The VELLO SUB GEN 2: A Longtail Cargo Bike Built for the City
A cargo bike needs to carry a lot. But in the city, it needs to do more than that: take up as little space as possible, stay agile, and be easy to park and manoeuvre in everyday life.
That’s exactly what the VELLO SUB GEN 2 was designed for. At just 185 cm long and equipped with 20-inch wheels, this compact longtail e-cargo bike still offers room for up to two children and supports a total system weight of up to 210 kg. With the new Bosch Cargo Line drive system and a range of thoughtful details, it combines impressive carrying capacity with the practical demands of urban everyday life.
What is a longtail cargo bike?
A longtail cargo bike carries its extra load behind the saddle. The extended rear rack provides space for children, bags and other cargo, while keeping the bike relatively slim and compact.
At 185 cm, the VELLO SUB GEN 2 is barely longer than many conventional bicycles. Its 20-inch wheels allow for a compact frame design and a low centre of gravity, making the bike easier to ride and manoeuvre when carrying heavier loads.
Longtail, Long John, Cargo Trike or Bike Trailer?
Which transport solution works best depends mainly on what you need to carry and how much space you have available in everyday life.
| Longtail | Long John | Cargo Trike | Cargo Trailer | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bike Type | Extended rear rack | Front-loading cargo area | Three wheels, usually with a cargo box | Separate trailer |
| Carrying Children | Usually up to 2 children | Often several children in the cargo box | Often several children | Usually 1–2 children |
| Ride Feel | Feels much like a conventional bike, as the steering and wheel position remain largely unchanged. | The longer wheelbase and commonly used linkage steering make it less agile and usually take a little getting used to. | Very stable when stationary thanks to the three-wheel design, but can feel more prone to leaning or rocking in corners. | The bike itself handles largely as normal, but the trailer affects braking distance and cornering. |
| Space Required | Low | More, due to the longer frame | High, due to the extra width | Additional storage space needed for the trailer |
| Key Strength | Compact and versatile | Plenty of cargo capacity | Excellent stability when stationary | Flexible and more affordable |
| Best For | City riding, everyday use and limited storage space | Large or bulky loads | Riders who prioritise stability | Occasional transport needs |
A longtail is particularly well suited to riders with limited storage space who regularly carry up to two children or luggage and want a riding experience that remains as close as possible to that of a conventional bicycle.
For especially large or bulky loads, or for riders who prefer to have their children directly in front of them while riding, a front-loading cargo bike may be the better choice. A cargo trike offers greater stability when stationary, but requires significantly more space.
Why the VELLO SUB is particularly well suited to the city
The key advantage of the SUB is not just how much it can carry, but how little space it needs to do so.
At 185 cm long and with 20-inch wheels, it remains compact enough for narrow cycle paths, courtyards and bike parking areas. The handlebar and pedals can be folded in, reducing the bike to compact dimensions of just 85 × 185 × 29 cm.
Especially in apartments, bike storage rooms or other tight spaces, this can make a significant difference.
Weight is another area where the SUB stands out: the chromoly steel version weighs around 28.9 kg, while the titanium version starts at just 24.9 kg. This makes the bike easier to manoeuvre, carry over steps and handle in everyday situations.
For a high-value e-cargo bike, effective theft protection is also especially important. On the VELLO SUB GEN 2, the Bosch Smart System with eBike Lock already provides a digital locking function via the eBike Flow app. With the optional Bosch ConnectModule, this can be extended with GPS tracking, motion detection and alarm functions.
VELLO SUB GEN 2 at a Glance
- 185 cm long
- approx. 24.9 kg (titanium) to 28.9 kg (chromoly)
- total system weight of up to 210 kg
- space for up to two children or one adult on the rear seat
- Bosch Cargo Line with up to 120 Nm of torque
- 20-inch wheels
- folded dimensions: 85 × 185 × 29 cm
- from €5,698
Family cargo bike for up to two children
The extended rear rack of the VELLO SUB can carry up to two children. Depending on their age and how the bike is used, it can be equipped with accessories such as the Urban Iki MIK HD child seat, the SUB Cool Kid rail and the SUB folding footrests.
