Cargo extensions – carry more with AL-KO VT CarryNex on short distances and in intralogistics

The electric motor brings enormous dynamism to short-distance transport. Cargo e-bikes and electric light motorcycles are gaining ground both in distribution and on company premises. With driver cabins and cargo bodies, they are creating entirely new vehicle types – hybrid machines that look like small transporters, but are much 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 transport operations struggle with a lack of space for manoeuvring? These new vehicle concepts fill a real gap.”

• As a leading brand manufacturer of trailer components, AL-KO VT is now bringing 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, more individual
• For intralogistics and last-mile logistics, for cycle rickshaws and box bodies

No matter how well new vehicle types prove themselves in everyday logistics, their own payload capacity is limited. Typically, a cargo e-bike can handle between 150 and 300 kg payload, no more. Frustrating, because the motorisation could usually take much more. “This was our trigger to rethink the last mile.” The result is three variants of a modular chassis system for trailers, which can accommodate up to 230 kilograms with a permissible gross weight of up to 300 kg. “Our aim was to be able to quickly double the payload with just one simple action if required. This takes the efficiency of alternative cargo vehicles to the next level,” says Ünsal.

The leisure and tourism sector also finds cargo bike trailers interesting: for transporting luggage, equipment and provisions, targeting clients such as cycle hire businesses, campsite operators, tour operators – and also highly ambitious leisure sport enthusiasts with lots of gear for a variety of outdoor activities.

The starting point for these new developments was the decades of experience AL-KO VT has gained in chassis construction for commercial trailers, vehicles and caravans. The main difference compared to the existing trailer line-up: components and construction which, under normal circumstances, are designed for up to 3,500 kg gross weight and speeds of up to 100 km/h, have to work much less hard on the last mile.

Ünsal: “Accordingly, our engineers relished the challenge of slimming down existing components to achieve the optimum ratio of dead weight to payload even in this segment for lighter loads and lower speeds.”

At their core, the three new trailers are almost identical to the larger AL-KO VT models in terms of materials – from the high-strength frame construction to rubber suspension and independent wheel suspension, through to the riveting and welding processes used, offering the same running smoothness and durability.

Professional use in distribution or intralogistics has little to do with a gentle ride on newly surfaced cycle paths. It's in urban pothole-kerb obstacle courses or during municipal park maintenance that AL-KO VT’s towed units really prove their worth: stoic tracking and unwavering resilience. And even if tradespeople have to take their trailer through gardens and up to a cellar staircase – it’s no problem.

Ünsal: “Admittedly, on the last mile, lower speeds are usually the norm. However, the loads acting on the frame and axles can still be extreme.” Often, superstructures are very tall and cargo isn't evenly distributed. “That’s exactly why you need a fundamentally robust chassis solution. With our components – from the coupling head to the overrun brake – we ensure our trailers reliably follow the towing unit, even across kerbs and rough surfaces.”

Customers of BAYK, for example, use VeloBRING for inner-city parcel distribution and VeloTAXI for passenger transport. Stefan Kruschel, Chief Business Development Officer at BAYK: “Imagine a driver picking up a couple at the station. Our VeloTAXIs offer comfortable passenger transport. Bulky luggage fits in the AL-KO trailer – safely and without the need for creative stacking, making it the ideal towing combination for urban centres.”

Car parking spaces are increasingly being replaced by generously designed pedestrian-cycle lane combinations. Cycle streets ensure ever smoother cycle traffic. “Especially for tradespeople who operate flexibly in these city areas and don't want to carry their equipment several blocks, our VeloBRING – agile cargo bikes with VeloTRAILER – provide a real load advantage.”

The same applies to parcel delivery services: Drive into the area with the trailer, uncouple and park it, deliver the first load, and then distribute parcels from the trailer in the second round. Kruschel says: “As a micro-depot, the AL-KO VT trailers can always find a place to stand in any city centre. And delivery tours can be planned much more efficiently.”