We were able to ride with the Ca GO CS electric bike. An ingenious mini electric cargo bike. Convincing during the first spins, the Ca Go CS pocket two-wheel bike is also very high-end and well equipped, with a small problem however.
As we have already shown, the world of cargo bikes continues to surprise. During our visit to CyclingWorld Europe, we got our hands on a model we had seen for a few months, the Ca Go CS which piqued our curiosity. Impossible not to try it, we asked the German brand for a short moment on its handlebars.
Source: M. Lauraux for Frandroid
Source: M. Lauraux for Frandroid
Source: M. Lauraux for Frandroid
We first had to choose the model between the CS100 with derailleur and the CS150 with Enviolo. The latter was our version of choice, with a chain transmission, the main difference with the CS200 which uses a belt. Regardless of the means, the pleasure of this box is the same, just like the Bosch Cargo Line engine sending out its 85 Nm of torque with panache (in Turbo mode).
A trio of storage
But let’s focus on what sets this Ca Go CS apart: its unique structure. Following the first cargo body project in 2018 then the classic FS200 two-wheeler which launched the German brand, here the second model is a mini two-carrier. It is only 2.04 m long, just 20 cm longer than a conventional electric bike.
Source: M. Lauraux for Frandroid
Source: M. Lauraux for Frandroid
Source: M. Lauraux for Frandroid
Its strength is to offer a lower loading space at the front of 33 x 40 cm, supporting a load of 35 kg. We put our large transport bag there, holding it easily with side reinforcement bars.
This housing is topped with a MIK compatible rail, pannier tubes and an additional platform available as an option (to increase the load surface). It can accommodate other bulky objects or a child seat, but up to 18 kg. You can add the rear luggage rack as an option, here present with another bag, with a maximum load of 27 kg, MIK HD/QL3 compatible and including an Abus wheel lock.
Source: M. Lauraux for Frandroid
Source: M. Lauraux for Frandroid
Source: M. Lauraux for Frandroid
In total, the Ca Go CS can accommodate 80 kg of load, and up to 180 kg including the cyclist and the 35.5 kg of the cargo bike. The weight is indeed imposing for this small two-wheeler, when we compare it to its compatriots Muli ST or Riese & Müller Carrie. They are certainly less ingenious, but the extra weight of the CA Go is felt when maneuvering. The German e-bike is less easy to handle than a conventional urban cargo bike, due to its long wheelbase. To make matters worse, the 20-inch wheels make it less stable.
An easy control, but an annoying detail
However, the handling was quick, and it will be necessary to form a detailed opinion, with a longer test. Let us point out, however, that the low center of gravity ultimately offers healthy driving, provided you balance the weight of the saddlebags as we did. The Enviolo improves comfort by facilitating transmission when pedaling and stopping, while comfort is excellent via the front suspension. It’s less pleasant at the rear, because of the rebound, in the absence of a suspended saddle. However, we love the extremely powerful Magura MT5/MT4 brakes.
Source: M. Lauraux for Frandroid
Source: M. Lauraux for Frandroid
Source: M. Lauraux for Frandroid
Source: M. Lauraux for Frandroid
Source: M. Lauraux for Frandroid
Source: M. Lauraux for Frandroid
The overall very good experience is however tarnished by one detail. The lower body at the front is too close to the pedals: our toe tips hit the latter, with our size 45. We therefore have to move our feet back on the pedals, which is not very natural in use.
German manufacturing, and soon in France?
If you have a small size, forget this detail, but not the price. The Ca Go CS starts at 5,590 euros in the derailleur version, 5,990 euros in the Enviolo chain version and 6,490 euros with the belt. Our CS 150 test model with rear rack and SmartGrip (Bosch smartphone holder) costs 6,270 euros, with the basic 545 Wh battery. You can also get the 725 Wh version. But there is no option to integrate two batteries.
The bill is very steep, but the electric minicargo is very well equipped, and manufactured in Koblenz in Germany. Too bad this bike doesn’t cross the Rhine, since it is only available in Germany, Austria, and Benelux. Distribution in France is not yet planned in the short term according to Ca Go, which is currently working on it.