Cargo bikes and utility bikes are bicycles designed to enhance the practical functionality of the bicycle beyond recreational and sporting usage. In many ways, a cargo bike or utility bike can offer much the same transport functionality that an automobile does, including providing towing capacity, seating for one or more additional passengers, and sometimes storage compartments for "luggage" as well. Utility bikes are most commonly found in developing countries, where oftentimes the bicycle is the primary mode of transportation and it is how people transport goods as well as their family to and from places. Because of this, the utility bike is the most common type of bicycle in the world, far beyond touring bikes, racing bikes, and mountain bikes.
Utility bicycles were a major part of the bicycle-boom that occurred globally in the 1890s with the introduction of the safety bicycle, also known as "the poor man's nag." By the end of the boom in the early 1900s, most cyclists were riding for practical purposes rather than sport or recreation. In the US, utility bikes all but disappeared following World War II, with the introduction of a handful of British and Italian roadster bicycles that became all the rage for US cyclists, and the availability and affordability of cars and motorcycles. Utility bikes have continued to remain popular though in countries like the Netherlands, China, and throughout much of the developing world.
Utility bicycles were a major part of the bicycle-boom that occurred globally in the 1890s with the introduction of the safety bicycle, also known as "the poor man's nag." By the end of the boom in the early 1900s, most cyclists were riding for practical purposes rather than sport or recreation. In the US, utility bikes all but disappeared following World War II, with the introduction of a handful of British and Italian roadster bicycles that became all the rage for US cyclists, and the availability and affordability of cars and motorcycles. Utility bikes have continued to remain popular though in countries like the Netherlands, China, and throughout much of the developing world.
Utility bikes today come in all different shapes and sizes, with cargo racks on both the front and on the back of the bicycle. Sometimes the rear-end extends much farther back than a typical bicycle, known as the "longtail design" that allows for significantly more rack-space behind the driver.
Bike trailers also give cyclists additional cargo and passenger functionality, typically attaching to the rear hub and wheeling along behind. They range from simple trailers to tow luggage, to mini "carriages" for children ride in. |
The utility bicycle was ultimately the precursor to the modern day motorcycle. The first motorcycles ever built in the 1880s were bicycles modified to accommodate a small internal-combustion engine for power. Many motorcycle manufacturing companies actually began as bicycle manufacturers, including well-known British brand, Triumph Motorcycles ('Triumph Cycle Company' prior to the introduction of their first motorcycle).
Motorcycles and scooters today also serve as a great alternative to cars, and there are all sorts of utility contraptions built to carry all sorts of goods. Delivery scooters in Japan are a great example, with balancing mechanisms so that drivers can whiz around Tokyo with hot soup on the back and never spill a drop.
Companion Bike Seats are designed to provide cyclists with much the same functionality as a cargo bike or utility bike, without requiring the purchase of a whole new (typically expensive) bicycle. Maybe we should consider designing a similar delivery cart for bicycles? With the recent burst in ebikes on the market and ebike conversion kits, even hilly cities like San Francisco can easily be tackled by bicycle. Convert a beefy utility bike to a motorized ebike, add food carrying cart, to the back, and maybe someday soon pizza deliveries will be made on bicycle rather than by car! |
