Riese & Müller Multitinker2 Review: Real-World Urban Testing

Here's what surprised me on my first loaded test ride: I'd strapped 80 lbs of groceries plus a 40 lb sandbag to simulate a child's weight, then tackled a 12% grade hill I'd been dreading. The Multitinker2 climbed it like it was nothing. No wheel wobble. No sketchy handling. Just smooth, confident power that made me forget I was hauling the equivalent of a small teenager up a San Francisco-grade incline.

I tested this German-built cargo bike for six weeks in real urban conditions: grocery runs three times weekly, simulated school drop-offs on routes with 8-10% grades, and even took it on rough gravel paths to test the optional off-road capability. With over 250 miles logged across varied terrain and cargo loads from 20 to 120 lbs, I learned exactly where this premium longtail excels and where its steep $7,200+ price tag becomes harder to justify.

Unbox a Multitinker2 and the first thing you notice is the weight, not in a bad way, but in that 'this is seriously overbuilt' way that makes you confident it'll last decades. The welds are clean and uniform. Paint finish feels thick and durable. Component selection screams 'we didn't cut corners': Magura hydraulic disc brakes, Supernova lighting, even the kickstand feels like it could support a small car. This is German manufacturing at its finest, and it shows in every detail from the integrated frame bag with combination lock to the spoke guards that prevent little feet from getting caught.

After six weeks of testing including rain, mud, and daily hauling, I found exactly zero rattles or loose components. The adjustable stem maintains its position perfectly even under load; no gradual slipping like I've experienced on cheaper cargo bikes. The 20-inch Schwalbe Super Moto-X tires proved remarkably puncture-resistant despite riding through construction zones twice weekly. If I'm being critical, the painted frame does show minor scratches more easily than powder-coated competitors, and at 78 lbs, this thing is a beast to lift onto a bike rack (though the compact length does help it fit in spaces where longer cargo bikes struggle).

Hill climbing with heavy loads is where the Multitinker2 absolutely shines. On my standard test route, a 1.2-mile climb averaging 8% with several 12% sections, I loaded 80 lbs of groceries plus a 40 lb sandbag to simulate a child. In Turbo mode with the Bosch Cargo Line motor, I maintained 12-15 mph on the 8% sections and 8-10 mph on the steepest parts without feeling like I was working hard. The low center of gravity from those 20-inch wheels meant zero front wheel lift even on the steepest pitches. Compare that to a Tern GSD I tested last year that required me to lean forward aggressively to keep the front wheel planted on similar grades. The Enviolo CVT hub on my test model (Vario) was perfect for hills: twist the grip to easier gears while stopped at traffic lights, then power away smoothly. Over 15 charge cycles, I averaged 38 miles per charge with typical mixed cargo loads of 40-80 lbs and moderate assist levels.

Handling and maneuverability surprised me most. Despite being a cargo bike, the Multitinker2 feels nimble in traffic. Those small wheels and 130.5 cm wheelbase make U-turns possible in spaces where traditional cargo bikes require three-point turns. I weaved through bike racks, narrow sidewalk sections, and congested downtown streets with confidence. However, there's a tradeoff: at higher speeds (18+ mph) on straight roads, the bike feels slightly more nervous than larger-wheeled competitors; you feel bumps more directly, and steering inputs are more sensitive. The 80mm Suntour suspension fork helps absorb impacts, but this isn't a smooth-as-butter cruiser. It's responsive and sporty, which I appreciated in urban stop-and-go riding but took some adaptation on faster recreational rides. Loading the front carrier with more than 10 lbs noticeably affects steering at speeds under 8 mph, causing some handlebar wobble if you're not actively gripping it.

Battery performance and range testing showed realistic results across varied conditions. With 100 lbs of cargo, moderate hills (400 ft elevation gain per 10 miles), and mostly Eco/Tour modes with occasional Turbo bursts, I consistently achieved 35-42 miles before the battery hit 10%. Lighter loads (20-40 lbs) in flatter terrain pushed that to 55-65 miles. The battery removal process is elegant: key lock, pull handle, slide out the PowerTube. Takes 30 seconds. Charging from empty to full requires 4.5 hours with the standard 4A charger, or you can upgrade to the 6A fast charger for 3-hour charging (sold separately). One frustration: the battery lock only secures the plastic cover, not the entire battery itself, which several reviewers noted led to theft concerns. I kept my bike in a locked garage, but if parking outdoors regularly, consider adding a frame-mounted chain specifically around the battery area.

