Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
DOT

Cycle of Joy: DOT’s New Cargo Bike Paves the Way to a Smaller Future

Does this cargo bike make me look fat?

It's a dream ride even if it doesn't ride like a dream.

The Department of Transportation has been testing a four-wheeled cargo bike that it intends to deploy later this summer on bike lane and other roadway projects that otherwise would require a full van — and the agency gave yours truly an exclusive look at the diminutive behemoth last week in Lower Manhattan.

First, the good news: It's narrow! At just 36 inches wide, this cargo bike fits completely inside a standard New York City bike lane and, as such, could set a new benchmark for how delivery companies like UPS and Amazon go about their business. (Indeed, UPS uses such cargo bikes in nicer places ... like Europe and Asia.)

The bad news: Bikes like this are not currently legal in New York City because state law doesn't allow for four-wheeled bikes (DOT is using this bike as a "test," so that's OK). Four-wheeled trucks polluting our lungs and congesting our roadways are just fine to state lawmakers, but not pedal-assist cargo bikes ... for now. As a result, companies like UPS don't use these vehicles in New York.

Nor can dry cleaners, nor plumbers, not other people making two or three deliveries at a time or carting around equipment.

The fun news: I got to ride it — though "ride" is not really the right word.

Even with its battery-powered pedal assist and even unloaded, this cargo bike rides more like a truck — to me it felt like those times when you rent a U-Haul because she kept the house and you have to move across town. Driving one of those after a life of bikes and tiny sedans is like becoming a long-haul truck driver.

But once you get up to speed, the bike maneuvers nicely and is clearly a superior alternative to big trucks and vans that are clogging the streets. And with a top speed of just 12 miles per hour, any crashes will likely cause far more damage to people or property.

At $20,000 apiece, they're a steal (the agency is hoping for bulk discounts if this test works out).

The test will continue over the next year to determine exactly how useful these kinds of vehicles will be for the DOT. Insiders say the biggest challenge will be learning how much equipment can be loaded into the cargo bike, and how many hours it can operate between charges (only one set of replacement batteries is in the cargo hold). The other challenge will be getting DOT workers to agree to use a cargo bike instead of a van (some people feel safer inside big metal boxes that can go really fast, so for now, the DOT says it will seek volunteers who want to be part of the future ... and get a little exercise on the job).

Last thing: the agency wants you to help name this machine (though our staff's nomination was not even countenanced). Voting continues through Tuesday:

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

‘Preventable’: Hit-and-Run Driver Kills Two on Third Av. Corridor Eric Adams Refuses to Make Safer

A motorist struck and killed two men on a strip where Mayor Adams recently shelved a safety redesign amid a backlash from local business interests.

July 11, 2025

Why No BRT For NYC? Two New Reports Tackle Why Your Bus Service Sucks

Years of bus priority projects barely made a dent in speeds because Big Apple leaders won't install real bus rapid transit, two recent reports argue.

July 11, 2025

Citi Bike Riders Are Pissed About Eric Adams’s 15 MPH Speed Limit

Citi Bike's new 15 mph max speed limit is a bad deal for riders and a potential threat to safety, riders said.

July 11, 2025

Friday Video: Cyclists, Check Out Your Next City

Streetfilms' Clarence Eckerson visited London earlier this summer to check in on the Big Smoke's cycling revolution.

July 11, 2025

Friday’s Headlines: Just the News Edition

We've got one more workday before we can hit the beach. Plus the news.

July 11, 2025

Council To Close Instacart Loophole, Pass Delivery Industry Regulation Bills

The City Council will vote on Monday to close the "Instacart loophole" and force all app companies to pay workers a minimum wage.

July 10, 2025
See all posts