What is a cargo bike?
A cargo bike can be used to transport goods or people. Van Raam has several cargo bikes in its assortment that can be used to transport people. Read more about these bikes in this article.
Discover our range of products
Van Raam produces uniquely special needs bicycles and specializes in tricycles, transport bikes, scooterbikes, wheelchair bikes, tandem bikes, double rider bikes, and low step trough bikes (also known as comfortbikes). Each model is also available as an electric bike (Pedelec).
About vanRaam
vanRaam is a Dutch producer of unique custom bikes. Want to know more about our company or special needs bikes?
Menu
Search
Our bikes
News
7 useful tips to buy a cargo bike
Bikes \ Transport bikes
vanRaam
Van Raam has several cargo bikes in its range, suitable for children or adults who cannot or do not want to take part in traffic independently. Looking for a cargo bike? We give you 7 useful tips to help you buy a Van Raam cargo bike.
1. Think about your cycling goal
Think about why you want to use a cargo bike and with whom. For example, do you use a wheelchair or do you want to cycle with someone who uses a wheelchair? Then it is important to choose a wheelchair cargo bike. Do you want to cycle with several people? Then a rickshaw cargo bike is more suitable.
Do you want to make longer bicycle trips or just small excursions? Your cycling goal determines how the cargo bike can be put together the best, with for example pedal support or belts.
2. Check out the different cargo bikes
Cargo bikes are ideal because there is always social contact between the rider and the passenger(s). In addition, cargo bikes can be used close to the final destination and increase mobility in an environmentally friendly way.
There are several types of cargo bikes. It is useful to first look for information about the different types before you buy a cargo bike. Van Raam has 3 cargo bikes in its assortment:
Rickshaw bike Chat: With the Chat, one person cycles with one or two passengers. The two passengers sit next to each other in the front in a seat.
Wheelchair bike OPair: The OPair is a wheelchair bike with which you can transport a wheelchair user. A seat for the wheelchair user/passenger is mounted on the front of the bike.
Wheelchair transport bike VeloPlus: The VeloPlus can be used to transport someone in their own wheelchair. The wheelchair is wheeled and secured on the tiltable plate.
3. Make a test ride with a cargo bike
It is important to see and try out a cargo bike in real life before you buy a cargo bike. You can do this during a free test ride at Van Raam. During an appointment at Van Raam's showroom in Varsseveld, a technical advisor will help you. The advisor will show you the different bikes and it is possible to try the bikes outside on the special test track. Do not forget to cycle with the bike, because a cargo bike cycles very different than a regular bike with two wheels.
During the no-obligation appointment you can ask the advisor all your questions and together you will find out which cargo bike suits you best. The advisor will make you an offer.
A test ride on a Van Raam bicycle is also possible at some Van Raam dealers. Please contact a dealer in your area for more information.
4. View the different options
The Van Raam bicycles can be expanded with various options. These options allow you to customize your cargo bike. Think, for example, of pedal support, frame adaptation or SmartGuard tyres.
Check the price list on the product page of the cargo bike of your choice to see which options are available for your bike. During your test ride, be sure to ask about the possible options and try them out before you buy a cargo bike.
5. Configure your cargo bike using the configurator
At Van Raam, it is possible to put together your own cargo bike. With our online configurator, you can put together a bike that suits your needs in just a few steps.
You can start with the basic model of the cargo bike and add various options. It is also possible to choose an existing configuration. The most popular options are then added to the bike, this configuration can also be adjusted. You can save the configuration and mail it to yourself. With a unique configuration code you can also adjust the assembled cargo bike and take it to a Van Raam dealer when you want to buy a cargo bike.
6. Read reviews of the cargo bikes
On the Van Raam website there are several reviews/customer experiences of the various cargo bikes. Get to know 'your' cargo bike through the eyes of other cargo bike users:
Customer experience Chat Rikshaw Bike – Riksja Harderwijk
Jan-Willem is a volunteer at Riksja Harderwijk in the Netherlands, where he cycles around with people who cannot cycle independently (anymore). Riksja Harderwijk now owns a Chat Rickshaw Bike of Van Raam and Jan-Willem likes to go out for a ride with passengers. Read all about the Chat and Jan-Willem's experiences in this customer experience.
Read this customer experience
User experience OPair Wheelchair Trike – Adam Pyle
Adam Pyle is 25 years old and has profound Physical and Learning Disabilities. Together with his mum Kate and his dad Graham, he lives in England. In January 2020 they received the OPair Wheelchair Trike. Kate tells us more about Adam and why they bought the OPair Trike.
Read this customer experience
Customer experience VeloPlus electric wheelchair bike - Angelica Malinverni
My name is Angelica Malinverni (49), I come from Italy and I’m the mom of Caterina (24) who has a disability since she was born. We recently purchased the VeloPlus electric wheelchair bike and it has changed our lives! Read more about our experiences here and watch the video of Caterina and the VeloPlus.
Read this customer experience7. Buy a cargo bike at a Van Raam dealer
You can buy a cargo bike at a Van Raam dealer. Use the dealer locator on the website to find a dealer in your area. After a test ride at Van Raam of the dealer, you can take the offer or your own configuration to the dealer, who will order the bike (together with you).
When your bike is ready, we will deliver it to your dealer. The dealer will make sure the bike gets to you, he will also take care of the warranty and maintenance of your bike.
Still have questions about the cargo bikes?
Do you still have questions about our cargo bikes? Or would you like to know more about how to buy a cargo bike? We'll be happy to help!
Written by
Recommended articles
Tips for buying a wheelchair bike
vanRaam has two (electric) wheelchair bikes in its assortment: the OPair and the VeloPlus. Read this article for tips on buying a wheelchair bike.
Van Raam electric transport bike for passenger transport
Are you looking for an electric transport bike for transporting people? Then you've come to the right place at Van Raam. We have several electric transport bikes. Check them out in this article.
Cycling with a vanRaam cargo bike transport
Of you want to head out with a family member or simply need to carry a large load of groceries, you’re looking for a bike that gives you that freedom. A bike that allows you to cycle safely, comfortably, and with enjoyment, while taking everything you need with you. At vanRaam, we understand that. That’s why we have developed a range of cargo bikes, specially designed for people who need something just a little different. Discover which cargo bike best fits your lifestyle here.
Do you have any questions?
We are happy to assist you! Please check our contact page or contact us directly using the options below.