Anyone living in The Hague knows the feeling. You're in your car on the Koningskade, the sat nav says twenty minutes to go, and someone is honking behind you. Meanwhile, a parent with two kids in the box calmly cycles past. They've already arrived. An electric cargo bike is no longer a luxury in the city; it's simply the most convenient way to get through your day. We'll explain why.
You're faster everywhere
In the city center, the bike almost always beats the car. We hear it every week from customers who made the switch: a trip that easily takes 20 to 25 minutes by car takes them 6 or 7 minutes by cargo bike. From door to door, including the parking you no longer have to deal with.
It's not about the speed itself. An electric cargo bike supports you up to 25 kilometers per hour, while a car can go faster. The difference is in everything else. You don't get stuck in traffic at the lights, you don't have to search for a parking spot, and you don't have to walk another five minutes from the parking garage to the school.
Shortcuts a car can't take
As a cyclist in The Hague, you have your own network. You ride through the Haagse Bos instead of around it, along cycle paths by the canals, and through streets where cars aren't allowed. A large number of one-way streets are open to cyclists in both directions. Where a car has to go around the block, you cycle straight through.
The Hague is undergoing major construction
On top of that, The Hague is making major road improvements over the coming years. Tunnels, squares, and tram tracks are being renovated, and main routes for cars are regularly closed or diverted. If you're driving, you'll be stuck even longer. The municipality itself advises taking the bike where possible during roadworks. With a cargo bike, you just ride around the closure or via a cycle route that isn't affected at all.
A weekday with the cargo bike
To show how it works in practice, let's follow a typical Tuesday.
| Time | Activity | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 8:15 AM | To school | The kids climb into the box, belts on, rain cover over it if it's drizzling. You cycle through the backstreets to school and drop them off at the door. No driving in circles for a spot, no kiss-and-ride chaos. A wave, and you're off. |
| 8:30 AM | On to work | From the schoolyard, you cycle straight to the office, the practice, or your own business. The pedal assistance ensures you arrive fresh, even with a headwind from the sea. You park your cargo bike at the door or in the bike shed. Parking costs: zero. |
| 3:00 PM | Pick-up, with friends joining | You pick up the kids and your daughter asks if her best friend can come over to play. In a car, the puzzle with car seats begins. In a family cargo bike, they just slide in next to each other on the bench. Many models are suitable for two to four children, depending on the box and accessories. |
| 3:30 PM | Playground and pancakes | The weather is nice, so you cycle on to the playground. Then a quick trip towards Scheveningen, to the harbor. Because anyone living in The Hague knows that an afternoon is only truly successful with a pancake at Oma Toos. You park the cargo bike next to the terrace. No parking meter running out while the kids start their second pancake. |
| 5:30 PM | Groceries and home | On the way back, you stop at the supermarket. The groceries go in the box, between or next to the children. At home, you park at the door or in the shed. Done. |
That's a day with at least five trips. With a car, you would have spent a large part of that day driving, searching, and paying. With the cargo bike, you were mostly focused on your children.
No parking costs, no fines, less frustration
In large parts of The Hague, you have to pay for parking. With a cargo bike, you don't have that problem. You don't pay parking fees, you don't get a ticket for staying too long at school, and you don't have to pay road tax or fuel.
Those costs add up. If you currently have two cars, a cargo bike can often replace the second one. For most city trips, you won't need it anymore. You can read about what an electric cargo bike costs in our honest price overview.
And then there's the peace of mind. No irritation about traffic, no stress because you're late due to road closures. Many customers tell us that they value this peace of mind the most.
Living healthier, without the effort
Cycling is healthy, everyone knows that. But the extent of the effect is often surprising. Researchers from Utrecht University calculated that Dutch people live an average of six months longer due to cycling. According to their calculations, cycling in the Netherlands prevents about 11,000 premature deaths every year.
