Kettler · Front loader (bakfiets)
Cargoline FS 800 + Paket
A fully suspended front-loader with an 80 cm platform, Cargo Line motor and a large 750 Wh battery.
- Payload
- —
- Torque
- 85 Nm
- Battery
- 750 Wh
from €4,500
Riese & Müller · Front loader (bakfiets)
Riese & Müller Transporter 65 vario
The first-generation R&M Transporter: a utility front-loader with belt drive, now mostly bought used.
- Max. total weight
- 220 kg
- Torque
- 65 Nm
- Battery
- 500 Wh
- Estimated range
- 38 km
- Bike weight
- 46 kg
from €4,500
Current shop price · checked 5 days ago
Our verdict
The Transporter 65 vario is the first generation of R&M's utility front-loader, with a flat 65 cm loading area, belt drive and stepless hub. Its 65 Nm motor is weaker than today's, and it has been replaced by the Transporter2, so it is worth buying as discounted stock or a well-kept used bike.
Pros
- Robust flat loading area for cargo or child seats
- Belt drive and stepless hub, low maintenance
- Often cheaper than the Transporter2
- High permitted total weight of 220 kg
- Low-maintenance belt drive — no chain oil on clothes
- Hub gears shift at a standstill, handy at traffic lights
Cons
- 65 Nm motor is modest for heavy loads on hills
- Replaced by the Transporter2
- 46 kg, heavy to manoeuvre by hand
- Heavy at 46 kg — hard to carry or lift over steps
Ideal for…
- Trades and deliveries in flat cities
- Buyers looking for R&M quality at a lower price
- Families carrying two or three kids
- Riding with a dog
Not recommended if…
- Hilly areas with heavy loads
- Homes without ground-level storage
- You must carry it up stairs or into a cellar
Technical specifications
Motor & battery
- Motor
- Bosch Performance Line Gen3
- Torque
- 65 Nm
- Rated power
- 250 W
- Battery
- 500 Wh
- Estimated range
- 38 km
Capacity & weight
- Max. total weight
- 220 kg
- Bike weight
- 46 kg
Dimensions
- Wheel size (front / rear)
- 20″ / 26″
Components
- Frame type
- Front loader (bakfiets)
- Drive
- Belt drive
- Shifting
- Hub gears · stepless hub gear mit Riemenantrieb
- Brakes
- Tektro Auriga Comp HD-500, hydraulic disc brakes
- Suspension
- SR Suntour Mobie A32, 20 Zoll, 70mm Federweg
AllCargo estimate: 80 kg rider, 40 kg cargo, rolling terrain, tour mode.
Range calculator
Estimate the range of the Riese & Müller Transporter 65 vario on a single charge.
Estimated range
km
Estimate based on battery capacity and total system weight. Cold weather, tyre pressure and stop-and-go traffic reduce range.
Expert overview
AllCargo editorial team ·
Written by the AllCargo editorial team from manufacturer specifications and owner feedback. We did not test-ride this bike. How we review →
Who it is for
The Riese & Müller Transporter 65 vario is for tradespeople and families who want a robust front-loader for cargo and find a good price on the older generation. The flat 65 cm loading area can carry a box or child seats, and the bike is rated for 220 kg in total. Ask the seller for the load rating of the loading area and of the body fitted.
Riding and everyday use
The Bosch Performance Line motor with 65 Nm is smooth and quiet but has less pull than the CX motor of the Transporter2, which you notice on hills with a full load. The stepless hub with belt drive shifts at a standstill and needs little care. With the 500 Wh battery, around 40 km with a load is realistic. A 70 mm suspension fork softens kerbs and potholes.
Before you buy
At 46 kg it needs ground-level parking. The Transporter2 65 replaced this model with a stronger motor, so new bikes are mostly remaining stock. When buying used, check the battery health, the belt, the brakes and the steering for play.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the Transporter 65 and the Transporter2 65?
The Transporter2 has the stronger Bosch Performance Line CX motor with 85 Nm and a 545 Wh battery. The first Transporter has 65 Nm and 500 Wh, and is often cheaper.
Can the Transporter 65 carry children?
Yes, with R&M's box and child seats fitted. When buying used, check that the seats and belts are included.
What range does the Transporter 65 vario get?
With the 500 Wh battery, around 40 km with a load is realistic. On a used bike the range depends on the condition of the battery.
What range does the Riese & Müller Transporter 65 vario have?
With its 500 Wh battery we estimate about 38 km per charge with an 80 kg rider and 40 kg of cargo on rolling terrain. Use the range calculator above for your own scenario.
How much does the Riese & Müller Transporter 65 vario weigh and how much can it carry?
The bike weighs about 46 kg and has a maximum permitted total weight (rider, cargo and bike) of 220 kg.
How much does the Riese & Müller Transporter 65 vario cost?
Prices start at €4,500. The final price depends on configuration, battery size and accessories.
Direct alternatives
YOONIT · Front loader (bakfiets)
Electric Chain
A mini front-loader only 1.78 m long, with a modular loading platform and a strong Shimano motor.
- Payload
- —
- Torque
- 85 Nm
- Battery
- 504 Wh
from €4,500
Carqon · Front loader (bakfiets)
Cruise Smart E2
The Carqon Cruise with Bosch's Smart System: a wide foam box, Cargo Line motor, belt drive and 800 Wh.
- Payload
- —
- Torque
- 85 Nm
- Battery
- 800 Wh
from €4,400
Riese & Müller · Front loader (bakfiets)
Transporter 85 vario
The long first-generation R&M Transporter with an 85 cm loading area, now mostly bought used.
- Payload
- —
- Torque
- 65 Nm
- Battery
- 500 Wh
from €4,700