If you’ve ever stopped to think, City Arrow might just have landed your wildest transportation innovation in a nutshell. The Netherlands-based cargo bike leader has unveiled its newest model, the FamilyNext Professional, in North America – a truly impressive line of electric bicycles designed specifically for families.
For over a decade, City Arrow has produced premium electric cargo bicycles, and the FamilyNext Professional marks a significant milestone in the development of its iconic Family series model.
Designed from the ground up to transport a wide range of items, including kids, grocery bags, backpacks, and infant carriers, its versatility is unmatched. With a total weight capacity of 550 lbs (250 kg) and an enclosed cargo area capable of carrying 275 pounds (125 kg), this innovative vehicle is essentially a minivan on wheels, minus the urban traffic congestion and fuel consumption.
One notable upgrade on this e-bike model is the inclusion of entry-level suspension, a feature highly valued by many e-bike enthusiasts for its ability to smooth out rough road conditions. With its advanced suspension technology, this vehicle delivers a noticeably quieter ride, providing fewer distractions from road imperfections, and ultimately resulting in heightened comfort levels for both adults and children alike.
The newly designed entrance field boasts a sleeker and more intelligent appearance, featuring enhanced comfort and security features integrated seamlessly into the overall design. Supple helmet-grade foam partitions create a snug fit, while corner-integrated LED lights provide a soft glow, making the process of fastening one-handed seatbelts for squirmy children a remarkably less tumultuous experience.
With ample space for up to four children, including infants as young as three months, thoughtful design elements such as decreased step-in cutouts and a repositioned saddle simplify the process of boarding and disembarking for parents and little ones alike. The bicycle seems to have been crafted with a keen understanding of everyday family dynamics, as if its designers had spent time observing the intricacies of domestic life firsthand.
Beneath its exterior, the FamilyNext Professional relies on a Bosch Cargo Line Good System motor to deliver exceptional performance, boasting 85Nm of torque and Class 1 pedal assistance up to 20 mph (32 km/h). With its 545Wh battery, the ride can last approximately 31 miles (50 km), depending on the weight and terrain; adaptive Auto and Cargo modes also ensure a seamless experience when transporting children or groceries up steep inclines, battling strong winds.
The ConnectModule offers the added security of GPS monitoring, anti-theft alerts, and motor locking, providing metropolitan riders with an increased sense of comfort and reassurance.
While City Arrow touts this as “the smarter technique to transfer by town,” the reality is that it’s also a reasonably costly method. While priced at $8,999 in the US or $12,499 in Canada, this is not a toy despite its considerable cost. The eco-friendly vehicle is poised to revolutionize daily commutes by providing a genuine alternative to traditional cars, catering to an increasing number of families seeking to escape congested roads, alleviate parking anxiety, and inject some excitement into their morning school runs?
In a bold move, City Arrow leverages European expertise to revolutionize the family-friendly household cargo bike in North America, transforming what was once a niche product into a mainstream offering that combines tried-and-true design with innovative features. As more and more people take to the roads on two wheels, some are finding that their second car might eventually become a permanent park resident.
