One of the cool new trends in electric bikes is the electric cargo or utility bike. These are neat because they allow you to run errands and pick up things while you are out and about. The electric motor gives you a quiet assist with these heavier loads. Combining the electric assist with the ability to easily carry significant cargo makes these bikes a nice alternative to driving a car.
This bike in particular is a new electric cargo bike from Gary Fisher called the Transport +. It looks like it will be available in their 2011 line of bikes. That means that it will probably be available for sale in the fall of 2010.
Here are some brief specs. I will add more as I get more info.
- Aluminum frame
- 350 watt motor
- Battery is housed in rear rack (see picture)
- Cargo bags
- Rear rack (folds up when not in use)
- Front rack
- Front and rear lights
- Fenders
- Wide stance kickstand
- Front disc brake
- Looks like a good component package
That’s about all I know right now. I would love to test ride and review this bike for you. I’ll keep you posted.
Have you ridden an electric cargo bike before? Would you consider getting one? Please leave a comment below.
Thanks!
Pete
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Stores I recommend: Amazon, REI, Jenson USA, Bike Trailer Shop, Bike Bag Shop, and Bike Kid Shop.
I have two cargo bicycles and think they’re great. One quibble about that specific bike is (from the picture) it looks like a lot of weight is behind the rear axle. That should be bad for handling. There are other designs that specifically do not put weight behind the rear axle. My xtracycle based cargo electric bike is great.
Thanks for the comment David! I also have the xtracycle and I really dig it.
I agree that the weight being further back could be an issue, but I would really like to do a thorough test ride of the Gary Fisher Transport to see how it does. In any case, I like the idea of being able to buy a complete electric cargo bike “off the shelf”!
I have two cargo bicycles and think they’re great. One quibble about that specific bike is (from the picture) it looks like a lot of weight is behind the rear axle. That should be bad for handling. There are other designs that specifically do not put weight behind the rear axle. My xtracycle based cargo electric bike is great.
Thanks for the comment David! I also have the xtracycle and I really dig it.
I agree that the weight being further back could be an issue, but I would really like to do a thorough test ride of the Gary Fisher Transport to see how it does. In any case, I like the idea of being able to buy a complete electric cargo bike “off the shelf”!
I have built and sold several electric bike conversions using the BionX PL350. The BionX kit does integrate nicely but is designed for a standard bicycle and it doesn’t have very good cargo carrying power. As the the bike slows down as it will on steep hills, the motor loses power exactly when you need it.
I’ve also used the Ecospeed kit which has the motor drive the crank; this worked very well for a Surly Big Dummy conversion. Shifting the gearset lets the motor spin when you need more power for loads or hills.
I have been lusting after a cargo bike but feel I don’t have the strength to pedal a full load up any kind of hill at all. This is definitely something I would consider, though I need it like a hole in the head.
I am an engineer currently working on a project in Tel Aviv Israel. I will be living here for about a year. I bought a BionX 350w kit to put on a bike I intend to buy here. The Trek Transport is the best choice for me. I have found an importer to buy if and bring it here (the Trek distributor). They do not have any in country, but they are very fair about bringing it here for me (at my expense). Israel is a great place for bikes all kinds. I already have a Felt Classic I have been riding for about 3 months, but in the summer heat, a little assistance is appreciated. I am using bikes in place of cars entirely here. In the rain, I use their buses, which are a great, low-cost alternative.