Review: Riese & Muller Packster2

1. Design (9/10)

Let’s start with a subjective opinion: this cargo bike looks incredibly beautiful and rugged.

The design is angular and sharp, with the cargo box positioned low to the ground. The chosen colors further emphasize this.

The monocoque frame design is not only aesthetically appealing but also highly functional. It provides a strong, stiff, yet agile frame (monocoque – one-piece), giving the bike a low center of gravity, excellent control (even at low speeds), and a very tight turning circle. This is one of the biggest advantages of this cargo bike.

Thanks to the saddle and handlebar adjustments, the Packster2 70 is suitable for a wide range of riders, ranging from 150 cm to 200 cm. This makes it an ideal family cargo bike, suitable for both small and tall riders.

During the ride, this adjustability provides a customized riding position. You sit comfortably upright, close to the cargo box, with a good view of your load. Suitable for short and long distances, even in the city. The Packster2 is relatively compact for a cargo bike, measuring 60 cm wide and 249 cm long.

If this is too long, Riese Muller will soon introduce the R&M Carrie, an extra compact cargo bike for the city.

This bike is also more than suitable for long rides or bumpy terrain, partly thanks to the adjustable suspension in the front fork. A seat post suspension would have been a nice addition but is not necessary for most routes. It would be helpful on very uneven terrain. The optional frame suspension via the Control Technology seems to be the icing on the cake.

Materials and Build Quality

It is well-known that Riese & Müller uses high-quality materials. This is evident from the top brands used to build this cargo bike.

The frame is made of lightweight but strong aluminum. This lightweight is continued in the design of the cargo box, which is wide and spacious but perfectly designed to maximize volume for the space used. The cargo box is made of EPP, which contributes to the lightweight and overall agility and handling of the cargo bike.

This provides a very familiar feeling in traffic and constant safety. The light weight of 45 kilograms is definitely a plus point. For comparison: the Load is lighter at 36 kilograms but offers less protection for children.

Touring, Vario, and Automatic Configuration

In addition, the Packster2 70 is available in different configurations, with the main difference between Touring, Vario, or Automatic lying in the choice of gearing. This ranges from derailleur to hub gear to the new Enviolo automatic gear, providing a suitable option for every preference.

2. Performance: Power and Carrying Capacity (9/10)

Top Speed (9/10): 25 km/h – Easily attainable

Performance Uphill (8/10): More than sufficient with the 85 nm motor

Performance with Load (8/10): Due to the exceptional build quality, riding with weight is also very comfortable. With suspended frame (Control Technology option), it’s even better.

Cargo Bike Carrying Capacity (9/10): 200 kg

Powerful Bosch Motor

During the first ride on the Packster2 70, it becomes immediately apparent how seamlessly the motor, battery, and gears work together. The Bosch CX Cargo Line motor, which we already know from other cargo bikes, offers with its 85 nm of power more than enough power, even when transporting heavier loads.

This motor is limited to 25 km/h, but acceleration is so smooth that you quickly reach the top speed and effortlessly maintain it, even with a fully loaded cargo box.

Battery Life and Options

The standard 750Wh battery offers a range of 30 to 60 km, depending on the level of electric assistance. For those with a higher budget or who desire extra autonomy, there’s the option for a double battery. For about €1000 extra, you double the capacity to 1500Wh.

The Bosch motor’s software is known for its excellence, resulting in eager yet natural responses from the bike. This results in smooth and consistent power delivery.

Gear Options and Shift Comfort

When testing the Packster2 70, we opted for the Vario option, a hub gear system operated manually. This option has proven its quality over the years.

There is also a cheaper Touring option with a Shimano derailleur, known for its high quality and easy shifting. The only downside is that you have to be in the right gear when starting, which can be challenging, especially with a heavy load.

The newest option is the Enviolo automatic, which shifts automatically without any input required from the rider. The quality of Enviolo ensures perfect adjustment for the ideal cadence.

Agile and Maneuverable

The version we tested, the Packster2 70 Vario, uses a Carbon Gate Drive, a maintenance-friendly and durable belt drive.

During our ride, we noticed that even at speeds above 25 km/h, the cargo bike felt comfortable and stable, even during steep descents and cornering at high speed. This is due to the cargo bike’s low center of gravity.

