front loader e-cargo bike allows riders to take up to four kids when paired with the and fitted with a child seat. The Family bike boasts the highest weight capacity of all cargo bikes on the market in North America: 275 pounds maximum weight in the front box and 550 pounds for the bike’s total weight capacity. Go ahead and load up!
2. Keep an eye on what matters
With a front loader e-cargo bike, all of your cargo is in your field of vision, so you can keep a close and easy eye while riding. When the kids are in front, you can see what they are up to at all times and interact with them without having to turn your view from the road. As a bonus, your kids get a front seat to the world in front of and around them, keeping them engaged and interested and giving them a powerful introduction to being a road user.
Kids who ride up front become better and more conscientious cyclists, pedestrians, and drivers*, all by getting this early exposure. And, no offense, but the view is better than your backside! If you are carrying cargo, especially a large or tricky load, having your items in easy view gives you peace of mind and the ability to act quickly if your load should shift and become unstable or at risk of falling out or over.
3. Enjoy better balance
The idea of riding with a big load may sound difficult or intimidating. One major benefit
of front loader style cargo bikes is their naturally low and well-distributed center gravity,
offering better balance with a more stable ride experience. In fact, front loaders ride and
balance even with cargo rather than without. So don’t be shy about adding some weight
to that front box. Front loader bikes tend to have longer wheel bases as well, which
enhances the sense of balance even further.
One thing unique about Urban Arrow’s front loader, the Family, is its pedal-forward design, which allows riders to have their feet flat on the ground while sitting on the bike to assist with balance when stopped, stopping, or just getting rolling. At the same, this design enables riders to have optimal leg extension while pedaling and not stress the knees with a too low seat.
4. Start your child’s cycling journey early
When riding with the youngest of passengers, safety is paramount. In addition to being able to keep an eye on your most precious cargo at all times, the front loader bucket design allows for the secure placement of a baby seat you would typically place in a car. In a car, you strap such a seat into place. With the Urban Arrow front loader e-cargo bike, you click the seat into place with the Baby Seat accessory. This accessory is compatible with the best-in-class Thule Maxxi Cosi baby seat. Note that only babies aged 3 months and over can use this car seat.
Bring your youngest along for the ride without compromising on space. The possibility to mount the baby car seat in a slightly higher position makes it easy for the older kids to sit comfortably on the fixed bench.
If you’re excited to get your baby rolling as soon and as safely as possible, a front loader e-cargo bike is your best bet.
5. Carry bulky items with confidence
Want to carry a lot? Like a lot, a lot? The front loader e-cargo bike is best suited for big and bulky loads thanks to its deep front bucket style. The high walls or sides of the bucket keep cargo contained and supported and the front placement gives you an unwavering view of your load. From kids’s bikes to propane tanks to big dogs to tall houseplants, front loaders are up to the challenge! Don’t believe us, take it from some real Urban Arrow riders.
Choose the best option for you
Buying a cargo bike is of course not something you do every day, but you are going to use it almost every day. You can therefore use the above tips to find the bike that is perfect for you and your family. Still need some more in-depth information? Download our cargo bike buyer’s guide and go well-prepared to the dealer!