can you transport refrigerated products in a business cargo bike
Transporting chilled products in a business cargo bike is absolutely possible when you use the right refrigeration solutions. In fact, whether you're delivering fresh vegetables to restaurants or delivering medicines to pharmacies, there are smart solutions for every budget today.
Therefore, in this article you will read exactly what cooling methods exist and what they cost. So you can then make an informed choice when purchasing a electric cargo bike For refrigerated transport.
What types of refrigeration can you use in a cargo bike?
In fact, for transporting refrigerated products in a cargo bike, you have several options. The choice depends on your budget, the distance you are traveling and also the type of products you are transporting.
Cool boxes with cooling elements
Cool boxes with cooling elements are the most affordable option when you want to transport chilled products. This is because these passive cooling systems keep your products cool for several hours without the need for power.
This makes them ideal for short trips and also for products that do not require extreme refrigeration. Think of fresh vegetables, dairy products or meals that you need to deliver within an hour.
The downside, however, is that the longer the trip, the less the cooling capacity. Want to learn more about business transportation options? Check out our page on electric bicycles.
Electric coolers
Electric coolers, on the other hand, offer more control over temperature than passive systems. That's because you connect them to your electric cargo bike's battery, so they continuously maintain a constant temperature.
This makes them particularly suitable for longer delivery routes. Some models can even freeze, which is useful when transporting ice cream or frozen foods.
Professional cooling systems
Therefore, for companies that transport refrigerated products on a daily basis, professional refrigeration systems with thermostat control are the best choice. This is because these systems give you complete control over the temperature.
This is indispensable when transporting drugs, vaccines or other products with strict temperature requirements. While the investment is higher, the reliability far outweighs that.
Also read our blog about sustainable mobility for businesses.
The importance of good insulation
In addition to the refrigeration system, insulation material also plays a major role in transporting refrigerated products. This is because good insulation slows down temperature loss considerably.
Special insulation blankets or custom bins with extra insulation are therefore a wise investment. This is because they ensure that your products remain at the right temperature for longer.
How long do products stay cool during transport?
The cooling time of your products depends on several factors. In fact, with simple coolers, you can keep products cool for an average of two to four hours. Electric systems, on the other hand, can maintain a constant temperature throughout the working day.
Influence of outside temperature
The outside temperature has a major impact on the performance of your cooling system. In fact, on hot summer days, a passive cooler loses its cold faster than on a cool autumn day.
Wind and direct sunlight also accelerate warming. Therefore, it is wise to adjust your liver routes according to the season.
Product temperature and filling
The quantity and initial temperature of your products also make a difference. In fact, pre-chilled products stay cooler longer than products you load at room temperature.
A full cooler also holds temperature better than a half-full one. So plan your routes smartly by putting cold deliveries at the beginning.
Smart route planning
In summer, preferably schedule delivery of temperature-sensitive products in the early morning. In doing so, avoid long stops in the sun when working with passive cooling.
Are you curious about the range of our cargo bikes? Take a look at the CargoX with a range of 60 to 100 kilometers.
What products are best transported refrigerated?
Not all products are equally suitable for refrigerated transport by cargo bike. This is because some products tolerate short temperature fluctuations just fine, while others have stringent requirements.
Fresh produce and dairy
Fresh products such as vegetables, fruits and dairy products are ideally suited for bakfiets. This is because these products do not require extreme refrigeration and tolerate short temperature fluctuations well.
As long as you provide good insulation, you can deliver them without any problems. More and more local farms are using electric cargo bikes for this reason.
Hospitality and catering
In the hospitality industry, you regularly transport meat, fish and prepared dishes. While these products have more stringent temperature requirements, they are equally suitable for bake-off transport.
Restaurants and catering companies are therefore increasingly opting for electric cargo bikes. This not only saves fuel costs, but also offers more flexibility.
Find out how the CargoX cargo bike moving your business forward.
Flowers and plants
Flowers and plants also benefit from refrigerated transport, especially in warm weather. This is because they stay fresh longer when you keep them at the right temperature.
Florists and garden centers are therefore increasingly discovering the benefits of a cargo bike with refrigeration function.
Medical products
Medications often require specific temperatures, making them suitable for sophisticated refrigeration systems. Pharmacies therefore use cargo bikes with professional refrigeration units.
