Riese & Müller Load4 75 HS: A $14,000 Electric Cargo Bike That Aims to Replace Your Car
InsideEVs kicks off its e-bike testing with a premium German cargo hauler. Ask us anything.
The electric revolution is no longer confined to four wheels. Across the globe and particularly in the United States, the popularity of e-bikes and electric micromobility solutions is surging. U.S. electric bicycle sales alone neared $1.8 billion in 2024, a figure that undoubtedly climbs higher when e-scooters and other personal electric vehicles are included. This trend is further amplified by the growing investment in urban cycling infrastructure, designed to combat traffic congestion and enhance road safety. As car ownership becomes increasingly expensive – with nearly one in five new car buyers facing monthly payments of $1,000 before fuel and insurance, and looming 25% tariffs on imported vehicles – the appeal of an e-bike as a practical, cost-effective alternative for families is undeniable.
At InsideEVs, we’re committed to exploring the future of transportation, which increasingly means looking beyond traditional automobiles. We’re applying our rigorous testing standards and unwavering honesty to the world of electric mobility to help you navigate the market and identify the best products. Our journey begins with an in-depth look at the Riese & Müller Load4 75 Rohloff HS, a sophisticated electric cargo bike that promises a unique blend of utility and performance.
Unpacking the Riese & Müller Load4 75 Rohloff HS
Let’s break down what makes this e-bike stand out. Riese & Müller, a German bicycle manufacturer with over three decades of experience, has been at the forefront of e-bike innovation since 2009. The Load4 represents the fourth generation of their robust front-loader cargo bike line, with the ’75’ denoting the 75cm length of its cargo basket. The ‘Rohloff’ designation points to the inclusion of a premium 14-speed internally-geared hub from Rohloff, a German company renowned for its durable, low-maintenance systems that utilize a belt drive instead of a traditional chain. The ‘HS’ signifies ‘High Speed,’ indicating that this pedal-assist e-bike can reach speeds of up to 28 miles per hour, featuring a powerful Turbo e-assist mode.
The price tag is certainly eye-watering: $14,419 as tested. This positions the Load4 75 squarely at the premium, lifestyle-oriented end of the cargo e-bike market, rather than an entry-level option. However, its capabilities are equally impressive. Equipped with full suspension and a substantial 1.45 kWh battery capacity, it offers a real-world range of approximately 80 miles. This makes it a true adventure machine, capable of handling significant cargo loads with a level of comfort and stability that rivals a car, albeit at a comparable used-car price point.
Putting the Load4 75 to the Test
Over the coming week, we’ll be putting the Riese & Müller Load4 75 through its paces. Expect to see it tackling practical challenges such as trips to Costco and the garden center, a demanding 20-mile commute across city boroughs, and even participating in a school drop-off ‘bike bus.’ We’ll report back with our full findings, but in the meantime, we want to hear from you: What specific questions do you have about this high-end cargo hauler?
Our initial impressions are overwhelmingly positive. The Load4 75 is exceptionally comfortable and stable, whether loaded with cargo or riding empty. Initial concerns about maneuvering a five-foot cargo box ahead of the handlebars quickly subsided as we adapted to the bike’s dimensions and surprisingly agile cornering. The full suspension system provides a remarkably smooth ride, effortlessly absorbing the impact of New York’s notorious potholes and cobblestone streets. The only minor challenge encountered was navigating the narrow confines of an apartment building hallway, where its length became more apparent.
We’re eager to delve deeper into the world of e-bikes and micromobility. What aspects of these reviews are most important to you? Let us know what you’d like to see covered in our future explorations.