You can recognize an Urban Arrow from a hundred meters away. That long, sleek box made of soft foam has become as common in The Hague as the tram. But anyone looking to buy an Urban Arrow Family now suddenly has three choices: the Family, the FamilyNext, and since this summer, the FamilyNext². They look alike, yet they ride differently. We've listed the differences so you know which one fits your family.
Three generations, one recognizable shape
Urban Arrow has been building family cargo bikes since 2010. The shape of the box has deliberately remained the same all these years. What has changed is in the frame, the front fork, the seating comfort, and the finish. You can see the three models as three steps within the same family:
- Family (Classic): the iconic model that made Urban Arrow famous. Fixed front fork, no suspension.
- FamilyNext: on sale since the summer of 2024. New front frame, suspension fork, and a more spacious box.
- FamilyNext²: the latest model, presented in the summer of 2026. Redesigned rear frame, sleeker finish, and a fully enclosed chain guard.
Urban Arrow Family (Classic): the original
Urban Arrow Family Classic | Zwart
Bewezen model, vooral voor korte ritten en als budget een rol speelt. Tweedehands ook een populaire keuze!
In de zomer van 2024 kwam Urban Arrow met de FamilyNext. Van een afstand lijkt hij op de Family, maar onder die vertrouwde vorm is veel veranderd.
This is the cargo bike you probably picture when someone says 'Urban Arrow'. The box is made of EPP foam: light, sturdy, and shock-absorbing. The frame is built low, making the bike feel stable, even with two children in the front.
The Family has a fixed front fork. So there is no suspension between the front wheel and the box. You won't notice much on smooth asphalt. On the cobblestones in the Zeeheldenkwartier or over the speed bumps in the Archipelbuurt, you'll feel every bump a bit more, and so will your children.
On the other hand, the Family is the lightest and most affordable entry into the Urban Arrow family. It weighs around 50 kilos and is 2.74 meters long. We have the Family Classic with the Bosch Active Line Plus motor from €4,750 (price subject to change, check the product page for the current price).
Urban Arrow FamilyNext: more comfort and a roomier box
Urban Arrow FamilyNext Advanced | Zwart
Als je dagelijks rijdt, je kinderen de hele rit comfortabel wilt laten zitten en je de fiets jarenlang wilt gebruiken.
In de zomer van 2024 kwam Urban Arrow met de FamilyNext. Van een afstand lijkt hij op de Family, maar onder die vertrouwde vorm is veel veranderd.
The biggest difference is in the front. The front frame has been updated and the FamilyNext has a suspension fork. It absorbs cobblestones, tram rails, and speed bumps before they reach the box. You'll notice it as a cyclist in your hands, but your children will notice it most of all. Anyone riding the Family and the FamilyNext back-to-back across the Prinsegracht will feel the difference within a few meters.
The box has also been adjusted. It's roomier, the backrest is higher, and the bench is supported by the frame. The children are secured with a magnetic three-point belt that you can close with one hand. Reflectors come standard in the corners of the box. Some versions also feature LED lighting in the front of the box. This gives the bike a luxury look and ensures you are better seen in the dark.
The FamilyNext is available in several versions. With us, you will find among others:
- FamilyNext Essential from €4,950
- FamilyNext Advanced with chain from €5,250
- FamilyNext Advanced with belt drive from €5,650
All prices are subject to change. Check the product page for the current price and stock.
Urban Arrow FamilyNext²: the latest model
Urban Arrow FamilyNext2 Pro
Als je het nieuwste wilt, veel in gewone kleding fietst en waarde hecht aan een strakke, afgewerkte fiets.
De FamilyNext² is de jongste telg. Urban Arrow bracht hem eind juli 2026 op de markt. Hij bouwt voort op de FamilyNext: de verende voorvork, het motorsysteem en de ruime bak blijven. Wat nieuw is, zie je vooral aan de achterkant en in de details.
The rear frame has been redesigned and the cables are now fully hidden through the handlebar. The rear light is integrated into the fender. This looks cleaner and there's less hanging loose that could get damaged.
The difference you'll appreciate most in daily use is the fully enclosed chain guard. If you're riding in wide trousers, a long dress, or rain pants, you run the risk of the fabric getting caught in an open drive. With the FamilyNext², that's no longer an issue. No dirty smudges on your pants, no tear in your dress on the way to a party.
There are two more small but handy improvements. You can adjust the saddle height without tools. That makes a difference if you and your partner take turns riding. And there's an integrated phone holder on the handlebar, so your navigation is always in view.
The FamilyNext² Pro is available with us for €6,499 (price subject to change). You have the choice between black and sage green.
