Which Traffic Rules Apply to My Cargo Bike? – How to Ca Go Episode 2

What is a cargo bike?

The first question that needs clarifying is: what actually counts as a cargo bike? Under the StVO, a cargo bike is classed as a bicycle as long as it does not exceed a height of two and a half metres and a length of four metres as a single-track vehicle, or a width of two metres as a multi-track vehicle. The distinction between a pedelec (commonly known as an e-bike) and an S-pedelec is handled here in the same way as for conventional bicycles. If the electric cargo bike has pedal-assist up to a maximum of 25 km/h with a rated continuous output of up to 250 watts, the cargo bike counts as an e-bike, meaning you need neither a driving licence to ride it, nor is there a legal helmet requirement for the rider or passengers – although wearing a cycle helmet is always advisable.

If the electric motor has an output between 250 and 1,000 watts, with motor assistance up to 45 km/h, the bike is classed as an S-pedelec. These fall into the light motorcycle category and require an insurance registration plate; a helmet is mandatory (you need a helmet that meets the Euro standard ECE R2205), and you need an AM category driving licence. Here, however, we're only concerned with cargo bikes in the e-bike category, i.e. pedelecs – which, of course, includes all Ca Go bikes. These are classed as ordinary bicycles and can therefore be ridden without a driving licence. For any type of bicycle to be considered roadworthy, the following must be fitted:

• two brakes that function independently of one another
• a bell
• a front lamp and a white front reflector
• a red rear light and a red rear reflector, which may also be integrated into the rear light
• two yellow spoke reflectors on the front wheel and two on the rear wheel, or white reflective strips on the tyre sidewalls
• two reflectors on each pedal

Who is allowed to ride a cargo bike, and who is allowed to ride along?

Anyone who can ride a bicycle is permitted to ride a cargo bike, although, given the size and weight of cargo bikes, we strongly recommend that riders be at least 16 years old. If another person is being carried, the rider must, by law, be 16 or older. Unlike with a bicycle trailer, in which only children up to the age of seven may be carried, there is no age limit for carrying children on a cargo bike. From the age of three months, babies may be carried in suitable transport carriers. Otherwise, it must be ensured that appropriate seats are fitted (this is mandatory for children under seven), and there must be no risk of passengers' feet or hands getting caught in the spokes. There is also no limit on how many people may be carried – here, the bike's maximum payload is what limits the number of passengers.

Where am I allowed to ride and park a cargo bike?

The same rules apply here as for other cyclists: a cargo bike rider must use the cycle path and observe all signage applicable to cycle traffic. There is one exception, which for practical reasons is no longer enforced by the police: if the cycle path is too narrow for a cargo bike to use without obstructing other riders, you may move onto the road instead. This also applies if the cycle path is blocked by other vehicles parked on it. Cyclists are now also permitted to ride side by side on the road, provided other road users are not obstructed as a result. Cyclists may also turn right on a green arrow, just as cars may.

Alcohol on a cargo bike

Anyone riding a cargo bike on public roads under the influence of alcohol can expect penalties, similar to car drivers. However, the blood alcohol limits differ from those for motor vehicles. From a level of 0.3 per mille, alcohol in the blood can already have consequences. While this isn't yet a criminal offence, the police can treat it as a regulatory offence in cases of behaviour that endangers road safety, and can impose a fine. If you're involved in an accident while under the influence of alcohol, you'll generally be assigned a greater share of the blame, which can affect insurance and legal costs. Incidentally, the 0.0 per mille limit that applies to new licence holders during their probationary period, or to those under 21, does not apply when cycling.

The threshold for a criminal offence on a bike is 1.6 per mille. From this level onward, you are considered unfit to ride, and riding the cargo bike constitutes a criminal offence. This means a criminal complaint will be filed against you, and you can expect a fine of around 30 daily rates – in effect, a full month's salary. You will also receive two points on your record with the Federal Motor Transport Authority (Flensburg). Unlike with driving a car, your driving licence is not automatically revoked. However, you will have to undergo a medical-psychological assessment (MPU) – even if you don't hold a driving licence! If you fail this assessment, your licence will be revoked. If the authorities consider there to be a risk that the incident could be repeated, the police may even impose a riding ban covering both bicycles and cargo bikes. Our recommendation is: if you're out and about on your Ca Go bike, avoid alcohol altogether, and if in doubt, leave the bike at home.

What other rules must be observed?

For all other road traffic rules, the following applies: any regulations, rules and traffic signs that apply to a bicycle or e-bike also apply to a cargo bike. One point in particular is worth highlighting here: using a smartphone while riding is not permitted, even if the phone is mounted in a smartphone holder. On a cargo bike, this carries a fine of at least 100 euros and one point on your record with the Federal Motor Transport Authority.

Now you know everything you need to know to stay safe on the road. Which Ca Go bike might we spot you on?