CHIKE E-Cargo commercial test: Fits everything!

Handwerk Magazin regularly tests vehicles for its readership - after all, tradespeople and tradesmen need to know what they are getting into, whether they can cope with everything and how a cargobike can simplify everyday working life. One of the rarely tested cargo bikes in a range of many transporters is the CHIKE E-Cargo. A photographer tried out the cargo bike in his day-to-day work and answered the editorial team's questions in an interview.

At first glance, the undercarriage with its three wheels and tilting chassis caught the eye. How does it perform on the road? Answer: "It's amazing how maneuverable and well-sprung the cargo bike is. The tilting technology is great fun and keeps the bike really well on the road despite its high center of gravity. You could even slalom on the kerb, the road holding is so stable."

The equipment for an apparently everyday photo shoot "all fitted in well". On a positive note, he emphasized that the cover can be removed. The airline rails are practical for lashing down, the rain cover anyway.

Would the CHIKE E-Cargo be an option for him? "It's a bigger investment for one person alone, but it saves on parking fees and can replace a car," summarizes the photographer and makes another good suggestion: "I can well imagine sharing it with the other self-employed people here in the courtyard. Because the crate walls are interchangeable, everyone could even drive around with their own advertising."

MagazineCraft magazine
Test: detailed reader test of the CHIKE E-Cargo
ResultEvaluation in interview responses
All results: Individual test

With a lot of driving fun and very natural driving characteristics to the editorial recommendation

The CHIKE E-Cargo impressed in the ElektroRad 2_2024 comparison test with its riding characteristics and large payload with compact dimensions. This earned it the top score of 1.4 (VERY GOOD) in the test field of 5 cargo bikes and a recommendation from the editors.

With external dimensions of 192 x 73 cm and a wheelbase of 130 cm, the E-Cargo is "extremely compact" - "yet still has a large-volume cargo box measuring 94 cm in length and a capacity of 210 liters."

What makes the CHIKE E-Cargo unique on the cargo bike market is its sprung tilting chassis, which provides an extraordinary amount of comfort and maneuverability.

The CHIKE's compact design and tilting chassis translate into a pleasant riding style: "Sitting confidently and upright, the Chike maneuvers super dynamically right from the start and is exceptionally light-footed through tight passages, even with a load. You quickly get used to the tilting technology, which makes cornering as agile and maneuverable as on a classic two-wheeler. Thanks to three wheels with an increased feeling of safety, of which the two front wheels in small 16-inch size are largely responsible for the nimble cornering maneuvers."

Shimano's E6100 motor in the cargo version is responsible for the powerful drive when riding: "The power is transferred to the rear wheel via the electronic Inter-5E Di2 hub gear via a belt drive - optionally in automatic mode." On inclines, the E6100 shows off its power with ease, with five automatically changing gears also contributing to carefree cargo riding. Downhill, the hydraulic disc brakes impress with precise modulation even in wet conditions."

Magazine: ElektroRad 1 and 2 2024
Test: 5 cargo bikes in the comparison test
Result: written conclusion and grade 1.4
All results2 x 1.4; 3 x 1.6

A threesome

With its elaborate axle design, the Chike can be thrown dynamically into bends. This brings safety and riding fun, MyBike begins its test report on the CHIKE E-Kids.

With its built-in tilting technology, the CHIKE eliminates the disadvantages that three-track transport wheels otherwise have: "They place the transport surface, including the driver, in the curve, thus eliminating centrifugal forces and are significantly more stable and faster to move." Another advantage of the tilting technology is its damping Elastormer block - a simple but effective way of ensuring a high level of ride comfort, which - like the tilting technology itself - also requires hardly any maintenance.

In addition to standing on three wheels, the hydraulic disc brakes ensure a high level of driving safety. For safe parking, the tilt mechanism is locked in the horizontal position and the brake locking lever is there.

The Shimano Steps E6100 is sufficiently powerful, the small wheels at the front also support the lively handling as well as the automatic five-speed hub gears.

