MONKEYBIKE MonkeyTail from Fatbikeskopen.nl

The MONKEYBIKE MonkeyTail is MONKEYBIKE’s longtail, standing out especially for its colors: Lila Lagoon, Flamingo Pink, Tropical Pink, Beasty Brown, and Elephant Gray. That is no coincidence, as this is a bike aimed at parents who want something different from yet another black cargo bike. Technically, you get an extended rear frame with room for three people, a 750-watt-hour battery, and hydraulic disc brakes.

Room for three people

The extended rear frame has room for you plus two passengers, with a maximum total weight of 140 kilos. That last figure is worth considering: with an adult weighing 80 kilos, 60 kilos remain for two children and luggage. That is plenty for young children, but it becomes tight with two teenagers. If you want more leeway, look for a longtail with a higher stated load capacity. What seems minor on paper is often noticeable on the road.

Range and the battery

Our specifications list the 750-watt-hour battery as providing approximately 80 kilometers of range, while the product description states a higher figure. Use 80 kilometers as your baseline and you will not be caught off guard. With two children on the back, the motor also has to work considerably harder, so expect less range. That is still more than enough for the daily school and work commute, and you can charge it from a regular wall outlet. The stated range is always a test value, so expect somewhat less in practice. Do not leave the battery outside in freezing temperatures; this helps preserve its capacity over time.

Brakes and suspension

Hydraulic disc brakes are not optional on a loaded longtail but essential. With two children on the back, you quickly reach twice the weight of a regular city bike, so you need to be able to stop in a controlled manner. There is suspension at the front to absorb curbs and speed bumps; the rear of the electric bike has no suspension. This is noticeable on a long bike, because the rear reaches a bump just as you have already ridden over it. Hydraulic brakes occasionally need bleeding, but otherwise require little maintenance. The lighting is permanently mounted on the bike and runs on the main battery.

Why those colors

Five versions, from Lila Lagoon to Beasty Bruin, and none of them is standard black. That is a deliberate choice by the brand: a bike you use to take your children to school does not have to look like a delivery van. It is practical too, because in a crowded bike rack at school, you can immediately spot a lilac-colored longtail. That is different when five identical black models are parked next to one another.

Who is the MONKEYBIKE MonkeyTail for?

For parents transporting one or two children who do not have room for a cargo bike and want a bike that stands out. What to bear in mind: the maximum total weight of 140 kilos is lower than that of some other longtails, and it only has front suspension. With two larger children plus an adult, you will be close to the limit, in which case a model with a higher load capacity would be more sensible. For commuting within built-up areas, this equipment is more than sufficient. If you are unsure about the size, measure your inseam and compare it with the specified values.

Ordering from Fatbikeskopen.nl

You can only properly assess a longtail when it is loaded, so plan a test ride with your children. You can do this at ten showrooms and see the colors in person right away, which never looks quite right on a screen. For maintenance, you can visit more than 450 locations in the Netherlands. If ordered online, the bike will be delivered to your home ready to ride. The moving parts and battery come with a one-year warranty. You can pay in full or in installments. Upon delivery, the bike will be assembled and adjusted at your door.

See also: MONKEYBike longtails | longtails | cargo bikes | all fatbikes