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Welcome to Flywheel, a weekly exploration of owned and used micromobility. Each newsletter will highlight an observation of trends emerging in the industry and feature five of the most interesting vehicles/hardware in micromobility.

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The observation of the week features my conversation with CargoB founders Dorothy Fennell and Zack DeClerck about their efforts to pioneer cargo bikesharing in the US. This week’s featured vehicles are the dump truck of ebikes, a cruiser, and two stealthy city commuters.

Observation of the Week

Pioneering Cargo Bikesharing in Boston with CargoB Co-Founders Dorothy Fennell and Zack DeClerck

On the last edition of Flywheel, I talked about the recent launch of CargoB, a Boston based bikeshare service for cargo bikes and the first such program in the country. As previously discussed, cargo bikes are a particularly great candidate for bike sharing. They’re vehicles that many people don’t neccesarily need all the time, and they are generally more expensive and harder to store without a garage. It’s high time that we got micromobility’s own U-Haul. This week on Flywheel, I had the privilege of chatting with CargoB founders Dorothy Fennell and Zack DeClerck. Please welcome Dot and Zack:

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Puneeth: “It’s great to connect with both of you! I’ve been impressed by the work you’re doing with CargoB. For those unfamiliar with your company, could you introduce yourselves and share what inspired you to start CargoB?”

Dorothy: “Thanks, Puneeth! I’m Dorothy—most people call me Dot—and I’ve been involved in transportation planning for about 20 years, focusing on workplace commuting and urban mobility. CargoB came out of a personal need. Both Zack and I use cargo bikes regularly to get around Boston, but we noticed a gap. These bikes are expensive, hard to store, and many people aren’t sure if they’ll use them enough to justify ownership. That’s when we thought, why not create a cargo bikesharing system? What began as a neighborhood bike library has grown into a formal bikeshare program.”

Zack: “I’m Zack DeClerck. My background is in marketing & communications in non-profit global health, and I’ve spent years advocating in my own community for cleaner, more efficient transportation options. When I saw how transformative electric cargo bikes were for my own life, I realized there was an opportunity to help more people access them without the barriers of ownership. We launched CargoB as a way to make these bikes available to everyone in Boston, and we’ve had a great response so far.”

Puneeth: “I can imagine! What kind of reception have you seen since you launched?”

Zack: “It’s been really encouraging. Even with a small fleet, we’ve registered over 550 users. People are using the bikes for everything—from grocery runs to family outings. It’s clear that there’s demand for this kind of service, and we’re getting a lot of interest from both city departments and community members for larger deployments.”

Dorothy: “For our initial launch, we have partnered with three property owners to test the idea and have three bakfiet bikes stationed in publicly accessible but privately owned spaces around the city. There’s also a fourth bike that’s available for all-day use. We’re currently working on expanding the program and are actively applying for grant funding that’s become available in light of the success of ebike rebate programs nationwide to support our growth and fleet expansion in March 2025.”

Puneeth: “It’s exciting to see how far you’ve come in such a short amount of time. Can you tell me more about how the bikesharing system works? Is it similar to other single-trip micromobility options, like Bluebikes or Lime scooters, or is it closer to a vehicle subscription program?”

Dorothy: “Right now, CargoB is set up as an A-to-A trip model and we are not a free floating system; you pick up the bike from a designated location where the vehicle “lives” and return it to the same spot when you’re done. This helps us maintain our status as  a “good neighbor” in our community as well as manage the labor intensive work of rebalancing the system for optimal customer access.  Customers predictably know where they will find our bikes, in their home base parking locations. Think of it as the Zipcar model.”

Zack: “We also give users the ability to pause their trip, so they can lock up the bike while they run errands. For now, we ask that bikes are returned to their original spot, but as we grow, we’ll explore more flexible return options such as a network of micro-hubs that could allow for more dynamic trips.”

Puneeth: “Bakfiet cargo bikes are often more intimidating for new users, and it can take a lot to make them feel more approachable. I imagine that there’s a significant amount of customer education that you need to do. Could you talk about some of thse efforts and how you help new riders feel comfortable with these bikes?”

Dorothy: “That’s been a huge focus for us. In my past work in Transportation Demand Management, I’ve organized events to help people learn about new commuting options. We’ve taken a similar approach with CargoB. We host neighborhood test-ride events in low-stress environments like parks, where parents can try out the bikes while their kids play nearby. This summer we’ve also partnered with community events like Boston’s Open Streets and a traveling beer garden in public parks to offer casual, hands-on experiences for people to accessibly try out what is often a new form factor for them.”

Zack: “To add to that, every bike in our fleet has a QR code that’s linked to a how-to video. The video walks new riders through the basics—everything from how to unlock and ride the bike, to tips for navigating the streets and managing the extra cargo space. We actually also offer new riders 15 minutes of free ride time through a promo code so that they can try out the bikes without any pressure to see if it’s a fit for them.”

