Put the fun back into the school run with Raleigh’s Stride 2 e-cargo bike

Every parent knows that the school run can be one of the most stressful times of the day. Getting the kids dressed, fed and out the front door can be the ultimate test of patience and diplomacy – and that’s before you’ve contended with all those angry rush-hour motorists who think their journey is more important than yours.

It doesn’t have to be this way, however, because the Raleigh Stride 2 e-cargo bike is an eco-friendly alternative to piling the family into the car every morning. With its powerful motor and impressive cargo space, it’s the ideal way to dodge the traffic. In fact, it can even turn the school run into a pleasure, and better mornings often have a positive effect on the rest of your day.

For decades, the car has felt like the default option for running errands around town, but the e-bike revolution has shifted the balance of power. The Stride 2 is such a reliable, versatile runabout that it’s the ideal substitute for a second car, whether you’re transporting the family from A to B, doing the weekly shop or making deliveries for your business.

The bike’s Bosch Performance CX Cargo Line 500 battery is widely regarded one of the most impressive on the market, and gives you a powerful boost even starting from a standstill. Best of all, it’s smart enough to provide assistance when you need it most, adjusting its output to the load its carrying, or to hills that might previously have felt like a challenge. The motor also has a range of up to 40 miles, meaning you can do what you need to do without worrying about running out of charge every time you hit the road.

But having all that power at your disposal doesn’t mean sacrificing the fitness benefits you’d traditionally associate with cycling. As you pedal around town, you’ll be getting plenty of exercise while enjoying the fresh air , which is great for both your physical and mental wellbeing. You also have the option to escape busy roads, because the Raleigh Stride 2 complies with the UK’s Electric Power Assisted Cycles regulations. That brings with it the freedom to ride on designated cycle routes, and let’s face it, if you’ve got a scenic canal path between your house and your kids’ school, that’s got to be better for your health than a polluted street – especially as you can rest assured that your bike is entirely emission free. It’s worth noting, too, that not even the British winter can stand in the way of this e-bike, thanks to its built-in lights and mudguards.

That would all count for little, of course, if the bike wasn’t capable of carrying everything you need. Luckily, there’s much more to the Stride 2 than paniers and saddlebags, because when it comes to cargo space, the bike delivers spectacularly – indeed, with its 80kg capacity, there’s enough room to accommodate your kids (safely) and the shopping.

While the rack behind your saddle might look similar to what you’ve used on previous bikes, it’s the large, robust container between the handlebars and front wheel that transforms this e-bike into a serious workhorse. It’s versatile enough to carry children, groceries and – if you’re a business owner – goods for delivery, and that’s just the start. Accessories such as rain covers (for both your passengers and your cargo) and purpose-built toddler and baby seats help make the Stride 2 a truly multi-purpose vehicle, while there’s also a cover to keep your investment well protected from the elements when it’s parked up at home.

In other words, when it comes to getting you and the family around town, the automobile has had things its own way for way too long. With its powerful motor, impressive cargo capacity and an RRP of just £4,395, the Raleigh Stride 2 is a genuine alternative to a second car. It’s also less damaging to the environment, better for your health, and a lot more fun.

For more information about the Raleigh Stride 2 family cargo bike, visit www.raleigh.co.uk.