10 belangrijke factoren die de laadcapaciteit van een bakfiets beïnvloeden

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:

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 of high-tensile steel, carefully balancing strength, weight, and cost.

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

Example:

Ons RS01 cargo bike frame can carry up to 250 kg using a reinforced 6061-T6 aerospace-grade aluminium alloy structure

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

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 . 

Further Reading:

• Middenmotor versus naafmotor: welke is beter?
• What is a Mid-Drive Motor? Definition, Types, Benefits

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%

Ons 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.

For example:

• 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?

Ons 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.). Gids voor bakfietsen. Retrieved from https://www.cyclinguk.org/article/cycling-guide/guide-cargo-bikes