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Since the early 20th century, many human transport vehicles have been designed specifically for cargo. These freight bikes are often referred to as two-wheeled, three-wheeled or four-wheeled bikes depending on the number of wheels. They also have different uses, so they have diverse names, including freight trucks, bicycle trucks, etc. These designs include cargo areas, usually open or closed box structures, or platforms and baskets, and are usually mounted on one or two wheels, either at the low front wheels, or between front and rear side wheels. The frame, drivetrain and wheels of these bicycles must be specially designed to withstand a larger load than the average bicycle.
Development History
Early freight bicycles were mainly used for merchant delivery, such as delivery of mail, bread and milk. These early freight bikes were heavy duty standard bikes, usually with heavy duty front or rear load shelves. In the early 20th century, this design was widely used in the UK and was called a meat dealer bicycle or a maid bicycle, while the British Post had the largest fleet of automatic vehicles. With the rise of internal combustion engines after World War II, the popularity of freight bicycles began to decline, but in other regions, they remained continuously produced and widely used. After entering the 2000s, environmental awareness gradually increased, and designers and small-scale manufacturers began to revive the freight bicycle manufacturing industry.
Some freight bicycle manufacturers and users use auxiliary electric motors to enhance the bike's cargo capacity and driving distance.
Common uses
Freight bicycles are widely used in a variety of environments, including:
- Express delivery services in dense urban environments
- Picking up and dropping off children
- Food sales in densely populated areas (including professional ice cream bicycles)
- Travel tools for trade
- Airport cargo handling
- Recycling and collecting
- Warehouse Inventory Transport
- Postal service (for example, the UK Post Office has 33,000 autonomous vehicles)
Freight Bike Type
In Amsterdam and Copenhagen, cargo bicycles are very popular. Many residents choose to mount large front carriers on sturdy city bikes. In addition, there are a variety of bicycle models designed for freight, including:
- Low-load two-wheeler about two meters long
- Bikes with small front wheels to suit large front carriers
- Tricycle with side-by-side front wheels
- Models with platforms or baskets
- At able to see the occasional four-wheel design, suitable for occasions such as factories or warehouses where demand stability is higher
- and many models equipped with electric assist have been introduced to increase their practicality in long distances or varied terrain.
Introduction to specific models
Here are some special types of freight bikes:
- Buyer Bicycle: This type of freight bicycle was widely used in the first half of the 20th century, especially in the UK. It usually has a frame and storage box and can be equipped with advertising signs.
- Front loader: The front loader can carry up to 50 kilograms of cargo and is usually used for short-distance transportation in urban environments.
- Traffic Bicycle: This design has small front wheels and can be used to transport heavier cargo or personnel.
- Long-a-apple bicycle: The cargo area is located in front of the cyclist, usually used to transport children or other large cargo, with a maximum load of 100 kg.
- Small tail bicycles: The rear section of these bicycles is longer, which is convenient for carrying multiple passengers or cargo, and can still maintain good control when driving for long distances.
The last glance
With the rise of environmentally friendly and sustainable transportation, freight bicycles have regained attention in many scenarios such as express delivery and family travel for their flexibility and practicality. They not only provide convenient modes of transportation, but also benefit the urban environment and social structure. Are you also considering introducing this kind of transportation that is in line with green life in your life?