Magazine: MyBike 4/2023
Test: 7 Transport wheels in the buying guide
Result: written conclusion and grade 1.8
All results3 x 1.7; 2 x 1.8, 1.9, 2.0

The testers then introduce the detailed test report with the following sentence: "The cargo bike trike, which at first glance appears very pragmatic, is full of innovative vehicle technology and well thought-out details."

The combination of the compact wheel and the sprung tilting technology results in a very good-natured driving impression: "Our tester steered the van precisely around
street bollards, between parked vehicles and with 30 kg of photographic equipment over kerbs without braking."

Getting used to the handling of the Chike is surprisingly quick, "because the low entry and the upright seating position convey control and safety", which is only underpinned by the powerful brakes.

The trick at the beginning is confidence and "just getting into the bends", as the editors describe it very nicely: "The first few meters on the busy, three-lane road in Stuttgart city centre are still a little hesitant, but a few traffic lights later our
tester cruises along in a relaxed manner." The automatic shifting Shimano Inter 5E Di2 hub gears help here.

Fully loaded, the motor seemed "a little weak on the chest" to the testers on steep climbs in Stuttgart, but after all, the CHIKE E-Cargo is also a cargo bike and not made for the race track.

However, that was the main point of criticism for the editorial team. The criticized locking lever for the brakes has since been updated. The testers cited the surprisingly compact dimensions, the good steering behavior even at slow speeds and the flexible loading area as plus points.

Magazine: ElektroBike 1.2023
Test: 12 different cargo bikes
Result: written conclusion
All results: no comparative test, only written conclusions as a summary.

Test victory with innovative tilting technology

In a test of six cargo bikes, the CHIKE E-Kids came out on top. The score of 1.4 is the result of a detailed examination of the "maneuverable cradle wagon" at the end of the test report.

Thanks to the chassis, the compact E-Kids guarantees an extraordinary amount of riding fun, the Radfahren testers emphasize the most important technical feature of the E-Kids: "The innovative tilting technology has set standards in terms of maneuverability, riding dynamics and safety." The E-Kids also guarantees "an extraordinary amount of riding fun."

With the tilting chassis under the cab, you can lean into a bend and steer like a conventional single-track bike. The testers report: "You quickly get used to the tilting technology - and learn to appreciate it. It's just as agile and maneuverable in bends as a classic two-wheeler - with a great sense of safety thanks to the third wheel."

The "precisely controllable" disc brakes also convey safety, even in wet conditions. The drive - Shimano E6100 in the cargo version - works surprisingly smoothly even on inclines under maximum load.

The testers also liked the optional lockable box: "Good for important things that need to be close at hand, but are also easy to steal." The testers also found the quiet and almost maintenance-free belt drive to be stress-free.

Overall, the CHIKE E-Kids received the best score in the test with a grade of 1.4 and "very good" and a clear recommendation from the editorial team. "All in all, we like the overall package of the Chike very much, all the components - from the motor and brakes to the seat and handlebars - seem to have been cast from the same mold."

Magazine: Cycling 1/2023
Test6 transport bikes from 2799 to 6999 euros
ResultRecommendation (grade 1.4)
All results1.4; 2 x 1.5; 2 x 1.6; 1.8;

Test victory for the CHIKE e-Kids in the ADAC cargo bike test

In issue 10/2021, ADAC-Motorwelt focused on the question of how suitable three-wheeled cargo bikes are for everyday use, as cargo bikes are becoming increasingly popular.

Convincing driving characteristics

The CHIKE E-Kids was the most convincing of the five test bikes in the categories of riding, drive system and motor, handling and comfort, safety and workmanship as well as pollutants.

The CHIKE scored particularly well in terms of driving and comfort: "The driving behavior and the conditions around the child transport in combination with high-quality components convinced the testers the most." The tilt chassis technology was also the most convincing on uneven roads, according to the results of the computer-controlled comfort measurement.

"In addition to a threshold and cobblestones, the systems also had to show how they behave when riding down a high kerb." Here, the CHIKE E-Kids scored points with both the tilting technology and the integrated elastomer: "All bumps in the road are very well cushioned by the e-kids model from Chike."