They have also learned from the mistakes of the first Packster. R&M works with cable control, which had a flaw, and their models were recalled. The Packster2 has been reinvented. The handlebar angle is different, which improves cornering. Their engineer explains it better here.

The agility and turning circle of the Packster2 70 are unparalleled, a feature that we (for now) rarely see in other cargo bikes. This cargo bike is ideally suited for use in urban environments, where its maneuverability offers the greatest advantage. But even outside the city, the Packster2 70 performs excellently.

With the Control Technology option, which provides a reinforced frame, we believe this cargo bike is one of the best options for 2024.

3. The Cargo Box and Its Unique Features (8/10)

The Riese & Müller Packster2 70 distinguishes itself with its versatility and ability to transport both cargo and children. With a range of options, this cargo bike offers something for everyone, whether you’re transporting valuable cargo or your most precious possessions – your children.

Innovative Cargo Box for Maximum Capacity

The Packster2 70 excels in its capacity and ease of use. The cargo box, made of expanded polypropylene (EPP), is known for its strength, lightweight, and weather resistance. This material, free from harmful substances and fully recyclable, is also used in the automotive industry due to these properties.

The cargo box is spacious enough to accommodate an adult, with a standard capacity of 240 liters that can be increased to 350 liters with the optional high box cover. This makes the Packster2 70 ideal for transporting both parcels and people.

Quite cool, there is a glove compartment built into the Packster2 in the cargo box. A small extra, but useful. R&M also wants to make some extra profit with this idea; a lock is an additional paid option.

The dimensions of the cargo box, 60 centimeters wide and 70 centimeters in length, underscore the thoughtful design choices for urban freight transport. You can use it on the bike path, and you are not wider than an ordinary cyclist.

Safety and Comfort for Child Transport

In addition to the focus on cargo, the Packster2 70 also offers excellent options for transporting children. You can choose to add child seats, a children’s box with two seats, and an extra child seat (which sits in reverse) for transporting three children.

Our young testers, both 3 years old, had plenty of space in the cargo bike. Even with the extra seat, there was foot space available. We do not have older children, so we also asked other Packster2 users who have used this cargo bike for more than 2500 kilometers.

• Would make the same purchase again, very satisfied
• There are minor drawbacks, such as lack of space for older children and brakes that wear out quickly
• 3 children under 5 years old should definitely work
• 2 children up to 8 years old is possible, but it gets tight
• The extra seat takes away foot space
• The cargo box is only 70 cm (Packster2 70) long, the Packster2 80 (not yet released) will be slightly longer.
• The Packster2 70 has less space than the Load4 70, due to the thick protective design.

The volume of the Packster2 is mainly in the height. You have a nice base of 57×67 cm as a surface, but it doesn’t get bigger, only higher. This makes it tight as the children get older.

The strong and secure cargo box ensures that your children are always protected, while the sturdy rain cover keeps them dry without obstructing your view. This makes the Packster2 70 an ideal choice for parents looking for a safe and reliable way to transport their children.

Customizable to Your Needs

What truly makes the Packster2 70 unique is the ability to configure the cargo space according to your preferences. With 9 different options for configuring the cargo space, Riese & Müller caters to the diverse situations in which a cargo bike can be used.

4. Riding Comfort & Safety (8/10)

Possibly 9 to 10 if we had Control Technology. But for this review, that was not the case. We will test this later on the full-option Packster2 with Enviolo Automatiq and Control Technology.

Comfort on Flat Roads (8.5/10): Due to its light design, you glide easily over the road.

Comfort on Uneven Roads (7.5/10): The suspension absorbs a lot, mainly the cargo box, but as a driver and on the luggage rack, the shocks were more noticeable. A good seat post suspension is not a must but can work wonders.

Comfort on Long Distances (8.5/10): The upright sitting position, adjustable handlebar option, and ergonomic saddle offer a lot of comfort on long distances.

Driving on Wet Roads -> Safety (-/10): not yet tested

When it comes to riding comfort and safety, the Packster2 70 truly stands out. Although the design and performance are already impressive, and other cargo bikes may have the same motor and battery options, the suspended frame of this Riese & Müller cargo bike is truly unique. This aspect positions Riese & Müller as a premium brand that offers the best riding quality.

During our test of the Packster2 Vario without Control Technology or suspended frame, we could only dream of how this would further enhance the riding comfort. Nevertheless, we enjoyed a very comfortable and seamless ride, even on the bumpy cobblestone roads of Brussels, with and without a load.