For additional storage, the SUB Cargo Bag 360° Reflective panniers are available. Combined with the SUB Cocoon 360° Reflective, they also create a more sheltered space for passengers, offering added protection from wind and rain.
The rear rack can carry up to 100 kg and is MIK HD compatible, while the front rack supports loads of up to 22 kg. This makes the SUB highly versatile for carrying children, groceries, bags or luggage, while allowing the load to be distributed efficiently between the front and rear of the bike.
Whether it’s the nursery run, grocery shopping or a weekend trip, the longtail design makes it possible to carry both passengers and cargo without the bulk of a conventional large cargo bike.
Powerful support with Bosch Cargo Line
The Bosch Cargo Line motor, delivering up to 120 Nm of torque, provides powerful assistance even when the bike is heavily loaded. The new Cargo mode offers up to 600% support, making it especially useful when starting from a standstill, climbing hills and navigating stop-and-go city traffic.
The system also helps when pushing the bike. Walk Assist with rollback protection makes it easier to manoeuvre the loaded SUB on ramps and inclines, while preventing it from unintentionally rolling backwards.
The Bosch Purion 200 colour display shows the most important riding information directly on the handlebar. It is complemented by a 3x3 shifting interface with a digital gear indicator.
For low-maintenance everyday use, the VELLO SUB GEN 2 is equipped with a Gates Carbon Drive CDX belt drive. The belt runs cleanly and quietly and requires significantly less maintenance than a conventional bicycle chain, with no need for regular oiling or lubrication. Combined with the continuously variable Enviolo Heavy Duty hub gear, it creates a particularly practical drivetrain for everyday urban and family riding.
Flexible battery options for different everyday needs
The VELLO SUB GEN 2 is available with either a 400 Wh or 545 Wh battery. With an additional 400 Wh battery, total capacity can be increased to up to 945 Wh.
For riders who need particularly long range, the SUB can also be configured with a dual-battery setup of up to 1,600 Wh (2 × 800 Wh). In Eco mode, this makes ranges of up to 350 km possible.
This allows the battery capacity to be matched to the way the bike is used, from daily trips around the city to longer tours.
Ja, stimmt — das war zu nah am Deutschen. Natürlicher und redaktioneller würde ich es so formulieren:
Designed for everyday use
The second-generation SUB has been refined in a number of areas to make everyday riding even more practical:
- MAGURA Louise Elite Leisure brakes
- NIVO grips
- grippy platform pedals
- redesigned centre stand
- extended mudguards
- improved trailer-compatible coupling
The integrated MIK HD system makes it easy to adapt the VELLO SUB to different needs. Accessories such as the SUB Cool Kid Railing, SUB Cargo Bags 360° Reflective, SUB Cocoon 360° Reflective and SUB MIK front rack can be added or swapped without tools, making it easy to switch between the school run, shopping trips and carrying larger loads.
Are there any downsides to a longtail cargo bike?
A longtail is not necessarily the best choice for every type of load. If you regularly transport very large or bulky items, a front-loading cargo bike with a dedicated cargo box may be more practical. Children also ride behind you on a longtail, rather than where you can see them at a glance.
If maximum cargo volume or comprehensive weather protection for children is your main priority, it is worth comparing different cargo bike designs.
Where longtails really shine is in combining generous carrying capacity with dimensions that still work well in the city.
Who is the VELLO SUB GEN 2 best suited for?
The VELLO SUB GEN 2 is a good fit for anyone who:
- regularly carries children, groceries or luggage,
- wants a cargo bike that still feels at home in the city,
- has limited space for parking or storage,
- prefers the handling of a conventional bicycle,
- wants one e-cargo bike for both everyday trips and longer rides.
Starting at €5,698, the SUB is designed for riders looking for a premium, versatile longtail that can take on everyday transport without feeling oversized or cumbersome.