When it came to transporting children, the testers also liked the E-Kids' seatbelt options and practice, as well as the accommodation in general: "Here, the children's transport area corresponds to a protected passenger compartment, comparable to a children's bike trailer."

Top grade 2.1

In total, the CHIKE E-Kids received the top score of 2.1, which is made up as follows:

• "Pollutant measurement" - grade 1.0
• "Safety and workmanship" - grade 1.7
• "Handling and comfort" - grade 1.9
• "Driving characteristics" - grade 2.2
• Drive system and engine - grade 2.6

The strengths included the good brakes, the direct steering for an agile riding style, the riding comfort thanks to the elastomer suspension, the best light in the test, the relatively low weight of 38 kilograms and the good equipment with the transport box.

MagazineADAC Magazine
Test: 5 three-wheeled e-cargo bikes
ResultGrade 2.1
All resultsGrades 2.1; 2.4; 3.0; 3.3; 5.0

Buying tip for the CHIKE E-Kids in BikeBild

The CHIKE E-Kids is a familiar face for the BIKE Bild editorial team. In one of its first tests (Bike Bild 4/2018), the three-lane cargo bike with a cabin that can comfortably accommodate one or two children won the test.

Now, exactly three years later, the successor model has been awarded the editors' tip among four "cargo bikes in the trike class". The CHIKE E-Kids impressed the test riders with its great handling, excellent tilting technology and cleverly chosen dimensions.

Like a single-track bicycle

"It may look unusual, but we really like the Chike. In our big family test two years ago, it showed that it can even hold its own in direct comparison with the single-track e-cargobikes," the editorial team alludes to the first test of the CHIKE three years ago. Among
the four trikes in the current test, it is "in a league of its own". This is mainly due to the tilting technology, which works so well "that riding it actually feels like riding a single-track bike. You don't want to stop riding in serpentine lines."

The dimensions are also pleasantly balanced: with its 73 centimeters, it actually fits through any gap like a normal bike. Nevertheless, the cabin offers enough space for two children.

The testers also praised the comfortable seating position, the automatic Shimano Di2 gears and the optional transport boxes. Among the four three-wheeled cargo bikes, the CHIKE was also by far the lightest three-wheeled bike, weighing in at around 38 kilograms.

Magazine: Bike Bild 4/2021
Test16 different cargo bikes, including 4 trikes
ResultPurchase tip; written evaluation in the conclusion.
All results: written assessments, no direct comparison by grades.

"International Cargobike of the Year 2021" award in the "Light Cargobikes" category for the CHIKE e-cargo

In addition to the simple transport of loads, it impressed with its slim passage width of 73 centimeters, it also scored points in terms of driving characteristics with its tilting chassis concept, agile handling with a good payload as well as its compact design and simple maintenance.

The Cargobike of the Year Award is presented by the trade magazine Logistra from the Huss publishing house in three categories and thus takes account of the trend towards cargo bike logistics and the use of cargo bikes in the commercial sector.

Gentle cradle: Rating "Very good" and "Best buy" for the CHIKE e-kids

Radfahren describes the CHIKE E-Kids as a "gentle cradle" with an exciting cargo concept that is a lot of fun to ride. In the test in issue 3/2021, it was awarded the "Very good" rating as well as the "Best Buy" award.

After a few meters to get used to the tilting technology, the smooth-running Chike almost rides itself, writes Radfahren: "The inclination when cornering comes very close to the natural handling of a classic bicycle. At the same time, the tricycle conveys a great deal of safety."

The Shimano STEPS E6100 drive is also suitable for the natural riding experience. "It's not a primal powerhouse, but a cultivated helper." In any case, everything looks high-quality and comfortable: "The rider doesn't have to sacrifice comfort either: The saddle and grips are comfortable, the riding position is upright."

Optimally protected with a panoramic view

With the e-Kids, the main focus is on transporting children. In a sturdy passenger compartment similar to that of a children's bike trailer - except that the children have a complete panoramic view from the front. The passenger compartment is "enclosed by a robust tubular frame. An enclosing tarpaulin is attached to it to protect the little passengers from wind and weather. The children - two fit comfortably next to each other in the box - sit on a full-length bench seat in the Chike e-Kids, secured by size-adjustable five-point harnesses."