The three models side by side
| Feature | Family (Classic) | FamilyNext | FamilyNext² |
| On the market | Since 2010 | Since summer 2024 | Since summer 2026 |
| Front fork | Fixed, no suspension | Suspension | Suspension |
| Front frame | Original design | Updated | Same as FamilyNext |
| Rear frame | Original design | Original design | Redesigned |
| Box | EPP foam | Roomier, higher backrest | Roomier, higher backrest |
| Chain guard | Standard chain guard | Standard chain guard | Fully enclosed |
| LED lighting in the box | No | On some versions | On some versions |
| Saddle adjustment | Standard seat clamp | Standard seat clamp | Quick release, no tools |
| Our price (subject to change) | From €4,750 | From €4,950 | €6,499 (Pro) |
Note: equipment varies by version. If you're unsure about a specific detail, such as the battery or the drive system, check the product page or ask us in the shop.
Which Urban Arrow Family fits your family?
The honest answer: that mostly depends on how often and where you ride. Three questions will help you choose.
How often do you ride?
If you use the cargo bike a few times a week for school and groceries, the Family Classic does exactly what it needs to do. If you ride every day, including to work or to daycare on the other side of the city, the comfort of the suspension fork really starts to matter. Then a FamilyNext or FamilyNext² is the sensible choice.
Which streets do you ride on?
In The Hague, you'll quickly find yourself riding over cobblestones, tram rails, and speed bumps. Think of the city center, the Statenkwartier, or the route along the dunes to Scheveningen. The more of that kind of road surface you encounter daily, the more the suspension will benefit you. Young children still in a Maxi-Cosi or on a cushion will benefit extra.
What do you want to spend?
There is about 1,750 euros between the Family Classic and the FamilyNext². The FamilyNext Essential is close to the Classic in price, but with suspension. For many families, that's the logical middle ground. If you want to spread the costs, you can do so with a bike lease plan. You can read more about prices in our article what does an electric cargo bike cost.
Our experience in the shop
We see it happen every week. Parents come in with a preference for the Classic because of the price. Then they take a test ride on both models over the cobblestones around the Prinsegracht, with their child in the box. A large portion then switches to the FamilyNext. Not because we say so, but because their child indicates the difference themselves.
The opposite also happens. Those who mostly ride on bike paths and use the bike a few times a week notice little difference and prefer to keep the money in their pocket. Both are excellent choices. It's about you knowing why you're choosing.
Test ze naast elkaar
Kom langs aan de Prinsegracht en rijd de Family, FamilyNext en FamilyNext² achter elkaar, met je kinderen in de bak. Zo voel je het verschil voordat je kiest.
New or refurbished?
An Urban Arrow holds its value well. That's why a refurbished Family is an interesting option if your budget is tighter. With a refurbished cargo bike from us, we check the frame, motor, battery, and box in our workshop, and you get a warranty. When buying second-hand, always make sure you know which model and year you're buying: a ten-year-old Family rides differently than a FamilyNext from last year. For more tips, read buying an electric cargo bike: what to look out for.
Frequently asked questions about these models
What is the difference between the Urban Arrow Family and the FamilyNext?
The biggest difference is the suspension fork. The FamilyNext has suspension, the Family (Classic) does not. Additionally, the FamilyNext has a updated front frame, a roomier box with a higher backrest, and a magnetic three-point belt.
Does the Urban Arrow Family have suspension?
The original Family, also known as the Family Classic, has a fixed front fork without suspension. The FamilyNext and the FamilyNext² do have a suspension fork. You notice this especially on cobblestones and over speed bumps.
What is new about the Urban Arrow FamilyNext²?
The FamilyNext² features a redesigned rear frame, fully integrated cables, and a rear light in the fender. Also new is the fully enclosed chain guard, so wide trousers and dresses no longer get caught in the drivetrain. You can adjust the saddle without tools.
Is the FamilyNext² technically different from the FamilyNext?
Hardly. The motor, battery, and suspension are the same as the FamilyNext. The differences lie in the frame, the finish, and ease of use, such as the enclosed chain guard and the phone holder on the handlebar.
How many children fit in an Urban Arrow Family?
Standard seating is for two children on the bench in the box. With an extra bench or a rear seat, you can carry more children, depending on the model and accessories. We'd love to show you what's possible in the shop.
Can I test ride the models side by side at your shop?
Yes. Schedule a test ride at the Prinsegracht and ride the models in stock back-to-back on our test route. Feel free to bring your children so they can feel the difference too.
Ready to choose?
On paper, the three Families look very similar. On the road, you'll feel which one suits you within minutes. Schedule a test ride without obligation at the Prinsegracht and try them all. Want to spread the costs? Apply for a lease plan. And if you already have an Urban Arrow that needs a service, we'll pick it up with our collection and delivery service. Want to compare even more? Read what is the best electric cargo bike for a child or browse our knowledge base.
