Urban Arrow Family Cargo Bike Review: The Ultimate Car Replacement?

[Bike Shop Girl]

Chime in if you've ridden or own an Urban Arrow Family!

 

[laney]

I haven't ridden and don't own an Urban Arrow, but I'd love to hear from people who have and their primary cargo isn't kids.
The dealer network seems to be the best in the US for a front loading cargo bike, and potentially the best overall front loader available in the states, but is it still the best if you're not moving kids?

 

[Bike Shop Girl]

@laney I used it for years carrying my 60# dog. I know @americanfietser uses it for various things, maybe he can chime in!

 

[americanfietser]

Hey @laney, our household is childless. Both my wife and I use e-cargo bikes for 80%+ of our transportation needs for localized living. My wife has a Tern HSD and appreciates the smaller size of the bike. I have been using an Urban Arrow exclusively as our car replacement since 2021. I have to admit, it's frustrating how much Urban Arrow markets this bike as being for kids, kids, kids. I see e-cargo bikes as primarily car substitutes rather than children chariots as their primary purpose. The Urban Arrow, while having it's faults, is very much a great cargo bike for everything else. The box design with its high sides makes it so easy to take whatever you bought and just toss it in there. Even when you have larger loads, such as boxes that won't fit inside, a bit of work with some straps or bungee cords can hold it down on top of the rails and you can transport whatever you need.

I could likely go on and on about the bike, but it would be unnecessary when I can sum it up simply. Yes, if you want an extremely capable front-loader e-cargo bike to use as your vehicle for local living, go for it. It doesn't matter if it's empty or loaded down with $200 in groceries, it will take great care of you. Pick up the box cover as well to keep your box dry when there's rain or snow. Feel free to reach out if you ever have any specific questions about it. I'm always happy to share what I've learned.