The 7 best tricycle cargo bikes

In this article, we’re looking for the best three-wheeled cargo bike. Within the range of electric cargo bikes, you can choose between two or three wheels. Due to the extra stability, many people prefer a model with three wheels. Both types of cargo bikes are easy to ride, although some practice is always recommended.

They are slightly less agile but ride just as fast and maybe even easier. There is also much less risk of falling. Only tipping over is possible, but some three-wheeled cargo bikes are protected against this. We also see increasing safety options for children.

For every situation and budget, there is a suitable cargo bike. We compare different models and discuss their pros and cons. Read below for what to look out for when comparing cargo bikes yourself.

Best three-wheeled cargo bike: Butchers & Bicycles MK1-E Vario

The Butcher & Bicycles MK1-E is (for us) the best electric cargo bike on three wheels. The premium design, excellent build quality and riding comfort, and the Bosch components are a cut above the competitors.

The Tilting mechanism is specially designed to perfectly distribute the weight in the cargo box. Especially in sharp turns, tilting is possible. With this tilting mechanism, tipping is virtually impossible. A downside? There could be a bit more suspension.

You can load up to 80 kg in the cargo box. Also a handy cargo bike for the dog. With the door and the tilting mechanism, you have some benefits for your four-legged friend. You also have two built-in lights. So you stay visible.

Power is abundant. The Bosch Performance Line CX provides 85 nm of torque power. Everything is of high quality. Not only the quality, but also the purchase price is high.

Dimensions: 225 x 85 cm | Weight: 49 kg | Motor: 85 nm | Build quality: high

Best price/quality: Batavus Fier Enviolo 3

The Batavus Fier is a good three-wheeler cargo bike with top-quality components. It remains a pricey purchase, but lower than the above MK1. The price-quality ratio is very high. In addition to the good build quality, you also have a Bosch motor and battery.

The Cargo Line is good for 85 nm of torque power. This is very powerful and suitable for any journey and load. Speaking of loads, due to the good build quality, you can carry up to 100 kg in the large and sturdy cargo box. This is extra high for safely transporting (also) children.

The battery is somewhat weak, although you can upgrade from 350 Wh to 400 or 500 Wh. This makes the three-wheeler slightly more expensive again. See if you really need this, although 350 Wh is really little for a cargo bike.

The safety rail makes it easy to attach accessories. A rain cover and some protection against the cold wind seem like a must-have purchase if you want to transport children. There are also built-in lights at the front and rear. The rear light also has a laser that is projected onto the ground. Something we recognize from the Ridr Lights.

Dimensions: 225 x 90 cm | Weight: 78 kg | Motor: 85 nm | Build quality: high

Good buy: Keewee three-wheeler cargo bike

If you want a three-wheeled cargo bike under 5000 euros, you’ll have to step away from the well-known bicycle brands. Less known is the KeeWee cargo bike by Cangoo. An affordable cargo bike with slightly less quality parts but many attractive extras.

Less quality but still a reliable electric motor. The bicycle motors from Bafang are cheaper than Bosch or Shimano, but just as powerful. This Bafang motor produces 80 nm of power.

The 470 Wh battery is good for about 50 km, depending on usage. You can easily remove it and charge it. Charging with the battery in the bike is also possible. The hub gear is a nice bonus. With this, the bike shifts gears automatically.

The cargo bike is indeed very heavy. Not that you’ll often lift a three-wheeler. However, it’s unique that you can store the cargo bike upright. The cargo box is nicely finished. Built-in lights and turn signals (!), mudguards, and a rear luggage rack.

The handlebar, in one straight piece and finished with a leather strap, is something we’re slightly less fond of. A traditional handlebar just rides a bit easier than this straight bar.

Dimensions: 220 x 88 cm | Weight: 90 kg | Motor: 80 nm | Build quality: good

Cheap cargo bike: Vogue superior 3

There are quite a few cheaper cargo bikes available. On Bol.com, you’ll find some lesser-known brands, each offering several inexpensive options. They are purchases ranging from 2000-3000 euros, but are much cheaper than the models mentioned above.

If the above KeeWee is still too expensive, then the Vogue Superior is suitable. Our choice for the best cheap cargo bike, under 3000 euros. Especially the Bafang motor indicates that the basic quality is present.

This motor is well-known and provides enough power (80 nm) to push any load up a slope. The battery, with 468 Wh, is sufficient for trips up to a maximum of 50-70 km (depending on the settings and the load). The brakes are also of sufficient quality. At the front and rear, we find powerful Tektro disc brakes.

