The Cargo Bike Company was founded in 2012 by Ben Johnson who continues to be the driving force behind the company today.
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Background from Ben:
Looking back, I have always had a passion for engineering and the fact that I am running a successful engineering company today is a blessing.
My first cycle build was aged 12, making this three-wheeled contraption. Please note the buckled rear wheel from exuberant riding, paint pot seat and complete lack of brakes (as “brakes just slow you down” !)
This build was followed by a cycle trailer to halve the time it took to do my paper round.
Another cycle trailer was built for my A levels, this feature a single wheel and was designed for use on rural Africa paths. The design was built and successfully trialed in Soroti, Uganda by an NGO.
I completed a Mechanical Engineering degree at Warwick university and followed that with a year out in Chad working for a water charity running two water well digging teams and responsible for the maintenance of the organisation’s vehicles and equipment
On return to the UK I completed a Masters Degree in Water and Waste Engineering.for Developing Countries
After graduating, I spent 13 years working for Severn Trent Water, where I managed the construction of large water and wastewater treatment works and became a Chartered Engineer with the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.
Alongside my day job, I rediscovered my love of building bikes — initially designing cycles capable of carrying children. When my first son was born, I wanted to unclick his car seat from the car and clip it into a safe cargo bike. At the time, cargo bikes were rare in the UK, and people constantly stopped me to ask where I’d bought it. That’s when I realised there was real demand.
What started as a spare-time project quickly grew into something much bigger. I began building bikes to order, and eventually made the decision to leave my engineering career and focus full-time on The Cargo Bike Company.
In the early days, the business focused mainly on family bikes and trikes. Over time, it has evolved to specialise in commercial cargo cycles, including ice-cream trikes and promotional and business-use bikes.
I’ve also built adapted bikes for people with disabilities. I’ve always been uncomfortable with how expensive these can be elsewhere — sometimes £12,000 or more — so I continue to produce adapted cycles at close to cost price whenever possible, to keep them accessible.
The success of the company has been noticed by others. I have been approached to go on Dragons Den (The UK version of The Shark Tank) two times. Both times I have politely declined. At the time I laid out my reasoning here>>>>>>>>>
Outside of work, I enjoy mountain biking, adventure bikes, building cars, and spending time with my teenage sons.
I still don’t like courgettes, painting skirting boards, or wearing Lycra cycling clothing.
“Ride safe out there”