The ability to monitor temperature is very important here for quality assurance.
Less suitable products
Long-distance frozen foods, on the other hand, are less suitable unless you invest in professional freezing equipment. In those cases, it is wise to first calculate carefully whether baking bike transport is profitable.
What is the cost of refrigeration in a cargo bike?
This is because the cost of cooling varies greatly from system to system. Therefore, it is wise to carefully consider in advance which type of cooling will suit your business.
Investment cost
Simple coolers cost between fifty and two hundred euros, making them the most accessible option. Electric coolers, on the other hand, are between three hundred and eight hundred euros.
Professional refrigeration systems can then add up to three thousand euros. The investment depends on the requirements of your products.
| Cooling system | Price Range | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|
| Cool box with cooling elements | €50 - €200 | Short rides |
| Electric cool box | €300 - €800 | Longer routes |
| Professional cooling system | €1.000 - €3.000 | Medicine |
Operating costs
Operating costs are relatively low compared to traditional refrigerated trucks. In fact, cooling elements cost only a few euros per day.
The biggest cost advantage is therefore in the savings on fuel. After all, a delivery truck easily costs fifteen euros per day, while you drive virtually for free with a cargo bike.
Maintenance and replacement
Maintenance is minimal for most refrigeration systems. Electric coolers may need occasional service, but this is not too bad.
Replacement costs for cooling elements are predictable and also low. Therefore, count on fifty to one hundred euros per year.
View our insurance page for more information.
Payback period
The payback period depends on your frequency of use. In fact, with daily use, you will often earn back an electric cooling system within a year.
The average savings here are between four hundred and six hundred euros per month. So that means your investment will quickly pay for itself.
How to choose the right cargo bike for refrigerated transport?
Indeed, when choosing a cargo bike for transporting refrigerated products, there are some important points. The right choice makes the difference between smooth operations and daily frustrations.
Loading area
First, make sure you have enough cargo space for your cooling system plus the products you are transporting. Electric cargo bikes offer the added advantage that you can connect coolers to the main battery.
Battery Capacity
Therefore, choose a cargo bike with enough battery capacity for both the motor and your cooling system. A battery of at least 720Wh is recommended if you ride longer routes daily.
Stability and handling
A stable design is also important for refrigerated transport. After all, you don't want temperature fluctuations caused by vibrations of your bike.
Therefore, look for cargo bikes with a low center of gravity, especially if you are transporting heavy coolers. For example, the CargoX's wide fatbike tires provide extra stability.
Also read our blog about cargo bikes for business use.
Power supply
Power supply also plays a big role when you use electric cooling. In fact, some cargo bike models have separate connections for accessories.
Therefore, check whether the cargo bike offers a 12V or 230V connection. For example, the CargoX from STOER Bikes has a 960Wh battery.
Accessibility
Also consider practical aspects such as the accessibility of the cargo box. After all, you want to be able to access your products quickly when you make a delivery.
Therefore, check for options for attaching coolers. Proper weather protection is also important.
View the STOER CargoX with a spacious 100×70 cm bin and a maximum load capacity of 150 kilograms.
Tips for transporting refrigerated products
With the right approach, you'll get the most out of your cooling system. Therefore, below you will find practical tips that you can apply immediately.
Route Planning
Plan your routes smartly by putting the most temperature-sensitive deliveries at the beginning. In doing so, avoid long breaks in the sun.
In fact, with good route planning, you can achieve excellent results even with simpler cooling systems.
Preparation
Make sure your cooler is already at temperature before loading products. Then load only products that are already well chilled.
In doing so, avoid opening the cooler on the go when not necessary. This is because every time you open the cooler, you lose precious cold.
Temperature recording
For professional use, it is wise to record the temperature during your rides. In fact, digital thermometers give you insight into temperature fluctuations.
This is not only valuable for your own quality control, but can also serve as proof towards customers. Do you have any questions? Then please contact on with STOER Bikes.
Summary
Transporting refrigerated products in a business cargo bike is certainly possible when you choose the right refrigeration solution. In fact, there is a suitable solution for every situation.
The investment often pays for itself quickly through savings in fuel costs. While doing so, make sure you have sufficient battery capacity and also stability.
With good preparation and smart route planning, you then get the most out of your refrigeration system. That way, you always deliver your products in optimal condition.