How to carry a cargo bike: the guide

Whether you want to transport your longtail or front loader, it is entirely possible. It depends on the type of vehicle and the model of cargo bike. There are two options available to you.

If you have an SUV, estate car, people carrier or utility vehicle, then you will certainly be able to transport your longtail bike and even your front loader. It is even easier to transport a Douze Cycles V2 and Hêta front loader, thanks to the separation system. In just a few minutes, you can separate the front frame from the rear frame, making it easier to fit them into your boot.

In this case, you can transport your longtail or front loader if you meet all the conditions:

– Have a tow ball with sufficient maximum load capacity.

– Have a bike rack on the tow bar with sufficient maximum load capacity. Make sure that the bike rack has a high load capacity, at least 30 kg, to support the weight of your electric cargo bike.

– Respect the maximum load capacity of the car.

Here are a few tips for transporting a Douze longtail bike on your bike rack:

– Remove any removable parts: child seat, box, canopy, battery, to reduce bulk and weight on the bike rack.

– Ensure that the bike is securely fastened to the bike rack, adding straps as a precaution.

– Protect the bike and vehicle with blankets and foam padding.

Here are a few tips for transporting a Douze front loader on your bike rack:

– You can transport front loader cargo bikes that can be separated into two parts, as this will allow you to comply with the maximum dimensions and loads permitted per space on your bike rack. This means that only our V2 and Hêta models can be transported on bike racks.
At Douze Cycles, we have tested a bike rack model that is suitable for transporting a V2 front loader with a 600 cm front frame. This is the Epos model from Thule. It is currently the only version that we certify. However, you can research and test other models and other equipment manufacturers, without Douze Cycles and the equipment manufacturer in question certifying the transport of your model.

– Choose a bike rack with 3 slots to ensure there is enough space between the front and rear of the bike.

– Install the rear of the front loader on the spot closest to the vehicle and the front of the cargo bike on the spot furthest away.

– Remove removable parts: child seat, box, canopy, battery to reduce bulk and weight on both bike rack slots.

– Ensure that both parts of the bike are securely fastened, adding straps as a precaution.

– Protect the bike and vehicle with blankets and foam padding.

Whether you are transporting a longtail or a front loader on your bike rack, we recommend that you test the equipment beforehand. You need to be sure that the attachment systems are suitable for your cargo bike. When you have fitted the equipment, we advise you to read the instructions for your bike rack so that you can travel safely.

It is important to note that transport regulations vary depending on the country you are travelling in. Here is a table summarising several aspects of regulations in different European countries. We recommend that you always double-check this information, as regulations are subject to change.

Transport trailers or specially designed racks make it easier to transport cargo bikes, especially larger models.

What you need to know:

– A flat trailer (platform) may be suitable for horizontal transport. It provides good support if the bike is securely strapped down.

– A roof rack is generally not suitable for cargo bikes. At Douze Cycles, we do not certify this type of transport.

Precautions:

– Secure the bike firmly with several ratchet straps.

– Check that the total load does not exceed the capacity of the vehicle and trailer.

– Protect contact points to prevent friction and scratches.

In France, most standard bicycles are permitted on trains. However, the SNCF does not allow cargo bikes, longtail bikes or front loader cargo bikes. If you have a V2 with a 600 mm front frame, you can easily separate the front and rear frames. This reduces the size of the bicycle, but theoretically still does not allow you to transport it on a train. We recommend that you contact the railway company in advance to discuss your situation.