Bergamont E-cargoville LT Expert

A conscientiously designed and constructed bike for carrying serious amounts of stuff

This longtail electric cargo bike from German brand Bergamont is an excellent example of the genre. Longtails are bikes with extended rear ends that leave plenty of room for carrying extra loads. Add to this the fact that the E-cargoville Expert also has a front rack and you’re talking about a bike with the ability to carry a serious amount of baggage.

In fact the rear rack alone can easily accommodate a small passenger while leaving you plenty of room for other gear. This is backed up by the Bergamont’s combined bike, rider and cargo limit of 190kg.

The E-cargoville LT Expert relies on a highly regarded and extremely solid Bosch Performance Line mid-drive motor and 500Wh battery to propel this mass of stuff forwards. This can also be supplemented with a second battery if you need additional range – a feature that will be very popular with commercial users.

Letting you add pedal power to proceedings are 12 derailleur gears. And when you want to slow down, powerful four-piston hydraulic brakes provide tons of stopping power.

The general design of the Bergamont also shows an uncommon degree of care. Its top tube is low for easy access and confidence when riding with heavy loads. The bike also resurrects the old-fashioned 26-inch wheel size to provide just the right mix of strength and manoeuvrability.

If you need to save money, the E-cargoville also comes in a cheaper version with a lower-spec display, fewer gears, slightly more basic hydraulic brakes and less powerful lights. Opting for this version will save you £500, which could be put towards outfitting your new bike.

This may be a wise choice. Bergamont’s list of bespoke extras is long and includes footrests, wheel guards, comfy padded seats, cargo boxes and bags, plus extra-large panniers, a pair of which let you carry around 60 litres worth of gear.

 £4,599

 bergamont.com

Pros

 A high-quality bike with a thoughtful design that can carry huge loads with ease

Cons

 Chunky weight and premium pricing mean this bike is a serious investment

Specs

Stated weight 36.8kg Frame material Aluminium

Motor Bosch Performance Line Cruise (Gen3 mid) Battery 500Wh Bosch Powerpack Stated range N/A Gearing Shimano XT/ Deore 12-speed Braking Magura CME5 hydraulic disc

Saddle Syncros Capilano Trekking Wheels Ryde Andra 40 26in

Tyres Schwalbe Super Moto-x 26 x 2.4in