Eye-catching in its design and already award-winning, the VanRaam Thuja has landed in the UK with retailers like London’s Bikeworks.
This tadpole design, front-loaded cargo bike is configurable on the VanRaam website to be delivered via a retailer. Naturally, it enables a high degree of bespoke alteration, the front end able to be equipped with any of the wide-range of add-on accessories featured on the brand’s website.
Likely of high appeal to those who worry about balance when riding on busier streets, the front end is designed with mechanisms that enhance the steering feel, all the while offering that very much welcome added stability. If this sounds like your shopping brief, Cycling Electric has a guide to electric bikes for those with a mobility or disability constraint.
With 110 years of Dutch bicycle and even wheelchair design behind it, this landmark product is very well suited to those who want to regain their freedom outside of the car and cycle in comfort. This is a given, much thanks to the ‘Dutch bike’ geometry that the Thuja packs in, all despite being configured to carry a weekly shop.
This upright position and short reach to the swept back handlebar promote a relaxed riding position, with an excellent view of your surroundings, not to mention the ability to keep tabs on your shopping in the basket out front. Look closely and you’ll notice that the front end integrates a pair of headlights, that draw their power from the main battery.
Van Raam deploys a mid-motor between the cranks and one that’s capable of delivering 75Nm of torque, which is about right for a cargo bike with an admittedly heavy (58kg) weight. This is something to consider when buying such a bike, especially if you have any steps at home that may make storage difficult.
On the battery, VanRaam has a Thuja configurator tool online that will let you decide whether to plump for the standard 522Wh or oversized 846Wh removable battery. At the upper end of the range estimate, this could get you as far as 70km with fair use of the pedal assistance.
A convenient accessory feature that is included with the Thuja is the inclusion of a rear wheel lock, meaning you’ll always have a base level of security. Add to that a full set of mudguards over all three wheels and you’ll keep your trousers clean in deep winter too. Another note on staying clean – It’s a belt drive joining the motor and gearing on the Thuja, so this does away with the need to maintain a chain.
