lastcykel

Lastcykel is Danish for a cargo bicycle, a bicycle designed to carry goods or equipment. In Denmark and broader Europe, lastcykler are used for urban logistics, deliveries, and family transport, offering an alternative to motor vehicles for short trips.

Cargo bikes come in several configurations: bakfiets/front-loader with a large box on the front wheel, longtail bikes with an extended rear rack, and load-bearing trikes. Modern models often include electric assist to handle hills and heavier loads. Many are modular with weatherproof cargo boxes and accessories like child seats or racks.

They are used by courier services, grocery deliveries, bike-based retailers, and municipalities for waste collection or street cleaning. Advantages include reduced emissions, lower operating costs, improved maneuverability in traffic, and access to bike lanes. Limitations include weather dependency, higher initial cost, payload limits, and storage requirements.

In regulatory terms, cargo bikes are usually considered bicycles, but municipalities sometimes restrict or require safety equipment, parking, or traffic rules for commercial use. Some cities encourage use through subsidies or bike-borne logistics pilots.

Common brands and models include Bakfiets (bakfiets.nl), Babboe, Urban Arrow, Yuba, and Riese & Müller; electric variants are widespread.