We Tried Moustache’s New Family Electric Bike: Could This Be the Perfect Ride?

It’s been four years since this new version was anticipated! But why rush to renew the lineup without making significant changes? Moustache was wise to bide its time. Aside from the updates Bosch has made to its motors (including connectivity and auto mode), there haven’t been many innovations since then.

The new version of the Moustache Lundi 20 Cargo electric bike introduces a noticeable change: a frame with a single bar instead of two. Will this be enough to compete against an increasingly aggressive market? We explore this question in our review.

Technical Specifications

Our test was conducted using a model provided by the brand.

A Refreshed Design

One cannot help but notice: the frame of this new version has been revamped, now featuring a single bar instead of two. The result is easier mounting, which is greatly appreciated by someone like me who is not very tall. The quality of this new frame is undeniably high-end.

However, there is a catch: this new frame is only available for the Cargo 3 and Cargo 5 versions. The more affordable model, the Cargo 1, retains the design of the old version with two bars. The battery placement also differs between these models: between the two bars of the frame for the entry-level model and just behind the seat post for the more expensive versions.

And the price difference is not negligible: 3999 euros for the Cargo 1 versus 4699 euros for our test model. Fortunately, that’s not the only reason for the price difference. Therefore, choosing the right model is crucial as a low frame adds significant daily comfort.

The Moustache Lundi 20 Cargo is equipped, like its predecessor, with 20-inch tires. This smaller size ensures very good stability and, even with two bars, mounting is less challenging than on a 26 or 28-inch bike. Like any high-end cargo bike worth its salt, this model features excellent Schwalbe Pick-Up tires. They are wide, which makes it easier to navigate curbs or tram tracks, and are puncture-resistant, which is a luxury when carrying children in the back.

It also includes a telescopic and suspended seat post regardless of the model chosen. Not only did I benefit from additional cushioning, but it’s also a comfort when stopping to easily put your feet on the ground. A press of the lever on the handlebar lowers the seat. Moustache has also opted for a Selle Royal, which I found very comfortable throughout my test.

But that’s not all. This Lundi 20 Cargo 3 features a suspended front fork – and not just any: a Suntour Mobie 34, with a travel of 70 mm. Between the front suspension, the telescopic and cushioned seat post, and the wide tires, this Moustache Lundi 20 Cargo 3 proved to be particularly comfortable.

Another notable new feature is the kickstand. And on this point, my opinion is mixed. Rest assured: this new kickstand is particularly secure and keeps the bike stable once deployed. It’s the most important point for getting children on and off the rear luggage rack of this bike. The problem is its deployment and retraction.

I needed a little time to adapt to using this kickstand correctly: the lever with the small pedal at the end is used for deployment, while the other small lever, just above, is used for retraction. Once mastered, it’s child’s play.

The downside of this new system is that it can only be used on one side. When parking, if the bike is on the wrong side of the rack, deploying it is a real pain. It’s a good idea but still needs some improvement.

In terms of length, this Moustache Lundi 20 Cargo 3 measures just under 2 meters. To be precise, it’s 1.968m. It thus falls between a Tern GSD or a VELLO SUBB, which are between 1.80m and 1.85m in length, and a Yuba Boda Boda or a Douze Cycles, which measure 2m and 2.05m, respectively.

The weight is another story. At 33kg on the scale, it is as heavy as a Yuba Boda Boda, which I already found bulky. This weight is noticeable when riding, but it’s the price to pay for this level of equipment. Moustache clearly prioritizes comfort over lightness. It’s a conscious choice that must be considered when purchasing.

The cable management on this bike is simply excellent. They are almost invisible on the handlebar and run inside the frame for the rest of the bike.

And indeed, at the front of the bike, beneath the frame, in addition to the cables, there is a spring. This spring, rather imposing on this model, is used to limit the steering angle and thus prevent falling. It’s a common system on cargo bikes, providing security for the rider and passengers. As a trade-off, the bike loses some agility.

This model is also equipped with a front wheel lock, which is a very good point. It’s a very useful safety feature for a quick stop to secure the bike quickly. However, be aware that the entry-level model (Cargo 1) lacks this feature, so it will be an option.

All Good in the Cargo Department

I don’t have much to say about the cargo aspect of this bike. As I mentioned earlier, the kickstand is particularly secure on this model, unlike the previous one. It’s a crucial feature on a cargo bike.

In terms of load capacity, Moustache is close to market standards with this model supporting a total weight of 200 kg. More specifically, it’s 70 kg at the back and over 15 kg at the front. That’s sufficient for carrying two children, but Tern and VELLO do better on this point with 100 kg of useful load at the rear.

Like many models, the base price of this Moustache Lundi 20 Cargo 3 does not include any passenger transport equipment at the rear. Only high-quality mudguards are included, and of course, the Mik HD compatible luggage rack.

This standard is widespread on high-end cargo bikes. It allows you to attach child seats or any other compatible accessory with a single click. And that’s not all: QL3 side attachment points on this luggage rack can accommodate compatible panniers with a click. Handy!

Initially, this Cargo 3 model costs 4699 euros. To acquire the footrests and side bars, you will need to add 300 euros. Our model also included the Urban Iki child seat priced at 99 euros and the Seat Pad for older children at 99 euros as well. So, a total of 5197 euros for this level of equipment.

At the front, it’s a pleasant surprise. This Lundi 20 Cargo 3 comes standard with a MIK compatible luggage rack. This standard offers a wide range of accessories that can be very easily clipped on.

