Got a flat tire on your cargo bike while out and about? First, pull over safely, let any children get off calmly, and then decide if you can fix it yourself. If you have a flat or underinflated tire and children in the cargo box, it’s best not to keep riding. At most, walk calmly to a safe spot and then arrange for a repair or roadside assistance. Below, you’ll find step-by-step instructions on how to handle the situation.
Step 1: Park your cargo bike safely to the side
Safety comes before repairs. With a full basket or kids on board, you don't want to be fixing a flat tire in the middle of a busy bike path.
- Brake gently. Do you feel the tire getting soft or the bike starting to wobble? Keep the handlebars straight, brake gradually, and avoid sharp turns.
- Choose a spot away from traffic. Choose a spot like a sidewalk, a parking space, or a recess—somewhere where you won’t obstruct pedestrians or other traffic. If you’re standing at the side of the road, make sure your bike is clearly visible in the dark.
- Park the bike securely. If the cargo bike isn't stable, it's hard to get off. Cargo bike manufacturer Babboe Keep in mind that when you get off the bike, you’ll want to make sure it stays upright, especially when children are getting on or off. The CargoX has a double kickstand; unfold it before anyone gets in or out of the cargo area.
- Let the children get off the bus calmly. Unbuckle the seat belts one by one and help them out of the car on the sidewalk side, away from traffic. Would you like to establish standard procedures for this? Then read about how to procedure for getting in and out of the vehicle safely builds.
- Make yourself visible. At dusk or in the rain, leave your lights on and wear something reflective if you have it with you.
Only once everyone is safe should you look into the cause of the breakdown.
Can you still drive carefully with a flat tire?
The short answer: better not, and definitely not with children or a heavy load in the back. A wide tire doesn't change that.
Tire Manufacturer Continental explains that tire pressure that is too low can affect handling and stability. In extreme cases, it can lead to tire damage, increased wear, and damage to the rim. A cargo bike with a load in the box requires stability, so riding on an empty or nearly empty tire puts you at unnecessary risk.
What you can do: slowly push the bike to a safer spot or to a place where you can wait for help. In that case, take the children out of the bike seat and have them walk beside you, or have an adult wait with them.
Front tire or rear tire: does it matter?
You’ll often notice a flat front tire right away when steering. With a flat rear tire, the bike tends to feel wobbly or ‘wobbly’ instead. In both cases, the advice is the same: don’t keep riding with passengers.
There’s more to repairing the rear tire on your own. On the CargoX, that’s where the motor and the Gates CDX belt drive are located. Removing a wheel and readjusting it properly isn’t exactly a quick fix you can do on the side of the road. Not sure? Leave the rear wheel to a professional.
Want to know why wide tires do have advantages under normal use? You can read about it in Fatbike tires on a cargo bike. To help you decide in advance, there's an article about Choosing a Tire Tread Pattern.
Other breakdowns on the road: what should you check yourself?
Not every breakdown is a flat tire. This table will help you quickly assess what you can do and when it's better to pull over.
| What do you notice? | What can you do on your own? | Stop and get help if… |
|---|---|---|
| Tire goes flat or loses air | Check for visible glass shards or a nail; inflate the tire if you have a suitable pump with you | the tire deflates quickly again or you're carrying passengers |
| No longer supported | Check to see if the battery is securely in place and if the display shows a message; check the battery level | if an error message remains on the screen or if you smell something burning |
| The brakes feel different | Stop immediately and test the brakes while the vehicle is stationary | the brake lever moves further than usual or the braking force is lost |
| The lights aren't working | Check to see if the lights are on | it's getting dark and you can't be seen |
| Strange noise coming from the drive | Check to see if anything is caught between the belt and the wheel | The noise persists, or the drive is slipping |
Never open the battery or the motor system yourself. If you have any doubts about an electrical component, leave the bike alone and seek assistance.
What do you pack in your emergency kit?
A small kit at the bottom of the box or in a bag can save you a lot of stress. For example:
- A charged phone with your roadside assistance provider's or dealer's number listed in it.
- A pump with a valve that fits your tires. Wide tires require more air, so a compact pump that can handle that is handy.
- A tire repair kit, if you're brave enough to do it yourself.
- Gloves and a cloth, because a wheel gets dirty quickly.
- Something to Think About, such as a safety vest, in case of a breakdown in the dark.
- Water, a snack, and the rain cover For the children. Sometimes it takes a little while to get help.
To see which accessories are available for your bike, check the accessory shop. Not sure what fits your tires or valve? Check with your dealer.
Should you solve it yourself or seek professional help?
Doing repairs yourself is fine as long as you know what you're doing and are working safely. The ANWB It also mentions this option: you can repair or replace a flat tire yourself, and if you can't, Roadside Assistance can help you right where you are.
Seek help sooner if:
- you have your children with you and don't want them to wait by the roadside for long;
- the rear tire has a flat, and you don't want to remove the wheel—including the motor and belt—yourself;
- there seems to be a problem with the brakes, battery, or engine;
- if you don't trust it or don't have the right tools with you.
You have several options for roadside assistance. With Wegenwacht Fiets, the ANWB Roadside Assistance for Cargo Bikes, such as a flat tire, a broken chain, or battery problems with an electric cargo bike. Check in advance to see if you have a subscription that covers these issues.
Have you STOER bicycle insurance? It offers 24/7 assistance. Check your policy to see what’s covered in case of a breakdown, so you don’t have to figure it out while you’re on the road. If you want to compare coverage options, the article on What Coverage Do You Really Need for Roadside Assistance?.
After a breakdown: Have your cargo bike checked out
Did you ride a short distance on a flat tire, or did you repair it yourself? If so, have your bike checked. You might not always notice a damaged rim or a poorly mounted wheel right away. Ask your dealer to check your bike. Is there no dealer near you? Please contact us.
Tip for at home: Save the number for roadside assistance and your dealer now, and keep your emergency kit handy in the glove compartment. That way, you won't be left stranded on the side of the road next time.
Do you have questions about your CargoX or need roadside assistance? Find a dealer in your area.
