This includes front and rear lighting, reflectors, a high-pitched bell and two independent brakes.
Pay particular attention to the brakes. These must be designed for the maximum permissible total weight. A parking brake is also particularly useful for cargo bikes. It should provide stability when loading and unloading or strapping and unstrapping children and protect against unintentional rolling away. It is particularly important to achieve maximum stability when children are getting on and off.
To compensate for the increased mass of a cargo bike, they are often equipped with electric pedal assistance (pedelec, max. 250 watts up to 25 km/h).
Due to the different design, the higher mass also in conjunction with optional pedal assistance, the cargo bike differs significantly from the conventional bicycle in terms of riding stability and handling. In order to be as safe as possible on the road, especially in dangerous situations and during dynamic riding maneuvers, training without a load / occupant is strongly recommended.
There are multi-track and single-track designs. The multi-track, three-wheeled designs are significantly wider, whereas the single-track designs are considerably longer than usual. The different dimensions are particularly important in tight urban traffic. The two variants also differ in their riding characteristics. Single-track cargo bikes can be tilted when cornering. This is not possible with multi-track bikes. There is therefore a risk of tipping over. On the other hand, the multi-track versions are more stable when loading.
For all cargo bikes, please observe the manufacturer's specifications regarding the load.
Child transport in a cargo bike is only permitted if a suitable seat with belts is available for each child (Y-belts over the shoulders and in the crotch).
Riders and children should wear suitable and approved cycle helmets. Children can hit their heads on the frame, bounce on the road in the event of a fall or several children can hit each other's heads. Set a good example when it comes to helmets!
Further information and useful exercises can be found in the free brochure "Kinderbeförderung auf Lastenfahrrädern" (Transporting children on cargo bikes) from the Federal Highway Research Institute.