Vogue Wonder Longtail from Fatbikeskopen.nl

Taking two children somewhere without a cargo bike. That is what the Vogue Wonder Longtail was made for: an extended rear frame that accommodates a long seat instead of a box at the front. You steer it normally, park it like a regular bicycle, and still get two children on board. Vogue builds it with 24-inch wheels, a low step-through frame, and front and rear suspension. Parents who visit our showroom to take a look almost always compare it with a cargo bike. Their questions are usually about how much it can really carry, how heavy it is to handle, and how far you can ride on the battery. We have listed them below.

How many children can ride on the back?

Two. The extended frame is approved for two children on the back, and the maximum permitted total weight is 180 kilos, including you and your belongings. In practice, it works best with two children who can hold on and sit up by themselves. For a little one who cannot sit securely yet, you can attach a child seat. As your children grow, you move the cushions farther back and keep the same bicycle. That ultimately saves you a purchase. You can order a windshield, footrests, and support bars separately if you need them.

Range of the Vogue Wonder

The Wonder comes standard with a 750 Wh battery. With children on the back, the motor works harder than during a solo ride, so do not expect the maximum stated range if you cycle to school and work every day. If you ride longer distances, you can equip the bicycle with a second battery; this is an option for this model. If you mainly take short trips within built-up areas, one battery will easily last you a few days without needing to recharge. Charging is done via a regular power outlet, so you do not need any special installation in your shed.

Brakes and weight

Hydraulic disc brakes—and on this bike, they are anything but a luxury. A loaded longtail carrying two children can easily weigh twice as much as a regular city bike, and you want to be able to stop without having to squeeze your hand completely shut. The bike itself weighs 33 kilos. You notice that mainly when stationary: putting it on the stand and pushing it backward into a shed takes strength. When riding, you barely notice it because the weight is low and the motor does the work. A good stand is more important on this type of bike than on a regular e-bike, especially if you let your children climb on while the bike is stationary.

Low step-through and city riding

The Wonder has a low step-through, so you step straight through it instead of swinging your leg over a loaded rear section. With children on the back, that can mean the difference between pulling away smoothly and wobbling at every traffic light. There is suspension at both the front and rear, which makes a difference on cobblestones for everyone riding along. The motor delivers 250 W and provides assistance up to 25 kilometers per hour, without a throttle. Under Dutch regulations, that makes this simply an electric bicycle.

Longtail or cargo bike

A cargo bike offers more protection from rain and wind, and small children sit lower down and more sheltered. On the other hand, a cargo bike is wider, requires more storage space, and handles differently from what you are used to. The Wonder Longtail rides like a regular bicycle and fits in a standard bike rack. If you live in an apartment or have a narrow hallway, that is often the deciding factor. Still unsure? It helps to try them side by side.

Ordering from Fatbikeskopen.nl

You should not buy a longtail sight unseen, so plan a test ride. You can try it at ten showrooms, preferably with your children so you can immediately feel how the bike handles when loaded. For maintenance, you can visit more than 450 locations across the country. If you order online, the Wonder will be delivered fully assembled and ready to ride. You can arrange insurance directly with your order. The frame comes with a three-year warranty; the moving parts and battery have a one-year warranty.

Also see: VOGUE e-bikes | longtails | cargo bikes | VOGUE bikes