With an electric cargo bike, you move every day without it feeling like exercise. The pedal assistance helps, but you're still pedaling. A fifteen-minute ride to school and work twice a day adds up to over two hours of cycling in a work week. That's double the 75 minutes the average Dutch person cycles per week according to the same study.
Your children pick up on it too. They grow up with the idea that you grab the bike, not the car keys. This teaches them to be conscious of their environment, and they know the city better than children who always sit in the back seat.
Children love it
Ask a child and you'll always get the same answer: the cargo bike is more fun than the car. They sit at the front, see everything happening, and can talk to you while you cycle. They wave at the tram, count dogs, and point out the seagulls at the harbor.
We see it during test rides in the shop too. Parents might still be hesitant, but the children aren't. After one lap around the Prinsegracht, they don't want to get out.
What are the downsides?
To be fair: a cargo bike isn't the solution for everyone. These are the points to consider beforehand.
- Storage. A cargo bike is over two and a half meters long. Check where you can store it at home: in the shed, in the garden, or at the door. If it's kept outside, make sure you have a good lock. Read our tips in securing your cargo bike against theft.
- Weather. With a rain cover, the children stay dry. You'll need a good raincoat. Most parents say you get used to it after a few weeks.
- Distances outside the city. For a day trip to family in Groningen, the car or train remains more convenient. The cargo bike is made for the city and the immediate surroundings, up to Wassenaar, Rijswijk, or the Westland.
- The purchase. A good electric cargo bike costs a few thousand euros. On the other hand, you save on fuel, parking, and potentially a second car. If you want to spread the costs, you can do so with a lease plan.
Twijfel je nog?
Huur eerst een bakfiets en probeer het een paar weken in je eigen dagritme. Besluit je daarna te kopen, dan verrekenen we de huur bij aankoop.
Of spreid de aanschafkosten via een fietsleaseplan.
Which cargo bike fits your city life?
If you have one young child and little space at home, a compact longtail might be enough. If you want space for two or more children plus groceries, you'll end up with a family cargo bike with a large box. You can read about which models we recommend for families in what is the best electric cargo bike for a child. If you're torn between the Urban Arrow Family models, read the differences between the Family, FamilyNext, and FamilyNext². If you have a baby, check from what age a baby can go in the cargo bike.
Do you also use the cargo bike for your work or your own business? Then there are extra benefits, such as access to the zero-emission zone. These are listed in our article about the electric cargo bike for entrepreneurs.
Frequently asked questions about using an electric cargo bike
Is a cargo bike faster in the city than a car?
For short trips in the city, usually yes. You don't have to search for a parking spot, you don't get stuck in traffic, and you can take shortcuts via cycle paths and parks. Customers tell us that a car trip of 20 to 25 minutes often takes 6 or 7 minutes by cargo bike.
How many children can fit in an electric cargo bike?
That varies by model. Most family cargo bikes are made for two children on the bench. With extra benches or a rear seat, some models can carry up to four children. Come by, and we'll show you what fits your family.
Do I have to pay for parking with an electric cargo bike?
No. A cargo bike is a bicycle. You don't pay parking fees or road tax. Do park it in a place where bicycles are allowed and use a good lock.
Is an electric cargo bike suitable for daily use?
Yes, that's what it's made for. With pedal assistance up to 25 kilometers per hour, you can cycle to school, work, and the shops without effort. A rain cover keeps the children dry. Do have it serviced regularly, especially if you ride every day.
Can I try out a cargo bike first?
Yes. You can take a test ride at the Prinsegracht, or rent a cargo bike and test it for a few weeks in your own daily routine. If you buy one afterwards, we'll deduct the rental cost from the purchase price.
Try it yourself in your own street
You only realize how practical a cargo bike is when you're on it yourself, with your kids in the box, on the route you ride every day. Schedule a test ride without obligation at the Prinsegracht and ride our test route through The Hague city center. If you want to spread the costs, apply for a lease plan. And if you want to read more before you choose, take a look at our knowledge base.
