Vélo cargoPortugal
Règles de circulation
Portugal
37. Vélo cargo
Un vélo cargo est un vélo conçu pour transporter des marchandises, des enfants ou d’autres charges plus volumineuses que celles pouvant normalement être transportées sur un vélo classique. Il peut comporter une caisse ou une plateforme devant ou derrière le cycliste, un porte-bagages arrière allongé ou plusieurs roues.
Les vélos cargo peuvent être entièrement propulsés par le cycliste ou équipés d’une assistance électrique au pédalage. Leurs dimensions autorisées, leur capacité en passagers, leur accès aux pistes cyclables et les limites de l’assistance électrique dépendent des règles locales de circulation et de classification des véhicules.
What is a cargo bike?
A cargo bike is a bicycle designed to carry goods, children or larger loads than a conventional bicycle.
What types of cargo bikes are there?
Common designs include two-wheel box bikes, three-wheel cargo bikes and longtail bicycles with an extended rear carrying area.
Can a cargo bike be electric?
Yes. Many cargo bikes use electric pedal assistance to make it easier to move heavier loads or travel longer distances.
Is an electric cargo bike still a bicycle?
It can be. If the electrical assistance remains within the applicable power and assistance-speed limits, the vehicle may remain legally classified as a bicycle. More powerful or faster models may belong to another category.
Can a cargo bike carry children?
Yes, when it is designed and equipped for passenger transport. Children should use the seats, restraints, foot protection or other safety equipment provided by the manufacturer and required by local law.
Can a cargo bike carry goods?
Yes. Transporting goods is one of its main purposes. Loads must be securely positioned and must not make the bicycle unstable, obstruct the rider's view or exceed applicable dimensional or weight limits.
Can a cargo bike use a cycle path?
This depends on its dimensions and legal classification. Ordinary-sized cargo bicycles generally follow bicycle rules, while unusually wide models may be excluded from certain cycle facilities.
Does a cargo bike need a driving licence?
Normally not when it remains legally classified as an ordinary bicycle or electrically assisted bicycle. Faster or more powerful vehicles may be subject to different licensing requirements.
Is a helmet compulsory on a cargo bike?
This depends on the country's bicycle rules and the vehicle's classification. A model legally classified as a faster motorised vehicle may have different helmet requirements from an ordinary cargo bicycle.
Should you ride differently when a cargo bike is heavily loaded?
Yes. Additional weight can affect acceleration, braking, steering and stability. Reduce speed where necessary, allow greater stopping distance and take particular care when turning.
Can a cargo bike tow a trailer?
Yes, where permitted. The bicycle, trailer and total load must comply with the applicable dimensional, mass, braking and passenger-transport requirements.
Why should drivers take care around cargo bikes?
Cargo bikes can be longer, wider and heavier than ordinary bicycles and may need additional space when turning or stopping. Drivers should leave sufficient passing distance and avoid cutting across their path.
