Imagine cruising through Vancouver’s bike lanes with your kids safely buckled in, a week’s worth of groceries tucked neatly in the front and no need to hunt for parking. For a growing number of families, this isn’t just a dream—it’s their new reality, thanks to the rise of cargo bikes.
Long beloved in European cities, cargo bikes have quietly built a following in Canada over the past few years. But recently, interest has skyrocketed.
Several factors have been driving this shift: rising vehicle costs, a growing awareness of environmental impact and Vancouver’s expanding bike lane network. Along with recently announced 25% auto tariffs, rising car prices are making cargo bikes an increasingly appealing choice for cost-conscious families. In a time of global uncertainty and “elbows up” pride, more Canadians are choosing lifestyles aligned with their values—spending intentionally and moving differently.
“I think as millennial parents we have more of a desire to have experiences with our kids,” adds Lamar Timmins, CEO of VELOLIFESTYLE, a Vancouver- and Montreal-based bike shop. “Cargo bikes are a great way to be with our kids, safely outdoors, discovering our city, while reducing our dependency on big oil.”
VELOLIFESTYLE has long been ahead of the curve. The locally owned shop has spent over a decade championing European-built electric cargo bikes as a fun, practical and sustainable alternative to car ownership. Since opening its sleek Vancouver store five years ago, it has witnessed the shift in how families approach mobility firsthand.
“Families are realizing that a cargo bike really can replace a second car, or even the primary one,” says Timmins. “It’s the most efficient way to get around while contributing to a greener, more livable city.”
VELOLIFESTYLE specifically stocks bikes from cycling-forward nations like the Netherlands, Denmark and Germany with brands such as Urban Arrow, Triobike, Black Iron Horse and Muli Cycles. Built to European standards, they feature durable frames, premium components like Bosch and Shimano electric motors and the kind of stopping power and stability you’d expect from a modern car.
“Europe has the highest safety and durability standards in the world when it comes to cargo bikes,” Timmins explains. “That’s why we specialize in these brands. They’re designed to last.”
Now there’s an economic advantage too. Thanks to Canada’s free trade agreement with the EU (CETA), these bikes are imported relatively tariff-free, even as auto prices fluctuate under the start-stop of new U.S. trade measures. The result? Top-tier vehicles that won’t break the bank—or the planet.
What’s it like to ride one? Surprisingly simple. “People think you have to be an expert rider,” says Timmins, “but they’re easier to ride than a traditional bicycle.”
Since opening, VELOLIFESTYLE has become the hub for Vancouver’s cargo bike movement, offering locals knowledge support and, of course, test-rides on bicycles of all varieties. That said, they’re about more than just sales. They’ve partnered with Cycling Without Age Vancouver, a nonprofit offering free rides to seniors using custom Triobike taxis. EVO Car Share recently added cargo bikes from VELOLIFESTYLE to its local fleet as well, while municipal governments are exploring how these two-wheelers can help them cut emissions in communities around Vancouver.
“We’re not just here to sell bikes,” says Timmins. “We’re here to build a culture around cargo biking—helping families feel confident, supported and excited about this lifestyle shift.”
So whether you’re handling school drop-offs, grocery runs or weekend park hangs, cargo bikes offer a meaningful alternative to the car-centric grind. They’re a solution to rising costs, climate concerns and the everyday chaos of modern life—offering, perhaps, a path to something simpler and yes…maybe even a way to take your mind off the news.
To learn more or to test drive a cargo bike, visit VELOLIFESTYLE at 1350 Nanaimo Street or visit velolifestyle.com and @velolifestyleyvr on Instagram for more information.
