Cargo e-bikes | Heavy-duty cargo e-bikes for professionals
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A cargo bike (often called Lastenvelo or cargo bike in Switzerland) is a bicycle with a specially reinforced frame, an extended wheelbase, and a fixed loading area or transport box. Unlike an everyday bicycle, a cargo bike is designed to safely and stably transport people, goods, tools, or even light machinery.
There are two types:
Two-wheelers (agile, narrow, for fast transport within neighborhoods)
Three-wheelers (extremely stable, high payload, suitable for heavy, bulky, or movable loads).
Today, many models are available as cargo e-bikes: the motor assists you when starting, climbing, or riding with a load, which makes urban use much easier.
For commercial purposes, people often speak of heavy-duty cargo bikes: these trike platforms combine a low loading area (low center of gravity = high stability) with robust brakes, wide tires, and modular superstructures (e.g., boxes, tarpaulin covers). This allows cargo e-bikes to operate efficiently and quietly on company premises, in city traffic, or pedestrian zones, often faster than vans, since parking and traffic jams are avoided.
XCYC focuses on heavy-duty trikes, optimized for use in trade, industry, municipalities, and many other areas.
When buying a cargo bike, pay attention to:
1. Payload capacity
2. Ride stability (especially with trikes), range of the e-drive
3. Suitable modular superstructures
That way, your cargo bike becomes a reliable work tool for everyday use.
Why use a cargo bike?
Sustainable mobility & cost savings
With a cargo bike (or even a heavy-duty cargo bike) you make a clear statement for eco-friendly mobility. Especially in Switzerland, where cities increasingly rely on sustainable transport concepts, the cargo bike fits perfectly into the picture. You reduce not only CO₂ emissions but also running costs: no fuel, less maintenance, and fewer (or no) parking fees if you park directly at the workplace. In the long run, you save real money while positioning yourself as a modern, responsible business.
Efficient transport in cities and on company sites
Whether in Zurich, Basel, or Bern: anyone who has ever tried to drive a delivery van through the city center knows how tedious traffic jams and searching for parking spaces can be. Cargo e-bikes can bypass traffic jams, use bike lanes, and get you to your destination faster. On larger company premises, such as in industry or facility management, cargo bikes score points for their flexibility: short distances, quick loading, no exhaust fumes in halls or on factory premises.
Funding opportunities & tax benefits
Both in Germany and in Switzerland there are Federal, cantonal, and municipal governments contribute to purchase costs, lowering the entry barrier. In addition, the investment can be claimed as a business expense for tax purposes. Buying a cargo bike therefore pays off twice: lower purchase price through subsidies and tax relief during operation.
Key Features of a Cargo Bike
Payload capacity & maximum load
The heart of a cargo bike is its loading area and therefore its payload. While basic private-use models can usually carry around 100 kg, heavy-duty cargo bikes for professional use are built for much higher loads. Payloads of 200 kg or more are common in trike designs. For businesses, municipalities, or industry, this means machines, tools, or larger quantities of materials can be transported without issue.
Stability & riding comfort (especially for trikes)
A three-wheeled cargo bike offers maximum stability, even when stationary or during loading, the bike remains upright (thanks to parking brakes). This is particularly practical if you regularly load and unload heavy material. At the same time, the wide wheel track ensures smooth handling, even on uneven roads. Modern suspension systems and ergonomic saddle-handlebar combinations further improve riding comfort.
E-drive & range (relevant for longer tours)
Almost all modern cargo bikes come with a powerful e-drive. With full loads or hilly terrain, this makes a decisive difference: starting becomes easier, inclines are no problem, and you (or your employees) reach destinations more comfortably. The range depends on battery size, terrain, and load, for high-quality heavy-duty cargo bikes, 40 - 80 km per charge is standard, and significantly more with an additional battery.
Modularity through superstructures & accessories
A cargo bike is as versatile as the superstructures you choose: from enclosed transport boxes and weatherproof covers to open loading areas or tool boxes, everything is possible. Accessories like trailers, mudguards, mirrors, or weather protection enhance the bike’s practicality.
Big advantage for your business: Modularity allows you to use the same vehicle for different purposes. You decide which cargo bike configuration best suits your operations.
Ergonomics & safety for daily work
For a cargo bike to be convincing in daily use, it must be ergonomic and safe: upright seating, strong brakes, good visibility through mirrors and lights, and easy handling even when fully loaded. For tradespeople or municipal staff, comfort during multiple daily tours is essential, only then does it become the preferred transport tool.
