November 28, 2023 - As the mobility landscape embraces more e-cargo bikes for families and businesses, we were stoked to test Coaster Cycles Venture 1.0 e-cargo trike designed for commercial use for both large and small operations.
The company began in 2005 when Ben Morris, a young 22-year-old entrepreneur founded Boston Pedicab and over the next decade expanded the concept to other cities including San Francisco, Newport RI, Washington DC, Portland ME, Chicago, Austin, Santa Monica and more.
In 2014, they developed the first Coaster Cycles Pedicab and established their own manufacturing facility in 2015. As logistics and transportation evolved, they saw opportunity and modified their unique trike to create additional last-mile delivery solutions to meet the demand. The Venture is one of four models they offer to provide “…a revolutionary alternative to shipping and service needs.”
A medium size payload e-cargo trike, the Venture sports steel construction and a 13.5 cubic inch rear cargo box with a hinged top and locking lid that’s capable of carrying loads up to 400 pounds. The Venture 2.0 (all units built in the last year) uses 20” rear wheels with a larger 14.5 cubic inch rear cargo area.
Powering this e-cargo delivery beast is a Bosch Cargo Line drive system that’s paired with a PowerPack 500 lithium-ion battery that features an intelligent Battery Management System (BMS) and a range of 30 and 40 km, depending on total weight and terrain travelled. An additional, back-up battery can be stored in the cargo box to swap out when needed.
Specifically designed for cargo bikes to allow maximum efficiency while moving heavy loads, the Cargo Line’s 85 Nm of torque helps to get you up to speed from a standstill, and also up any hills along the way.
With the ability to deliver 400% of your own pedal power along with a low cadence output of 600 watts at 70 rpm, the Venture has a solid place in the delivery vehicle market.
The large, easy-to-read, bar-mounted Bosch Intuvia Control Center offers five power levels including the ever so valuable Walk Assist.
Smooth manual shifting is delivered by Enviolo’s stepless internal geared rear hub with a 380% gear range. The chain drive, with a coverbelt system, provides smooth, seamless gear changes.
The three 26-inch wheels feature Schwalbe 2.35” Pick-up cargo bike tires and the stopping power is courtesy of heavy duty Tektro hydraulic disc brakes along with front/rear parking brake options.
Out on the road, the Venture immediately showed its true colours with smooth handling and acceleration. Keep in mind that three-wheeled trikes, like any new machine, need a bit of time to get used to. Taking corners in a wide, controlled manner is key to avoid any tipping sensation, and the warning sticker on the top tube acts as a reminder.
In urban settings the Venture is ready to take its place for what it’s designed for – short haul, cargo deliveries. Like most cargo bikes, the large cargo box fills the bike lane and other riders will need to use the outside lane to pass.
Parking this type of e-cargo trike can also be a challenge at times, but when compared to vans there are fewer issues. To secure the Venture I activated the front and rear parking brakes along with the stock Abus locks for the frame and battery.
The Venture also comes equipped with fenders, a handy bell and front/rear lights that were much appreciated as I pedalled home at dusk.
UL Certified, the Coaster Venture has undergone both UL 2271 (battery) and UL 2849 (overall drive system) testing to ensure that it’s been thoroughly inspected and certified.
The sizeable rear cargo box is ready to handle everything from parcels and small packaged goods, to food, tools, wood and even kegs of beer, and is a great delivery option for a variety of small and large businesses looking for efficient, green, and economical last-mile delivery solutions. Company branding is also available as an option.
As the call for safe infrastructure and environment-friendly solutions keeps growing, companies like Coaster Cycles are well poised with fine products like the Venture to offer sustainable mobility solutions.
The MSRP is $8,495 $US and for more information visit here.
