Day out with cargo bike: tips for a fun family outing

A day out by cargo bike is much more than cycling from A to B. It is quality time with your family, fresh air and adventure all in one. Your children sit safely in the front seat, can look around and enjoy the surroundings. No hassle with parking, no traffic jams and no rushing to get somewhere on time. Just hit the road together.

More and more families are discovering the cargo bike as the perfect companion for outings. And you'll understand that once you've tried it once. The combination of exercise, being outside and discovering fun places together makes a day out with the cargo bike something special. You don't have to go far to make great memories. A bike ride of 20 to 40 kilometers will already take you to surprising destinations.

"The best moments happen on the road," says Thomas, co-founder of STOER Bikes. "When you go out with the cargo bike, you talk to each other, point things out and make the day together. It's very different from sitting in the back of a car."

In this article, you'll learn how to plan a successful day trip, which destinations are perfect for a bake sale, and how to avoid ending up with a dead battery halfway through. We share practical tips you can apply immediately for your next family outing. Want to learn more about the benefits of an electric cargo bike? Then check out our blog on benefits of electric cargo bikes for families.

1. The right preparation for your day out with cargo bike 
2. How many kilometers can you bike on a day trip? 
3. Fun destinations for a day out with cargo bike
4. Practical tips for the road
5. Bad weather? Go anyway!
6. Charging your cargo bike on the go
7. Day out with cargo bike: checklist before departure
8. Make it a tradition
9. Frequently Asked Questions 

Good preparation makes the difference between a relaxing day and a chaotic adventure. Fortunately, you don't have to bring a whole backpack. With a few smart choices, you'll be ready to go in ten minutes.

What do you take into the bin?
Space in your cargo bike is limited, so pack smart. Start with the basics: plenty of water and healthy snacks for the road. Kids get hungry and thirsty faster when they are outside, even when they are in the cargo box. A small cooler bag keeps drinks fresh on hot days.

Also bring: sunscreen, a thin raincoat per person (the weather can change quickly), a small first aid kit and some toys for the kids. A ball or a Frisbee will fit nicely in the bin and provide extra playtime during a stopover. Also, don't forget your charger if you plan to charge along the way.

What's better to leave at home: heavy items that you probably won't use, large picnic baskets and loose items that can slide around. Keep the bin uncluttered so your kids have enough room to sit comfortably.

Check your cargo bike before departure
A quick check prevents nasty surprises on the road. First, check the tire pressure. Properly inflated tires roll lighter and increase your range. With an electric cargo bike like the STOER CargoX with thick tires, this is extra important for a smooth ride.

Also check that the battery is fully charged. A 960Wh battery will give you a range of 60 to 100 kilometers under normal conditions. More than enough for most day trips, but it's nice to start with a full battery. Briefly test the brakes and lights before setting off. With the CargoX, turn signals and brake lights are standard, which is handy when riding on busy bike paths.

The ideal distance for a day out by cargo bike depends on the age of your children and your fitness level. For families with young children, a route of 20 to 30 kilometers works fine. This will take you about four to five hours including breaks and activities. Enough time for adventure without being too tiring.

With an electric cargo bike, you can move forward with confidence. The pedal assistance takes a lot of work off your hands, allowing you to travel 40 to 50 kilometers effortlessly. The STOER CargoX has a range of 60 to 100 kilometers, depending on your driving style and load. On a flat route with little wind, you can easily reach the upper limit.

Factors affecting your reach
The actual range of your electric cargo bike depends on several factors. Weight in the cargo box plays a role: with three children and a picnic bag, you use more energy than with one child. Wind also makes a difference. Headwinds eat away at your battery, while tailwinds increase your range.

The assistance level chosen has the greatest influence. In eco mode you will get much farther than in turbo mode. Switch smartly between modes: use turbo when starting off or on bridges, and switch back to eco on flat stretches. This way you optimize your range without sacrificing comfort.

Temperature also plays a role. On cold days, the battery provides slightly less energy. If you drive in the winter, allow for 10 to 20 percent less range. Want to know more about seasonal use? Read our tips in the blog on protection from rain and wind.

