Velo de Ville FR8: A Cargo Bike for Special Missions

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Six years ago, during the May long weekend, we went to the Netherlands. We stayed in an old windmill, marveled at fields of blooming tulips, and cycled along stunning bike paths in Dutch forests. But what really stuck with us were the hundreds of cargo bikes we saw in Amsterdam. Cargo bikes with 3-4, even 10 kids on board, bikes carrying dogs, groceries, flower shop deliveries, or even outdoor coffee stands.

It was then we knew—we had to start our cargo bike adventure in Poland.

Our Journey with Cargo Bikes – Inspired by the Netherlands

Over the past six years, the cargo bike market has grown significantly. Back then, seeing one on the streets of Warsaw sparked excitement and tons of questions (usually about the price). Now, we still feel the gaze of passersby, especially when all three of our kids are in the box, but there are visibly more cargo bikes in big cities. And that’s a great thing because cargo bikes can easily replace a car for daily life in an urban environment.

Velo de Ville: A New Player on Poland’s Cargo Bike Scene

We’ve had our fair share of experience with cargo bikes. We’ve tested plenty of different types—you’d be surprised how many are out there! Recently, we got to try a bike from Velo de Ville, a German brand making its way into the Polish market. What’s unique about this brand? Nearly complete customization. You get to choose exactly how your bike looks, its components, colors, and purpose.

According to the manufacturer, your bike should be delivered to your door within four weeks of placing your online order. Not bad, right?

First Impressions of the Velo de Ville FR8: Built for Heavy Loads

We used the FR8 intensely for over a week, and it was an interesting experience. This cargo bike is definitely more suited for carrying goods than kids. It’s also quite different from the bikes we’ve tested so far. That said, it blurs the lines between a cargo bike for hauling stuff and a family-friendly ride. You can actually use it for both.

Practical Features of the FR8

The bike is massive—that’s the first thing you’ll notice. A quick glance at the specs confirms it: it weighs over 70 kg. That heft provides stability and high load capacity. Thanks to its sturdiness, the bike feels solid and secure, even when two kids are sitting inside. However, for someone like Karola, who weighs about as much as the bike plus kids, getting it off the kickstand can be quite the workout!

What’s not immediately obvious is the material of the cargo box—it’s warm to the touch. On a frosty morning, kids will definitely appreciate this over cold plastic or slightly warmer plywood.

From Telescopic Covers to Storage Solutions

One of the bike’s standout features is the telescopic canopy. With just two buttons and two clasps, it lifts up for easy access—especially handy for parents with older kids. One small downside is the magnetic clasps, which can annoyingly snap back into place. Still, the design is thoughtful—you can stay in touch with your kids while riding, and there are mesh pockets in the box for all their little knick-knacks.

The canopy also offers flexibility. It can be fully closed, used with just the mosquito net, or taken off completely. Plus, there’s a small pocket for storing items in the roof—small detail, but it delighted us. Naturally, the canopy comes with a sunshade as well.

Riding Experience with the Velo de Ville FR8: Stability Meets Comfort

The ride experience? Stable and smooth. One standout feature (as expected from a premium cargo bike) is the front suspension fork. While you might not notice it much on an empty ride, once the kids are in the box, their comfort improves significantly.

On the downside, the turning radius isn’t great—you’ll need about 4 meters to make a 180° turn. Another quirk is the battery compartment. While it’s nice that the battery is hidden, having to dig into the box to remove it isn’t very practical. The double floor, though, is handy for stashing small valuables.

Bosch Performance CX Motor: Power and Range for the FR8 Cargo Bike

The Bosch Performance CX motor (their most powerful option) is a game changer. With two kids on board, you can easily hit the max assisted speed of 26.5 km/h. Beyond that, the assistance cuts off, as per European regulations (probably for the best).

There are four power modes, and even in ECO, you’ll feel a slight boost. The cargo mode is perfectly comfortable, and we never felt the need to switch to turbo, even with two kids in the box.

On a single charge, we averaged about 30 km in cargo mode—a decent range for city trips. If you need more, you can opt for a battery with up to 1.5 kWh capacity. And if you’re unsure about your range needs, the brand offers a handy online calculator.

The bike also has a walk-assist feature, where the motor helps push the bike—great for uphill starts.

Why the Velo de Ville FR8 Could Be the Perfect Cargo Bike for You

So, is it more of a cargo or family bike? Hard to say. It has plenty of family-friendly features, like adjustable seats for kids and the option to install a Maxi-Cosi adapter for babies. At the same time, it’s built for serious cargo use.

If you’re looking for a bike that can double as a family vehicle and a workhorse.

The FR8 might just be the perfect compromise.

And now, we’ll leave you with Basia from Plac Zbawiciela in Warsaw. Stay tuned for our growing collection of cargo bike shots in this iconic spot!

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