City bike, cargo bike or folding bike: what's the best choice for you in 2025?
Looking for a new bike and wondering which type is best for you? There are three popular options: the classic city bike, the roomy cargo bike and the compact folding bike. In this article, we explore the features, benefits and points of attention of each type of bike, so that you can determine, based on your real needs, which one will be your ideal companion.
Written by: Hanna Stevens | October 24, 2025 | Reading time: 4 minutes
More about the author: Hanna Stevens
Hanna is an avid cyclist who loves exploring new routes and sharing her experiences to inspire others to get on their bikes more often.
Key findings
- The city bike is the most versatile choice for everyday urban use, thanks to its comfort, simplicity and reliability.
- The cargo bike offers the largest load capacity and is ideal for families or those who want to replace the car in town.
- The folding bike is ideal for commuters and city dwellers with limited space, thanks to its compact size and multimodal ease of use.
1. The city bike: classic and versatile
What is a city bike?
The city bike is a traditional model with an upright seating position, wide tires and often a luggage rack or basket. It's designed for everyday use in urban environments: commuting, shopping, strolls in the park or short trips. In our guide "How to choose the right electric city bike", you'll find even more useful tips.
Advantages of electric city bikes
- Ready to use: no folding or extra weight as with a cargo bike.
- Good balance between comfort, handling and ease of use.
- Suitable infrastructure: in the Netherlands, around 27% of all journeys are made by bicycle.
Points of attention
- Limited load capacity: if you need to transport several children or a lot of shopping, you'll quickly reach its limits.
- Parking space: a city bike can take up a lot of space, which can be a problem in small apartments.
For whom?
- Singles or couples without major transportation needs.
- For regular urban journeys where practicality is paramount.
2. The cargo bike: transport and family in the city
What is a cargo bike?
The cargo bike, often fitted with a large box at the front (or rear), is designed to carry people (children) or loads (shopping, sports equipment). Very popular in the Netherlands, especially in electric version. According to the ANWB, "the cargo bike has become part of the urban landscape". In our guide, you'll also find lifestyle tips on cargo bikes.
Advantages of an electric cargo bike
- Large load capacity: ideal for families or those who often carry bulky items.
- Electric assistance: many models feature pedaling assistance, making riding easier.
- According to ANWB, an electric cargo bike consumes around 11 Wh/km, or around 27.5 kWh/year for 2,500 km.
- Sustainable choice: cargo bikes can replace cars in the city.
- One study(Resilience, 2021) shows that they can reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 90% compared with a diesel car for urban deliveries.
Points of attention
- Size and weight: even with assistance, driving requires more control and space.
- Parking: requires more space at home or on the street.
- Cost: more expensive to buy, maintain and insure.
For whom?
- Families with young children or those who often carry a lot of belongings.
- City dwellers wishing to replace the car with a soft mobility solution.
3. The folding bike: compact and multimodal
What is a folding bike?
The folding bike is compact, foldable and designed for combined use: bike + train, apartment bike, or city dweller with limited space. According to ANWB: "The folding bike is a practical, foldable alternative to the city or electric bike. Perfect for commuting, but also for vacations".
Advantages of folding bikes
- Easy to store: transportable on the train, in the boot of the car or indoors.
- Multimodal: combines perfectly with public transport or car + bike.
- Growing market: estimated at 934.3 million USD in 2024, it will reach 1.41 billion USD in 2030(Grand View Research, 2025).
Points of attention
- Limited capacity: not suitable for transporting luggage or children.
- Comfort and speed: small wheels offer a different, sometimes less stable ride.
- Quality and weight: some electric models are heavier and wear out faster due to repeated folding.
For whom?
- City dwellers with limited space or who often combine cycling with public transport.
- Commuters looking for fast, compact and flexible travel.
Summary comparison
| Features | City bike | Cargo bike | Folding bikes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Load capacity | Normal | High | Limited |
| Storage space | Medium | Important | Reduced |
| Weight / Handling | Light / easy | Heavy / more effort | Light / moderate effort |
| Combination with transport | Possible | Less suitable | Excellent |
| Costs (purchase/maintenance) | More affordable | Raised | Resources |
| Ideal for | Individuals / couples | Families / transport | City dwellers / commuters |
Some questions to ask yourself before choosing your bike
- How many people or pieces of luggage do you regularly transport?
- Do you have enough space to park a large cargo bike?
- Do you often combine cycling with public transport or the car?
- How far is your daily commute, and how important is speed and comfort to you?
- What is your budget and how much are you prepared to spend on maintenance or insurance?
Conclusion
Whether you opt for a city bike, cargo bike or folding bike, the right choice will depend above all on your use, where you live, the composition of your household and your mobility needs.
- Choose the city bike for a versatile, reliable urban solution.
- Choose a cargo bike if you regularly transport children or heavy loads and want to do without the car.
- Choose a folding bike if you're short of space, often combine trips or are looking for a compact, practical solution.
Sources
- Wikipedia : Cycling in the Netherlands
- ANWB (2023) : 7 elektrische bakfietsen
- Market Analysis Report (2025): Folding Bicycle Market
- ANWB : Hoeveel stroom verbruikt een elektrische fiets?
- Resilience (2021): Large-tired and tested: how Europe's cargo bike roll-out is delivering
FAQ
What's the main difference between a city bike, a cargo bike and a folding bike?
The city bike is designed for everyday use, the cargo bike for transporting children or goods, and the folding bike for those who want a model that's easy to store or take away.
Which bike is right for families with children?
Cargo bikes are ideal for transporting children safely, with room for shopping or bags. Today, many parents opt for a more practical electric model.
Is a folding bike comfortable for long distances?
A folding bike is ideal for short to medium distances. For longer distances, a city bike offers greater comfort thanks to its position and large wheels.
What is the average price of a good cargo bike?
A good electric cargo bike costs between €3,000 and €5,000, depending on brand and battery capacity. Non-electric models start at around €1,500.
Which type of bike is the most durable?
All three are environmentally friendly, but the cargo bike delivers the greatest CO₂ reduction when replacing the car. According to Resilience.org, cargo bikes can reduce emissions by up to 90% compared with a diesel car in urban use.