A bit of weight in the cargo bike actually provided more riding comfort on very bumpy surfaces.

New Steering Concept and Maneuverability

Riese & Müller introduces a new steering concept with an advanced cabling system in their latest line of cargo bikes, including the Packster2.

This system, along with the monocoque design, provides a direct and tangible response. This makes maneuvering through tight spaces or between obstacles very intuitive. The low center of gravity also plays into this. Nicely agile. And a very short turning circle for a cargo bike.

Despite the length of this 2,490 cm long cargo bike, it behaves more like a long electric bike. Even with a heavy load, the cargo bike remains stable, without tilting, thanks to the low center of gravity that ensures perfect control.

Safe Transport of Children

When transporting children, where competitors such as Cargo and Carcom are strong contenders, the Packster2 70 certainly does not disappoint. The two-seat child bench with a five-point harness, surrounded by a sturdy EPP box, provides ample safety. It is important to always wear a helmet and ensure that the seat belts are properly fastened.

Thanks to the low loading floor, children can easily get in and sit low to the ground for extra safety in case of a collision or fall.

The standard Tektro brakes are of high quality. Sufficient stopping power even with weight. Of course, this can lead to wear and higher consumption of brake pads. The premium brakes are also designed so that you can brake with one or two fingers. This allows you to react quickly, a small but handy advantage in moments of danger.

High quality for a standard part, but it can be even higher. You can opt for ABS on these Packster2. This is an option. The upgrade to 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes from Magura is also possible. We only recommend this if you really need to transport large or heavy loads.

The gears, discussed earlier in the performance section, are of exceptionally high quality even in the cheapest version with Shimano derailleur. If your budget allows, switching to automatic gears is definitely recommended.

Suspension, Tires, and Comfort

The Suntour Mobie fork with 80mm of travel provides a smooth ride on uneven and bumpy roads, keeping both the rider and the cargo in the box undisturbed.

The Control Technology with suspended frame, which costs about 1500 euros extra, significantly improves the Packster2 70 and makes it comparable to the recent Muller Load. This is an investment that your budget must allow for. The ergonomic handlebar and adjustable stem further enhance the riding experience.

Riese & Müller has opted for quality Schwalbe Big Ben Plus tires for the Packster2 70, with the option for Schwalbe Super Moto X tires for rougher terrain. The small 20-inch front wheel is very agile and responds quickly to steering commands, while the larger rear wheel provides more control and stability under the rider.

5. Price Comparison (7/10)

The Packster2 belongs to the segment of expensive cargo bikes. Especially if you choose additional options, you’re looking at a price above 10,000 euros. The basic or standard Packster2 costs around 7,500 euros. With this, we see the cargo bike competing with other R&M cargo bikes, but also Lovens, Ca Go, and Urban Arrow have models in this price range.

Top Segment: Riese & Muller, Carqon, Lovens, Urban Arrow

Mid-range: Batavius, Gazelle, Cube

Cheaper Cargo Bikes: Vogue, Babboe, Dolly

Our Opinion on the Packster2 70 Vario

We are absolutely fans of Riese & Müller. This brand stands firmly on the right values and reflects them in their designs. It’s not just about engineers looking at the price, but primarily about quality. Of course, they aim for a price that matches this quality, but Riese & Müller’s bikes always belong to the premium segment. Therefore, you pay a premium price. Fortunately, in return, you receive more than just premium quality and design.

If we could choose, we would go for the Packster2 70 from Riese & Müller.

This cargo bike is not only beautiful and robust but also perfectly suits how we would use it. The options and versatility of this cargo bike are clear. The only real model that can compete with this is the fully optioned Packster2. This model is comparable but fully upgraded.

For us, this indicates that Riese & Müller still has a step ahead in designing cargo bikes, especially when it comes to maneuverability and ride comfort. On other aspects, other brands are also doing very well. However, the long experience that Riese & Müller has in the bicycle industry plays a big role here. They also excel in the quality of components.

If the Packster2 70 is too expensive for you, you can also opt for the older Packster 70. This was released in 2021 and is slightly less powerful in terms of motor and performance. Moreover, there is no option for a suspended frame.

Within the budget of 8000 euros, there are still alternatives within the electric cargo bike market. Also, always consider looking at second-hand options or refurbished ones. Sometimes there are models with only a few kilometers and yet 25% off the selling price.