We tested the Véligo Cargo -

20 Minutes

  • Since December, Ile-de-France Mobilités has started to deploy bicycle-freighters for hire.

  • These are of three types: the scooter, the extended and the biporteur.

    It is this last model that

    20 Minutes

    was able to test for two weeks.

  • This electrically assisted cargo bike is very practical and easy to ride.

    It advantageously replaces a car in an urban environment.

This is the trend of the moment in the world of the little queen.

And as Ile-de-France Mobilités does not want to end up in the broom wagon, he has used his famous Véligo as a cargo bike.

Three models are therefore available for rent: the trike, with three wheels and a box in front of the handlebars, available for subscription since December and whose delivery began on Wednesday March 3, the extended with a long rear luggage rack to transport two children and the two-carrier that

20 Minutes

was able to test for two weeks, whose subscriptions should start on March 22.

Like its elder Véligo, the two-carrier sports a beautiful sky blue color and above all has (essential) electric assistance, we will come back to that.

At first glance, because of its weight and its length caused by the presence of a box between the handlebars and the front wheel, the twin-carrier seems bulky and unwieldy.

Which it isn't, once you get on it.

Indeed, as long as you look a little ahead of you, the veligo-cargo is easy to maneuver and it only takes a few tens of meters to feel at ease.

Of course, you won't be able to squeeze between stationary cars like on a standard bicycle, but you can easily take the cycle paths, or even overtake them.

Up to two children in the box

And who says cargo bike says cargo and therefore transport of goods.

What is made possible by this famous box protected by a tarpaulin and "allowing to transport up to 60 kg" assures us the press release of IDF Mobilités.

It is therefore possible to transport groceries, luggage, and children, up to two in number, thanks to the presence of a bench seat and two safety harnesses.

Lénie, 4 years old, who had the opportunity to make a trip in the box of the two-carrier testifies: "It's too good".

And, after use, it is clear that “the cargo bike is an alternative to the car”, as Stéphane Beaudet promised us in December, vice-president in charge of transport and sustainable mobility in the Ile-de-France region. France.

The box of the double-carrier is large enough to accommodate the races of the week.

- G. Novello

But carrying 60 kg of goods with the force of the haunch alone is not for everyone.

Hence the presence of the famous electric assistance which displays three power levels, adjustable via a box located on the handlebars, and which offers a welcome help when starting and when climbing.

Thus the Jaurès journey, from the 19th arrondissement of Paris to Rueil-Malmaison (Hauts-de-Seine) via the terrible climb of Suresnes along the D985, was done without excessive fatigue.

In addition, the autonomy of the battery is consistent with its 50 km.

However, those who have tested the standard Véligo will certainly find the assistance of the bi-carrier weaker, which is only really useful when pushed to its levels 2 and 3. It is indeed the same assistance for both models, which is therefore logically less efficient for the two-carrier, which is much heavier.

A somewhat tight seat post

In addition, for tall riders, the short length of the seat post can be a handicap for long journeys.

And it is the knees that clink!

Finally for those who will run the Veligo-cargo at night (do you have it?) May find that the lights are not very powerful.

For the big money part, know that the cargo bikes are rented for a period of three months at a rate of 80 euros per month, against 40 euros per month for the classic Véligo.

It may seem high, but ultimately comes down to the monthly price of a Navigo pass.

All the more so since, as the press release reminds us, “the monthly subscription could be paid for up to 50% by the employer […] thus making the offer offered largely competitive”.

To summarize, the two-carrier replaces a car in an urban environment and, thanks to its electric assistance, makes it possible to move around almost all of the Ile-de-France region.

On the other hand, before getting started, you have to plan a storage place, its size making it a little appreciated roommate in a bicycle room.

Paris

Ile-de-France: This is what one of the three cargo bikes offered by Véligo will look like

Society

"The cargo bike is an alternative to the car", according to the Ile-de-France region

Technical sheet

The double-carrier has nine speeds and a range of 50 km.

Its dimensions are as follows: 69 cm wide, 271 cm long and 110 cm high.

It is available for hire from 40 euros / month for a period of 1 month (renewable twice for 1 month) or 3 months (non-renewable).

  • Mobility

  • Transport

  • Bike

  • Electric bike

  • Paris