Better than an SUV: The e-bikes built to be urban work horses

E-bikes make the perfect work horse for urban living. The RadRunner 2 is a utility bike boasting a sturdy design and long accessory list that make running errands, commuting or dropping kids a breeze.

In standard trim it might not look like a traditional cargo bike, but add a sturdy front rack and optional 'passenger package' and it's a jack of all trades.

{{cta-cycling}}

Cargo bikes are growing in popularity here in the UK, but we're playing catch up.

According to the Bicycle Association, about 4,000 cargo bikes were sold in the UK last year, while the French snap up 50,000. However, even that pales in comparison with the 103,000 cargo bikes sold in Germany.

It's an astounding figure not lost on Volkswagen Group head, Herbert Diess, who tweeted: "In overcrowded urban centres the car will only be accepted in the future if the bike has enough space in the mobility mix” - a sign that even the motor industry recognises bicycles play a principal role in successful cities.

Perhaps even more interesting than booming German cargo bike sales is that their modal share doubled between 2019 and 2021. The country now has 1.2 million private users of cargo bikes, according to the German Federal Ministry of Transport.

Imagine British school run congestion, and the associated road danger, replaced with a procession of sturdy bikes – their cargo boxes brimming with kids. And if you worry your thighs aren’t quite up to the job of carrying the combined weight of up to four kids, electric assist is available as an optional extra.

Cargo bike insurance - The ethical choice

The ETA was established in 1990 as an ethical provider of green, reliable travel services. Over 30 years on, we continue to offer cycle insurance (covers cargo bikes), breakdown cover and mobility scooter insurance while putting concern for the environment at the heart of all we do.

The Good Shopping Guide judges us to be the UK's most ethical provider.

{{cta-cycling}}