Magazine: Cycling 3/2021
Test16 transport bikes for family and cargo between 2699 euros and 8865 euros
Result: Purchase tip, grade 1.5 (very good)
All results2 x 1.3; 4 x 1.4; 7 x 1.5; 2 x 1.6; 1.7; 1.9

"Dad, more curves!"

"The difference to normal cycling is hardly noticeable and for the little passengers, the cabin, which tilts to the right and left, feels like the gondola of a fairground ride. Or as the two of them would put it: 'Dad, more curves!"

The detailed test report on the CHIKE E-Kids published by the Süddeutsche Zeitung on October 5, 2020 begins with an important note: When the locking mechanism, which prevents the tricycle from tilting, is active, a CHIKE cannot be steered. When locked, however, a CHIKE can be easily loaded or held still for up to two children to get on and off.

The CHIKE E-Kids has a tilting chassis that allows the tricycle with its two front wheels to be steered around bends like a normal bicycle. Or as the Süddeutsche newspaper puts it: "This cargo bike rides better than any other cargo bike in the SZ test series."

Smooth movements thanks to tilting technology
Both the frame and the two child seats at the front tilt in a smooth movement when cornering, the testers describe further. Only on particularly sharp changes of direction can you feel the rear wheel slowly losing grip, without really pushing the cargo bike to its limits.

In combination with its comparatively low weight of 38 kilograms and length of just under two meters, the CHIKE is "more manoeuvrable than almost any cargo bike on the market." Good for getting in and out: with a width of 73 centimetres, it also fits through any door.

For children and stuff
The rickshaw-like design is great for the children: "They sit at the front with the best view and no restrictive walls." They sit in padded seats, protected by a rainproof transparent tarpaulin, strapped in with 5-point harnesses, just like in a children's bike trailer.

Luggage and shopping can be stored in optional lockable boxes if required. If you want to transport really large loads from time to time, you can change the body of the CHIKE from the E-Kids version to the transport area of the E-Cargo. "Kids or stuff" - ultimately, both are possible.

Magazine: Süddeutsche Zeitung, 5.10.2021
Test: Single test
Result: Evaluation in text form
All results: Evaluation in text form

"...very close to the perfect family bike"

The Radelbande blog has set itself the task of showing (electric) cargo bikes and mobility without your own car and how you can implement a traffic turnaround as a family in everyday life.

He presented the Chike E-Kids in detail and in a very balanced way in two articles on radelbande.de and on his YouTube channel in fall 2020.

Magazine: Radelbande, Youtube channel
Testdetailed test of the CHIKE E-Kids
Result: Rating in video description and in the movie
All results: Individual test

Purchase recommendation for the CHIKE E-Kids

The bike blog tested the CHIKE E-Kids for 14 days under the very different requirements of a family - a leisurely trip to the lake, errands and everyday routes in city traffic and, to top it all off, a camping weekend on a bike. In total, over 200 kilometers were covered, which led to a well-founded conclusion: The CHIKE E-Kids is one of the most family-friendly cargo bikes on the market.

Parents benefit from the handling as riders and children as passengers: "It rides like a bike, not like a typical cargo bike. The tilting technology makes bends a real pleasure and they really almost feel like you're riding through them on a normal two-wheeler. On asphalt, you feel safe at high speeds," says the bike blog, summarizing the riding characteristics.

In order to test the CHIKE at really high speeds, the testers went all out: "In a test without children, but with sandbags to simulate the weight, we rode downhill at speeds of up to 53 km/h. The CHIKE e-Kids remained stable at these speeds. The chike e-Kids remains stable. There is no wobbling and no wobbling of the front wheels. The suspension swallows up every bump and keeps the front of the cab steady."

In general, the elastomer suspension was "amazing", as the children usually didn't notice bumps at all. The bike blog showed how the damping works in a video in a video.

The testers commented on the dimensions: With its width of 73 centimetres, it fitted through all the junction grids. Also, because "it is less than 2 meters long and has a strong steering angle in addition to the tilting technology, the turning circle is also incredibly tight." This meant that they never "reached the limits of flexibility."

