Decathlon Longtail R500

Decathlon has a reputation for offering affordable quality bicycles. Now it has produced a longtail cargo bike in the form of the R500

Decathlon’s new electric cargo bike’s full name may be a mouthful – officially it’s the ‘Electric Cargo Bike Rear Loading Longtail R500’ – but on the plus side it does tell you precisely what you’re getting. Cargo bikes are generally divided into two types: those with a load-carrying area at the front, and longtails like this one. As the name suggests, the load-carrying area is at the back, in this case on an extended rear rack.

Longtail designs are particularly useful for parents who want to take a couple of children to school by bike but don’t have room for a cargo bike where the kids sit side-byside in the load area. The R500 allows you to add a pair of kids’ seats to the rear rack for smaller children, or slightly older kids can sit astride the rack with their feet on the running boards beside the rear wheel.

Of course, you can also use the massive rear rack to carry any number of other things, and those running boards can help to accommodate even the most awkward loads. There’s also a rack at the front to give even more carrying options.

If you do load it up you’ll appreciate the bike’s Microshift eight-speed gearing, which allows you to make the most of the assistance from the rear hub motor. Decathlon states that this produces 58Nm of torque, which should make life easier if you’re approaching the maximum load of 170kg. Also useful when transporting a heavy burden is the motor’s walk mode, which provides around 4mph of assistance while you’re pushing the bike along.

It’s also good to see hydraulic disc brakes from Tektro included as standard. The power they offer is essential on a bike of this kind. Finally, including a twin-leg centre stand is a nice touch, as this will help to keep the bike stable while you load and unload it.

 £3,500

 decathlon.co.uk

Pros

 Offers Decathlon’s typical balance of quality and value for money

Cons

 Unbranded parts, including the motor and display, are used to keep the cost down

Specs

Stated weight 38kg Frame material Aluminium

Motor

Rear wheel hub 58Nm Battery Samsung Lithium-ion 672Wh Stated range 50-90km (30-55 miles) Gearing Microshift eight-speed

Saddle B’twin

Brakes Tektro hydraulic disc

Wheels Aluminium 26in front, 20in rear Tyres CST C1996 cargo bike 2.15in