Puneeth: “I love that approach. I know that your fleet currently only consists of bakfiets, but could you talk more about how you decided on the brands/models to include in your fleet? What are some of the parameters you consider when thinking about the right vehicles for your service?”

Dorothy: “We decided to go with the Urban Arrow, which is well-established European bakfiet brand known for its ease of use and durability. We tested several options, but the Urban Arrow had the lowest learning curve and could carry a lot of weight while still remaining light and manageable for new riders. We also considered factors like the bike’s ability to withstand Boston’s weather, as they’ll be parked outside in all conditions. Ease of maintenance was another factor, and Urban Arrow’s quality and reliability history was a big plus.”

Zack: “We’re also in talks with other manufacturers about expanding our fleet with different models and form factors of cargo bikes. Our long-term goal is to offer a variety of cargo bikes, catering to different needs. We aim to be the “Zipcar” of cargo bikes, making sure people have access to the right bike for the job.”

Puneeth: “What is your opinion in terms of the future of cargo bikes in the US, will they get to the levels of adoption we see in Europe? How does CargoB fit into that vision?”

Zack: “We think there’s huge potential for the adoption of cargo bikes. While some customers will eventually buy their own cargo bikes, I think much of the adoption will come through shared since many won’t want to deal with the cost, storage, or maintenance of a bakfiet cargo bike. Shared mobility is the way forward, especially in dense, walkable cities like Boston. Even capturing 30% of what Europe sees in terms of cargo bike adoption would be a major success here.”

Dorothy: “We also see the timing as perfect. Cities are improving cycling infrastructure, and there’s a growing awareness of sustainable transportation options. CargoB helps fill the gap for people who need to move goods or children but aren’t ready to commit to owning a cargo bike. We’re excited to be part of that change and help make cargo bikes more accessible to everyday people.”

Puneeth: “I agree—it feels like cargo bikes are poised for growth here, and we’re even seeing that many rebate programs around the country have specific incentives around cargo models. Before we wrap up, any advice for other micromobility startups or programs?”

Zack: “I’d say focus on building a strong, sustainable business model from the start. The micromobility space has seen some big successes, but also some significant failures. Many companies grew too quickly without a solid foundation, and that hurt them in the long run. We’re taking a more measured approach to make sure we grow sustainably.”

Dorothy: “Another important piece is to build partnerships early, especially with local governments. Public-private collaboration is key, and it’s helped us get the support we need to launch and grow CargoB.”

Puneeth: “Fantastic advice. Thanks so much for taking the time to talk with me today! I’m looking forward to seeing CargoB continue to grow—and to trying it out when I’m next in Boston :)”

You can learn more about CargoB here. This interview has been edited for clarity and length.

For more observations and resources on owned and used micromobility, check out rideflywheel.com/resources.

Featured Vehicles of the Week

1. Dynamic Drives Giessen Intelectra | €9,250 | Germany

Debuted at this year’s Eurobike show, the Dynamic Drives Giessen (DDG) Intelectra is a four wheeled cargo bike and the dump truck of ebikes. The Intelectra was developed by German startup DDG as heavy duty commercial light electric vehicle for urban fleets. Its pickup truck-style bed is 4ft long and has a payload capacity just shy of 1000lbs. The Intelectra has a unique riding configuration. Riders sit upright in a full seat in the front of the vehicle, pedal with the forward extending pedal drive, and use the side-mounted handlebars to steer the vehicle. This positioning makes it easy to get on and off the vehicle and is far more comfortable for commercial drivers riding for long hours. There’s an adjustable rear suspension to make riding with heavy payloads smoother, and hydraulic disc brakes combined with regenerative braking to make the vehicle easy to stop. The Intelectra’s powertrain uses DDG’s proprietary Intelectric Serial Hybrid System, which features a twin pair of 190Nm rear hub motors and a 1400Wh battery pack. This powertrain is actually a pedal-by-wire system, so there’s no physical connection between the pedals and the motor or wheels and therefore is not driven by human effort at all. Instead, pedaling sends an electronic signal to the motor controller which then proportionally sends power to the motors. Pedal-by-wire systems eliminate the need for chains, belts, or other mechanical drivetrain parts, and thereby significantly reduce the required maintenance for the vehicle. The total motor system is limited to 250W and the max speed of the vehicle is limited to 25km/h. This is an intentional design choice to ensure that the Intelectra is technically classified as a Pedelec ebike in Europe, which means that you don’t need registration or a license to operate the vehicle. Dynamic Drives does offer a custom throttle for the vehicle, but this would technically make the Intelectra an electric scooter and would therefore require users to jump through the additional hoops of registration, a license, etc. It’s also worth noting that the battery pack is swappable. Particularly for commercial applications where vehicles need to have high uptime, a swappable battery allows you to maximize time on the road and saves a ton of time that would otherwise be lost plugging the vehicle in and waiting for the battery to charge. We continue to see a growing number of delivery podcars in the EU that have four wheels and look like cars but are built on bicycle components. However, many of them are often retrofitted, repurposed vehicles built on top of tangentially related platforms (i.e. tourist bike rickshaws) that weren’t designed for the durability expected of a commercial vehicle. It’s exciting to see companies like DDG coming out with purpose-built products that are clearly built for the wear-and-tear of fleet use. The DDG Intelectra is expected to begin shipping over the coming months. Listing can be found here.

