March 14, 2022 - We were excited to test drive Riese & Müller’s Load 75 Vario, a top-end e-cargo bike that features the company’s largest load capacity, along with many great features such as rear suspension.
Founded in 1993 by Markus Riese and Heiko Müller in Darmstadt, Germany, the award-winning brand is renowned globally and is currently sold in over 50 countries worldwide.
In tandem with the cycling boom, cargo bikes have also seen massive growth around the world, including Toronto, where we’re seeing more and more of them being used both privately and commercially.
Every time we roll out on an e-cargo bike test drive, whether it’s summer or winter, it’s amazing how people stop and want to talk about these innovative bikes and express interest in purchasing one.
With the help of R&M’s local dealer, Curbside Cycle, we were set to go, and it’s worth noting that the Toronto shop offers a wide selection of models with varying accessories that reflect the growing interest in this category.
The power plant of the Load 75 Vario is the well-proven Bosch Cargo Line Cruise Gen 4 motor, which was specifically designed for e-cargo bikes. It offers up to 400% energy support while providing up to 85Nm torque that delivers plenty of get-up-and-go even when loaded.
The 500Wh PowerPack has a 100km range and can be doubled up with an extender. A nice touch is the charging port on the bike — you can just plug it in without removing the battery.
The Bosch Intuvia computer interface was very user-friendly with four different assist levels toggled by a plus or minus button.
The impressive Enviolo 380 internally geared rear hub design, with grip shifter, offers fluid no-step shifting even at a complete stop. The durable Gates Drive CDX belt is also low-maintenance and can handle 30,000km of riding before needing replacement.
We loved the smart incorporation of the X-Fusion Glyde rear suspension and the 70mm Suntour Mobie front suspension fork, which handled bumps both large and small. The Load 75 features a low cargo bed design that’s rated up to a maximum of 100kg and becomes more stable as weight is added.
On puncture-resistant Schwalbe Big Ben Plus tires, stopping all that rolling mass was a breeze, especially with the Tektro TRP hydraulic brakes that are supplied with large 203mm rotors.
The Load 75 handled all trips smoothly, tracking well in most conditions, but it needed more care on loose snow when unloaded.
As with all e-bikes and e-cargo bikes, also keep in mind that the operating temperature range has limits. For their batteries Bosch suggests -5C for operating and -10C for storing. This can be increased by simply adding a thermal cover to the battery. There are factors to consider such the wind-chill etc. so plan accordingly for winter riding conditions. R&M offers extensive User Manuals on line as well.
The Load 75 is a one-size-fits-all e-cargo bike with fully adjustable stem and seatpost, and the bike’s standover height means you don’t have to use all of your body weight to engage it even when fully loaded. Linebackers need not apply.
Designed with children in mind, it was no surprise that following our test-ride, the kids came back grinning and demanding more trips.
The set-up accommodates three kids with two smaller seats side-by-side at the back of the cargo box facing forward, and a bigger third seat up front that faces back. The larger front seat has a footwell that accommodates children’s feet when seated and also allows the seat to be stowed. All child seats feature 5-point seat belts.
Conversion from child-carrying mode to cargo mode is quick and easy. The smaller seats come out with the simple flip of one quick release, and the larger front seat with belts comes out as one. The front seat can also remain in place while carrying cargo.
The cargo box area offers various options from low/high sidewalls, to a rain/cold weather/sunroof clear plastic children’s cover with air vents, to a tarpaulin or a hard waterproof/lockable cover to protect cargo.
With the plastic children’s cover installed, we found that loading bags into the e-cargo bike while on a grocery run was made easy via the panel zippers. For carrying larger items, the whole enclosure can be removed in a few minutes without the need for tools.
As mentioned, many quality items come stock including Supernova M99 front/rear lights, SKS mudguards, Abus Shield lock, bungee cords, a rear rack, a bell and a sturdy kickstand.
The Riese & Müller Load 75 Vario is an impressive utility e-cargo bike that’s designed to appeal to a wide array of users with safety and luxury in mind. Since its humble beginnings, the company has seemed intent on creating products that are designed to be valuable team members in going green.
The SRP for the R&M Load 75 starts at $12,439; the Vario test model’s SRP is $14,935. For more information, please visit here.
