Van Rixtel Dog at Fatbikeskopen.nl

The Van Rixtel Dog is a cargo bike specially built for dogs, and you can see that in the details: an EPP foam cargo box with a door that closes softly, spoke-free wheels so no paw or leash can get caught, and a front stand that keeps the bike stable while your dog gets in and out. The box can hold up to 80 kilos. For anyone with a large dog who does not want to use a car for every trip, this is the most practical solution.

The cargo box and the door

The box is made of EPP, a foam that absorbs shocks and can simply be rinsed out. For a dog that gets in wet or muddy, that is the difference between a quick rinse and an afternoon of drying. The door closes with a soft-close mechanism, so it does not slam shut on a tail or paw. The box can hold up to 80 kilos, leaving room for a large dog and its belongings. Your dog can get in without you having to lift it.

Spoke-free wheels and the stand

The wheels are enclosed, without spokes. That is not a design choice but a safety measure: when a dog is in a box, leashes, paws, and tails inevitably move around, and an enclosed wheel cannot catch them. There is a kickstand at the front that keeps the electric bike upright while your dog gets in or out. Without such a stand, you have to hold the handlebars with one hand on a loaded cargo bike, and that does not work when your dog decides it wants to get out right now.

Range and the motor

The 450-watt-hour Phylion battery is listed in our specifications as providing approximately 50 kilometres. The product page gives a higher figure, which happens more often with cargo bikes because the manufacturer measures without a load. Use 50 kilometres as your estimate and you will not be caught off guard with a large dog in the box. The Ananda rear-wheel motor uses a torque sensor, which measures how hard you pedal and adjusts the assistance accordingly instead of switching between fixed levels. You can charge it from a regular power outlet, so no separate setup is required.

Brakes and weight

Hydraulic disc brakes with extra-large rotors are appropriate for a bike that can reach nearly 150 kilos when loaded. Larger rotors dissipate heat more effectively, which is noticeable on a long descent with weight in front. The bike itself weighs 59 kilos. You barely notice that while riding, but much more when stationary: putting it on the stand and pushing it backward takes strength. With a 20-inch front wheel and 26-inch rear wheel, the bike has a low center of gravity and handles stably.

Who is the Van Rixtel Dog for?

For dog owners who want to take their dog along without using the car, and for those whose dog can no longer walk the entire journey. The recommended rider height is approximately 1.60 to 1.95 meters, with 120 kilos for the rider and 80 kilos in the box. What to keep in mind: this is a cargo bike, so it is longer and wider than a regular bicycle. Measure your shed, gate, and hallway before ordering. If you are unsure about the size, measure your inseam and compare it with the stated values. Anyone who rides it daily will notice these choices sooner than someone who only occasionally goes for a ride.

Ordering from Fatbikeskopen.nl

A cargo bike handles differently from a regular bicycle, especially with weight at the front. Schedule a test ride at one of the ten showrooms, preferably with your dog so you can see how it reacts to the box. 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. Insurance can be arranged when placing your order. Three-year warranty on the frame, one year on components and battery.

See also: Van Rixtel cargo bikes | cargo bikes | longtails | e-bikes