E-Cargo bikes in Colchester

1. What is the weight capacity of the bikes and what can they carry?

The weight capacity of the bikes varies depending on the size of the ‘box’ at the front. The larger bikes can carry up to 100kg and as much bulk as you can fit in the box so long as your load is secured, or the lid is closed if it has a box.

If you add a Carla trailer to your bike you can carry considerably more weight and bulk – up to 200kg in the trailer alone. In Colchester, the Carla trailer has been used to carry armchairs, shelving units, fridges and even a cement mixer. Carla trailers are specifically designed to fit Euro Crate boxes for efficient stacking.

2. Who can use them?

Anyone who can ride a bike can use an eCargo bike. You do not need a driving licence and you can ride them everywhere you can ride a bike including roads, cycle lanes and bus lanes.

If you are not confident cycling on the road and busy junctions, we ask that you complete a free adult advanced cycle course offered by Essex County Council.

3. How fast can they go?

All of our fleet is pedal assist which means you have to pedal but you can adjust the amount of electrical assistance you need – up to 250 watts. Legally the pedal assist can only assist up to 16 miles per hour however with your own added pedal power higher speeds can be reached.

4. How should I look after my battery?

Try not to let your battery get flat – aim to recharge it with between 30-60% capacity remaining. You should never let your battery get too hot or too cold, that means 0 to 20 degrees celsius for charging and storage, and -10 to 60 degrees celsius for riding.

From empty to full generally takes about 4 hours. Most of our chargers switch off when the battery is full, but you should unplug it when it is full to preserve battery health.

5. How far can I ride on a single charge?

This depends on which bike you are using and how you use it, but you can expect a range of 15-60 miles.

Making best use of the gears and different assist levels will maximise your range – for example trying to stay in lower assist modes and only using the ‘turbo’ modes for pulling away or hills.

The cargo bikes are easy to ride so you should be able to stay in eco or tour mode most of the time, therefore maximising the range of the battery.

Every bike has a screen showing an estimated range at any given time so as long as you keep an eye on that you will not be caught short. As this is dependent on what mode of electrical assist is used, the weight of the load carried and the local terrain, members are advised to check the displayed maximum range shown on the cycle computer display for each power assist mode and limit their journeys accordingly.

The computer on each bike will dynamically change the range estimation depending on how you are riding it so don’t be surprised to see a drop or increase in range even after you have set off.

Remember to only use the eBike within the range of the battery and your own capabilities. Try and avoid running the battery to completely flat as this can damage the battery.

6. I would like to buy my own eCargo bike, how much do they cost?

eCargo bikes, like all vehicles, vary in price depending on your particular needs. The one thing you can be sure of is a greatly reduced fuel and maintenance bill in comparison to a car or a van (and no tax to pay either). 

Generally, the entry level eCargo bikes without electric assist cost between £1,200 and £1,900. Additional or bespoke boxes or seats can cost between £500 to £1,000.

You can expect to pay an additional £1,500 to £2,000 for an electrically assisted eCargo bike depending on power and range.

• Entry level: Pedal only eCargo bike with open box or seats, £1,200 - £1,900.
• Mid range: Pedal only eCargo bike with kids seats and rain cover, £1,400 - £2,300.
• Top range: Extended range electric assist extend with secure flight case or family seats, £3,900 - £6,000+.
• Specialist: For highly specialised or very large bike and trikes £10,000+.

Retailers also offer rental or finance schemes with monthly payments so that you have more options when it comes to using an eCargo bike.

7. Where can I get one?

We recommend that you purchase an eCargo bike from a retailer as close to Colchester as possible, so if there are any warranty issues, your retailer is not too far away to help.

The nearest retailers with a range of eCargo bikes are in Brentwood, Cambridge and London. However we do have local retailers in Colchester that can offer some options. Get in touch if you are thinking about buying an eCargo bike and we are happy to make introductions and recommendations to the retailers we already have connections with.

Every eCargo bike rides differently, we strongly recommend you go and test ride your preferred eCargo bike before you purchase.

8. Why are they more environmentally friendly than cars and vans?

eCargo bikes have zero tail pipe emissions so they do not contribute to air pollution or carbon emissions while they are being used.

eCargo bikes cut carbon emissions by as much as 90% compared with diesel vans. Although manufacturing and disposing of an eCargo bike creates some carbon emissions, over an eCargo bike’s lifecycle the overall carbon emissions are significantly lower than cars or vans by multiple tonnes.

Businesses can reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to their corporate social responsibility by looking at what car and van journeys are generated by their business and the potential to replace them with cargo bikes either through their use directly or through using an eCargo bike delivery service. Cargo bikes can deliver up to 60% faster than cars and vans in busy city centres. 

9. Where can I park my eCargo bike and how can I keep it secure?

We recommend that you always secure your eCargo bike when parked to an immovable object. You can use standard cycle parking, though be aware as the bike is longer and potentially wider you need a little bit more room.

Most eCargo bikes come with a built in frame lock which is great for quick stops, however we also recommend that you lock your eCargo bike with two sold secure gold locks when leaving it for more than a few minutes. All of our bikes come with a D lock, chain lock and frame lock. Remember to follow bicycle locking best practice.

When do I use the gears and when do I use electric assist?

Always use your gears first, only add in more electric assist if your gears aren’t sufficient.

For general level surfaces you can use eco or tour mode. You only really need sport or turbo if you are going up hills or have a particularly heavy load.

Riding in sport or turbo mode all the time wears the battery, motor and the bikes chain and cassette.