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So...thinking of getting a new machine to ferry kids and stuff around.
Most folk seem to go the utility bile route (2 wheels, long wheelbase etc) but I’m thinking rickshaw will mean I could potentially carry the kids and shopping etc. Should also be able to fit my wife and we could rotate riding 🙂
What are the reasons why I shouldn’t go rickshaw?
Size? Expense? I love rickshaws, but if I had to detail a ‘problem’ as per OP I suppose their being a slow, weighty space-hogger would be near the top of that list
If you inhabit/travel fairly flat and well-infrastructured environs then it could be the funnest and most practical choice.
But there are plenty of other cargo options other than longtail vs rickshaw? Bakfiets for one? Have a look at the Urban Arrow for instance? Or a tadpole config such as Babboe Curve?
I did pedal-cabbing in Edinburgh for a spell: do not underestimate the weight of a rickshaw and the effort required on even a slight incline with a few passengers. On the flip side after a few months when it’s just yourself on a regular bike you will feel like a superhero.
Yeah, I did some pedi-cabbing in London for 6 months or so too. It was back in 2002 so I had some power in my legs! Sadly not kept it up so thinking electric assist.
Budget relatively high as it’ll be a car replacement for me
cargo bike will be better to ride and more versatile
I've an eBullitt. No kids. Use it to carry tools to the workshop/local jobs.
A trishaw being a 3 wheeler is less stable and harder to ride. I rode one of those trishaw things and it was rubbish
I would have an electric backfiets in your position
Cargo bikes come in lots of forms. There's no right answer, depends on what you need
Think about where you're riding. Rigshaws take up a lot of space, and you're stuck to roads.
On my Big Dummy I've ridden in the odd bit of pavement if the road is a bit fast or busy, and the pavement is quiet. Bit harder on a rickshaw. Also might be tricky to get through gates and obstacles on bike paths
I can't say I've wished for more wheels. I can see the benefit of a big loading space, a bullitt would work well for that but no good for carrying people (IMHO)
Rickshaws may look fun but heavy, usually very old, unstable front wheel trike with a sail sized seat behind.
The cheap 3 wheeler rickshaw style trikes with child back seat advertised on eBay are poor quality junk that you would probably regret buying.
I had an xtracycle for a few years which was great but I sold it on to get a childback tandem as the kids grew. Both of those are plenty capable of tracks and cycle paths and hills that you'd never get a rickshaw on. Tandem is very easy to ride solo for kiddy pickups.
Circe Helios can be cargo bike, small child carrier, kiddyback tandem, triplet or 2 adult tandem in one machine but was beyond our budget.
Front loading cargo bike (2 wheel or tadpole trike) are the modern choice for good reason (like Alpin's or Heb Trouser Co.). Lots of choice and advice on Family Cycling UK Facebook group has lots of users on it to ask questions.
Also check out the Adventure syndicate who rode non stop from Edinburgh to Copenhagen just after Christmas 2019 as a relay with one pedaling and one resting on the deck of a cargo bike.
Also some London taxi cycle firms now use similar machines. https://pedalme.co.uk/
I thought this was a good read a few months ago, though it's for e cargo bikes.
https://downtown-ebike.com/en/the-best-cargo-bike-review/
e-rickshaw ftw?
Although if you did want to try out the full south Asian fantasy in the damp of the UK you could buy this beast
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Rickshaw-Tuk-Tuk/164595045824?hash=item2652a115c0:g:ihgAAOSwZUNf4OKV