Cargo Extensions – More Payload for Short Distances and Intralogistics with AL-KO VT CarryNex

The e-motor brings tremendous dynamism to short-haul routes. Cargo e-bikes and electric light vehicles are conquering distribution traffic as well as logistics within company premises. With driver cabins and box bodies, they give rise to completely new vehicle forms – hybrid machines that look like small vans but are far more manoeuvrable and environmentally friendly. “Perfect for our chronically congested city centres,” says Mircan Ünsal, Product Manager at AL-KO VT. “And how many internal factory logistics networks suffer from limited manoeuvring space? These new vehicle concepts really fill a gap.”

• As a leading brand manufacturer of trailer components, AL-KO VT now brings its proven expertise to the world of sustainable mobility
• Our latest cargo chassis AL-KO CarryNex sets new standards in the transport and logistics industry – lighter, safer, and more customisable
• For intralogistics and last-mile logistics, for bicycle rickshaws and box bodies

No matter how well these new vehicle types prove themselves in day-to-day logistics, their own payload is strictly limited. Between 150 and 300 kg payload is typically possible with a cargo e-bike – and no more. Frustrating, as the motorisation could typically handle much more. “That prompted us to rethink the last mile.” The result is three versions of a modular chassis system for trailers that can accommodate up to 230 kilograms, with a permissible gross weight of up to 300 kg. “Being able to simply double the payload when needed, with just one simple move – that was our goal. In this way, we are taking the efficiency of alternative cargo vehicles to new heights,” says Ünsal.

The leisure and tourism industries also find cargo bike trailers attractive: for transporting luggage, equipment and supplies, for example – benefitting customers such as bike rental companies, campsite owners and tour operators, as well as highly ambitious leisure sports enthusiasts with equipment for many outdoor activities.

The foundation for these new developments is AL-KO VT's many decades of experience in chassis design for commercial trailers, vehicles and caravans. The key difference from previous trailer ranges: design and components, which are otherwise built for gross weights up to 3,500 kg and speeds up to 100 km/h, face far lower demands on the last mile.

Ünsal: “Our engineers thoroughly enjoyed trimming down existing components, making it possible to achieve the ideal ratio of kerb weight to payload in smaller load and speed segments.”

Essentially, the three new trailers are made from the same material as the larger AL-KO VT models – from the high-strength steel frame construction, rubber suspension and independent wheel suspension, down to the riveting and welding processes used – making them comparable in smooth running and longevity.

Professional use in distribution services or intralogistics is nothing like a casual trip on a freshly surfaced cycle path. When faced with inner-city pothole-kerb obstacle courses or park maintenance with municipal vehicles, what sets AL-KO VT's towed units apart truly comes into its own: unwavering track stability and resilience. Even when tradespeople need to take the trailer through garden areas to reach the basement steps: no problem.

Ünsal: “Of course, last-mile delivery typically takes place at lower speeds. However, the stresses placed on chassis and axles can still be extreme.” Superstructures are often high, and loads are rarely evenly distributed. “This is precisely why a fundamentally robust chassis solution is needed. With our components – from the coupling head to the overrun brake – we guarantee that our trailers follow the towing unit safely, even when tackling kerbs.”

Customers of BAYK use VeloBRING for urban parcel distribution and VeloTAXI for transporting people. Stefan Kruschel, Chief Business Development Officer at BAYK: “Imagine a driver picking up a couple at the train station. Our VeloTAXIs transport the passengers in comfort. Luggage goes in the AL-KO VT trailer – safely and with no need for stacking skills, an ideal combination for urban centres.”

Car parking space is increasingly being given over to spacious pedestrian and cycle zones. Bicycle streets ensure ever smoother cycle traffic. “Tradespeople working flexibly in these inner-city areas, who want to avoid carrying their equipment across several blocks, benefit greatly from our VeloBRING cargo bikes with VeloTRAILER – giving them a real advantage.”

The same applies to the parcel delivery service: Drive into the area with the trailer, decouple and park the trailer, make the first round and on the second round deliver packages stored in the trailer. Kruschel: “As a micro-depot, the AL-KO VT trailers can find a place to stand in any city centre. And delivery rounds can be planned much more efficiently.”