Royal Cargo Bike 3W Eco Anthracite at Fatbikeskopen.nl

Anthracite is the darkest version of the Royal Cargo Bike 3W Eco, making it look more compact than the lighter colors—an advantage for a cargo bike with a large box at the front. It is also practical because road dirt and rain streaks are least noticeable on this color. The equipment is the same as on the other versions: three wheels, four seats, a 220-kilogram load capacity, a Bafang motor delivering 45 newton meters of torque, and hydraulic disc brakes.

Four children and 220 kilograms

The box has room for four children, and the maximum total weight is 220 kilograms, including you and your luggage. That is plenty, even for a cargo bike, and means you do not have to keep doing the math when riding with a family. The box sits low between the two front wheels, so the weight is kept down rather than placed on top. Children can climb in by themselves from the side, which is possible from around the age of three without you having to lift them.

Three wheels and stability

A tricycle remains upright when you let go of it. When loading several children, that means you do not need to keep a hand on the handlebars. The electric bike also remains stable at low speed and on a slope. The downside is the steering feel: on three wheels, you lean into turns less and steer instead, which takes some attention during the first few rides. Most people get used to it within a week of daily use.

Range of the Royal Cargo Bike 3W Eco

The 504-watt-hour Bafang battery with Panasonic cells provides an estimated range of around 70 kilometers, measured without a load on flat terrain. When the box is full, the motor has to work significantly harder and the range drops to around half that distance. That is more than enough for the daily trip to school and back. The battery is removable, so you can charge it indoors while the bike remains outside or under a shelter. A battery lasts longer if you do not routinely run it completely empty and charge it indoors during winter. The stated range is always a test value, so expect somewhat less in practice.

Brakes and weight

Hydraulic disc brakes are suitable for a cargo bike that can weigh nearly 200 kilos when fully loaded. You need to be able to stop in a controlled manner without squeezing your hand numb, especially with children on board. The bike itself weighs around 60 to 70 kilos, depending on the configuration. It has 24-inch wheels at the front and a 26-inch wheel at the rear: this combination keeps the cargo box low to the ground while the rear wheel rolls efficiently over longer stretches of asphalt. Brake pads and discs use standard sizes, so they can be replaced at any service point. Hydraulic brakes occasionally need bleeding; otherwise, they require little maintenance.

Who is this version for?

For families, childminders, and schools transporting several children and looking for a dark, low-maintenance color. The recommended rider height is approximately 1.60 to 1.95 meters. Two points to consider: it has no suspension, so children will feel every bump on cobblestone streets, and a tricycle is wide. Measure your gate, shed door, and the passage to your storage area before ordering; this prevents disappointment upon delivery. Anyone who rides it daily will notice these choices sooner than someone who only takes it out occasionally. Consider where you will store the bike, as that often matters more than the specifications.

Ordering from Fatbikeskopen.nl

Steering on three wheels feels different from steering on two, so plan a test ride before deciding. You can do this at ten showrooms, preferably with your children. For maintenance, you can visit more than 450 service points in the Netherlands. If you order online, the bike will be delivered to your home fully assembled and ready to ride. Insurance can be arranged when you place your order. There is a three-year warranty on the frame and a one-year warranty on the components and battery. After delivery, you have fourteen days to take it for a test ride.

See also: Royal cargo bikes | cargo bikes | longtails | e-bikes