Urban Arrow Family Next vs. Family: which cargo bike is right for you?
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Urban Arrow Family Next vs. Family: which cargo bike is right for you?
You're about to buy a cargo bike, congratulations, your life will be more fun and your calves will be more impressive. But then: Family or Family Next? Both are Urban Arrow's flagships, both can handle three kids, a dog and a crate of beer. Yet there are serious differences that determine which one best suits you. In this blog, we compare the Urban Arrow Family Next and the classic Family on specs, ride feel, accessories and fair budget. So that you can choose with confidence.
What is the difference between the Urban Arrow Family and the Family Next?
The Urban Arrow Family is the model that spearheaded the entire cargo bike trend. Reliable, spacious, powerful and now tested by tens of thousands of families across Europe. The Urban Arrow Family Next is its successor: same DNA, but with a revamped frame, a more powerful Bosch CX motor and a larger 500 Wh battery. The Next rides a little smoother out of turns, responds faster to your pedalling power, and has an improved braking system. In short: it's the Family, but with an upgrade that you'll really feel after a long day with three children in the cargo box.
Motor power and battery: do you notice the difference?
Yes, and how. The Family Next comes standard with the Bosch Performance Line CX motor, which provides ample support even at low pedal frequencies. You'll especially notice this when climbing a bridge with a full cargo box or cycling against the wind right after picking up the kids from school. The standard Family has the regular Performance Line: also excellent, but with slightly less torque in the lower gears.
The 500 Wh battery on the Next gives you an average of about 15 to 25 kilometres of extra range compared to the 400 Wh version, depending on weight, wind, and how much coffee you've had. For daily use in the city, this makes little difference for most families. Do you regularly make longer rides or live in a hilly area? Then that extra capacity is worth its weight in gold.
Accessory options: what fits which model?
This is where it gets really interesting for us. Both models are excellent for cargo bike accessories. Both models fit the most popular products from Bakfiets Goodies:
Cup holder: The cup holder is the ideal solution for drinking cups that would otherwise roll around in the cargo box. A spout cup, drinking bottle or juice box? With this holder, your child always has their drink within reach.
No more mess, no more tipping cups. Everything neatly in its place and independently accessible for your child.
Bag hooks and transport hooks: whether you want to store bags, shopping baskets or a gym bag: the hooks and hangers work on the frame of both models.
Price: Is the Next worth the extra cost?
To be fair, the Family Next is considerably more expensive. Depending on the configuration, you can easily pay €1,500 to €2,000 more than for a comparable Family. The question is whether you will recoup that extra cost in terms of user enjoyment.
Our honest advice: if you use the cargo bike for the daily 3 km school run, the regular Family is more than sufficient. If you also do groceries, sports training, weekend outings, and work from your bike, then the extra motor and battery of the Family Next are an investment that pays for itself in convenience.
Which one will you choose?
Choose the Urban Arrow Family if you:
- Have a conscious budget and want to spend smartly
- Mainly make shorter urban trips
- Want the reliable classic version with a proven track record
Choose the Urban Arrow Family Next if you:
- Want to get the most out of your cargo bike riding experience
- Regularly ride longer distances or live in a somewhat hiller area
- Want the latest motor technology and want to invest for the future
Whichever model you choose: complete it with the right accessories from bakfietsgoodies.nl, because a good cargo bike deserves a good cup holder.
Frequently asked questions about the Urban Arrow Family Next
What is the main difference between the Urban Arrow Family and the Family Next? The biggest difference is in the drivetrain: the Family Next has the more powerful Bosch Performance Line CX motor and a larger 500 Wh battery. Additionally, the Next has a revamped frame and an improved braking system for even better riding performance.
Do Urban Arrow accessories from Bakfiets Goodies fit both models? Yes! Most accessories from Bakfiets Goodies, such as the cup holder, Bak, transport hooks, and bag hooks, are compatible with both the Urban Arrow Family and the Family Next. If in doubt, check the product page or send us a message.
Is the Urban Arrow Family Next worth the investment? That depends on how and how much you ride. For short daily city rides, the regular Family is more than good enough. If you often ride longer distances, want maximum support, or live in a hiller area? Then the extra investment in the Family Next will pay for itself in riding enjoyment and range.
Ready to complete your cargo bike? Check out our full range of smart accessories for Urban Arrow at bakfietsgoodies.nl — from handy cup holders to cheerful Bak Stripes. Your cargo bike, but even better.