Cargo Bikes

hi, we developped a 3 wheel bike trailer in france. It is self braking, "easy" to assemble-weld in equiped workshop, and you can "electrify" it.
All the ressources are available from this page https://charrette.bike/ we have a github
we tried to sum up it here : https://veloma.org/2022/11/17/charrette-three-wheel-bike-trailer-stainless-steel/

Not much info, just a long ref.

I'm not too bothered about the motor for now, I was just wondering. I'll see how I get on leg powered... A part of me doesn't like the concept of an electrically assisted bike. It's against what made me love cycling since being a kid, the feeling (or rather the illusion) of "independence" (It's all a bit B.S. / sentimental, as I completely recognise that electric bikes give - or extend - access to cycling to people who may not have had it, for all kind of reasons)

Anyway, despite the specialist ply, that ended up costing me more for its delivery than the sheet itself, it's been a fairly cheap project so I hope to keep it like this, given the whole thing wasn't entirely justifiable at home (too many bikes, etc.).
Also need to find out how and where to use it where we live. Current kids drop off on bike are try park paths, and in some places a bit of pavement because road's a bit busy to my taste when with kids. I know some of my current routes won't / may not work with the cargo bike, I really hope not by it may not work for us.

If all,goes well but I find human propelled cargo riding too limiting with my old legs, I'll be in touch, thanks!

You can totally do it with legs only… but, e assist for me makes them ride more like a normal bike. But thats my 2£

I am #luddite4lyf but the e-assist on the big fat dummy is transformative and definitely adds to the joy. I can go further, don’t have to route around any hills, don’t have to worry about being destroyed by the time we arrive etc etc. Definitely encourages me to take the kids places I definitely wouldn’t be making it to without the motor (or at least wouldn’t be able to enjoy by the time we got there).

Admittedly, I live in Sheffield, so my topography is likely more extreme than yours, but I reckon a simple rear hub motor wouldn’t be anything other than a net benefit.

A part of me doesn't like the concept of an electrically assisted bike. It's against what made me love cycling since being a kid, the feeling (or rather the illusion) of "independence"

This is me. My cargo is 40kg with the box on and around 70kg with both kids and some stuff onboard. It’s pretty flat around here but I don’t have any trouble getting us around in my mid 40s and I just put plenty of gearing on to bail me out if I need it.

Probably easy for me to say. The only hills round here are Egham and Virginia Water - I don’t have Crystal Palace or Biggin Hill / Westerham to deal with 😀

I think the thing people forget about e assist is you can turn it off when you want to or turn it down. But a 250w on minimum assist is enough to make 4+ hrs on the bike fun. Fun enough we go for 2-4 hr rides 4-6 days a week.

Posting this just to say how much kids absolutely love cargo bikes. The minute I go near mine they’re all over it and jumping in!

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Awesome...
Kids are excited too but I've let them down this weekend again, as I couldn't find enough time to finish the bike.
Getting there though...

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. A part of me doesn't like the concept of an electrically assisted bike

I was the same way but honestly in London it's a godsend to have the assist, I can't speak for a bafang setup but with the shimano steps it just makes it feel like normal riding, the only time it feels a bit unnatural is from a stop to start and you're thankful for acceleration from the lights.

Done, and off to a first picnic tonight, so nice this season, when there's still a little time in the day after work!

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amazing! this is what its all about

Excellent work

Sport mode engaged this eve. Tough climb to the top of the mendips

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Fucking A mate!

That's brilliant!

Really like that box - how much were the materials ?

I went for the cheaper eucalyptus version, rather than birch. Champion timber in Bromley could only get the latter and I would have had to pick it up in the car, either cut it there (didn't like the idea to rush something and potentially waste material) or fit it on the roof of the car as a full sheet (too dodgy).
So in the end delivery from these guys in the link below was more than the sheet itself (£45) but it was much easier for me, with the little time I have for everything.
https://sheetmaterialswholesale.co.uk/12mm-vindeck-eucalyptus-core-anti-slip-mesh-phenolic-film-plywood-2440mm-x-1220mm-8%E2%80%B2-x-4%E2%80%B2/?utm_term=&utm_campaign=&utm_source=adwords&utm_medium=ppc&hsa_acc=5296178707&hsa_cam=18549335715&hsa_grp=&hsa_ad=&hsa_src=x&hsa_tgt=&hsa_kw=&hsa_mt=&hsa_net=adwords&hsa_ver=3&gad=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw7uSkBhDGARIsAMCZNJsT4L_kfkhemZC-cq-pIGVL8SO4gO7vLzeJO7yQbY9ibsil3VBNTdoaAu8qEALw_wcB
The "weatherproof" film is super brittle, no problem if you use a sharp saw blade. Most drilling were on the edge of the panels, so I could use the drill press and it was a neat job. But for the couple of drillings in the middle (for the seat supports) for which I used a cordless drill, there were little black film shards detaching. Mostly covered by the washers, I only had to touch up with enamel paint in two places.
There's an anti slip side and a smooth side. Because I was trying to save as much material as possible, the side panels are not handed, so drive side is smooth, and non drive side is anti slip (from the outside). I'm hoping to do a little trunk under the seat with the left over.

Hello guysandgalls
need a new rear tire for city ridding with my omnium cargo, the other day i was skidding all over the place with a wornout ritchey JB tire...
what would you recommend from this shortlist? THX

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those are all poser tyres, get a marathon

I really like my Schwalbe super Motos on the cargo, but they seem to look less cool now.

I have no experience with any of those but I'd probably be going for the Vittoria from that list.
Saying that, I've been running a Marathon for years and swear by it.

Also this.

hahha this hurts a bit... even tho its maybe not far from true in some percentage.... tan walllllls....nice!

39.90 chf
Schwalbe Marathon Plus
28 x 1.50, 40-622
Poids (fabricant) : 995 g. its for a cargo, not important but still... wtf!!
could be

ye, probably my poser/cheap mentality will go for the vittoria....or maybe just keep the jb until i really crash thx to the tire or my lack of bike skills ... hope i wont have my kid on the cargo at that time

thx for the help!

marathon specs look bullet proof!!!

Continental contact Urban. Been running for years on various bikes (cargo, city mtb, tourer) not had a flat, roll fast and are relatively light. Have great grip too. And they can usually be found for a good price!!

https://www.bicyclerollingresistance.com/tour-reviews/continental-contact-urban