The Riese & Müller Load is a unique cargo bike. It is a front loader with full suspension, adding comfort and stability on bumpy roads or off-road gravel paths. Depending on the model, it can fit 2-3 small-sized kids or a dog in the front. I consider it part of the adventure cargo bike category, as I’ve done some pretty gnarly rutted-out gravel on the GX package, including Schwalbe Smart Sam Plus tires and wider tires.
As I was adding the various Load cargo bike models to our directory, I realized there are 24 different models between the sizes, motor, drivetrain, and now the different generations of Bosch eBike systems. This article includes everything you need to know about the current Load cargo bike models in the spring of 2024!
Riese & Müller Load Models
At a high level, there are 4 different bike models, and then you can configure them with different motors and drivetrains. Let’s dig into what they all share, and then we can discuss their differences.
- The back half of the bike is the same for all models. The front “box” changes the bike’s length.
- They all share the full suspension frame, which Riese & Müller calls “Control Technology.”
- The adjustable handle post position rotates away from you. This handlepost is also very handy because it folds down, making this one of the easiest front-loading cargo bikes I have to fit in my minivan!
Riese & Müller Load 60
The ability to fit two smaller kids, a decent-sized dog, or two smaller dogs with a loading service of 60 cm long and 52 cm wide. It is worth mentioning that the Load 60 is the most affordable option.
Riese & Müller Load4 60
The Load4 uses the updated Bosch eBike smart system, different display and controller options, and has a larger size first battery at 725Wh vs 500 on the Load 60. You also will have Bosch eBike ABS 2.0 brakes and a beefier front fork with 34mm stanchions instead of 32. The geometry is the same, but the weight on the Load4 is slightly higher due to the larger battery and updated Bosch system.
Riese & Müller Load 75
The Load 75 can fit 3 small children or give 2 children more space. The loading area is 75 x 54 cm.
Riese & Müller Load4 75
The Load4 takes everything you love about the 75 and uses the updated Bosch eBike smart system, different display and controller options, and has a larger size first battery at 725Wh vs 500 on the Load 75. You also will have Bosch eBike ABS 2.0 brakes and a beefier front fork with 34mm stanchions instead of 32. The geometry is the same, but the weight on the Load4 is slightly higher due to the larger battery and updated Bosch system.
Riese & Müller Load Configurations
The configurations between models are roughly the same, with some nuanced differences if you compare Load4 and Load, specifically with the Bosch eBike system and the colors available.
Riese & Müller Load Touring
Anytime you see Touring from it means derailleur drivetrains.
Bosch Cargo Line Class 1 (20mph) motor, Shimano Deore XT with 1×11 drivetrain
Riese & Müller Load Touring HS
Anytime you see HS from Riese & Müller, it means High Speed or Class 3 28mph assistance.
Bosch Performance Line Speed Class 3 (28mph) motor, Shimano Deore XT with 1×11 drivetrain
Riese & Müller Load vario
Vario models from Riese & Müller mean Enviolo continuous variable drivetrain with Gates belt drive.
Bosch Cargo Line Class 1 (20mph) motor, Enviolo 380, Gates Belt drive
Riese & Müller Load vario HS
Bosch Performance Line Speed Class 3 (28mph) motor, Enviolo 380, Gates Belt drive
Riese & Müller Load Rohloff
Bosch Cargo Line Class 1 (20mph) motor, Rohloff E-14 Speedhub, Gates Belt drive
Riese & Müller Load Rohloff HS
Bosch Performance Line Speed (28mph) motor, Rohloff E-14 Speedhub, Gates Belt drive
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Riese & Müller Load Box Configurations
There are several box configurations, but the basic idea is what height walls you want and if you want to carry kids or cargo.
Step one: What type of sidewalls and cover do you want?
Step Two: You pick if you want child seats, a glove compartment, or nothing at all
Riese & Müller Load Accessories
There are many other accessories to consider for your Load cargo bike. Popular options or accessories include a carrier (rear rack), changing your Bosch display, ABS brakes on the Load4 models, a 2nd battery, a GX package, which is their offroad package with knobbier tires and wider pedals, and a frame lock extension chain.
How to Test Ride and Buy a Riese & Müller Load
Riese & Müller eBikes, especially the cargo bikes, can be elusive. The dealer network isn’t robust in the US, and even if there is a dealer, they may not be a cargo dealer. We recommend calling dealers to find one to test ride and post on the Facebook Group to find someone local to you for a test ride.
Once you fall in love with the Load, you may be lucky enough to have a dealer nearby with the exact bike you want to buy. If not, it will be an 8-12 week wait for Riese & Müller to custom build your bike and ship it from Germany. I’ve even had customers purchase an Urban Arrow or other cargo bike to ride the 2-3 months while waiting and then sell it once their dream bike arrives!
FAQ for the Riese & Müller Load Cargo Bikes
Please comment below with any questions you may have!
Real-Life Users of the Riese & Müller Load
Here are some user submissions on various Load setups! If you have a photo you want to share, please email [email protected]