The cargo bike has a carrying capacity of 220 kg. This includes the weight of the cargo bike itself. It’s certainly not light, as the Vogue Superior weighs around 90 kg. The cargo box itself can handle up to 80 kg of cargo. Fortunately, you have 80 nm of torque power. Cycling without electric assistance is very heavy.

With all these basic elements, the price is kept low. This seems to us like an ODM product; a bike that is sold by multiple brands. For example, the Qivelo Curve 3 is suspiciously similar.

Dimensions: 220 x 85 cm | Weight: 90 kg | Motor: 80 nm | Build quality: Fair

Best trike for transporting children: Chike E-kids

If we’re specifically looking for a model to transport children (and nothing else), then the Chike E-kids is a good option. We often see them in Brussels city; it’s actually not a traditional cargo bike but a ‘Trike’ – a tricycle.

This tricycle is designed for parents who commute with their child(ren) by bike. It’s smaller, lighter, and more maneuverable than a cargo bike. With three wheels, you always have some extra balance. The special steering mechanism caters to this, providing a very short turning radius.

There’s room for two children in the cabin with an aluminum housing. It’s safe and equipped with a child seat and sturdy five-point harnesses. As the driver, you’re very close to the children, which is pleasant for communication. There are also plenty of accessories available, from rain covers to sunshades.

The quality is high, as often seen with German bike makers. Riding comfort and safety are central to the design. The tilting mechanism ensures that the cargo box or cabin stays level, making you highly maneuverable and enabling tight turns. It also provides extra suspension to absorb shocks.

The electric assistance is also of high quality. The Shimano Esteps E6100 isn’t very powerful but is reliable. With 65 nm of torque, you have enough to tackle almost any hill with the children. The 504 Wh battery is standard, sufficient for about 40 to 70 km of cycling.

Motor: 65 nm | Dimensions: 192 cm long & 70 cm wide | Weight: 33.8 kg | Load capacity: 200 kg

Up to 4 children: Winther Cargo

If we’re looking for a cargo bike specifically for transporting children, we focus on comfort and a safe cargo box. The above MK-1 and Fier 3 are more than suitable for this purpose. We add the Winther to provide you with another alternative.

The design is similar to the KeeWee or Vogue. However, we rate this tricycle higher due to its improved electrical components and increased riding comfort. The cargo box is safer, lower, and adapted for transporting children. Additionally, it’s slightly cheaper than the premium brands in this list.

The model comes with a Shimano E6100 mid-motor or a cheaper Bafang rear-wheel motor. The battery (500 Wh) is fairly standard and provides a range of up to 70 km.

The cargo box is specially designed for transporting children. The lowered front allows children (or the dog) to enter more easily. The aluminum housing extends all the way up. This turns the cargo box more into a cage, making it safer and easier to attach accessories, such as a rain cover.

Small and compact yet capable of accommodating 4 child seats. Two seats come as standard, but expansion is possible. There are also adapters for fitting a Maxi Cosi. With all the accessories, you also get more protection against certain weather conditions. You have a choice between an insect, sun, or rain cover.

Also suitable for dogs, in which case you should opt for the foldable bench without child seats. The low step is also advantageous for small or older dogs. It’s advisable to place an anti-slip mat to provide your four-legged friend with extra grip.

Dimensions: xx cm | Weight: xx kg | Motor: 65 nm | Build quality: Good

Best cargo bike for seniors and elderly: Riksja 1

The electric drive also revolutionizes the transportation of older people, seniors, or the elderly. There are electric wheelchairs and electric bikes for transporting wheelchairs. This Riksja 1 is intended for transporting people while seated.

It’s a fantastic way to go cycling together, especially with the electric assistance. The low step and comfortable seating position are different from typical cargo bikes. This allows older people to easily get on and enjoy the ride.

The bike itself is fairly standard. The Riksja 1 is a design by bakfiets.nl, who also have years of experience in making cargo bikes. This electric taxi is equipped with a Shimano STEPS mid-motor, has an automatic hub gear, and a standard 450 Wh battery.

However, please note that the cargo bike is wider than 1 meter. Therefore, you are not allowed to use it on the bike path.

Dimensions: 210 x 105 cm | Weight: 72 kg | Motor: 45 nm | Build quality: Fair

So far, our online comparison of the best three-wheeler cargo bikes. Here, we take into account all kinds of situations in the hope of helping every reader further. Recently, we’ve also seen the emergence of the Cube Trike, which includes cargo bikes with two rear wheels and a fixed trailer (the cargo box at the back). This could also be an interesting option.

For every quest, there is an answer, for every situation, a cargo bike. It also offers many benefits. It’s time to get to know them.

Also read the following articles