Wooden boxes, metal boxes…​
Why choose an ABS box for your cargo bike?

Above all, metal provides a guarantee of solidity and resistance to repeated internal or external shocks. A professional use that requires, for example, the regular transport of heavy and blunt parts (toolbox, ironwork) can justify the choice of a metal box. The major drawbacks are weight (even aluminium has twice the density of plastic) and, above all, a design limited by the assembly of flat surfaces, unless you use the (expensive) services of a boilermaker. A metal box will therefore remain limited to very specific professional uses.

The wooden box is used by several manufacturers of cargo bikes and trikes. Light, easy to assemble, aesthetic when only varnished or stained, it also enjoys an “ecological” image that appeals to many family transport enthusiasts. However, its professional use in the manufacture of cargo bikes remains limited. Fragile, difficult to repair after an impact, a crack or a breach, it is also sensitive to bad weather (watertightness, gaps in the assembly) as well as to temperature variations. Moreover, in professional use, its customisation possibilities (painting, logotyping) mean that it loses the advantage of its ecological image… adding danger when damaged (splinters, etc.) or worse, bursting in the event of an impact.

At Bluemooov, to make the bodies of our cargo bikes,

we have chosen ABS because of its many qualities

ABS boxes for our professional cargo bikes:

the choice of a material that is easy to maintain and recycle.

Finally, even if it does not enjoy the same ‘green’ image as raw or varnished wood, ABS offers some very satisfying environmental qualities that are not well known. Unlike thermoset plastics, and thanks to its low melting point, ABS does not burn: it melts and turns to liquid. As it cools, it returns to its solid state (and can therefore be worked on during this period). Better still, it can be reheated as many times as necessary. This makes it much more efficient than thermoset plastics which can only be heated once. This property of being able to reheat and melt ABS over and over again makes it a great candidate for recycling. And an excellent material for the environment. In addition, ABS is non-toxic, which is why it is used in toys and many familiar everyday objects.

For all these reasons, and after carefully studying the different materials that could have been used, all the bodies of our Bluemooov cargo bikes are made from high-quality ABS plastic, ensuring comfort of use and long life…