Applications of Cargo Bikes
Municipalities: Green maintenance, waste management, facility services
In many Swiss cities and municipalities, cargo bikes have now become a familiar sight. Whether for park maintenance, waste collection in pedestrian zones, or facility services in public buildings: a heavy-duty cargo bike is quiet, emission-free, and highly maneuverable. Especially in areas where car access is restricted or narrow paths dominate, a cargo bike offers clear advantages. Employees can cover their routes efficiently, transport materials directly, and do so without any additional CO₂ emissions.
Crafts & trades: Tool & material transport
For tradespeople, a cargo bike is a practical work tool that makes transporting tools, spare parts, and smaller machines much easier. In city centers, where parking is scarce, you save time and stress by riding directly to the customer’s door. At the same time, you make a modern and sustainable impression, a signal many clients appreciate. Heavy-duty three-wheeled cargo bikes, in particular, offer ample space for toolboxes, building materials, or smaller machines.
Logistics & delivery services: Parcels, food, catering
In urban logistics, cargo bikes are almost a standard. From parcel delivery to food supply and transport for catering businesses, wherever many short trips are required, a cargo bike is a fast and cost-effective solution. Instead of sitting in traffic, you use cycle paths and reach your customers on time.
Industry & facility management: On-site transport
Even in industry and facility management, more and more companies are relying on heavy-duty cargo bikes. On large company sites, warehouses, or factory grounds, they often replace small vans or forklifts for lighter transports. From tools and spare parts to personal protective equipment, anything that needs to be moved quickly and flexibly fits on a cargo bike.
Advantages:
- No exhaust emissions indoors
- Quiet operation
- Efficient material flow that saves time
What can you transport with a cargo bike?
A cargo bike is a true all-rounder when it comes to transport, we keep emphasizing that for a reason. Thanks to its stable frame construction, adaptable loading areas, and electric assistance, a wide variety of goods can be moved safely and efficiently. Here’s an overview of what can be transported:
Tools, machines & building materials
For tradespeople, a heavy-duty cargo bike is a real alternative to a delivery van. Tools, drills, toolboxes, or even small construction machines fit easily on the loading area. Building materials such as wooden planks, pipes, or crates of supplies can also be transported safely and quickly with the right superstructures.
Food, beverages & parcels
In logistics and catering, cargo bikes really shine: fresh produce for restaurants, beverage crates, or parcels for home delivery can be reliably transported in enclosed boxes. This keeps goods protected, and in urban areas you often reach your customers faster than by car.
Waste, cleaning equipment & green maintenance tools
Municipalities and facility services also benefit: with a heavy-duty trike, waste bags, cleaning attachments, or gardening tools can be moved easily through parks and neighborhoods without disturbing visitors. For green maintenance, plants, soil, or even small trees can be loaded. Waste management and cleaning teams use the bike’s maneuverability to work more efficiently.
Personal protective equipment & business supplies
In industry and commerce, cargo bikes are also well-suited for transporting protective gear, tool bags, or other workplace equipment. Employees can quickly and easily move everything needed from hall to hall or across company grounds: fast, hassle-free, and without emissions.
How much does a cargo bike cost?
If you’re considering buying a cargo bike, it’s important to know what purchase costs to expect. The table below provides guideline prices depending on equipment, motorization, and additional options. Costs also vary depending on whether and which accessories you choose to add.
General price ranges & benchmarks
- Basic cargo bike models (private / light transport): starting at around CHF 3,000 - 5,000. These models often come with simpler equipment, lower payload capacity, and smaller loading areas.
- Heavy-duty cargo bikes for business (professional applications): starting at approx. CHF 8,000 - 12,000 and above, depending on configuration, motor power, battery capacity, superstructures, and payload. The models mentioned above fall into the higher-end segment.
- Premium or specialized versions with very high payload capacity, special superstructures (e.g., large enclosed or insulated boxes, tipping platforms, branding), dual batteries, or additional extras can easily cost well over CHF 12,000.
Buying Accessories for Cargo Bikes
A cargo bike only becomes a true all-rounder in everyday use with the right accessories. Depending on your area of application, you can equip your bike to perfectly suit your business. Key options at a glance:
Transport boxes & tarpaulin covers
Mudguards, mirrors & security locks
Weather protection, bags & transport crates
Additional battery & trailers
The most important information at a glance
A cargo e-bike is more than just a means of transport, it is a genuine work tool that combines efficiency, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness. Whether in municipalities, trades, logistics, or industry, you are now ready to choose a heavy-duty cargo bike that meets today’s challenges.
If you have any questions, visit our FAQ page.
Discover our heavy-duty cargo bikes, developed for the requirements of businesses, municipalities, and industry.
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