Cargo E-Bikes Aim to Mainstream Car-Free Cities

• On-the-Go Urban Cargo Transport: Dutch e-mobility start-up Cargoroo offers shared electric cargo bikes – which it positions as an alternative to cars – across cities in the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany. A loading compartment carries up to two kids, and a baby car seat can be safely secured in the cargo space (facing the cyclist). Costing €6.60 ($7.30) per hour, users can find and unlock one of Cargoroo’s e-bikes through its app.
  
  Similarly, Boston-based bike-sharing start-up CargoB launched a small fleet of cargo e-bikes in July 2024, citing benefits like cleaner, quieter, and more joyful transport (compared to cars). Users can unlock one of the bikes for $2.50 in CargoB’s app, and ride for 25 cents per minute until it’s brought back to its home station.

• Cargo E-Bike Subscription: German cargo-bike rental service Welgo offers longer-term cargo e-bike subscriptions (one month to two years) across Germany, Belgium and France. Users keep their e-bikes at home, akin to leasing, and can pick from different models to suit specific needs – such as transporting up to four children, or heavier cargo, like furniture.
  
  Subscriptions start from €179 ($198) per month, which also covers repairs, maintenance, and insurance against theft, breakages and damage. Welgo also offers accessory rentals with its cargo e-bikes, such as baby seats, rain and storm canopies, dog carriers and bicycle bags.

For more on sustainable transport, see our Spotlight Trend Accelerated Futures.