Cargo bikes provide a silent, sustainable, and highly mobile alternative to traditional production vans, particularly for urban, documentary, and independent filmmaking. They excel in navigating congested city streets, narrow laneways, and, in some cases, protected natural areas where motor vehicles are restricted like in Gatineau Park, or on the pathways in our National Capital Region. 

​

Why you will want to use our cargo bikes for filming in Ottawa:

​

1. Enhanced Mobility and Access 

• Navigating Tight Spaces: Cargo bikes can easily maneuver through dense urban areas and pedestrian-only zones, accessing spots that are inaccessible to cars or vans.

• Faster "Turnarounds": In congested cities, e-cargo bikes have been shown to be up to 60% faster than vans for last-mile deliveries, allowing crews to move quickly between scenes.

• Parking Convenience: They can be parked directly at the set location, saving time searching for parking spaces and reducing the need to transport equipment from remote parking spots. 

2. Operational Efficiency for Production

• Massive Capacity for Gear: Our e-cargo bikes and Carla Cargo trailer have impressive cargo capacity (200kgs) for equipment, including heavy cameras, lighting, sound gear, and, in some cases, a small Magliner.

• Mobile Workstation: They can be converted into mobile, on-site film carts for equipment, facilitating faster setup and breakdown times.

• Efficient Crew Transport: They help move cast and crew smoothly across large set areas. 

3. Acoustic and Environmental Benefits

• Silent Operation: Electric cargo bikes are nearly silent, which is critical for filming in quiet locations, as they avoid engine idling noise that can ruin audio takes.

• Sustainability: They produce zero emissions, helping production companies meet sustainability goals and reduce their carbon footprint, which is increasingly important for eco-conscious brands.

• Zero Noise Pollution: They allow crews to operate in sensitive areas, such as Ottawa's greenbelt, Gatineau Park or residential areas, without disturbing the environment. 

4. Specialized Filming Applications

• Camera Tracking/Rigging: Our e-cargo bikes and Carla Cargo trailer can serve as camera platforms for mounting gimbals and cameras to capture other cyclists or pedestrians, enabling smooth, low-angle, and intimate shots.

• Discreet Filming: They allow crews to shoot "incognito," without drawing the attention that a production van would, which is useful for documentary or guerrilla-style filmmaking.

• Bike-on-Bike Scenes: They can be used to transport actors and cameras, providing a secure, stable, and controlled environment for filming action scenes on two or three wheels. 

5. Cost-Effectiveness

• Reduced Costs: Compared to commercial vans, cargo bikes are cheaper, reducing fuel and parking costs.

• No Licenses Required: Cargo bikes do not require a special driving license to operate.