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Review: Cube Trike Hybrid

The innovative rear-load is a new alternative to the trailer or cargo bike

by Steven Jay
Published: Last Updated on 6 minutes read

CUBE and BMW have collaborated to bring a breath of fresh air to urban transportation with the Concept Dynamic Cargo tricycle. This innovative prototype of a walk-through E-cargo tricycle revolutionizes the traditional concept of the cargo bike, with its distinctive features and futuristic design. For those familiar with the Thai Tuk-Tuk, this may not be new, but in Europe, we have not yet seen an electric cargo tricycle of this size.

A Challenger to the Popular Cargo Bike

The Concept Dynamic Cargo tricycle is the result of collaboration between the two Bavarian brands CUBE and BMW. With the Trike Hybrid, Cube offers a compact, safe, and maneuverable cargo bike for families and businesses. The design is specifically aimed at urban environments and aims to facilitate mobility in urban areas.

The trike is nothing new; they are everywhere in Asia. However, within the world of modern cargo bikes, it is a unique and innovative design. The cargo box is reminiscent of the cargo bike, although the Cube Trike resembles more of a trailer. The tilting mechanism is also seen in the Butchers & Cycles MK1. By combining these elements, you can enjoy many benefits with only a few drawbacks.

Up to 60 kg of load capacity on the trike cargo box

While comfort and safety are important, practical use should also be considered. The trike is wide and more difficult to store than a narrow cargo bike or the popular longtail bikes. With a weight of 75 kg, lifting it is also not feasible.

However, the CUBE tricycle features clever storage space in the downtube, where items such as a raincoat, snacks, or gloves can be easily stored.

Special Tilting Mechanism

An innovative addition to this concept model is the tilting mechanism, which gives the tricycle a natural riding experience, enhanced by the Constant Velocity Joint and differential, allowing each wheel to be independently driven. This results in better traction and stability of the trike. Turns are smoother, and there is much less chance of tipping over. This mechanism, combined with the differential, ensures that the load on the two rear wheels remains equal. The result is a smooth and stable riding experience, at both low and high speeds and when taking corners.

Cube trike cargo bike with tilting mechanism

Motor and Battery

Powered by the latest generation Bosch motor, the Performance Line CX, the CUBE Concept Dynamic Cargo tricycle offers a torque of up to 85 Nm, supported by a 750 Wh battery. This is a powerful motor, the most powerful among Bosch motors.

For now, a double battery option is not available, although it has been announced. It utilizes the Bosch Smart System, operated via the remote control. All relevant information regarding speed, battery status, and estimated range is visible on the Kiox 300 color display.

The Enviolo NuVinci N380 drive ensures seamless shifting. Here we see the metal chain, not the carbon variant. Combined with the powerful Bosch motor, the 380% gear range is sufficient to tackle steep climbs without breaking a sweat and easily reach the 25 km/h limit.

Riding Comfort

Riding the CUBE Concept Dynamic Cargo tricycle is comfortable and natural. It rides easier than the cargo bike because the weight is pulled, and you have an extra wheel. Comfort Ride Geometry makes riding pleasant by maximizing comfort, stability, and agility.

A minor drawback is that you can carry less cargo; the box can carry a maximum of 60 kg. However, thanks to CUBE’s new HIC (Headset Integrated Carrier), the bike can easily carry a Eurobox of 300mm x 400mm and up to 20 kg in weight. The perfect riding comfort is attributed to the tilting technology, which makes riding easy and safe, even with a heavy load.

The seatpost has two unlocking mechanisms for adjusting the saddle height, ideal for shared use by multiple people. You can easily adjust it higher or lower. The CUBE tricycle can be easily adjusted to accommodate riders of different heights, ranging from 1.60m to 1.90m. Mom and dad, or colleague 1 and colleague 2, everyone can use the bike.

However, remember that the rear is wider than a conventional bike. Something to get used to, not only for obstacles but also for potholes or sudden obstacles. With a regular bike, you sometimes stand up to exert extra force, which wasn’t as easy with this trike. Riding calmly is the order of the day, with the motor providing plenty of power.

Cube trike review for transporting children

Brakes, Tires

The CUBE tricycle is equipped with Tektro hydraulic disc brakes and has a total of three brake discs, providing ample braking power and reserves regardless of the load. This distributes the heat generated during braking across three brake rotors and calipers instead of two, as is usually the case. Tektro is also a highly quality brand. Cube has experience with cargo bikes and knows that good powerful brakes are crucial for safety. ABS technology is not yet present, this will be included in the next update.

Options and Usage

The CUBE Cargo tricycle also features a interchangeable and modular box. They call it a one-fits-all concept. The cargo box, made of super light and extremely strong polyethylene foam, can be used to transport two children or make deliveries in the city. The box is an accessory that you can customize to your needs.

There is also a smart storage space in the downtube where items such as a raincoat, snacks, or gloves can be easily stored. This practical detail adds even more usability for everyday rides.

Another small extra (from the car world), built-in rear lights and a powerful front light that illuminates the road.

Safe with built-in rear lights

Additionally, there is the option to add child seats, complete with safety harnesses and a rain cover. This detail is especially important for families considering purchasing the bike.

An important technical addition is the constant speed coupling and differential, allowing each wheel to be independently powered. This enhances the grip and stability of the trike, making it even more reliable in various conditions.

The frame of the CUBE Concept Dynamic Cargo tricycle also deserves special mention. The use of High Performance Aluminium (HPA) and Gravity Casting results in a strong, light, and durable construction that prepares the trike for the challenges of urban transportation.

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