Own a cargo bike?

Most maintenance will be by done by your chosen mechanic, but you should conduct preventative maintenance yourself including:

Before operating:

• Check your tyre pressure and, if necessary, inflate them to the required pressure
• Check your brakes by squeezing them
• If you have a quick release mechanism on your wheels, check that it is fully closed
• Make sure you have a tyre puncture repair kit handy for your trip

After operating:

• Keep your cargo bike clean and dry. Wipe it down a rag and avoid spraying with water as this may cause parts to rust. If your bike has been in the rain, be sure to let it dry off
• If you have an electric cargo bike, recharge your battery
• Store your battery inside away from extreme temperatures to avoid draining its charge (in freezing weather) and overheating it (in hot weather). Try to store it between 0 and 30°C.

Make sure to check over your cargo bike regularly. Strange, new sounds could mean it’s time to take it to a professional.

Ideally, you’ll want to store your cargo bikes indoors but in cities like London, that’s not always possible. You could

When at your base

• Use a chain lock and a D-lock to attach it to a robust ground or wall anchor
• Install a frame lock (wheel lock)
• Experiment with locking your wheels at awkward angles that make it difficult for a would-be thief to carry it away
• Use a cargo bike cover to make its presence less obvious
• Check with your local authority for a lockable bike shelter or consider a private provider
• Insure your cargo bike

When you’re on the road

• Try to lock your bike in a busy area and
• Attach it to something sturdy such as a lamppost, railing or fence

Brand your bikes as a distinctive cargo bike will appeal less to a professional thief. You may also want to consider installing a GPS tracker on your cargo bike.

If you’re considering more than one cargo bike, great. Your cargo bikes will be nimbler than cars or vans, taking up less space and going door (not always an option on narrow roads or alleys). They won’t put out emissions either. You won’t have to pay for fuel, although you will still have to account for charging your bikes.

You’ll want to consider:

• How you will train your riders
• Track and trace technology to ensure secure, efficient journeys