I've joined a cargo cult

Outside the supermarket, I lift two weeks’ worth of groceries into the front box of our e-cargo bike, ease it off its kickstand and set off back home up the hill. Despite the combined weight of the machine and the shopping, it’s easy going. We (the bike and I) glide along. The motor is a gentle, comforting presence – like a parent’s hand on a child’s back as they learn to ride. I’ve got you, it says. Just turn the pedals and enjoy the ride.

In the UK, cargo bikes have somewhat of a cult following among a small but passionate ridership. They’re yet to go mainstream here, as they have in countries like France, Germany or the Netherlands. And as a result, the secondhand market is small. It took months of searching before we found a Riese & Müller Packster 60 Vario that fitted our needs. It was well used but in great condition, and up to the job of hauling stuff up big hills in all weathers.

Riding the bike fully loaded is serene, and not just because of the power assist. The machine feels nimble despite its bulk and the front box glides sideways when I make a turn. It’s easy to balance at low speeds, and quickly gets up to the motor’s 15mph maximum. Once there, if the road is level, I turn off the assist and maintain momentum by leg power alone. Downhill, gravity takes over and the bike gathers speed. An incline demands assist once again. How much depends on my mood. Sometimes, I eke out the battery on the lowest ‘eco’ setting; sometimes I flick it all the way up to ‘boost’ and feel the bike reel in the hill.

Unsurprisingly, e-cargo bikes are an unusual sight in the small town where we live and ours often attracts comment. What a great way to do the shopping. Mind if I take a photo? How about letting me ride in the front? It’s like the early days of electric vehicles, when spotting one would be a novelty. That could be about to change, though, as e-cargo bikes demonstrate their potential to replace cars and vans for short journeys.