Test: The Riese & Müller Packster 40 is the newest and smallest e-cargo bike in the Darmstadt-based manufacturer's portfolio. But wait a minute – is it really a classic cargo bike? At first glance, a clear case: loading area in front of the handlebars, deflection to the 20-inch front wheel and the entire construction seem to leave no room for doubt. There are good reasons why the manufacturer itself has a little difficulty with this categorization, which only becomes clear when you look at the technical data.
The Packster 40 has two bigger siblings, the Packster 60 and 80, both of which are undoubtedly cargo bikes. At first glance, the compact newcomer may not be more than a smaller variant of the established models, but that is exactly what makes it so special. Despite its loading area in the front, the bike has a rather compact wheelbase of 1.660mm, which is only slightly longer than that of a normal bike. Since the width of the loading area has also become smaller, the Packster 40 is no wider than a normal bike. The dimensions should not only accommodate newcomers to the handling of cargo bikes, but also make it much easier to stow away the e-cargo bike on the go or at home. Another positive side effect: At just over 30kg, it is extremely light for an e-cargo bike.
But of course the concept does not come without compromises: the loading area is significantly smaller than what is known from most other cargo bikes. Large enough for a crate of drinks, groceries or even a child seat, but if you are looking for a pack donkey for large and bulky items, you might be disappointed.
Riese & Müller Packster 40: Individual equipment at a high level
In our test we had the elegantly equipped top version of the Packster 40, the Packster 40 NuVinci HS with dual battery, wooden box, folding lock and S-Pedelec motor from Bosch, which supports up to 45km/h. Cost point for this equipment version? Almost €6.700. A proud price. But you also get a high-quality all-round S-Pedelec with a large loading area and yet agile handling. If you don't want to invest that much, you can find equipment from €4.000. Based on four basic variants, the model can be individually configured and adapted to your own wishes and budget.
Let's start with the frame: This is made of aluminum and comes in either bright red or a subtle grey. The 26″ rear wheel is combined with a compact 20″ front wheel, which is controlled via a proven deflection. The Bosch mid-engine is visually appealing and largely unobtrusively integrated into the frame. The standard battery fits under the low top tube, the optional additional battery is simply attached to the back of the charging box. In addition to the transport box at the front, the frame also has a classic rack from Racktime.
In our case, changing gears is done with a stepless N380 hub from NuVinci, which combines high comfort with a wide range and is a very good choice for a bike in the Packster class. Thanks to the belt drive, the cargo bike's drive is not only extremely quiet, but also extremely low-maintenance, ideal for an everyday companion.
The Suntour XCM suspension fork with 70mm in the front, as well as the Cane Creek Thudbuster ST suspension seat post, provide additional comfort. The extremely stable center stand helps in "parking mode", which not only folds out easily, but also allows the Packster to stand securely.
Of course, a lighting system should not be missing on an everyday bike. Here, Riese & Müller uses a combination of Busch + Müller headlights and Supernova LED rear lights, which are mounted on the luggage rack.
Riese & Müller Packster 40: practical detailed solutions
However, the technical side of a bike like the Riese & Müller Packster 40 is only half the story. How is the load stowed? What detailed solutions does the bike offer? Because no matter how pleasing the look or how agile the handling may be: Most people buy such a bike for practical reasons. Our test bike came with the standard wooden box that comes with every Packster for €149. This is excellently processed and consists of robust, coated wood. It looks good and the dark brown coating proved to be surprisingly robust during our test period. However, we cannot say how the box will hold up over the years after one or two heavy rain showers.
The highlight of the box, however, only becomes apparent on closer inspection: the side parts are plugged in and can be removed with just one hand and attached to the underside as an additional loading area. If the worst comes to the worst, you get significantly more space for larger pieces of luggage, which can also be easily lashed down with the help of the tension belt. This could well be the case a few times, because the space in the compact wooden box is extremely limited: there is enough space for a crate of drinks, as well as a larger purchase. However, if you want to transport bulky items on a regular basis, you might want to take a look at the larger versions of the Packster.
The contents on the loading area can be protected with a supplied rain cover, which is pulled over the wooden box. It is attached with four tabs in the corners of the rain cover. For our taste, the fabric here is a bit too small and putting it on requires a lot of strength and is not quite as comfortable as we would like. On the other hand, he then sits securely and is not impressed by the (travel) wind.
The wooden box is also optionally available with a built-in “glove compartment” in the base plate: removing a small plate reveals an indentation that fulfills a dual function. Additional storage space, clear; However, if you also mount the child seat, the little passengers can put their feet in the recess and thus sit much more comfortably.
Riese & Müller Packster 40: good-natured handling without major compromises
Riese & Müller promises a riding experience similar to that of a normal bicycle from the latest cargo scion. This concept definitely works, because the Packster 40 is noticeably more agile than large cargo bikes, which are often more reminiscent of a semitrailer than a bicycle. The deflection to the front wheel works excellently, but it still takes a short period of time for cargo newcomers to get used to it. The relatively short wheelbase helps with tight corners, but especially at low speeds the bike - especially when fully loaded - becomes a bit wobbly than a normal bike.
The equipment does its job reliably and makes a consistently good and, above all, well thought-out impression. Thanks to the spring support and suspension fork, the bike irons away unpleasant vibrations, the NuVinci gears are great and the disc brakes are powerful, but not too snappy.
A highlight of our test bike was undoubtedly the Performance 45 motor with the two 500Wh batteries. Even if you certainly don't want to set any speed records with the Packster 40 and speeds beyond 40 km/h require some practice, the additional performance is a welcome plus. If the bike is fully loaded and the path is steep, the turbo mode makes sense and makes pedaling a lot easier. Thanks to the two batteries, you don't have to use the energy too sparingly, because the radius of action is still large enough.
Riese & Müller Packster 40: A practical compromise
One or the other may now ask themselves: For whom does a compact cargo bike like the Packster 40 make sense? A brief analogy to the car market might help here, even if the circumstances certainly cannot be equated 1:1. A classic city bike corresponds to a small compact car - practical, inexpensive to buy, easy to use. For families or people who just like to transport a little more, but impractical. A traditional, full-grown cargo bike, on the other hand, is on the level of a large transporter. Plenty of space, but bulky, needing space and simply unsuitable for everyday journeys. The Packster 40 lies somewhere in between – in the case of cars, it would probably correspond most closely to a station wagon or a small van. A look at the street shows just how great the need for such practical everyday vehicles is.
