화물 자전거 적재 용량에 영향을 미치는 10가지 주요 요인

프레야
2025-04-30
블로그, 지식

At Regen Technology, designing and manufacturing custom ODM cargo bikes is not just a job—it’s our passion. Our team of engineers, designers, and innovators spend countless hours perfecting cargo e-bike solutions tailored for real-world needs, from urban deliveries to heavy-duty logistics.

Today, we’d like to walk you through a crucial topic we encounter daily with our partners:

What affects cargo bike load capacity?

It’s a question with no single answer. The load capacity of a cargo bike depends on a combination of design factors, engineering decisions, and how the bike is ultimately used. In this article, we’ll walk you through the 10 most important factors, along with a few additional considerations that might not be obvious at first—but can greatly affect both performance and safety.

1. Frame Strength and Material Selection

The frame is, without question, the heart of a cargo bike’s strength.

At Regen, we engineer frames using materials such as 6061-T6 aerospace-grade aluminium alloy 또는 high-tensile steel, carefully balancing strength, weight, and cost.

재료	Typical Use Cases	장점	단점
Aluminium Alloy	Urban, mid-load cargo bikes	Lightweight, corrosion-resistant	Slightly lower ultimate strength
High-Tensile Steel	Heavy-duty, industrial cargo bikes	Extremely strong, durable	Heavier, can rust without coating

👉 Curious about frame choices and differences? See our Frame Materials Comparison: Aluminium vs. Steel.

예시:

우리의 RS01 카고 자전거 frame can carry up to 250 kg using a reinforced 6061-T6 aerospace-grade aluminium alloy structure

맞춤형 화물 자전거에 관심이 있으신가요?

OEM 또는 ODM 협업, 도매 기회, 장기 파트너십 등 귀사의 비즈니스 요구 사항에 대해 자세히 알아보고 싶습니다. 수량 견적이나 기타 주요 정보를 자유롭게 포함해 주세요.

서비스 센터

2. Wheel Configuration and Size

Wheel size and configuration play a pivotal role in load distribution and stability. Smaller wheels, such as 20-inch variants, lower the centre of gravity, enhancing stability under heavy loads. Additionally, wheel configurations like longtails or tricycles can influence the bike’s handling and load capacity. For example, the Xtracycle EdgeRunner employs a 20-inch rear wheel to improve load handling .

20” wheels lower the centre of gravity, enhancing stability
26” wheels improve comfort and speed but shift more stress to the frame
Trikes distribute weight across three points, enabling payloads over 400–500kg
Two-wheel longtails or front-loaders remain more agile but with slightly lower limits

3. Cargo Area Design

The design of the cargo area—whether it’s a front box, rear platform, or integrated panniers—affects both the volume and weight distribution of the load. Front-loading designs like the long john provide a low centre of gravity, improving stability. Conversely, rear-loading designs can offer better manoeuvrability. The choice depends on the intended use case and load type .

Rear-loading longtails are more agile, ideal for dynamic urban routes.
Front-loaders (Long Johns) offer superior balance due to a centralised load position.
Box bikes (Bakfiets) work well for carrying children, groceries, or volume-based cargo.

Related Reading : How Many Different Types of Cargo Bike

Table: Typical Cargo Bike Types and Load Capacity

Cargo Bike Type	Load Capacity Range	Primary Use Case
롱테일	180–250 kg	Urban deliveries, family use
Front-loader (Long John)	150–220 kg	Balanced loads, groceries, sensitive goods
Bakfiets (Box Bike)	150–200 kg	Child transport, mid-size logistics
Trike (3-Wheel)	250–500+ kg	Heavy-duty delivery, warehouse logistics
Compact/Midtail	120–160 kg	Lightweight courier service

4. Braking System Efficiency

Effective braking systems are crucial for safety, especially when carrying heavy loads. Hydraulic disc brakes are often preferred for their superior stopping power and modulation. For instance, the Riese & Müller Load e-bike incorporates high-quality hydraulic disc brakes to ensure reliable stopping under load .

For more insights, check our comparison of Mechanical Disc Brakes vs Hydraulic Disc Brakes.

5. Suspension Systems

Suspension systems can enhance ride comfort and cargo protection. Full-suspension designs absorb shocks from uneven terrain, reducing stress on the frame and cargo. The Riese & Müller Load, for example, features a full-suspension setup to maintain stability and comfort, even when fully loaded .

6. Motor and Battery Specifications

Electric assist systems are integral to modern cargo bikes, aiding in carrying heavy loads over longer distances. High-torque motors and robust battery systems ensure consistent performance. The Tarran T1 Pro, with its mid-drive motor and 200 km range battery, exemplifies how motor and battery specifications can support substantial cargo loads .

더 읽어보기:

7. Total Weight Distribution

Here’s something often misunderstood:

Load capacity = rider weight + cargo + accessories + structural frame + motor system.

If your bike’s GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) is 250 kg and your rider weighs 85 kg, you’re left with 165 kg for everything else.

Proper weight distribution between the front and rear of the bike is essential for balance and handling. Overloading one end can lead to instability. Designs like the longtail distribute weight more evenly, enhancing ride quality and safety .

8. Rider Weight Considerations

The combined weight of the rider and cargo must be within the bike’s maximum gross vehicle weight (MGVW). Manufacturers often provide guidelines to ensure safety. For example, Tern Bicycles recommends that cargo weight should not exceed 70% of the rider’s weight on paved roads, adjusting for different terrains .

9. Terrain and Environmental Factors

The terrain on which the cargo bike operates influences its load capacity. Smooth, paved roads allow for higher loads, while rough or inclined terrains may require load adjustments. Environmental conditions like wind and rain can also affect handling and safety, necessitating design considerations for weather protection and stability .

We engineer bikes not just for static loading, but also for dynamic factors like:

Slope grade
Road roughness
Weather (e.g., rain affecting traction)

Generally:

Flat city roads = higher load tolerance
Hills or cobbled routes = derate load by 10–20%

우리의 Scenario-Based Motor Guide walks you through different terrain-specific e-bike setups.

10. Regulatory Compliance and Standards

Adhering to local regulations and standards ensures safety and legality. Standards like the European EN 17860 and ISO 11243 specify requirements for luggage carriers, including load capacity and testing methods . Compliance with these standards is crucial for manufacturers and users alike.

How Regen Helps You Build the Perfect Heavy-Duty Cargo E-Bike

Because we are an ODM/OEM partner, not just a manufacturer, we can engineer specifically for your needs.

예를 들어

Need a 500 kg load trike for warehouse-to-store deliveries?
Want a child-friendly cargo bike that fits 3 seats and stays under 200 kg?
Require a solar-assisted cargo e-bike for long urban operations?

우리의 design-to-production process covers:

We build your solution — based on real-world usage, load demands, and future-proofing your business.

References List

Bikeradar. (2024). Best electric cargo bikes and buyer’s guide. Retrieved from https://www.bikeradar.com/advice/buyers-guides/best-electric-cargo-bike
Electric Bike Report. (2025). Top electric cargo bikes for 2025. Retrieved from https://electricbikereport.com/best-electric-cargo-bikes/
Worksman Cycles. (n.d.). Types of cargo bikes. Retrieved from https://www.worksmancycles.com/types-cargo-bikes.html
Wikipedia. (2025). Cargo bike. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cargo_bike
Cycling UK. (n.d.). 화물 자전거 가이드. Retrieved from https://www.cyclinguk.org/article/cycling-guide/guide-cargo-bikes