My first time – on an eCargo-Bike

carvelo2go brought an eCargo-Bike-rental to Zurich. I’ve seen the bikes around so I was curious. And tested the service for you.

The reservation

Go to the website of carvelo2go and create a log-in, enter credit card and voilà you see 18 locations where you can get your bike. An app is in planning which should make everything even easier.

The handover

I received keys as well as the rechargeable battery, and outside my vehicle was already waiting for me. There are instructions on the cargo area that even a dummy would understand. So easy peasy, i know what i have to do. But here my extra tip: pocket your key after you opened the lock, otherwise the key ring will drum a beat on your left heel during the ride.

The ride

The cargo area offers enough room for various things – in my case: my recycling bag with glass, my guitar, a bag of clothes to donate and my back bag. If you never cycled on a cargo bike (like me) you realize quickly what kind of barge you're steering through the streets. It takes a bit time to get used to the size – but that makes me more careful. To be honest, i didn’t feel absolutely comfortable to take turns until the end. And making according hand signals left me feeling vulnerable (well, Zurich’s drivers aren’t used to cyclist’s hand signals anyway). But the “e” in eCargo is a blessing and going uphill is as fast as going downhill.

The price

I used the bike for four hours and paid CHF 13 (5 francs for the booking and 2 francs for every hour).

The conclusion

An eCargo-Bike by carvelo2go is ideal if you have to carry things that are too large for your bike but you don’t want to organize a car or pay for a taxi. I will book it again when i have a larger technical gadget to move around, for stocking up on bottled water and wine and beer, for transporting plants and earth to my garden. If you’re thinking of driving your kids around: there is a special seat with pads and belt on the cargo area.

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