Why the VELLO SUB Longtail is the Ideal E-Cargo Bike for the City
VELLO SUB – The Family Bike for the City
Since his university days, our founder, Valentin Vodev, has been dedicated to developing solutions for urban mobility, including early cargo bike concepts. Following the success of our ultralight folding bikes, the next logical step was to create a cargo bike perfectly adapted to city life. The result? The VELLO SUB – our Longtail E-Cargo Bike, designed specifically for urban commuting.
Why a Longtail Design?
The Longtail design strikes the perfect balance between riding comfort, flexibility, and load capacity. It truly shines in urban environments: compact, agile, and strong enough to carry heavy loads. The rear rack can accommodate up to two children. But what makes it more practical for city life compared to other cargo bike types like the Long John or the Trike?
Comparing Cargo Bike Types
At just 180 cm in length, the VELLO SUB Longtail is the same size as a standard bicycle. This means riders enjoy the maneuverability of a regular bike while still being able to take it on public transport like trains or subways—an important advantage for those who frequently switch between different modes of transportation.
Unlike a Long John, which has an extended front cargo area that can feel bulky, the VELLO SUB remains compact and nimble. It can easily navigate narrow streets and alleys without taking up too much space or becoming difficult to park. The VELLO SUB offers plenty of storage without compromising ease of use—you ride it like a standard bike while benefiting from full cargo capacity.
Trikes (three-wheeled cargo bikes) offer stability but are often wide and heavy, making them impractical for crowded city streets and narrow bike lanes. In contrast, the VELLO SUB remains slim and highly maneuverable. It fits easily into bike lanes, parking spaces, and even basement storage areas—perfect for urban living.
Lightweight and Portable
Not only is the VELLO SUB compact, but it is also incredibly lightweight! Weighing just 24.9 kg in its titanium version, it is one of the lightest cargo bikes in the world. This means you can ride effortlessly through the city and even carry the SUB up stairs if needed. For those living in apartment buildings without elevators or with tight storage spaces, its low weight is a major advantage.
Despite its light frame, the VELLO SUB can carry up to 210 kg, making it a practical and flexible solution for city life.
Conclusion: The Ideal Longtail Cargo Bike for the City
The VELLO SUB combines the best features of a cargo bike—high load capacity, agility, and lightweight design—into a compact, practical package. Compared to Long Johns or Trikes, the Longtail design is ideal for city use: it’s the same length as a regular bike, light enough to carry, and agile enough to navigate busy streets. You can transport everything you need without sacrificing flexibility.
If you're looking for a cargo bike that offers maximum freedom and convenience in the city, the VELLO SUB is the perfect choice. Whether you're transporting kids, groceries, or luggage, the VELLO SUB keeps you moving quickly, efficiently, and effortlessly!