The Netherlands is perfect for baking bike tours. The flat landscape, extensive bike paths and many child-friendly destinations make any direction interesting. Here are a few ideas to inspire you.

Nature and outdoor play

Kids love nature, and with the cargo bike you can take them there effortlessly. Consider a visit to the Kennemer Dunes, where you can hike and, with any luck, spot Scottish Highlanders. Or drive to one of the many play forests in the Netherlands, where kids can climb, build huts and romp around.

Beach visits by cargo bike are also highly recommended. Park your bike at a beach entrance, grab the buckets from the bin and enjoy a day at the sea. The thick tires of a fatbakfiets make cycling along dune paths a lot more comfortable than with a regular cargo bike. You glide smoothly over sandy paths without sinking.

Another option: combine your bike ride with a visit to a petting zoo. Many petting zoos are within biking distance of cities and offer free or low-cost admission. Perfect for a relaxing afternoon with young children.

Culture and education

Want to combine a day out by cargo bike with something educational? Cycle to an open air museum or a special museum nearby. The Dutch Open Air Museum in Arnhem or the Zuiderzee Museum in Enkhuizen are easy to reach by cargo bike if you live in the area.

Historic towns like Haarlem, Delft or Gouda are also fun. Cycle through the narrow streets, park your cargo bike at a terrace and explore the city center on foot. Your kids will see all kinds of things along the way and you won't have to search for a parking spot.

Pancake houses and ice cream parlors

Let's face it: kids get excited about the destination if there is something tasty to get. Plan your route past a pancake farm or an ice cream parlor. Many of these establishments are located outside the city, surrounded by nature, and have playgrounds attached.

Tip: Look up in advance where you can stop along the way. Many pancake houses have outdoor terraces where you can park your cargo bike in plain sight. That way you can enjoy your pancake relaxed while the kids play.

A day out on the cargo bike goes more smoothly with some clever tricks. Here are tips that experienced cargo bike parents use.

Schedule intermediate stops

Children cannot sit still for hours, even in a comfortable cargo bike box. Plan a short stop every 45 minutes to an hour. This can be at a playground, a bench with a view or just a grassy area where they can run for a while. These stops keep the atmosphere good and keep kids from getting cranky.

Find a few possible stopping points along your route in advance. Apps like Google Maps or the Cyclists Union app show playgrounds and rest stops. You don't necessarily have to stop at all of them, but it's nice to have options.

Keep the pace slow

A day out by cargo bike is not about speed. Enjoy the scenery, point things out to your kids and take your time. You can easily go 25 kilometers per hour with an electric cargo bike, but for a relaxing outing, 15 to 18 kilometers per hour is nicer.

At this pace, your children can get a good look at the scenery, you have time to talk and you don't get tired yourself. The ride is part of the outing, not just the destination. The STOER CargoX has five levels of support, making it easy to adjust the pace to suit the situation.

Safety first

Make sure your children are properly secured with seat belts. With a cargo bike like the CargoX, sturdy belts are standard, tested according to European safety standards. Before leaving, check that the belts are tight and not too loose.

Make yourself and the cargo bike highly visible. LED lights and reflectors help, as do brightly colored clothing. The CargoX has daytime running lights, turn signals and brake lights as standard. This makes you stand out in traffic, even on cloudy days. Want to read more about safety? Check out our blog on safety of electric cargo bikes for children.

Dutch families don't let a little rain stop them. With the right preparation, a day out with the bakfiets is perfectly doable even in less than nice weather.

Rain cover and clothing

A good rain cover over the bin will keep your kids dry. Most rain covers install in a minute and protect against both rain and wind. Your kids are warm and dry while you cycle. A rain suit for yourself completes the ride.

When cold, you can make the tub extra comfortable with blankets or a foot bag. Children cool off faster because they are not moving, so dress them warmer than yourself. Consider hats, gloves and an extra layer of clothing.

