Market / Eurobike 2017: Riese and Müller is known for its special bikes – one of which is the new Packster 40 cargo bike, which was presented at Eurobike 2017 and immediately won a Eurobike Award. The highlight of the two-meter-long bike: It should also cut a fine figure as a normal everyday bike.
The Darmstadt-based specialist manufacturer calls its new cargo bike Packster 40, which is intended to bridge the gap to everyday bikes with compact dimensions and a wide range of possible uses. The company, which has implemented the topic of full suspension for everyday bikes like no other and has now electrified the entire model range, is thus adding another cargo model to its classic "Load". “It's only two meters long when I take the front wheel out; there are special rear bike racks so I can also transport it by car”, explains company founder Markus Riese, who puts the weight of the Packster 40 at 30 kilos – that’s how heavy conventional touring pedelecs were a few years ago.
The highlight of the award-winning construction is of course the loading box, which shines with many extras: panniers can be hung on the side; a folding child seat makes the Packster a family vehicle. Thanks to the comparatively short wheelbase, the cargo bike is surprisingly manoeuvrable; once you get used to the handling, you can easily meander through city traffic. And with a permissible total weight of 160 kilos, a normal heavy driver can transport loads of more than a hundredweight.
In the cheapest variant with the "Bosch Active Cruise" motor and eight-speed hub gear, the crossover bike costs a slim 3.999 euros; For a surcharge, other drive and shifting variants are available, including an S-Pedelec with a continuously variable transmission. In addition, the Packster 60 and 80 are two even larger and more solid models.