F.A.Q
Frequently asked questions
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Cyclologistics refers to all solutions that enable goods to be delivered by bicycle. Combined with existing modes of long-distance transport, it becomes an integral part of the logistics chain. This leads to the notion of multimodality.
For more information, check our cyclelogistics page.
Depending on your business activity, traffic flows, cycling facilities and constraints, our solutions are tailored to your needs.
Have a look at our range comparator to easily identify the solution that's right for you! If you have any questions about your usage, contact our customer service team or chat to us for advice.
Any professional with a cyclo-mobility project can purchase a FlexiModal solution.
The BicyLift and Runner are trailers designed for professional use, and need to be used with suitable equipment. We therefore recommend bikes that meet several criteria.
Comfort
First of all, these are the work tools your couriers will be using for several hours a day. So choose a bike with a saddle and position adapted to the ergonomics of your employees.
Electric power
Our trailers can carry up to 200 kg of payload. It goes without saying that electric assistance is required to facilitate the movement of the bike, trailer and load. We strongly recommend pedal motors with at least 80 Nm torque (Bosch Performance CX, Bosch Cargo Line, Shimano step8000, Shimano EP800, Brose drive S, Bafang M510/M560).
Robustness
Bikes used in cycling must be designed to withstand the forces associated with intensive use of the equipment on roads that are not always suitable (cobbles, potholes). We therefore recommend bikes with a solid frame, thick wheels and a good transmission.
Transmission
There are two main types of transmission in the cycling world. The external derailleur with an exposed cassette (as found on most racing bikes) and the gear hub. Maintenance on a derailleur is easier, but must be carried out more regularly than on a gear hub. Equip yourself according to your abilities.
Braking
To activate the inertia brake on our trailers, it's essential that the bike is able to brake properly in all weather conditions. Hydraulic disc brakes seem to us the wisest choice.
Stable when stationary
On average, a delivery driver leaves his vehicle around thirty times a round, so it's best to choose a bike with a stand that keeps the bike upright when the trailer is attached, so as not to lay the bike down when stationary.
Loading capacity
Trailers are a simple and effective way of adding volume to your bike. However, if you don't always need to carry that much volume, we recommend using a cargo bike that can carry basic equipment. The VAE, on the other hand, takes up less space and is your ideal partner for getting around town.
You'll find a non-exhaustive list of the bikes we judge strong enough to tow our trailers.
All FlexiModal solutions go beyond regulatory requirements to ensure your safety.
The trailers are braked to adapt to all your uses :
- Overrun brakes : during transport: the trailer brakes in proportion to the braking of the bike ;
- Hand brake : to enable you to brake the trailer when moving it in handcart mode ;
- Parking brake : to immobilize the uncoupled trailer even if it is loaded.
To find out more, please consult our security page.
To date, there's no standard for bike hitch capable of supporting the necessary loads. That's why we've developed our ideal attachment.
The latter attaches to the rear frame of the bike, at the wheel axle. To do this, we use existing attachment points on the bike, such as the threads on the brake caliper, mudguard or luggage rack. Ideally located, the clamp ensures that the rider is not destabilized when braking or turning. As the frame is stronger than the seatpost, the hitch is more secure.
This mechanical part is designed to withstand loads greater than those incurred during normal use of our equipment. However, it is also designed to deform in the event of misuse, in order to protect the courier, bike and trailer.
This coupling system, consisting of a hitch ball attached to the bike and a hitch attached to the trailer, is easy to install and quick to get to grips with. What's more, it also allows the trailer to be quickly coupled or uncoupled from the bike, so that the trailer can be used right up to the last metre, or left in storage if it's not needed for the day's ride.
It's the coupling that allows overrun braking of the trailer in proportion to the bike, for maximum safety.
European standard NF EN 15194 specifies :
“This document applies to electrically assisted bicycles (EPAC) of a maximum continuous rated power of 0,25 kW whose power supply is interrupted when the bicycle reaches 25 km/h, or earlier, if the cyclist stops pedaling. It does not apply to cycles intended for hire at an unattended station. It deals with all significant hazardous phenomena, situations and events and specifies the safety and performance requirements to be observed.”
This standard is included in a context of legal uncertainty regarding trailers and their potential electrification in France and other countries.
If an electric bike is limited to 250W of power, the trailer can't provide an additional 250W, otherwise it's in breach of the regulations.
That's why we've chosen to design lightweight, easy-to-use, low-tech mechanical trailers for maximum efficiency and legality.
There are different options to test out our solutions.
You can directly visit one of our retailer partners nearest to you or come visit us in Cesson or be put in touch with a FlexiModal user near you if there is no dealer in your area.
To protect your merchandise, you have several options, depending on your flows.
- If you transport pallets, the pallet tarpaulin or the Paltainer will protect them from the elements while displaying your branding. Contact-us for a quote ;
- If you're transporting parcels, the Lift Parcel Container, the Runner Parcel container and the Megabag Runner are waterproof and allow you to protect your merchandise. ;
- If you need to stack your flows or transport various flows (flowers, clothes, bags, etc.), the Trayrack is made for you.
Our parcel solutions are designed to help you effectively secure your parcels
The Lift Parcel Container and the Runner Parcel Container are rigid, waterproof and secure. They come with a triangle key lock as standard, and can be fitted with an RFID lock (code or key) as an option.
The Megabag Runner, with multiple fastenings, allows the addition of a padlock to the bag closure if required.
Range comparator
See which FlexiModal solution is right for you by consulting our range comparison by flow type.