virtue cargo/box bike

[kzee]

hi all,

i am new to these forums and have been looking at a lot of options for an e cargo bike to ditch the second car , get back on my bike , and be happier. biggest needs are toddler transport, errands, some cargo from work. have been hoping for a workable budget option, and still looking ... Yuba Mundo and xtracycle ER longtails are in the running, but can get up into the $4000 +- price range.

i like the idea of my little guy in front of me vs behind me, but i imagine he and i would get used to whichever bike i end up with.

has anyone ridden this one below or tested it out? gondoliere-e-cargo bike retails for msrp 1400.

• http://www.virtuebike.com
• quickie review here: http://www.cyclelicio.us/2014/virtue-bike-a-truck-a-bus-and-a-box-for-2014/

WIKE bike makes a box bike for 1200 but no electric option from them.

I would love to go all out and get a CMET or something in a pricier range like a fully stocked edgerunner, but i have a slightly questionable lockup situation at work where my bike will be quite a bit. haven't had any problem locking up at work there in the past with my old mountain bike, but the old bike is a beater .

if anyone has ridden the virtue, or has suggestions for out of the box lower cost e cargo options, lemme know. thx, keith

 

[Ravi Kempaiah]

Have you looked into NTS cargo bicycles?

This is developed by Neal Saiki who was the seminal figure behind Santa Cruz MTB's and Zero S electric motorcycles.
Also the cargo on this bike is in the front as you mentioned.
They developed a cargo bike and offer lifetime battery warranty. Here are some videos:

Lifetime rebuildable battery:

 

[Brambor]

How far will you pedal every day and over what type of terrain?

 

[kzee]

How far will you pedal every day and over what type of terrain?

give or take 5 miles each way on work days. tucson, az , mostly flat, hot and dry 1/2 year , windy often. i could prob do without e assist in the future if i had to but need the little extra push right now.

 

[Admin]

give or take 5 miles each way on work days. tucson, az , mostly flat, hot and dry 1/2 year , windy often. i could prob do without e assist in the future if i had to but need the little extra push right now.

Hi kzee, welcome to the forum. You've called out most of the cargo bikes I'm aware of. I realize some of them are more expensive and I'd love to review the Virtuebike but haven't seen one in the wild. You could always electrify your own bike with a BionX or Falco kit but that will add ~$1,000 and require some tinkering on your part.

One alternative for you could be to purchase a normal electric bike and use a Burley trailer occasionally for hauling your child and groceries, gear etc. I like this kind of solution because it's modular and you could potentially carry two kids (for a play date) or really load up on stuff. It keeps the cargo low, safe and stable.

 

[Ted De Long]

Another might be the Yuba Boda Boda...of coarse the new Spicy Curry has lock tabs so the rear wheel cant be moved or removed because the frame lock goes right through the wheel