Are you looking for an electric bike to replace your car? French bike maker Calendar might have just what you need: an electric cargo bike that can carry up to 200kg, folds in seconds, and glows in the dark to protect you at night.
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Electric cargo bikes were once the domain of shops and couriers, but they are in increasing demand as a practical and eco-friendly replacement for a second car. Last year, Raleigh launched the Stride range (an electric bike and trike that can carry loads of 80kg and 100kg respectively), and BMW’s design for a bizarre tilting electric bike became a reality.
The biggest drawback of these electric workhorses is their weight and size. The Raleigh Stride 2 tips the scales at 60kg, while the Stride 3 weighs in at 75kg, and by their very nature, both are much longer than a typical bike. It’s not a problem when driving, but if you need to store them, it could be a real problem.
As an e-bike tips report (opens in a new tab), the Calendar Longtail Max solves that problem with an aluminum frame that folds down small enough to ride with one hand. Unlike many folding electric bikes, it’s not designed to be transported a long distance, but the ability to compress it means it’s much easier to fit in an out-of-the-way corner.
The frame folds in half, while the handlebars and pedals compress to reduce the width of the bike. Like the excellent MiRider One, it’s equipped with little swivel wheels that let you slide it around while compacted, and it seems to fit securely rather than being held closed by a flimsy strap (a problem we’ve found with other folding e-bikes).
Glow for it
The Longtail Max is available now direct from Calendar Bikes(opens in new tab) for €3,990 (about $4,400 / £3,300 / AU$5,800), or you can upgrade to the Longtail Max Plus with extras like a padded seat for passengers and suspension seat post for €4,590 (about $5,000 / £3,800 / AU$6,700).