Local eCargo bike user's experience

Can you tell me about your bike and why you chose it?

I have a Nihola family trike which I bought after test riding a few different 2 and 3 wheeled cargo bikes in Cambridge.

I liked the trikes because they felt more stable, and the kids felt safer in them compared to a 2-wheel bike.

Why did you start using an eCargo bike?

We are constantly trying to make changes in our household to be more environmentally friendly, so I wanted to find an alternative to the car for the school run. Although this journey is just over a mile, it isn’t walkable, so a cargo bike seemed like a good eco-friendly option instead.

What do you normally use your bike for?

I use my cargo bike for the school run and for taking the kids to clubs such as cubs. I have also used it to go food shopping because the box in the front is large enough to fit shopping in.

The cargo bike has been a good addition to our household to reduce the number of journeys that we make by car.

What do you feel are the benefits of using a bike for these journeys?

I like being able to include cycling in my daily routine because you can fit in extra exercise without having to think about it and being outside in the fresh air is good for wellbeing.

I also find that the journey is much more enjoyable by bike compared to in a car and you don’t have to worry about traffic or finding somewhere to park. My kids also love being ridden around in the bike.

How do you find riding an eCargo bike compared to a standard bike?

It definitely does take a bit of time to get used to an eCargo bike but after a little bit of practice, it gets easier.

The steering is quite different to a standard bike because of the box on the front of the bike and it is quite heavy to push and manoeuvre for parking. Although the Nihola trike does have a walking speed setting which makes it easier to push when needed.