2. Pedego Comfort Cruiser | $1,000 | SF - Bay Area

The Pedego Comfort Cruiser is a reliable and classic class-2 cruiser from the hallmark brand for cruiser ebikes. It’s built on the back of Pedego’s original Comfort Cruiser model that helped establish their name and popularity, and includes several upgraded powertrain, transmission, and brake components. The new Comfort Cruiser’s powertrain features a 35Nm Dapu rear hub motor and a 378Wh battery pack made of 18650 Samsung, LG, or Panasonic cells. Although this powertrain doesn’t have UL2849 or UL2271 certification, its battery cells are UL2580 compliant. Rounding out the powertrain is a 7-speed Shimano transmission and a throttle which make accelerating and decelerating a breeze. The Comfort Cruiser is a great neighborhood vehicle, but it can be a bit uncomfortable due to its lack of suspension and weaker mechanical disc brakes. For those interested in Pedego models with a suspension fork, suspension seat post, and hydraulic disc brakes, check out the Pedego Interceptor line that is built on the same frame as the Comfort Cruiser. This listing is sold by Cycles of Change, a Bay Area nonprofit that provides several biking related programs and services (i.e. youth bicycle safety training, after school clubs, and bicycle repairs) to the low income east Oakland community. They resell bikes donated to them and all proceeds go towards supporting their charitable programs. This specific bike was originally in a throw-away condition but has been thoroughly refurbished and brought back to life. As the seller describes it: “This Pedego ebike was donated to our shop about 5mo ago with a completely destroyed battery and broken rack from someone attempting to steal the bike from the original owner. As a certified EV mechanic I contacted Pedego directly to start the process of refurbishing the ebike with original parts to retain their warranty as well as testing all electrical components to verify [that] the bike could be brought back to a certifiable condition. This bike has now had all necessary repairs made including a brand new battery with 5 year warranty including new registration status. And a full service mechanical refurbishment to the mechanical components such as the gears, brakes, bearings, etc.” I absolutely love this story and how much care and effort has been put in to “keep it out of the landfill and on the road.“ This is what sustainable mobility should be all about. This listing comes with lights, a lock, and a limited 30 day service guarantee. Listing can be found here.

3. Tenways CGO600 | $1,100 | NYC

The Tenways CGO600 is a stealthy and lightweight class-1 commuter. Its discreet powertrain is frame integrated and the vehicle itself weighs a mere 33lbs, meaning that the CGO600 both looks and feels like a traditional messenger pedal bike. The powertrain features a 35Nm rear hub motor and a 252Wh battery pack made up of Samsung cells. Although these components are quite modest, where the CGO600 really excels is in its simplicity and inclusion of other more premium features rarely found on a bike in this price range. The CGO600 has a torque sensor for refined and smooth pedal assistance, a carbon belt drive for minimal maintenance, and hydraulic brakes for excellent responsive handling. Particularly if you live in a city with few hills and are looking for a maneuverable bike that is easy to carry in and out of buildings, the CGO600 is an excellent choice. This listing is only 10 months old and comes with several hundred dollars worth of additional accessories (i.e an upgraded seat, a loud alarm system, and racks). It’s being resold because the owner “moved to a new building without bike storage and decided to switch to a Citibike membership.” Listing can be found here.

4. Aventon Soltera.2 | $850 | NYC

The Aventon Soltera.2 is a budget class-2 commuter bike that bridges the gap between affordable D2C bikes and easy to maintain and high-quality dealer-network bikes. What immediately stands out about the Soltera.2 is that it looks far nicer than you’d expect for a sub-$1.5K bike. Its build quality is excellent; the welds are clean, the frame is sleek, and the battery is integrated directly into the frame. It truly is one of the best looking budget bikes in the market, and it has the performance to match. Its powertrain is UL2849 certified, and features a 45Nm rear hub motor and a 360Wh battery pack. Pedal assistance is determined by both a torque sensor and a throttle, which is a rare combination that makes this light ebike equally good for commuting or exercise. This powertrain is paired with a 7-speed Shimano transmission, and allows riders to comfortably carry up to 300lbs for ~30mi. There’s even high quality integrated lighting and easily discernible turn signals that are actually practical to use. The two main cons for this vehicle are that it doesn’t have suspension and only has mechanical disc brakes, but that’s to be expected given how many other premium components Aventon has managed to pack into this vehicle despite its low price point. This listing is in excellent condition and has a mileage of 125mi. It comes with an upgraded seat post, a suspension stem, a carbon fiber handlebar, and upgraded tires, all of which “make this bike much more comfortable to ride than the stock components.” Listing can be found here.

That’s it for this edition. Thanks again for joining, see you next time!

- Puneeth Meruva