International Cargobike of the Year 2022: Numerous Candidates for the IAA

With a record participation of 25 candidates, the "International Cargobike of the Year" award by the trade magazine LOGISTRA from HUSS-VERLAG enters its third round. There is lively participation across all three classes. In addition to the 13 models from the "Heavy" segment, which will face the judgment of a four-member expert jury in a test procedure during the IAA TRANSPORTATION 2022 on a specially set up cargobike course, seven light cargo bikes and five trailers are also part of the current competition field. The latter is particularly pleasing from the jury's point of view, as trailers allow for a relatively inexpensive and easy entry into cargo bike logistics.

According to the jury chairman and award initiator Johannes Reichel, Test+Technology section head at LOGISTRA, there is a faster innovation cycle emerging. Additionally, more and more motorcycle components are being installed, which are expected to offer higher operational times, lower downtimes, and better total cost of ownership (TCO). Driving comfort, handling, and weather resistance are also increasingly focusing on automotive-oriented constructions.

In the "Heavy" segment, six out of 13 models including four-wheeled concepts are high on the agenda. However, the cargo bike concepts should not become so bulky and unwieldy that use on bike paths or in restricted areas would be at risk. In terms of maneuverability, the heavy trikes, which remain more bicycle-oriented, are inherently at an advantage. The "Light Cargobikes" on the current candidate list are protected from this, but besides the single-track, classic "Long Johns," two competitors are also relying on two-wheel concepts: The Gleam Escape as a "Long Tail" and the Max&Mäleon with a front basket, both models featuring sophisticated tilt technology. However, the Yoonit is also an ultra-compact cargo bike.

With the very load-bearing and voluminous bike-trailers, there is a fundamental distinction between trailers with electric drive, like the Nüwiel, and those without, as with the rest of the models, which of course affects price and complexity but extends the range of use up to serving as electric handcarts. For the other models, powerful towing vehicles are mandatory.

The award is carried out in close cooperation with the German Association of the Automotive Industry and the German Bicycle Logistics Association RLVD and utilizes the synergies from the concurrent events. Parallel to IAA TRANSPORTATION, the 3rd National Bicycle Logistics Conference is also taking place in Hanover, where experts and practitioners will discuss how the goal of 30% cargo bike logistics on the last mile and in urban areas can be achieved. Many exhibitors at the conference are also present at the cargo bike course of IAA TRANSPORTATION. Additionally, a cargo bike convoy from the conference to the trade fair is planned for Thursday, September 22.

The following candidates compete in three classes:

Light Cargobikes:

• URBAN ARROW: Cargo L Craft
• GLEAM technologies: ESCAPE 2022
• Riese & Müller: Transporter2 85 Business belt
• uuio: YOONIT Mini Cargobike (classic or electric)
• Mäx & Mäleon: Cargo
• Ca Go Bike: FS200 Vario
• Punta Velo: BerlinBullitt X LarryvsHarry Copenhagen / Long John Cargo L Craft

Heavy Cargobikes:

• EAV: 2Cubed
• VOWAG: CARGO M
• ONO MOTION: Pioneers Edition
• Kleuster: Freegônes
• TRIPS: Heavy Duty Electric trike
• Akkurad / Lohmeyer: Galoppe PEP
• URBAN ARROW: Tender Post & Parcel 800
• ANTRIC: One UrbanMobility
• UM: CargoBike
• Muhr und Bender KG (Mubea): Urban M Cargo
• tricargo eG: Lademeister
• RYTLE GmbH RYTLE MovR3 / three-wheeled cargo bike / E-Pedelec 25
• b&p manufacturing mobility: Invelo:4

Bike-Trailers:

• wuppdi design and engineering: wuppdi
• NÜWIEL: Electrically powered bicycle trailers
• e2trail: Lifter
• AL-KO Vehicle Technology Group: BIKE TRAILER
• polyroly: cargo.z basic