E-cargo bikes can handle many of the journeys that families tend to use cars for, research says.

Researchers from universities in the UK and the Netherlands ran a trial in which 49 families gave e-cargo bikes a go.

The participants used them for all sorts of everyday trips, from school runs to shopping.

Most responses were positive – families found that they could chat to each other much like they do in a car, and they felt more connected to their community. However, some riders felt a bit out of place and had safety concerns.

The report, published in the journal Geoforum, concluded that e-cargo bikes have the power to transform family journeys, encourage more women and children to cycle, reduce traffic and make healthier communities.

They can also challenge beliefs that cycling is just for sport or leisure, and that cars should dominate the road. What do you think?