Despite the high cost, Belgian urban families are increasingly opting for cargo bikes. According to figures from the mobility federation Traxio, sales in Belgium have skyrocketed over the past two years, rising by more than 66%, from 9,585 units in 2022 to 15,246 in 2024.
The success of the cargo or longtail bike for the whole family is particularly striking in an urban context. This is because not only has the infrastructure improved, but such a bike is also simply practical, sustainable, healthy, and above all, multi-efficient, as you can use it to drop the kids off at school, do your shopping, or go on a family outing.
At least €5,000
The newspaper La Libre Belgique takes a closer look at the success of the cargo bike, the simplest model of which, without accessories, still costs at least 5,000 euros. Nevertheless, this type of bicycle, especially the electric models, is clearly taking market share away from other bicycles.
The longtail format has proven to be extremely popular. The model is not much longer than a conventional bicycle, is very maneuverable in an urban environment, and has a comfortable bench in the back where you can seat your children or store your groceries.
The weight that such a longtail, with a range of 50 to 60 km, can carry is also impressive, up to almost 100 kg. Some models can even carry up to 300 kg. What’s more, it takes up much less space than a cargo bike with a box at the front or at the back, whether in the garage or on the bike path, because it is more like a longer, slightly wider version of a classic bicycle. And with such a vehicle, it is often still easier to find a parking space in busy neighborhoods than it is for a car.
Cargo bikes are more popular with companies
On the other hand, the classic cargo bike is more popular with companies. The reasons are obvious: it allows you to move more easily through busy traffic to serve customers, and it is good for the companies’ carbon footprint.
According to Traxio, cargo bikes are particularly popular in Flanders and Brussels, partly due to the success of bicycle leasing. Since last year, Wallonia has also begun granting a subsidy of up to 50% of the purchase price, excluding VAT, for the purchase of a bicycle, cargo bike, or bicycle trailer for logistics activities.
In the Brussels-Capital Region, the subsidy amounts to a maximum of €4,000 per cargo bike and €2,000 per bicycle trailer. The total subsidy per beneficiary per calendar year is capped at €12,000.
To the best of our knowledge, no such subsidy exists in Flanders; however, various local initiatives at the provincial, municipal, or city level aim to encourage cargo bike use.