Customize your route

In changeable weather, choose a route with shelter options. Cycle past villages or towns where you can quickly pop into a terrace or shopping center during a rainstorm. Avoid open polders or dikes with nowhere to shelter.

A shorter route is also smart in bad weather. Plan 15 to 20 kilometers instead of 40, so you can get home faster in an unexpected shower. The low-maintenance Gates CDX belt drive of the CargoX works in all weather conditions, by the way. No squeaking or rusting like a regular chain.

On longer day trips, it can be convenient to recharge your battery along the way. More and more catering establishments offer the option of charging your e-bike while you have a coffee or lunch.

Where can you load?

Search in advance for catering establishments along your route that have charging stations. Websites such as ANWB Charging Points give an overview. Many restaurants, cafes and visitor centers near natural areas have power outlets available for guests.

The CargoX's removable battery makes charging easy. You remove the battery from the frame and take it inside. This way you don't have to park your cargo bike close to an outlet and you can recharge during lunch.

How much are you charging?

One hour of charging provides about 15 to 25 kilometers of additional range for most electric cargo bikes. That's often enough to comfortably complete your day trip. You don't have to fully charge; half an hour plugged in at lunch gives you extra margin.

Tip: Take your charger with you in the bin. It weighs little and you are prepared for unexpected situations. The STOER charger fits easily into a purse or backpack.

Before you leave, run through this list. That way you won't forget anything and you can relax and enjoy your day out.

For the cargo bike:

• Battery fully charged
• Tire pressure checked
• Brakes and lighting tested
• Charger packed (on longer trips)
• Rain cover at your fingertips

For travel:

• Water and snacks for all
• Sunscreen and/or raincoats
• Small first aid kit
• Toys for stopovers
• Phone with route and charging points

For the kids:

• Comfortable clothing (layers when the weather changes)
• Sun hat or cap
• Favorite stuffed toy or book
• Extra clothing for accidents

The beauty of days out by cargo bike is that you can repeat them as often as you like. Make it a family tradition. Every month a new outing, always a different direction. That way you slowly discover the whole area and build a treasure trove of memories.

Involve your children in planning. Let them look at the map with you and suggest destinations. Kids who get to participate in decisions are often more enthusiastic along the way. And who knows, you may discover places together that you would never have found otherwise.

A day out on a cargo bike fits perfectly with an active, conscious lifestyle. You are outside, exercising and spending quality time with your family. No fuss, no stress, just out and about together. And that's what it's all about.

Want to experience the possibilities of an electric cargo bike for yourself? Book a test ride at one of the STOER Bikes dealers and discover how easy a day out can be.

How many kilometers can you ride an electric cargo bike?

With an electric cargo bike such as the STOER CargoX, you will cycle between 60 and 100 kilometers on a full battery. The exact distance depends on the weight in the cargo box, the support mode chosen, the weather and the terrain. For a day out of 30 to 40 kilometers, you don't have to worry about range.

From what age can children join the cargo bike?

Babies can join the cargo bike as soon as they can sit up unaided, usually around 9 months. With a Maxi-Cosi adapter you can also safely transport younger babies. The CargoX has room for 2 to 4 children, depending on their age and size.

Is a day out with cargo bike exhausting?

With an electric cargo bike, there is no more tiring than a leisurely bike ride. The motor takes over the heavy lifting, so you arrive at your destination relaxed. Choose a route that suits your fitness level and plan plenty of breaks.

What if it rains during the outing?

A rain cover will keep your children dry in the bin. Also pack raincoats for yourself and for the children at intermediate stops. In case of unexpected bad weather, take shelter at a restaurant along the route or start the return trip earlier.

Can you charge the battery on the go?

Yes, more and more catering establishments and visitor centers offer the option of charging your e-bike battery. Bring your charger with you and inquire in advance about where to go. One hour of charging will give you about 15 to 25 kilometers of extra range.

Which destinations are suitable for a day out with cargo bike?

Kid-friendly destinations include play forests, petting zoos, beaches, pancake houses and outdoor museums. Choose a destination 10 to 25 kilometers from home so that the total drive does not become too long for the children.