If you’ve ever seen someone cruising by with kids in the front box, groceries strapped to the back, or even a dog peeking out of a side bag and thought, “Whoa, what kind of bike is that?” — welcome to the wonderful world of cargo bikes.
At London Bicycle Café, we believe cargo bikes are the future of urban transportation — and they’re more practical (and fun!) than most people realize.
Let’s break it down.
What Is a Cargo Bike?
A cargo bike is a bicycle built to carry more than just its rider. Think: your kids, your groceries, your hockey gear, or a full week’s worth of market haul.
They come in a few different styles, all of which we carry and service here at the Café:
🛠 Longtails
These look like a regular bike with an extended rear end. The extra length lets you carry passengers, panniers, or cargo boxes on the back. Perfect for school runs, groceries, or hauling a kid and a soccer bag at the same time.
Check out the Tern GSD – one of our most popular longtail bikes.
📦 Box Bikes (Bakfiets)
Popularized in the Netherlands, these bikes have a big box in the front and the rider seated behind. You steer with a long linkage to the front wheel. They’re amazing for carrying small kids, dogs, or even a full garden centre run.
Our favourite? The legendary Urban Arrow.
⚡️ Electric Assist
Most cargo bikes are pedal-assist, which means you still pedal, but a motor gives you an extra boost – especially useful when you’re carrying 80+ pounds of groceries or climbing a hill with a toddler on board.
Why You’ll Want One
- School Drop-Offs Made Fun
No parking lot chaos. Just a joyful ride with your kids chatting in the front box and waving at neighbours. - Grocery Runs, No Car Required
Front box? Check. Rear panniers? Check. There’s nothing quite like loading up fresh produce from the farmers’ market and riding home emission-free. - Dog Hauling to the Park
Yes, we’ve got customers with pups who ride shotgun like they own the road. (They kind of do.) - Bike Camping to Fanshawe Lake
Longtails can carry tents, sleeping bags, food, and even the kids. Your weekend getaway starts with a pedal and ends beside the water. - Everyday Commuting
Swap your car for a cargo bike and you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner. No gas, no parking stress, and all the fresh air you can handle.
Try One for Free
Curious? We offer free test rides right from our front door onto the Thames Valley Parkway — London’s scenic, car-free trail that runs right alongside the river.
It’s the perfect way to get a feel for how these bikes can change your everyday life. No pressure, just good vibes and great trails.
👉 Book a test ride at londonbicyclecafe.com
Final Thought
You don’t need to be a hardcore cyclist to ride a cargo bike. You just need to want to make your everyday trips a little easier — and a lot more joyful. Whether you’re hauling kids, crates, or your weekly market run, there’s a cargo bike for you.
Swing by the shop, sip a coffee, and let us show you how a bike can change everything.