Nice Car Alternative: TREK Transport + Electric Cargo Bike
Jun 19, 2010
13 Comments
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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 TREK called the Transport +.
Here are some brief specs.
- 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
Have you ridden an electric cargo bike before? Would you consider getting one? Please leave a comment below.
Thanks!
Pete
P.S. Don’t forget to get sign up for updates from the electric bike world, plus ebike riding and maintenance tips!
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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”!
Any suggestions for a couple of seniors, eightyish, who might like to try biking instead of driving round the area?
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.
Not quite a decade ago I combined my old bike with an Xtracycle extension & bags and went a step further and added an engine. It’s been a great bike for errands and all around transportation and I’ve ridden it hundreds of miles and have talked with many folks that were interested but without all the work I put into it. I’m looking forward to a turnkey electric assist Xtracycle for folks like these, and I may update my own bike with an electric hub.