Cargo bikeFlanders
83. 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.
Wikimedia.org • Clément Bucco-Lechat • CC BY-SA
What is a cargo bike in Belgium?
A cargo bike is a bicycle intended to carry goods, children or larger loads. Common Belgian cargo-bike designs include two-wheel box bikes, three-wheel cargo bikes and longtails.
🔗 codex.vlaanderen.be • Belgian Road Code — articles 2.13–2.15.3, 7ter, 8.2, 9.1.2, 36 and 44.4
🔗 wegcode.be • Road Code of 1 December 1975 — 2.13–2.15.3, 7ter, 8.2, 9.1.2, 36 and 44.4
🔗 vlaanderen.be • Flemish Government — assisted-cycle categories and conformity requirements
Is a cargo bike a separate legal vehicle category in Belgium?
No. The term describes the bicycle's purpose and design. Its legal classification depends on characteristics such as the number of wheels, width and type of electrical assistance.
🔗 codex.vlaanderen.be • Belgian Road Code — articles 2.13–2.15.3, 7ter, 8.2, 9.1.2, 36 and 44.4
🔗 wegcode.be • Road Code of 1 December 1975 — 2.13–2.15.3, 7ter, 8.2, 9.1.2, 36 and 44.4
🔗 vlaanderen.be • Flemish Government — assisted-cycle categories and conformity requirements
Can a Belgian cargo bike have electric assistance?
Yes. A cargo bike with pedal assistance of no more than 250 W that stops assisting by 25 km/h remains classified as an ordinary cycle.
🔗 codex.vlaanderen.be • Belgian Road Code — articles 2.13–2.15.3, 7ter, 8.2, 9.1.2, 36 and 44.4
🔗 wegcode.be • Road Code of 1 December 1975 — 2.13–2.15.3, 7ter, 8.2, 9.1.2, 36 and 44.4
🔗 vlaanderen.be • Flemish Government — assisted-cycle categories and conformity requirements
Can children travel in a Belgian cargo bike?
Yes, when the bicycle is designed and equipped for them. A bicycle may not carry more people than the number for which its seating positions are designed.
🔗 codex.vlaanderen.be • Belgian Road Code — articles 2.13–2.15.3, 7ter, 8.2, 9.1.2, 36 and 44.4
🔗 wegcode.be • Road Code of 1 December 1975 — 2.13–2.15.3, 7ter, 8.2, 9.1.2, 36 and 44.4
🔗 vlaanderen.be • Flemish Government — assisted-cycle categories and conformity requirements
Is a helmet compulsory on an ordinary cargo bike in Belgium?
No. There is currently no general helmet requirement for ordinary bicycle or ordinary electric-bicycle riders, although wearing a suitable bicycle helmet is recommended.
🔗 codex.vlaanderen.be • Belgian Road Code — articles 2.13–2.15.3, 7ter, 8.2, 9.1.2, 36 and 44.4
🔗 wegcode.be • Road Code of 1 December 1975 — 2.13–2.15.3, 7ter, 8.2, 9.1.2, 36 and 44.4
🔗 vlaanderen.be • Flemish Government — assisted-cycle categories and conformity requirements

Traffic rules
Flanders