If you want to ditch your second car then an electric bike is one way of going about that. And an electric cargo bike will be an even better option for many. You get a prodigious load capacity and a helping hand getting all your stuff home, but there's no parking charges and running costs are minimal. The depreciation on a modern car, plus tax, insurance, fuel and maintenance really add up: The AA's calculations suggest that even if you have a fairly inexpensive car and you're doing a low mileage, your total yearly costs will be in the region of £2,500.
So for one or two years' worth of car ownership, then, you could get yourself this: The Larry vs Harry eBullitt STePS cargo bike. It's a long-wheelbase load carrier with Shimano's pedal-assist transmission and a host of configurable options.
Larry vs Harry are a Danish company based in Copenhagen, where they know a thing or two about bicycle culture. The Bullitt is based on the traditional Danish Long John cargo bike design, with the load at the front and a linkage system used to steer the front wheel. They've taken a modern approach to materials and design though. The frame is 7005 aluminium alloy to keep the weight of the bike down, and it uses deep section tubes for extra stiffness. You can have it in any of ten colours, from the classic black we have to a range of bright eye-catching finishes.
The cargo deck is 710mm long, and you can fill it with a range of accessories when you specify your build. The cheapest option is a plastic crate (£25) and a flatbed made from a lightweight honeycomb board (£160) is the next option up. Then there's a side panel kit (£327) which you fit with the base board to fully enclose the load space, or there's an aluminium box (£295) for bigger loads. Top dollar option is the custom-made aluminium Convoy Box at a salty £525. If you're carrying people then there's a foldable seat (£195) and a canopy (£375) for when it rains. You can also buy a billboard (£64) to fit in the main frame if you want to advertise your business. So many options! Our bike actually doesn't come with any of the standard Bullitt cargo options but instead a custom canvas holdall which should be good for a week's worth of shopping.
> Read our buyer's guide to cargo bikes
The Bullitt originated as a standard, non-powered bike. But this is ebiketips, so we have the eBullitt with a Shimano STePS drivetrain. STePS is one of the leading mid motor systems, and the Bullitt pairs the motor with a Shimano Alfine 8-speed hub with an electronic Di2 shifter. With 250W of extra power you should have all the grunt you need to get up the hills, and the Bullitt is sensibly geared with a good range of climbing and cruising ratios. The STePS system also runs the front and rear lights, and the bike is fully city ready with its wide-gait double kickstand, Schwalbe Marathon tyres and full mudguards.
Right, we're off to load up on heavy things. Look out for a full review on site soon!
