Dan
EDEMO's Head Honcho Dan possesses a legendary passion for e-bikes. His in-depth knowledge and eagerness to share his genuine experiences with e-bikes have proven invaluable to anyone who visits our showroom or contacts him by phone.
One of our most popular e-bikes, the versatile Riese & Müller Load4 60 is a favourite for hauling everything from kids and dogs to camping gear and weekly shops. Its smaller sibling within the Load4 family, it still boasts a 60cm load base, making it a great choice for a wide range of cargo needs. The main difference from the Load 75 is the slightly smaller cargo capacity. Read on for our full Riese and Muller Load4 60 review.
Key Features
- Extremely robust frame designed to handle heavy loads without compromising handling or ride quality.
- Bosch Smart System integration brings new battery and display options, offering customization and a streamlined user experience.
- Full suspension system with the new Suntour Mobie 34 front suspension fork delivers exceptional comfort, smoothing out bumps whether you’re on pavement or venturing off the beaten path.
- A wide range of cargo configurations to suit any cargo need, from child seats to weather covers and cargo platforms.
- One-size-fits-all design with easily adjustable handlebars and seat post
- Large battery capacity with single or dual battery options for extended range.
Colours & Pricing
The Load4 60 comes in the popular Tundra Grey or the understated Coal Grey Matt. We particularly love the Tundra Grey, and it’s our customers’ top choice as well. It would be fantastic if the Peanut Matte color (available on the Load75) were also an option here.
Pricing reflects the bike’s premium features and build quality:
- Base model with chain and cassette drivetrain (Touring edition): £6869
- Enviolo continuous internally geared drivetrain (Vario): £7239
- Rohloff E14 Speedhub with belt drive: £8359
Gearing Options for Every Style
Riese & Müller offer the Load4 60 with three distinct gearing options:
- Touring: The classic chain and cassette setup (11-speed with a 50-tooth cassette) is a great choice for fast-riding and varied terrain. It offers a wide gear range but will require more maintenance than belt drive options.
- Vario: The Enviolo internal gear hub paired with a belt drive is a virtually maintenance-free system. Smooth shifting and durability make this a fantastic option for riders who prioritize simplicity and ease of use. However, it does have a reduced range of gears compared with the Touring and Rohloff specifications.
- Rohloff E14: This electronic shifting, 14-speed internal gear hub is the most expensive but also the most durable and low-maintenance option. It’s a top choice for riders who put consistent, heavy loads on their bike.
Weight, Sizing & Capacity
While adding accessories will increase the overall weight, here’s a look at base model weights:
- Touring: 36.6 kg
- Vario/Rohloff: 37.6 kg
The Load4 60 cleverly uses a one-size-fits-all design. You can easily adjust the handlebar angle, handlebar height, and the extra-long seat post to comfortably suit riders from approximately 5ft to 6ft 6 in height. This makes it ideal for families or businesses with multiple riders. Keep in mind that Load4 has a total weight capacity of 200kg, including bike, rider, and cargo.
Displays: Information at Your Fingertips
The Load4 60 comes standard with a Purion 200 display, but for greater customization, you can upgrade to either the Kiox300 (£47) or Kiox500 (£112). We tested it with the Kiox300, which pairs with the Bosch LED remote to provide additional information and control over your assist levels. Both Kiox displays are highly customizable through the Bosch Smart System Flow app.
Riese & Müller even offers a smartphone grip that seamlessly integrates with the battery for convenient navigation. This is perfect for adventurous riders who want route guidance on their handlebars (available on request).
Brakes, Lighting & Optional ABS
Stopping power is very important, particularly with a heavy cargo bike. The Load4 60 has powerful Tektro cargo-specific brakes, even when fully loaded, for confident stopping power. The Supernova front headlight (with dipping function) and rear brake light provide excellent visibility and are powered by the bike’s battery for convenience.
Riese & Müller now offers Bosch 2.0 ABS (£466) as an option. This adds an extra layer of confidence when braking on wet or slippery surfaces, which is especially important when carrying precious cargo like children or furry companions.
Next-Level Range with New Battery Options
Let’s talk battery power! The updated Load4 60 boasts a significant battery upgrade with a standard 725Wh battery (previously 500Wh).
If you’re planning epic adventures or carrying substantial loads, the dual battery option provides an astounding total capacity of 1450Wh! This setup costs an additional £1212 but is market-leading and will cover large distances with high loads set at max assistance.
Motor
The Bosch Cargo Line motor, specifically designed for e-cargo bikes, is a perfect fit for the Riese & Müller Load4 60. This powerful motor delivers up to 85Nm of torque, ensuring you have the muscle needed to haul heavy loads and conquer hills easily. With the updated Smart System, the Cargo Line motor integrates seamlessly with the displays and the Bosch Flow App, providing a highly customisable ride experience.
Key features of the Bosch Cargo Line (Smart System) include:
- Smooth Power Delivery: Even under heavy loads, the motor delivers power smoothly and predictably, making it easy to manoeuvre and control the bike.
- Responsive Assist Modes: You can choose the level of assistance that best suits your needs, from a gentle push in Eco mode to maximum power in Turbo.
- Smart features: The Smart System brings customisable assist modes, ride data, and walk-assist functionality for convenience.
- Hill Hold: A valuable feature for e-cargo bikes, Hill Hold prevents the bike from rolling backwards when starting on inclines, even with a full load.
Tyres Built for the Task
Our test model came equipped with the GX Pack, featuring off-road-ready Smart Sam tyres. These capable tyres and the Load4’s excellent handling make it a surprisingly capable off-road machine (check out the videos at the end to see for yourself!). The standard Schwalbe Moto X tyres will offer improved efficiency and increased range for riders primarily sticking to paved surfaces.
The Ride Experience
Despite being a cargo bike, the brilliant balance and geometry make it feel surprisingly agile and easy to handle. The most significant difference you might notice compared to a traditional bike is that the front wheel sits a bit further out in front, and you can’t always see it, depending on your cargo setup.
Once you acclimate to it, the Load4 rides with confidence-inspiring stability and incredibly responsive steering, especially considering its size.
One of its greatest strengths is the full suspension system. It effectively absorbs bumps and vibrations, making the ride remarkably smooth on rough roads and smoother trails. Compared to many other cargo bikes, the Load4 60’s suspension delivers a noticeably comfortable ride that will keep you and your cargo happy.
The Load4 60’s versatility makes it a true joy. Whether using it for the school run, commuting with cargo, going on off-road adventures, or a combination of everything – this bike adapts beautifully. You’ll find yourself reaching for the Load4 60 over your car for a surprising range of tasks, making it an investment that transforms how you get around.
The Riese & Müller Load4 60 truly shines when you hop on and take it for a spin; why not come and see us for a test ride?
Watch more of our videos on the Load Cargo Ebike
WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THE RIESE AND MÜLLER Load4 60?
- We’re here to answer any questions, call us on 01453 834300 or email [email protected]
- Our Load4 60 and Load4 75 are available to test ride.