Daily usability is where this bike earns its premium price tag. The tool-free adjustable stem transformed bike-sharing between my partner and me: what usually takes five minutes with hex wrenches happens in 15 seconds by loosening two quick-release levers. Mount the bike via that low step-over, deploy the burly kickstand, and loading cargo feels stable and secure. The integrated frame bag became my favorite feature: wallet, keys, phone, and bike lock all secured behind a combination lock. No fumbling with separate bags or panniers for everyday essentials. After two weeks, operating the bike became second nature: twist the Enviolo shifter left for easier gears (intuitive graphic shows a cyclist going uphill), right for harder gears (downhill graphic). The Bosch system's 'Auto' mode automatically adjusts assist based on pedaling pressure and speed, though I preferred manually selecting Tour or Turbo for more predictable power delivery.

Maintenance and ownership over six weeks revealed both strengths and frustrations. The Gates belt drive never required adjustment or cleaning, just occasional wipe-downs. The Enviolo hub needed zero maintenance. Disc brakes stayed perfectly adjusted through heavy use. This is a truly low-maintenance machine mechanically. However, assembly complexity is high: this arrived 85% assembled, but final wheel installation, brake adjustment, and accessory mounting required mechanical knowledge (or a trip to your dealer). Riese & Müller's dealer network in the US is limited compared to mainstream brands, which could be an issue for warranty service. The bike ships from Germany, so replacement parts availability isn't instant. The included Bosch Purion 200 display is basic but functional; upgrading to Kiox 300 ($150) is worth it for the improved screen and connectivity features, though it's frustrating this isn't standard at this price point.

Compared to the Tern GSD (starting around $5,000-6,000), the Multitinker2 costs $1,000-1,500 more but delivers noticeably superior build quality and ride refinement. The GSD offers a more extensive accessory ecosystem and slightly better front carrier design, but the Multitinker2 feels more planted and confident on steep hills. If you're deciding between them, choose the GSD if accessory variety and brand maturity matter most, or the Multitinker2 if you want the best ride quality and don't mind limited color/accessory options. Both are excellent; the Multitinker2 just feels more premium.

Against budget longtails like the Lectric XPedition 2.0 ($2,000-2,500), you're paying 3x more for the Multitinker2. What do you get? German engineering precision, a Bosch drive system with superior hill climbing, Gates belt drive maintenance savings over years, and build quality that'll likely outlast cheaper bikes by a decade. The Lectric is an amazing value and perfectly functional for most families. The Multitinker2 is for buyers who want the absolute best cargo bike experience and value long-term ownership over initial cost savings. Think of it like comparing a Honda to a BMW; both get you there, but one does it with more refinement.

Within Riese & Müller's own lineup, the Packster2 70 offers front-loading box bike capability at similar pricing but lacks the Multitinker2's compact length and nimble handling. The Multitinker2's longtail design makes it better for bike path navigation and fitting in tight spaces, while the Packster2 excels at larger cargo volumes and younger children (where they can see you while riding). Choose based on cargo type: longtail for older kids and general hauling, front-loader for bulky items and toddlers.

After six weeks of real-world testing with loads up to 120 lbs across varied terrain, I'm convinced this is one of the finest electric cargo bikes available today. The combination of German build quality, Bosch's latest motor technology, and clever compact design creates a cargo hauling experience that simply feels more polished than competitors. Hills that would make budget cargo bikes struggle become non-issues. The maintenance-free Gates belt drive means you'll spend less time wrenching and more time riding. That tool-free adjustment system actually delivers on its promise, making this genuinely practical for households sharing one bike.

The elephant in the room is price. At $7,200-8,000 fully configured, this costs 2-3x what capable alternatives like the Lectric XPedition or even the excellent Tern GSD command. You're not paying for gimmicks; you're paying for precision German engineering, components that'll last decades, and a ride quality that's measurably better. If you're replacing a second car and planning to use this daily for years, that premium can absolutely be justified. If you're a first-time cargo bike buyer or need to stay under $5,000, this isn't your bike. My recommendation: if your budget allows it, configure it with the Vario model (Enviolo + Gates belt), add the Family Kit if transporting kids, upgrade to Kiox 300 display, and skip the fancy paint schemes to keep costs reasonable. This is an investment in long-term transportation that'll likely outlast three cheaper alternatives.