Yes, an electric cargo bike can be handy for transporting training equipment from storage to the field or to a game. Whether that works for your club depends on three things: how much equipment you have and how heavy it is, how well you secure loose items, and how you manage its use when multiple coaches or volunteers are riding it. In this article, we’ll go over these points, using the STOER CargoX as an example.
One thing to clarify up front: this is for cargo. You don't transport passengers in the cargo area. The CargoX is not approved for that purpose in this context.
What do you bring to a practice or game?
The list is often shorter than you might think, but it’s a bit awkward to organize. In its coaching resource center, the KNVB lists inflated balls for the warm-up, possibly vests or caps, and a first-aid kit—which, according to the association, is always handy to have with you (KNVB, the organization responsible for the match). The KNVB adds a practical point to this: if you arrange this in advance, you won't have to leave your players on their own, and you'll have more time for the pre-game briefing and warm-up.
For other sports, the list looks different, but the pattern is similar:
- Full-bodied and light: balls in a net, vests, caps, and cones.
- Concise and important: the first-aid kit, a pump, a whistle, or a tactics board.
- Heavier per piece: water bottles, a crate of drinks, or a bag of extra supplies.
It's precisely that combination of "big but light" and "small but heavy" that makes a box more interesting than a bike bag or a packed trunk where everything rolls around.
Realistically, how much material will fit in the bin?
The CargoX has a cargo area that is 100 cm long and 70 cm wide and can carry a maximum of 100 kg. Those are the two limits you have to work with: space and weight. Which one you reach first varies by sport and by club.
Space: Think in Layers
A full ball net can quickly take up a significant portion of the bottom of the bag. Vests and caps fit more flatly. Don’t place large, lightweight items on top of the rest; give them their own compartment instead. A practical way to organize your gear:
- Place heavy bags and drinks flat on the bottom.
- Place the ball net next to it or on top of it, as low as possible.
- Put vests, caps, and cones in a separate bag or crate so they don't blow away in the bin.
- Place the first-aid kit on top of or in a fixed corner so you can grab it without unpacking it.
If you'd like more examples of what fits in a business bag, be sure to read All the things you can transport with a commercial cargo bike.
Weight: Weigh your standard load once
The weight of club equipment varies greatly depending on the sport and the specific items in stock. So don’t guess. Weigh your standard training load once on a scale and record the total on the checklist in the storage area. Do you bring more with you on game days, such as an extra crate of drinks? If so, weigh that entire game load—including the crate—and don’t leave until the total is 100 kg or less. If you exceed that limit, split the load into two trips or leave the heaviest equipment at the venue.
How do you securely fasten loose balls?
A loose ball that rolls forward while braking is particularly disruptive. A ball that bounces out of the container poses a risk to other traffic. Securing it is therefore essential for every trip.
The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provides a few basic rules for loads in and on cars and trailers that also apply to a flatbed: secure the load with rope, netting, or straps; consider covering the entire load with a sturdy tarp or net; don’t overload the vehicle; and always double-check your load (NHTSA, Secure Your Load). Please note: that guidance was written for motor vehicles in the U.S., not specifically for cargo bikes. It works well as a general principle, though.
Translated to the field:
- Always place balls in a tightly knotted net, never loose in the container.
- A net or strap across the load Keep vests and lightweight items inside when it's windy. Check beforehand to make sure the fastener is suitable for your model and is securely fastened.
- Use the non-slip base: The CargoX has a feature that keeps cargo in place. For round or lightweight items, it's still a good idea to use a net or strap.
- Final check before departure: Just give the cord a quick tug to make sure everything is secure.
You can read more about classification and balance in Distributing the load in a cargo bike. You can find rain gear and other items at the accessories; check for each product to see if it's compatible with your model.
What is the best practical approach when there are different drivers within the club?
At a club, it’s rare for just one person to be in charge. Today it’s the youth coach, tomorrow it’s a volunteer who brings the game bags. So you want everyone to do the same thing, without making it complicated.
A Quick Pre-Flight Check
The British health and safety agency, the HSE, advises employers that drivers of work vehicles should check tires, lights, and turn signals at the start of each shift, and cites a checklist for daily inspections as a useful tool (HSE, Inspection, and Maintenance). This applies to employers and vehicles in the UK, but the idea also works for a club bike. Hang a sign in the storage area that says:
- Tires: Do they look like they're properly inflated?
- Headlights, brake lights, and turn signals: Are they working?
- Braking: Give the brakes a quick squeeze before you pull away.
- Battery: Will it last for the round trip?
- Cargo: securely wrapped, with netting or strapping fastened over the cargo, and a total weight of no more than 100 kg?
- A space for comments, so that issues don't go unaddressed.
How CargoX Makes Things Easier for New Drivers
New riders especially need to get used to steering with a box in the front. A few features help with that. The automatic transmission means no one has to think about shifting gears in heavy traffic. The double kickstand keeps the bike stable while you’re loading your gear and bags. The Tektro hydraulic brakes and front suspension still work even when the bike is fully loaded. Still, have every new rider take a test ride without a load in the parking lot first. Tips for those first rides can be found in Learn to Ride a Cargo Bike.
If you lend your bike to different people, be sure to check what that means for your insurance. This article is about Lending Out a Cargo Bike and Your Insurance.
Coverage and Maintenance
The CargoX has a range of up to 80 km. How far you actually get depends on the load, wind, and assist level. Agree on who will charge the battery after use. The Gates CDX belt drive is low-maintenance and reduces wear and tear—which is nice when no one really feels like the bike belongs to them. Low-maintenance doesn’t mean maintenance-free, so be sure to schedule regular service.
When is leasing a good option for an association?
STOER offers operational leases through New Mobility Lease to individuals, self-employed professionals, and businesses. It has not been confirmed whether associations are also eligible. Please check with the lease application or Please contact us before the board makes a decision.
If possible, these are the questions to discuss at the board meeting:
| Question | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| How often do we drive each week? | If you only drive a few trips per season, a fixed monthly cost is different than if you drive every day. |
| Would we prefer a fixed monthly amount or a one-time purchase? | That depends on the budget and how the club plans its investments. |
| What's included in the lease agreement? | Ask what exactly maintenance, insurance, and the term entail; these vary by contract. |
| Who is the point of contact? | When drivers rotate, a single administrator handles the keys, checklist, and reports. |
You can read about entrepreneurs who have already made this decision in Cargo Bikes for Entrepreneurs: Urban Logistics. Many questions about rides and charging sessions are the same for any club.
Try it out with your own club equipment
A practical way to see if it works for your club: bring your net with balls, the vests, and the first-aid kit along for a test drive. See how it fits in the trailer, how it drives, and whether your club’s riders feel comfortable with it. Through the Dealer Finder: Book a Test Drive at a dealer near you.
