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Cargo bikeNetherlands

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Netherlands

72. Cargo bike

A cargo bike is a bicycle designed to transport goods, children or other larger loads than can normally be carried on a conventional bicycle. Cargo bikes may use a box or platform in front of or behind the rider, an extended rear carrier or a multi-wheel design.

Cargo bikes can be powered entirely by the rider or equipped with electric pedal assistance. Their permitted dimensions, passenger capacity, use of cycle paths and electrical-assistance limits depend on the local traffic and vehicle regulations.

Cargo bike
An electric cargo bike. (Geneva, Switzerland)
Wikimedia.org • Clément Bucco-Lechat • CC BY-SA
What is a cargo bike?

A cargo bike is a bicycle designed to carry goods, children or larger loads than a conventional bicycle.

What types of cargo bikes are there?

Common designs include two-wheel box bikes, three-wheel cargo bikes and longtail bicycles with an extended rear carrying area.

Can a cargo bike be electric?

Yes. Many cargo bikes use electric pedal assistance to make it easier to move heavier loads or travel longer distances.

Is an electric cargo bike still a bicycle?

It can be. If the electrical assistance remains within the applicable power and assistance-speed limits, the vehicle may remain legally classified as a bicycle. More powerful or faster models may belong to another category.

Can a cargo bike carry children?

Yes, when it is designed and equipped for passenger transport. Children should use the seats, restraints, foot protection or other safety equipment provided by the manufacturer and required by local law.

Can a cargo bike carry goods?

Yes. Transporting goods is one of its main purposes. Loads must be securely positioned and must not make the bicycle unstable, obstruct the rider's view or exceed applicable dimensional or weight limits.

Can a cargo bike use a cycle path?

This depends on its dimensions and legal classification. Ordinary-sized cargo bicycles generally follow bicycle rules, while unusually wide models may be excluded from certain cycle facilities.

Does a cargo bike need a driving licence?

Normally not when it remains legally classified as an ordinary bicycle or electrically assisted bicycle. Faster or more powerful vehicles may be subject to different licensing requirements.

Is a helmet compulsory on a cargo bike?

This depends on the country's bicycle rules and the vehicle's classification. A model legally classified as a faster motorised vehicle may have different helmet requirements from an ordinary cargo bicycle.

Should you ride differently when a cargo bike is heavily loaded?

Yes. Additional weight can affect acceleration, braking, steering and stability. Reduce speed where necessary, allow greater stopping distance and take particular care when turning.

Can a cargo bike tow a trailer?

Yes, where permitted. The bicycle, trailer and total load must comply with the applicable dimensional, mass, braking and passenger-transport requirements.

Why should drivers take care around cargo bikes?

Cargo bikes can be longer, wider and heavier than ordinary bicycles and may need additional space when turning or stopping. Drivers should leave sufficient passing distance and avoid cutting across their path.

1 Netherlands 2 Motorway 3 Expressway 4 Residential area 5 Zone 6 Speed limit 7 Footpath 8 Bike path 9 Cycling street 10 Pedestrian zone 11 Slope 12 Bus stop 13 Dead end 14 Stop sign 15 Give way 16 Roundabout 17 Priority road 18 Railway crossing 19 School area 20 Overtaking 21 Crossing animals 22 Roadworks 23 Weight limit 24 Radar speed sign 25 Selective barriers 26 Low-emission zone 27 Priority at the next junction 28 Traffic lights 29 Traffic lights warning 30 Road markings 31 Speed feedback 32 Traffic mirror 33 Emergency telephone 34 Cycling route 35 Parking 36 No parking 37 No stopping 38 Park and ride 39 Kiss and ride 40 Parking disc 41 Disabled parking 42 Traffic management 43 Merging 44 Reversing 45 Uncontrolled crossroad 46 Advisory cycle lane 47 Rush-hour lane 48 Emergency exit 49 Oversize load 50 City limit 51 Parking zone 52 Axle weight limit 53 Licence plate 54 Charging station 55 Dangers 56 Equestrian trail 57 Cyclist 58 Truck 59 Bus 60 Police 61 Ambulance 62 Bicycle parking station 63 Tram lights 64 European emission standard 65 Pothole 66 Path 67 Particulates 68 Air pollution 69 Rush hour 70 Road code 71 Street gutter 72 Cargo bike 73 Forestry vehicle 74 Construction vehicle 75 Semi-trailer truck 76 Trolleybus 77 Speed pedelec 78 Delivery vehicle 79 Idling 80 Tow truck 81 Four-wheel drive 82 No vehicles 83 Bicycle 84 Motorcycle equipment 85 Rail track 86 Caravan 87 Trailer 88 Tow hitch 89 Fire truck 90 Siren 91 Convoy 92 Emergency vehicle lighting 93 Agricultural machinery 94 Electric bicycle 95 Electric vehicle 96 Pedelec 97 Quadricycle 98 Microcar 99 All-terrain vehicle 100 Van ...