Magazine: Bicycle blog 2019
Test: Single test
Result: Evaluation in written form; "Buy recommendation"
All results: Individual test

Seven families - seven months - first place for CHIKE E-Kids

Bike Bild took a lot of time for this test in 2018: Over seven months, seven families tested seven E-cargo bikes for families extensively in everyday life. Each family had each bike for a month, then the next one came along - so everyone found out which features and details are important in everyday life. Who better to judge e-cargo bikes for families than families?

That's why we were delighted in fall 2018 that the CHIKE E-Kids came out on top in the overall test. The E-Kids scored a total of 39 out of 49 points (each family scored 7 points for the top-rated bike and just one point for the bike in seventh place).

The editors' conclusion: "Our project has shown that cargo bikes can be a huge benefit for families. They are usually cheaper than a (second) car, take up less space, are more environmentally friendly and - an important argument - children have much more fun in the crates of cargo bikes than in the back of a car."

Magazine: Bike Bild 4/2018
Test: Endurance test over 7 months of 7 bikes from 7 families
Result: 39 out of 49 points; test victory
all Results: 11, 18, 25, 32, 35, 36, 39 points

Agile and maneuverable, practical parking function, ingenious tilting technology and the flexible transport box: The CHIKE E-Cargo impressed in a comparison of four compact e-cargo bikes in Cycle 4/2019 and won the test.

A cargo bike doesn't have to be much longer than a normal bike, Cycle (04/2019) introduces its comparison test of four compact cargo bikes with electric drive. The advantage of a short wheelbase (the distance from the front wheel axle to the rear wheel axle): a small turning circle and lots of flexibility when parking.

The E-Cargo from Chike achieves its compact dimensions thanks to its triangular shape with the two small wheels at the front and the larger wheel at the rear, as well as the spacious transport box mounted directly above the bike. With these advantages and the superior Shimano Steps electric drive, the E-Cargo won the test.

Normal driving behavior thanks to tilting technology

The Cycle testers wrote about the shape: "The bike with its robust aluminum frame and low triangle at the front looks great in terms of design." The riding position is upright, the handlebars are comfortably curved and the cargo bike is easy to handle under load right from the start.

Why does the E-Cargo drive so normally? "The trick behind it is a tilting technology that allows you to corner despite having two front wheels." The handling is agile and maneuverable. And despite the large capacity of 200 liters with a maximum payload of around 200 liters, the Chike with its width of just 73 centimeters fits on almost all cycle paths and through all standard doors.

To ensure that the advantage when riding does not become a disadvantage when loading and unloading, the tilt function can be locked via a rotary switch on the handlebars, as can the brakes, the test report continues. Powerful hydraulic disc brakes from Tektro decelerate on the Chike: "They work safely and precisely even when fully loaded." Another advantage of the design: "The sprung tilt chassis and the tire volume dampen the ride."

When riding, the "well-tuned Shimano Steps motor system is definitely impressive". In addition, the electronic Alfine Di2 8-speed hub gear comfortably fits into the drive concept, which can be controlled via the easy-to-read display.

Magazine: Cycle Magazine 4/2019
Test: 4 cargo bikes presented
Result48 out of 50 points
All results42, 43, 44, 48 points

"We like the whole concept of the Chike e. The children are well protected. The bike is compact and easy to steer thanks to the tilting technology. The tilting technology can be locked and the brakes locked for loading, which is a clever feature."

The Eurobike Award is one of the most important awards a company can receive in the bicycle and mobility industry. The Eurobike in Friedrichshafen on Lake Constance, the leading trade fair for the bicycle industry, presents the award in recognition of exciting new products and pioneering innovations before the start of the trade fair.

Our CHIKE cargo bikes have been around since 2017, but the idea of a light and maneuverable bike that can be used to transport children or loads safely and easily was born back in 2012.

In August 2018, Fabian Hoberg summarized how the idea came about in a detailed portrait on Spiegel Online entitled "Chike cargo bike - a declaration of love on three wheels", explaining the steps required to bring a bike to market and what the name CHIKE is actually all about.