Conclusion: serious carrying capacity in a compact package
The VELLO SUB GEN 2 proves that a cargo bike doesn’t have to be oversized to carry a lot. At just 185 cm long, with 20-inch wheels and foldable components, it remains compact enough for everyday city life while still offering room for up to two children and a total system weight of 210 kg.
With the Bosch Cargo Line motor delivering up to 120 Nm of torque, flexible battery options and a range of refinements for everyday use, the SUB is a versatile longtail e-cargo bike built for families and urban mobility.
Frequently asked questions about longtail cargo bikes
How old does a child need to be to ride on a cargo bike?
There is no single minimum age for carrying a child on a cargo bike. What matters is the type of child-carrying system being used, the manufacturer’s specifications, and whether the child can sit safely and securely in the intended seating position.
In Austria, there are also specific legal requirements for child seats, cargo boxes and bicycle trailers. Children under the age of twelve are required to wear a bicycle helmet when riding as passengers.
How many children can you carry on a longtail cargo bike?
It depends on the bike and the child-carrying accessories it supports. Many longtail cargo bikes are designed to carry one or two children on the extended rear rack. With the right accessories, the VELLO SUB can carry up to two children.
How far can I ride on a single charge?
Range on an e-cargo bike depends on several factors, including battery capacity, assistance level, load, terrain, hills, temperature and riding style. Larger batteries and dual-battery setups can significantly extend the distance you can cover.
The VELLO SUB GEN 2 offers a range of battery options, from 400 Wh up to a dual-battery setup with a total capacity of 1,600 Wh (2 × 800 Wh). With the largest configuration, ranges of up to 350 km are possible in Eco mode.
What height range is the VELLO SUB designed for?
Thanks to its height-adjustable telescopic handlebar and adjustable seatpost, the VELLO SUB GEN 2 comfortably accommodates riders from 150 to 210 cm tall. The bike can be quickly adjusted to suit different riders, making it easy for partners or family members of different heights to share the same cargo bike.
Do I need insurance, a helmet or a driving licence to ride an e-cargo bike?
In Austria, e-bikes with a maximum continuous rated power of 250 watts and motor assistance limited to 25 km/h are legally classified as bicycles. That means you do not need a driving licence or vehicle registration to ride one.
Adults are not legally required to wear a helmet, while children under the age of twelve must wear one when riding as passengers on a bicycle or in a bike trailer.
Personal liability insurance is also worth considering, as it can cover damage or injury caused to others while cycling.
How much should you expect to pay for a longtail e-cargo bike?
Prices for longtail e-cargo bikes vary widely depending on the frame material, motor, battery, gearing and overall specification. Premium models with powerful cargo-specific drive systems and versatile carrying options typically cost several thousand euros.
The VELLO SUB GEN 2 starts at €5,698.
How easy is it to store a cargo bike in a basement or take it in a lift?
When storage space is tight, the length, width and weight of a cargo bike can make a big difference. Longtails tend to have an advantage here, as they are generally slimmer and shorter than many traditional cargo bikes.
Before buying, it is worth measuring doorways, lifts and your storage space, and considering whether you will need to carry or manoeuvre the bike over any steps. On the VELLO SUB, the handlebar and pedals fold in, reducing its overall dimensions to just 85 × 185 × 29 cm.
How much weight can a longtail cargo bike carry?
The maximum load varies from one model to another. The key figure to look at is the total system weight, which includes the bike itself, the rider, passengers, luggage and any accessories.
For the VELLO SUB GEN 2, the maximum total system weight is 210 kg.
Longtail or Long John: which is better for city riding?
A longtail is a great option if storage space is limited and you want a cargo bike that still rides and handles much like a conventional bicycle.
A Long John, on the other hand, generally offers more room for large or bulky loads and keeps children or cargo in front of the rider and within easy view.
Which design works better in the city ultimately comes down to how much space you have and what you plan to carry most often.
