Utility Cycling - Now THIS is a cargo bike....

I think I could live in this thing.

http://www.treehugger.com/Little%20Queen-Paris-Cargo-Bike.jpg

I really want one, but I'm not really sure why.

Yes, why?

'Cuz you'd have the ONLY ONE, except for maybe that guy!

Eric

So where did you find it? Anyone know what it is? I can't make out the URL printed on the side.

So where did you find it? Anyone know what it is? I can't make out the URL printed on the side.

Looks like its a cargo moving company in Paris

http://www.treehugger.com/files/2008/05/pedal-powered-cabs-reach-stockholm.php

That story links to this page(LA PETITE REINE), but its in French.

http://www.lapetitereine.com/ENT_presse.php

So where did you find it? Anyone know what it is? I can't make out the URL printed on the side.

Paris, France (http://www.copenhagenize.com/2008/05/little-queen.html):thumb:

Aaron:)

Thanks guys.

I think I could live in this thing.

http://www.treehugger.com/Little%20Queen-Paris-Cargo-Bike.jpg

I really want one, but I'm not really sure why.

Looks very Disneyesque

Is it just me, or does it look like there's a back wheel to the bicycle portion - like that big thing is actually a trailer?

Ah, no it's just me. I followed the second link (first one was dead) and found more photos. A clear side view shows there's a curved bulge there like a wheel, but nothing below.

Ah, no it's just me. I followed the second link (first one was dead) and found more photos. A clear side view shows there's a curved bulge there like a wheel, but nothing below.

There is what looks to be a battery, I think it may have an electric assist.

http://awcg.com/Allen/RandomImages/FrenchCargo.jpg
The green thing, I think, is its battery. The plug-in could be on the gray faceplate.

There is what looks to be a battery, I think it may have an electric assist.

http://awcg.com/Allen/RandomImages/FrenchCargo.jpg
The green thing, I think, is its battery. The plug-in could be on the gray faceplate.

They do have an electric assist...works for me

Aaron:)

I was just thinking that a head wind would be brutal in that. Those tires wouldn't make it any easier, either.

here's something you can live in

http://halifax.optimuscrime.com/2004/06/living-inside-belly-of-whale.html

http://halifax.optimuscrime.com/images/june04/whale-house.jpg

What a cool little camper trailer. I'd love to see more stuff like this on the market. Perhaps an ultra lite hardsided folding camper that can be towed by a bike.

What a cool little camper trailer. I'd love to see more stuff like this on the market. Perhaps an ultra lite hardsided folding camper that can be towed by a bike.

Living in one full-time might not be practical, but as a vacation/recreation device, yes.

I don't think I would want to take on a headwind....electric assist or not with that thing.....

There is what looks to be a battery, I think it may have an electric assist.
Sweet jesus, I hope so! Pedaling that thing into a strong headwind would be a nightmare! LOL :)

Steve

Here's one you can pick up:
http://cgi.ebay.com/pedicab-vending-cart_W0QQitemZ260253697325QQihZ016QQcategoryZ67146QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

This one is good!
http://www.tonystrailers.com/nomad/ Had plans to make one but..

Having lived in Paris/France for a time, I can assure you that headwinds aren't really a concern, at least downtown proper. :) This is exactly the kind of thing that would make sense there. Glad I'm getting a peek at it :)

What concerns me about the set-up is that the guy doesn't appear to have any room to move behind the seat - as in, the trailer is impeding his posture and the movement of the posterior with the pedaling. Seems they could find a way to give a little bit more clearance if these are rentals/multiple-user machines?

Having lived in Paris/France for a time, I can assure you that headwinds aren't really a concern, at least downtown proper. :) This is exactly the kind of thing that would make sense there. Glad I'm getting a peek at it :)

What concerns me about the set-up is that the guy doesn't appear to have any room to move behind the seat - as in, the trailer is impeding his posture and the movement of the posterior with the pedaling. Seems they could find a way to give a little bit more clearance if these are rentals/multiple-user machines?

Adding, now that I've looked over the web site:

Moderately impressive - can go a max of 20 kmh, only 2 hours to recharge the battery, can hold a recommended max of 80 kilos of cargo (about 180 pounds of stuff).

They'll sell you one w/a battery for 3,500 euros, without for 2,500 euros - a relative bargain. :)

I've seen homemade trailers that can hold/pull more than that, but it seems the advantage to their model is that it's a closed unit. And apparently has the legal right to ride in lanes designated for buses - something you don't normally see here. They have seperate bike lanes and bus lanes over there. It has the odd designation of being able to call itself a bicycle and a special cargo vehicle - whatever it feels like at the time :)

I don't see a problem with room in the posterior, seems to me it would work okay to sit right against that back and pedal. What I do see as a problem is that his seat is too low, but he's also almost out of headroom, too- obviously a setup for short people.