The 3 Best Riese & Müller Longtail Bikes

Riese & Müller clearly operates at the high end of the longtail market, and this is evident both in the price and in the confusion caused by the model names. The Multitinker, Multitinker2, and Multicharger2 look similar on paper, but are designed for three very distinct usage profiles. The Multitinker2 is the true compact family longtail, equipped with the Bosch Cargo Line. The Multitinker is the previous generation, often more affordable, featuring the Performance Line CX. As for the Multicharger2, it’s more of a sporty touring longtail, equipped with passenger options. Confusing the three means running the risk of walking away with a bike ill-suited to your needs—a costly mistake given the prices of new models. There are, of course, newer models in these lines, but with very high new prices and a still-limited selection of refurbished, we’re deliberately leaving them out for now.

Written by: Jos Mans | Published on: July 3, 2026 | 6-minute read

Table of Contents

• The 3 models at a glance
• Why Riese & Müller Is Different
• A Closer Look at the 3 Models
• Driving Experience: Kids or Kilometers?
• refurbished Be Sure to Check Carefully Before Buying
• FAQ

The 3 models at a glance

Why Riese & Müller Is Different

At Riese & Müller, the longtail was never intended to be a budget-friendly option, and the brand makes no secret of it. It’s aimed at buyers who prioritize comfort, build quality, customization options, and everyday use over the purchase price. You’ll pay more than you would for a CUBE longtail, but you’ll often get a more feature-rich configuration, better integration, and high-quality accessory bundles. For those weighing this option against a CUBE that’s better positioned in terms of price, it’s a real trade-off—not an automatic win for the more expensive model.

That’s exactly why the refurbished market refurbished so appealing here. A used Riese & Müller can become affordable for buyers who, if new, would likely have opted for a Tern or a Decathlon instead. But you still need to know exactly what you’re buying, and that’s more complicated than usual with this brand. The model name alone doesn’t tell the whole story: a Multitinker Touring is, technically, very different from a Vario or Silent version, with different drivetrains and maintenance requirements.

A Closer Look at the 3 Models

Multitinker2

The Multitinker2 is the most up-to-date and high-performance family longtail in the lineup: Bosch Cargo Line, 625 Wh PowerTube battery, 20-inch wheels, and Magura MT5 brakes. It’s available in touring (chain), silent (Nexus hub with Gates belt), and vario (Enviolo with belt) versions. In my opinion, this is the brand’s best true family longtail: compact, powerful, and clearly designed for riding with children and cargo. The Vario version is the easiest to use for everyday riding, even though the accessories drive up an already high price. You’ll find several models in our selection of refurbished Riese & Müller cargo bikes.

Multitinker

The Multitinker is the previous generation: it features the Bosch Performance Line CX instead of the Cargo Line, but has the same 625 Wh battery and the same compact 20-inch frame. While less appealing as a new purchase, it becomes very attractive as refurbished. The CX remains a powerful motor, more than sufficient for lighter family use. This is precisely where the Upway argument really Upway its own: a premium brand, a new price, solid components, and real savings compared to new. You can actually find a refurbished Multitinker Touring right here in our catalog.

Multicharger2

The Multicharger2 isn't a traditional family longtail, but rather a sporty trekking and commuter bike, featuring 26-inch wheels, a Performance Line CX or Speed motor, and battery options up to 750 Wh, complemented by a Range Extender. It’s designed for long rides, uneven surfaces, and more recreational use, with options for carrying a passenger and luggage. Weighing in at 31 kilos or more, it’s lighter than the Multitinker models. For a simple daily commute to school with young children, it’s not the most obvious choice, but for commuters who also need to carry bulky items, it’s the most reliable option for heavy-duty long-distance transport. Check out the full lineup in our Riese & Müller Multicharger selection.

Driving Experience: Kids or Kilometers?

The Multitinker2 rides like a compact urban longtail—heavy but stable. The small wheels lower the center of gravity, and you can really feel that when you have kids on the back: the bike stays steady, even when stopped or pulling away. The Bosch Cargo Line really comes into its own here, since it’s specifically calibrated for riding with a load. The previous Multitinker handles similarly, but with the Performance Line CX—which is a bit sportier and a bit less of a “pure cargo bike”—it’s perfectly suited for lighter use.

The Multicharger2 offers a truly different riding experience: more like a powerful trekking bike with extra cargo capacity. It has larger wheels, sportier handling, and is more comfortable over long distances and on uneven surfaces. It’s the choice for those who want to cover a lot of ground while occasionally carrying children or luggage—not for those who primarily use it for the daily commute to school. The distinction is simple: the Multitinker is designed with kids in mind, while the Multicharger is designed with kilometers in mind.

refurbished Be Sure to Check Carefully Before Buying

With Riese & Müller, more so than with any other longtail brand, it’s essential to identify exactly what you’re looking at. A single model name can cover multiple motor options, displays, batteries, and accessory packs. So start with the model year (particularly relevant with the introduction of the Bosch Smart System) and the motor: Cargo Line, Performance Line CX, or Speed. Have the actual battery capacity measured, whether it’s 625, 750 Wh, or a combination with a Range Extender. Also check the type of drivetrain: chain, Nexus, Enviolo, or Rohloff, each with its own maintenance requirements.

Next, check the belt tension and sprockets, the Magura brakes and rotors, the play and any leaks in the front fork, as well as the frame and rack for cracks or signs of heavy use. Don’t forget the accessories: the passenger kit, safety bar, panniers, front rack, and RX chip vary significantly from one model to another and offer real value. A well-inspected Riese & Müller, purchased through a refurbished dealer, is a smart way to enjoy premium transportation quality without paying the price of new bike, as we explain in our guide to electric longtail bikes. The Multitinker is often the most attractive option in terms of value for money; the Multitinker2 remains the best on paper, but it’s also more expensive on the used market. To explore the choice between these two families of utility bikes in more depth, our article on choosing between cargo bikes and longtail bikes can also help you make a decision.

FAQ

What is the best Riese & Müller longtail bike?

For families, the Multitinker2 is the best choice: compact 20-inch wheels, Bosch Cargo Line, and a low center of gravity that inspires confidence when riding with children. If you’re primarily looking to cover long distances with versatility, the Multicharger2 will be a better fit.

Is the Multicharger2 a true longtail?

Partly. It’s more of a trekking and sporty commuter bike—with passenger and luggage options similar to those of a longtail—than a pure family longtail. With its 26-inch wheels and sportier setup, it’s better suited for long rides than for the daily trip to school with young children.

What is the difference between the Multitinker and the Multitinker2?

The Multitinker2 is the latest generation and features the Bosch Cargo Line, which is specifically tuned for riding with a load. The older Multitinker is equipped with the Performance Line CX. Both models have a solid foundation, but the Multitinker2 is more up-to-date, while the older version is often a better deal as refurbished.

Is Riese & Müller better than CUBE?

More premium, yes, but not necessarily better value for the money. Riese & Müller offers a more high-end configuration and finish; CUBE often offers more bike for the same budget. The best choice depends on what you prioritize: your budget, or the finish and integration.

What should you look out for when buying a used Multitinker?

First, identify the exact version: the Touring, Silent, and Vario models are actually quite different. Next, check the battery, motor, brakes, belt or chain, front fork, and all accessories. With this brand, it’s the specific configuration—rather than the model name—that determines the bike’s actual value.

About the Author: Jos Mans

Jos is both a writer and a cyclist—and more often than not, he does both at the same time. With thousands of kilometers under his belt and just as many words on paper, he combines his two great passions: being on the road and telling stories.