The episode in detail
Second-hand cargo bikes, a market taking shape
More and more families and professionals are drawn to cargo bikes, but the price remains a major barrier. A new cargo bike costs between 3,000 and 8,000 euros depending on the motor. The second-hand market therefore represents a logical entry point for many buyers. Clément Fouillet, founder of Cargo Bike Trade, identified this need early on. A former BMX rider based in Le Mans, he started out buying and reselling standard bikes on Le Bon Coin before specialising in cargo bikes. His observation: no platform offered a space dedicated to second-hand cargo bikes, with adapted filters and a targeted community.
“I used to buy bikes on Le Bon Coin, fix them up and resell them. That’s how I discovered the world of cargo bikes.”
Cargo Bike Trade: how the platform works
Cargo Bike Trade is an online platform built on WordPress. Private individuals post their listings for free. The business model relies on professionals and advertisers who pay for visibility. The site allows filtering by cargo bike type (front-loader, trike, longtail), by motor type (pedal-only or electric) and by geographic area. Clément developed the idea in Bordeaux before bringing it to life in Le Mans, where he won the X-Mobility competition run by French Tech.
“There was no specialised platform. On Le Bon Coin, a cargo bike gets lost among the mountain bikes and road bikes.”
Second-hand cargo bike prices
The second-hand market offers significant price gaps compared to new models. A second-hand pedal-only cargo bike sells for between 1,000 and 2,500 euros. For an electric cargo bike, the range runs from 2,000 to 4,500 euros. These prices depend on the condition of the battery, the mileage and the brand. Clément recommends systematically checking the condition of the motor and the battery before any purchase. Brands such as Urban Arrow, Babboe or Riese & Müller hold their resale value well. For tight budgets, reconditioned JITAN bikes from La Poste offer an interesting alternative at around 500 euros.
“A JITAN cargo bike from La Poste is sturdy, it’s reliable, and you find it at very fair prices second-hand.”
Parking and infrastructure: the real barriers facing cargo bikes
Cargo bikes raise practical problems that standard bikes don’t face. Secure parking is the first barrier to adoption. A cargo bike measures between 2 and 2.5 metres long and weighs 30 to 50 kg. It doesn’t fit in a standard bike storage room. Anti-scooter barriers installed on cycle tracks also block cargo bikes from passing, which creates a paradox in urban planning. Clément points to the Vél’home solution for residential parking, which offers secure individual shelters suited to long bikes. Renting also remains an option for testing before buying.
“Anti-scooter barriers are the nightmare of cargo bikes. We install devices to protect cyclists, but we stop cargo bikes from getting through.”
Alternatives and conversions: cargo bikes for every budget
For those hesitant to invest in a full cargo bike, conversion solutions exist. Joker Bike kits allow a standard bike to be turned into a cargo bike at a lower cost. This low-tech approach appeals to DIY enthusiasts and tight budgets. Clément also mentions Batch Cargo Bike, a brand that builds cargo bikes from recycled frames. This circular approach reduces the environmental footprint while making cargo bikes more affordable. The second-hand and reconditioned cargo bike market should keep taking shape as urban cycle logistics grows and the fleet of family cargo bikes increases.
“Batch collects old frames and turns them into new cargo bikes. It’s recycling taken to the extreme.”
Three bikes, three uses: a cargo bike enthusiast’s daily routine
Clément rides three bikes day to day. A BMX for fun and training, a city bike on long-term rental for short trips, and an electric cargo bike for shopping and family trips. This combination reflects the reality of many urban cyclists who match their bike to each use. The cargo bike replaces the car for practical trips, but it doesn’t replace a light bike for quick trips. Clément recommends trying several set-ups before deciding, and not hesitating to rent before buying.
