How Do I Transport My Cargo Bike on Holiday?

At home, the whole family was thrilled when the cargo bike first arrived, and once everyone got used to how it rides, there's simply no going back – just like with our Ca Go FS Life. Now the holidays are approaching, and many people are thinking about taking their beloved cargo bike along. A good idea in itself, though transporting it is a little more demanding than with a conventional bike.

What is permitted?

If you have a large car, a minibus or a van available, the cargo bike can be transported on holiday using it. Dedicated cargo bike trailers are also available and can be used for years to come. These also allow a Ca Go FS200 to be transported with ease.

What should you bear in mind with a trailer?

• The towing vehicle must be fitted with a tow bar.
• The tow bar's nose weight capacity must exceed the combined weight of the cargo bike and trailer.
• Attachments on the bike, such as the pump, battery, bags or baskets, must be removed and carried in the towing vehicle.
• The maximum width of a trailer loaded with cargo bikes is 2.55 metres.
• It is recommended not to exceed a maximum speed of 120 km/h when driving.
• Tarpaulin covers should not be used while driving, as they can flap around or come loose en route.

What should you bear in mind with both a trailer and a van?

• The cargo bike must be lashed down and secured with tie-down straps.
• Always bear the load in mind before entering underpasses, (underground) car parks and multi-storey car parks with height barriers. It's best to place a warning notice within your line of sight.
• Any overhanging load extending beyond the vehicle's total length as stated in the vehicle registration document must be marked accordingly, for example with warning boards. Regulations in Europe vary by country and often differ considerably.
• This also applies to transit countries, so it's worth checking in advance which regulations apply where.

What should you bear in mind with hire vehicles?

What is not permitted?

Cargo bike on a bike rack

As cargo bikes are longer and wider than standard bicycles, they are not suitable for transport on the rear of a car using a boot-mounted rack. What's more, cargo bikes are too heavy to guarantee safe transport on a rack of this kind.

Cargo bike on a roof rack

Due to the cargo bike's high weight, it can neither be transported safely on the roof of your car, nor lifted up to roof height without difficulty. Furthermore, standard commercially available roof racks are only suitable for lightweight bicycles weighing up to a maximum of around 20 kg.

Cargo bike on a train

On most trains, you can take a standard bicycle with you provided an additional ticket has been purchased for the bike. Taking cargo bikes on trains is difficult, as the standard dimensions of bicycle bays and storage areas on trains are not suitable for cargo bikes. Deutsche Bahn states in its conditions of carriage that cargo bikes (bicycles or pedelecs with fixed structures for carrying loads and/or children) are excluded from carriage. On local and regional services, the rules of the relevant transport association apply, some of which likewise prohibit carriage, while others permit it if sufficient space is available.

Now you know everything you need to know to stay safe on the road. Which Ca Go bike will you be riding?