How to Transport Urban Arrow Cargo Bike

Updated 03/14/2025 | Published 03/08/2025

Question:

Hello folks, I’ve got a hauling conundrum, and I would appreciate some expert advice. I have an Urban Arrow cargo bike. It’s a bit over 80” from front wheel hub to rear wheel hub, and it weighs a hundred pounds. Generally, I use it to carry my kids around town in the warmer months. I’d like to be able to take it down to my in-laws house on Cape Cod, which is a roughly seventy mile drive, mostly highways. Our two vehicles are a Chrysler Pacifica minivan and a Subaru Outback wagon - both have factory roof racks, and the Subie has a 2” tow hitch. I have been looking at motorcycle racks, since most bike racks can’t handle the load and aren’t long enough, but what I could really use is some expert advice. I’d appreciate whatever counsel you can provide. Sincerely

asked by: Toby

Expert Reply:

Hey Toby, thanks for reaching out!

A motorcycle, or dirt bike, carrier like the Ultra-Fab # UF48-979033 is going to be your best bet in this circumstance. It's the only thing big and hefty enough to handle your Urban Arrow cargo bike, and there isn't a roof rack carrier that will be able to accommodate it either.

My only concern with this solution is ground clearance with your Chrysler Pacifica. If you can let me know what year your van is I can make a hitch recommendation and see if we have a video showing ground clearance that you can reference.

The only other solution would be to get a small trailer that your bike fits on and you can tow with either vehicle.

Let me know your thoughts!

expert reply by: Jon G

Toby S.

3/13/2025

The Pacifica isn’t the vehicle with the hitch - the Outback is. It’s a 2022 Onyx Edition XT, with a sturdy hitch. I’m more concerned about the length of the Ultra-Fab, because 77” is definitely shorter than the bike, and I would prefer to have the Urban Arrow resting on its wheels.

Jon G.

3/14/2025

@TobyS Ah, I see. I thought you were wanting to add a hitch to your Pacifica as well which is why I mentioned that. That's the widest one we have, so if you'd like one wider then you'd unfortunately need to source it elsewhere. I definitely get where you're coming from though so I don't blame you!

Toby

3/14/2025

@JonG I just went out into the garage and measured the bike as best I could in the tight quarters, and it looks like it *might* be 77” from front hub to back hub - this is the sort of situation where I’d really want to test it out in a showroom to see if it fits. But it’s looking it’ll probably be easier to rent a little trailer for a special occasion trip each summer. Either that or I just apply more stubborn to the problem and ride the bike down myself. It’s only 75 miles each way…

Jon G.

3/14/2025

@Toby That is a lot more stubborn you'd be adding in my book! I haven't done a ton of riding, but I can't imagine riding a bike for that far!