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2nd National Bike Logistics Conference: Constant Strive for Tough Technology

Several cargo bike manufacturers use the conference to present their innovations: With fahrwerker and biketechnology, there are two who develop dedicated cargo bike components. Mubea presents its Urban M Bike and Rytle the complete new version of the MovR.

Parts for Cargo Bikes: The company Fahrwerker aims to eliminate one of the major shortcomings of current models and offer components specifically designed for cargo bikes, primarily to improve the TCO. | Photo: J. Reichel
Parts for Cargo Bikes: The company Fahrwerker aims to eliminate one of the major shortcomings of current models and offer components specifically designed for cargo bikes, primarily to improve the TCO. | Photo: J. Reichel
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von Johannes Reichel

The stage of the 2nd National Cargo Bike Logistics Conference in Frankfurt was used by numerous manufacturers to present their innovations in the field of bikes and bike technology. Particularly noteworthy was that two companies addressed the critical issue of dedicated components for cargo bikes. There are still significant deficits in the areas of brakes, forks, and wheels, and often components from the motorcycle or scooter sector are used, which are robust and inexpensive but sometimes designed for different load profiles and dynamics. B2C products from the modular systems of large component manufacturers often do not meet the everyday load requirements in heavy cargo bikes, or do not do so for long.

Fahrwerker: Special Components for Cargo Bikes

The manufacturer Fahrwerker from Metzingen, whose creators partly come from the brake specialist Magura and have committed themselves to developing components for light electric vehicles, wants to remedy this. So far, the Magura Big is frequently used in cargo bikes, originally developed for tandem applications some time ago. Above all, they have focused on the issue of brakes and, based on an almost completely local supply chain, have developed a system that is supposed to allow at least three times the service life for the stoppers.
 

Aluminum Cast Wheels: Robust and Lightweight

In addition to the originally developed brake levers with an easy-to-use, separate handbrake lever, mainly stronger brake pads with a special compound, more voluminous brake pistons, and significantly stronger discs are being introduced, which should be able to dock onto the existing mounts on the bikes. A highly robust heavy-duty suspension fork for heavy cargo bikes, featuring stable stanchions, fork bridges, and adaptable mounts, has also been developed. Currently, mountain bike forks are often still used here. Fahrwerker has also dedicated itself to the topic of wheels and developed a solution from aluminum casting that is supposed to be as robust as it is lightweight, combined with motorcycle tires. Integration of the e-motor on the front axle is also realized at the trade show exhibitor, a Radkutsche Musketier.

All Inclusive: Components including Frame Set

The company biketechnology also wants to advance the development with special cargo bike components and is even considering a complete frame set for a three-wheeled, heavy-duty cargo bike, which was still covered at the conference. A heavy-duty suspension fork with stainless steel stanchions and 55 millimeters of travel, combined with an aluminum-cast rim, and the possibility of integrating a Heinzmann hub motor, was shown. Here too, motorcycle tires with a high load capacity are used. For the brakes, a symmetrical floating caliper is utilized, with 4-millimeter brake pad thickness, an integrated parking brake, mineral oil brake fluid, and the possibility of a double disc, as is the case with Fahrwerker.

Pinion Sees Great Potential in the Commercial Sector

The Denkendorf-based transmission specialist pinion also used the conference to promote its under the sub-brand "industrial" developed special cargo bike drivetrain called T-Line, which is increasingly finding its way into heavy-duty cargo bikes, including the bikes that placed second and third at CABOTY from tricargo and A-N.T. The manufacturer offers three versions with six, nine, and twelve gears and promises high robustness, long lifespan, smooth gear shifting, and above all, low operating costs.

Telematics: Faster Organization of the Bike Fleet

The IoT specialist Paztir, in turn, promoted its lock and tracking system, which is intended to significantly professionalize the delivery process. This system is used, for instance, in the Carla Cargo trailer with a messenger box, which won the trailer category at CABOTY. Besides keyless access to the bike or box via chip, watch, or app, the CAN bus-compatible system allows precise localization via GPS tracker and, based on that, smooth vehicle disposition. The system also integrates functionalities for preventive maintenance and vehicle telemetry.

Rytle Completely Redesigns the MovR

On the bike side, the pioneer for heavy cargo bikes with interchangeable structures, Rytle, made a surprising impact. The company, originally a spin-off from trailer manufacturer Krone, is making significant strides with the next generation of their three-wheeled MovR bike, aiming to eliminate numerous shortcomings of the first version. A modular design will reportedly allow for a narrower or wider form depending on the application, with or without pallet compatibility. The rear lift has also been optimized and can now even be controlled via a wired remote control, similar to a truck.

The new version, whose U-shaped frame is made of aluminum profiles and is supposed to be lighter, allows access to the cockpit from both sides. The handlebar storage space has been significantly enlarged, the shelf is flatter, and the mirrors are larger. Drive-wise, they are still using chains but are prepared for "digital" drives with a generator-motor combination. Practical additions include a dedicated parking brake lever, a newly developed heavy-duty suspension fork, and double Magura big disc brakes, combined with motorcycle spoke rims. Auto parts supplier Mubea, which was present in Frankfurt with its brand-new and "automobile" constructed Urban M, aims to start production next year, utilizing a mix of bike parts, their own components, and a spectacular frame construction incorporating PU foam.

Ever Larger: Some Bikes Are Like Small Cars

Almost like a small car, the GalopE PEP from the Schwäbisch Gmünd-based velomobile specialist Akkurad, which was already presented at the IAA, sets its sights on urban mobility solutions and is designated as a "Pedal Electric Platform". The vehicle stands out as a pedelec, which will also be available as an L1e or L6e vehicle (25/45 km/h), and already exceeds the bicycle category. In contrast, the four-wheeled Citkar Loadster aims to remain in the bike category and is working on a three-seater variant of the Loadster that could serve as a car replacement in urban areas.

Urban Arrow Wants to Launch its Own Commercial Line

It was also noted at the conference that the Dutch Pon subsidiary Urban Arrow is working on an industry-specific, commercial line-up of its very successful and relatively affordable cargo bikes in the private sector, which should be launched soon. The ideal successors to Velove, Flevobike from the Netherlands, were also present with their GoLo low-loader recumbent bike and aim to start sales soon. The Bochum university start-up Antrix also promoted their heavy-duty e-cargo bike at the event, whose One model builds on ideas from ONO and Vowag and aims to impress with a great design, all-weather capability, and crash safety - spectacularly supported by a YouTube video featuring a staircase jump. Overall, a beautiful picture: The entire industry seems to be on the move. And it is certainly ensured that the cargo bikes remain in motion.

Translated automatically from German.
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