Moustache provided me with a Basil brand crate for our test model, which proved very practical for transporting small-sized goods. This accessory will cost about fifty euros. Other baskets are available on Moustache’s website directly or in stores. A drawback concerning this luggage rack: it’s an option, just like the front wheel lock, on the entry-level model (Cargo 1).

Embedded Technologies: We Expected More

This Moustache Lundi 20 Cargo 3, and it’s one of the major new features of this version, is equipped with a Bosch Cargo Line motor with Smart System. The Bosch Smart System comes with an app offering additional features.

However, like most brands, the Connect Module that allows GPS tracking and an alarm is optional. It’s an expensive option, marketed by Bosch at around a hundred euros, and it’s not offered on Moustache’s website. Fortunately, Moustache makes up for it with the Bosch Purion 200 display, which I personally really like.

The Purion 200 is a perfect mix between the LED Remote, which is the LED command found on most models, and the Kiox 300, a display with a comfortable viewing area that requires the LED remote to function. With the Purion 200, it’s the best of both worlds. It’s the LED Remote with an additional display. The display area is less impressive than on the Kiox 300, but this accessory takes up less space and only requires one electrical cable.

Last point, in addition to the Connect module to benefit from geolocation services and the alarm, you will have to pay a subscription of 39.99 euros per year.

Riding: Lacks a Bit of Excitement

This Moustache Lundi 20 Cargo 3 is equipped, like most of its counterparts in this segment, with a Bosch Cargo Line motor. There’s no need to introduce this excellent motor from Bosch, which delivers a torque of 85 Nm.

I’ve tested several bikes equipped with this motor, and it provides excellent riding sensations with very good dynamics. And especially, it introduces the excellent Auto mode, which adjusts the assistance based on the situation. In my experience, it’s the best mode with this motor to enjoy progressive and dynamic assistance without sacrificing range as is the case, for example, with the Cargo and Turbo modes.

This model is, and this is an important point, very secure. Thanks to the spring just below the frame, no matter the load, the turns will never be too tight. In addition to safety, this Moustache Lundi 20 Cargo 3 is particularly comfortable. Between the cushioned saddle, the wide iconic handlebar of the brand that allows for an upright riding position, the front suspension, and the wide tires, this bike offers excellent comfort compared to its competitors.

It’s all the more pleasant with children in the back. The shocks are well absorbed, making the ride smoother. The bike has very good road holding and the rear luggage rack is spacious. I was able to install my two children without any problem.

In terms of transmission, Moustache has opted for an external Shimano Cues derailleur with 9 speeds. This model is increasingly common on mid- and high-end bikes. During my test, I encountered issues with the transmission when shifting certain gears.

This was a problem unique to our test model and does not affect the model sold. Therefore, it will be difficult for me to assess the transmission as a whole. On the gears where everything worked normally, gear shifting was quick and reliable but a bit abrupt for my taste.

Gear shifting is a breeze thanks to the two levers accessible directly from the handlebar. With such a transmission, you will need to anticipate braking a bit to have time to downshift. Otherwise, starting might be more complicated.

Last point, I used the Turbo mode a lot. With 33kg without equipment on the scale, to reach 25 km/h, it was the most suitable mode.

Beyond the level of assistance, this bike does not provide the same riding sensations as the VELLO SUBB. It far surpasses it in terms of comfort, but it suffers, in my opinion, from a lack of dynamism and less agility than its competitor. This bike is therefore tailored for those who prioritize comfort over sportiness.

Sharp Braking!

No surprises in the braking department of this Lundi 20 Cargo 3. At the front and rear, there are Magura MT4 hydraulic disc brakes. The front disc at 203 mm is imposing and at the rear, it’s 180 mm. With or without children, the braking is simply excellent. It is both powerful, progressive, and secure. Nothing to add on this point, it’s quality equipment, which is essential for a cargo bike.

Autonomy: No Surprises

As standard, this Moustache Lundi 20 Cargo 3 carries a Bosch battery of 545 Wh. A classic that I have already tested on other VAEs. So what about autonomy? It all depends on your driving. To cover more than 50 km, you will mostly have to use the Auto mode. After 48 km, I still had battery left. But using mainly the Turbo mode, the range was more around 40 km.

Moustache offers an option on the battery for heavy users at an additional cost of 600 euros. The battery capacity then increases to 800 Wh. It’s a jump of nearly 30% in autonomy but beware of the weight: the battery will be much heavier, going from 3.21 kg to 4.12 kg.

The battery is obviously removable and its location is very easy to access. It is secured by a key, and what is practical is that only one key is needed for the battery and for the lock on the front wheel. Last point concerning the battery, it is very practical to carry thanks to its integrated handle.

The only downside, the charger provided is limited to 2 Ah unlike the one provided with the VELLO SUBB, which delivers 4 Ah; double the power of its competitor. It will therefore take just under 8 hours to charge the 545 Wh battery. That’s huge!

Price and Availability

The Moustache Lundi 20 Cargo 3 bike is sold at most bicycle shops: Cyclable, Ecox, En Selle Marcel, etc.

In its minimum configuration, i.e., with the front and rear luggage rack and the frame lock, this model costs 4699 euros.

Our model, additionally equipped with side bars, footrests, an Urban Iki baby seat, and an Urban Iki Seat Pad, is marketed at 5197 euros. We also had the Basil brand basket compatible with MIK at the front, which is sold for about fifty euros. Fully equipped for transporting children, therefore, you will need a budget of over 5200 euros.