Short-wheelbase cargo e-bikes, or utility e-bikes, are a relatively new thing in e-bikes here in the U.S. In this instance, we mean short as in comparison to long-tail cargo e-bikes and big “bucket” e-bikes. The Blix Dubbel is a super design. In integrating the rear rack into the frame, they created a frame that is stronger and a rear rack that can carry more than the standard 50 lbs., the weight at which bolt-on rear racks max out.
Without that exceptional frame design, we would be suspicious of Blix’s claim that the Dubbel can carry a 200-lb. rider and 150 lbs. of passenger and other stuff. Everything about the Blix Dubbel serves to underscore its ability to do more than carry a single rider, right down to the motorcycle-style twin-leg kickstand which makes loading the Dubbel a simple process.
A cargo e-bike isn’t worth much if it doesn’t actually suit the rider’s needs to carry stuff and Blix has assembled a terrific selection of accessories including various baskets, a pad for a second rider and a way to corral little ones. After adding a bike to the cart, shoppers are taken to the accessories page, making the shopping very easy.
The Blix Dubbel sits at the upper end of the $1500-$2000 price range with a single battery and beyond that with double batteries. As a result, it’s more expensive than some other bikes it might compete with. Given the frame design, component selection and the incredible array of accessories, the Dubbel is more than worth it though in our opinion. Ordering it with a single battery will save roughly $500, but the flexibility and insurance that comes with two batteries is easily justified and we would encourage shoppers to include the range extending second battery if it’s in your budget.
Any time we consider what we didn’t like about an e-bike or what we’d like to see changed, we do our best to consider that most changes we would call improvement will also increase an e-bike’s cost, so we weigh those recommendations carefully. To make the Blix Dubbel any more value-laden than it is might require a shoe horn.
The combination of a very torquey 750W hub motor, an 8-speed drivetrain, hydraulic disc brakes, the opportunity to order it with two batteries and a frame design that serves the e-bike’s stated purpose, there is precious little to improve that won’t shift the Dubbel into a more expensive price range.
We’d love to see a second frame size offered, and the kickstand being as low as it is to the ground makes it viable to catch a curb or two, but ultimately there isn’t much we feel is worth having Blix go back to the drawing board over – it’s a great bike that lives up to it’s utility frame and then some.
We can’t help but wonder if Blix has plans for additional accessories for the Dubbel; there are mounting points on the frame that don’t correspond to any of the accessories currently offered. The Dubbel is capable of even more. This strikes us as a variation on under-promise and over-deliver.
There’s little that can make us reconsider using an e-bike for transportation than running an errand and then confronting the question of, “Great, how do I get this home?” E-bikes like the Blix Dubbel eliminate such headaches. It’s our hope that e-bikes like this catch on, because versatility has no downside.
‘Happy Riding, make sure to let us know if you have any questions down in our comments section or if you think we left anything out in this review of the Blix Dubbel.
