October 12, 2023 - Ninety years ago, Winther Bikes began when a Danish blacksmith named Anders Winther began making tricycles for children. Now run by his great-grandchildren, Winther continues to offer high-quality cycles for families.
Expanding from children’s trikes to cargo bikes, Winther offers several models of e-assist trikes to safely and comfortably carry passengers, pets, and goods.
We had the opportunity to test out the Winther e-Cargoo, an e-assist cargo trike capable of carrying up to five small children, two big kids, or even an adult. With a variety of seating options in the impact-resistant ABS plastic front cargo area, along with optional Cargo Hood for added protection, the e-Cargoo can comfortably accommodate passengers ranging from infants to adults
Seating options include: a foldable bench with your choice of two five-point harnesses or one lap belt; rear-facing, reclined baby seat with faux sheepskin cover; single or double molded plastic seats with five-point harnesses; and the Maxi Cosi carseat base. The rack over the rear wheel is sturdy enough to support an additional child seat such as the Bobike Maxi.
The “tadpole” design (two wheels in the front and one wheel at the back) makes for an extremely stable ride, especially at low speeds. No matter how wiggly the kids get up front, the Winther Cargoo stays the course.
Ideal for inexperienced or nervous riders, the e-Cargoo is also fun for seasoned cyclists as well. With a surprisingly tight turning radius and well-proportioned front “bucket,” the e-Cargoo with one of the smallest turning circles on the market is easy to navigate through narrow bike lanes, around curbside cafes, and into crowded garages.
No kids to carry? The front cargo area has 278 litres of capacity, similar to the trunk of a small- to medium-sized car and an overall maximum capacity of 200kg including box and rider. We tested a variety of loads, including a Costco run for a family of five, bags of soil and plants from the nursery, two large and energetic dogs, and even our Christmas tree! The e-Cargoo carried it all with ease. In fact, the bike handles best when it has a big load up front.
The Shimano STePS E6100 motor delivers 250 watts of power with a maximum torque of 60Nm, making it easy to pedal even the heaviest loads uphill or into a headwind. The e-assist feels natural and smooth, thanks to the mid-drive placement and the Shimano Di2 electric shifting which is exact, accurate and works all winter. We also loved the automatic gear shifting option via the Shimano internal Nexus 5 hub and the feature that returns the bike to first gear when stopped – no more struggling to get going after a sudden stop!
The 504Wh Li-ION battery, tucked between the rear wheel and rear rack, has a range of 50-125km on a single charge, depending on weather conditions, load, and terrain. Charging takes only a few hours, and automatically powers down when the battery is full.
Safety is the number one priority for Winther, and the cabin is designed to absorb and distribute shock to minimize impact to passengers and rider. The aluminum rollbars offer head protection in case of tipping, while also supporting the weather-proof Cargo Cover which has reflective details for extra visibility at night. The Tektro hydraulic disc brakes provide secure, stable stopping power no matter the load or weather conditions.
It should come as no surprise that a company whose name means “winter” in Danish would make a cargo trike that excels in snowy conditions. The Shimano internal Nexus 5 hub is protected from the elements, and the chain is enclosed to keep it clean and free of salty slush. The hydraulic disc brakes and Di2 electronic shifting won’t freeze up in sub-zero temperatures, and the aluminum frame won’t rust if left outdoors in all weather.
The three-wheeled design is stable in icy and slushy conditions, making it the safest choice for the “wintry mix” of weather common in northern cities. With integrated front/rear LED lighting and fenders, a kid’s step, and an Abus Cafe lock, you’re ready for any journey or adventure.
This spacious, capable, all-season e-cargo trike offers a fun and healthy alternative to the family car. It’s an investment in an active, eco-friendly mode of transportation that will pay for itself in gas and maintenance savings – and bring smiles everywhere you go.
The SRP starts at $12,799 CDN and for more information please visit here.
