Christiania e-Bikes are Danish-made cargo trikes designed for stability, heavy loads, and passenger transport—now available with electric assist.
Christiania E-Bike Guide: Dutch Cargo Bikes Since 1972
Written by: Rémy Rossi | February 3, 2026 | Time to read 5 min
There’s a fascinating history behind Christiania bikes and the power of bikes to transform communities. Here’s a look back at its unique roots and current fleet of cargo bikes.
More about the Author: Rémy Rossi
Rémy Rossi is a bike writer, mechanic, and educator who got his start in community-based bike shops and co-ops. With a decade in the industry, he still wrenches on bikes when he can and plays bike polo on a fixie.
Born in a car-free Copenhagen community, Christiania bikes helped redefine how cities move. Since the 1970s, these iconic three-wheel cargo bikes have blended Danish craftsmanship, sustainability, and people-first design, proving bikes can truly transform communities. Here’s a look at the rich history behind the brand and model comparison of Christiania cargo bikes.
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What are Christiania electric bikes?
Christiania bikes are the original cargo bikes, originating from a unique community in Denmark back in the 1970s, with no cars and an alternative view on transportation. Today, Christiania Bikes continues to produce customizable cargo bikes, cargo e-Bikes, and trailers with Danish craftsmanship, sustainability, and quality.
Born out of the 1970s, Christiania is an experimental and alternative community in Copenhagen. It’s way cool and still thriving today— and since its inception, bike trailers and trikes have been the transport of choice in the area. As the brand says, cargo bikes are “a mode of transportation that was practical, sustainable, and provided space for socializing.” Instead of two-wheeled models, Christiania cargo bikes have three wheels. The company produces the bikes in Bornholm and Copenhagen, Denmark.
Why ride Christiania e-Bikes?
A living, breathing part of bicycle history, Christiania bikes are elegant, well-built, and inspiring cargo bikes to ride. There are decades of experience and expertise that have shaped the current fleet of electric bikes tailored for specific cargo and passenger-transporting needs, and the bikes are responsibly built from sustainable and natural materials in Denmark. The brand even won the Danish Design Center's Classic Award in 2010 and 2011.
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Christiania E-Bike Mode Comparison
Christiania Bike R1
Perfect for: Riders who prefer the feel of a rear hub motor in a clean, integrated system.
The Christiania Bike R1 model is an updated take on the brand’s Classic model, equipped with a Bafang 250W rear hub motor— “R” stands for rear-drive, in this case. There’s a hidden battery on this front-loading cargo e-Bike, which embraces the three-wheeled design for better stability and cargo-carrying capacity.
The Christiania Bike R1 model is an updated take on the brand’s Classic model, equipped with a Bafang 250W rear hub motor— “R” stands for rear-drive, in this case. There’s a hidden battery on this front-loading cargo e-Bike, which embraces the three-wheeled design for better stability and cargo-carrying capacity.
Christiania Bike M1
Perfect for: Cargo riders who want a three-wheeler with a mid-drive motor and classic design.
The Christiania Bike M1 model has a Shimano EP600 Cargo mid-drive motor for ultra-smooth pedal-assist and extra watts when riding with heavy cargo. It’s the same general design as the Classic and R1 models, but built around that mid-drive motor and Shimano Nexus 5-speed internal hub gearing, which offers a more natural-feeling boost.
The Christiania Bike M1 model has a Shimano EP600 Cargo mid-drive motor for ultra-smooth pedal-assist and extra watts when riding with heavy cargo. It’s the same general design as the Classic and R1 models, but built around that mid-drive motor and Shimano Nexus 5-speed internal hub gearing, which offers a more natural-feeling boost.
Christiania Classic
Perfect for: Families with kids, dog owners, and small businesses who want a classic cargo trike with a boost.
The original model, the Christiania Classic cargo trike can be made electric and outfitted with either a mid-drive or rear-hub motor. The battery sits behind the seattube on the mid-drive version or within the rear rack on the rear hub model. The Classic is quite configurable according to your needs, ideal for families, errands, businesses, and so much more.
Christiania Classic Pro
Perfect for: Small businesses that need a cargo bike for deliveries and last-mile trips.
The Christiania Classic Pro was originally designed for the Danish postal service in the 1980s and dutifully fulfilled its role for decades, even in Denmark’s notoriously harsh weather. It’s a cargo bike built specifically for business with a large cargo area that can be outfitted with an Eventbox, Postbox, or Nobox (flatbed). The Classic Pro can be customized with a rear-drive or mid-drive motor.
The Christiania Classic Pro was originally designed for the Danish postal service in the 1980s and dutifully fulfilled its role for decades, even in Denmark’s notoriously harsh weather. It’s a cargo bike built specifically for business with a large cargo area that can be outfitted with an Eventbox, Postbox, or Nobox (flatbed). The Classic Pro can be customized with a rear-drive or mid-drive motor.
Christiania Model T
Perfect for: Transporting people and going on outdoor adventures with friends and family.
The Christiania Model T is a convenient people-mover, designed to seat two adult passengers side by side in the bench at the front of the bike. It’s kind of like a Danish rickshaw and can be a great way to get people of all ages out into the fresh air enjoying a bicycle— or rather, a trike. The Model T is constructed from FSC-certified wood and chromoly steel and can be customized with a hood for sun or rain protection. As with other Christiania electric bikes, this model can be equipped with a 250W mid-drive or rear-drive motor.
The Christiania Model T is a convenient people-mover, designed to seat two adult passengers side by side in the bench at the front of the bike. It’s kind of like a Danish rickshaw and can be a great way to get people of all ages out into the fresh air enjoying a bicycle— or rather, a trike. The Model T is constructed from FSC-certified wood and chromoly steel and can be customized with a hood for sun or rain protection. As with other Christiania electric bikes, this model can be equipped with a 250W mid-drive or rear-drive motor.
Christiania Model S
Perfect for: Transporting wheelchair users via cargo bike.
The Christiania Model S is a truly unique cargo bike that’s able to safely transport wheelchair users. The extra-large cargo area at the front of the bike is adapted specifically for that purpose, with a front door that folds out as a ramp to facilitate loading and unloading. The Model S can be configured with a rear-drive electric motor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Christiania electric bikes?
Are Christiania bikes good for families and businesses?
Yes. Families love them for kid and pet transport, while businesses rely on models like the Classic Pro for last-mile deliveries.
What motors do Christiania e-Bikes use?
Christiania offers rear-hub motors (like Bafang) and mid-drive systems (Shimano EP600 Cargo), depending on the model and riding needs.
Key Takeaways
- Christiania bikes are among the original cargo bikes, rooted in 1970s Copenhagen.
- Multiple electric motor options support families, businesses, and mobility needs.
- Built in Denmark using sustainable materials, they’re designed to last for decades.