CHIKE E-Cargo commercial test: Fits everything!

MagazineCraft magazine
Test: detailed reader test of the CHIKE E-Cargo
ResultEvaluation in interview responses
All results: Individual test

Magazine: MyBike 4/2023
Test: 7 Transport wheels in the buying guide
Result: written conclusion and grade 1.8
All results3 x 1.7; 2 x 1.8, 1.9, 2.0

Magazine: ElektroBike 1.2023
Test: 12 different cargo bikes
Result: written conclusion
All results: no comparative test, only written conclusions as a summary.

Test victory with innovative tilting technology

Magazine: Cycling 1/2023
Test6 transport bikes from 2799 to 6999 euros
ResultRecommendation (grade 1.4)
All results1.4; 2 x 1.5; 2 x 1.6; 1.8;

Test victory for the CHIKE e-Kids in the ADAC cargo bike test

MagazineADAC Magazine
Test: 5 three-wheeled e-cargo bikes
ResultGrade 2.1
All resultsGrades 2.1; 2.4; 3.0; 3.3; 5.0

Buying tip for the CHIKE E-Kids in BikeBild

Magazine: Bike Bild 4/2021
Test16 different cargo bikes, including 4 trikes
ResultPurchase tip; written evaluation in the conclusion.
All results: written assessments, no direct comparison by grades.

"International Cargobike of the Year 2021" award in the "Light Cargobikes" category for the CHIKE e-cargo

In addition to the simple transport of loads, it impressed with its slim passage width of 73 centimeters, it also scored points in terms of driving characteristics with its tilting chassis concept, agile handling with a good payload as well as its compact design and simple maintenance.

Gentle cradle: Rating "Very good" and "Best buy" for the CHIKE e-kids

Magazine: Cycling 3/2021
Test16 transport bikes for family and cargo between 2699 euros and 8865 euros
Result: Purchase tip, grade 1.5 (very good)
All results2 x 1.3; 4 x 1.4; 7 x 1.5; 2 x 1.6; 1.7; 1.9

Magazine: Süddeutsche Zeitung, 5.10.2021
Test: Single test
Result: Evaluation in text form
All results: Evaluation in text form

"...very close to the perfect family bike"

Magazine: Radelbande, Youtube channel
Testdetailed test of the CHIKE E-Kids
Result: Rating in video description and in the movie
All results: Individual test

Purchase recommendation for the CHIKE E-Kids

Magazine: Bicycle blog 2019
Test: Single test
Result: Evaluation in written form; "Buy recommendation"
All results: Individual test

Seven families - seven months - first place for CHIKE E-Kids

Magazine: Bike Bild 4/2018
Test: Endurance test over 7 months of 7 bikes from 7 families
Result: 39 out of 49 points; test victory
all Results: 11, 18, 25, 32, 35, 36, 39 points

Agile and maneuverable, practical parking function, ingenious tilting technology and the flexible transport box: The CHIKE E-Cargo impressed in a comparison of four compact e-cargo bikes in Cycle 4/2019 and won the test.

Magazine: Cycle Magazine 4/2019
Test: 4 cargo bikes presented
Result48 out of 50 points
All results42, 43, 44, 48 points

"We like the whole concept of the Chike e. The children are well protected. The bike is compact and easy to steer thanks to the tilting technology. The tilting technology can be locked and the brakes locked for loading, which is a clever feature."

The Eurobike Award is one of the most important awards a company can receive in the bicycle and mobility industry. The Eurobike in Friedrichshafen on Lake Constance, the leading trade fair for the bicycle industry, presents the award to exciting new products and pioneering innovations before the start of the trade fair.

Our CHIKE cargo bikes have been around since 2017, but the idea of a light and maneuverable bike that can be used to transport children or loads safely and easily was born back in 2012.

In August 2018, Fabian Hoberg summarized how the idea came about in a detailed portrait on Spiegel Online entitled "Chike cargo bike - a declaration of love on three wheels", explaining the steps required to bring a bike to market and what the name CHIKE is actually all about.