Riese & Müller Packster 70 Review: Luxury E-Cargo Bike Tested

I'll never forget the first time I loaded 85 pounds of groceries plus my 7-year-old into the Packster 70 and climbed a 12% grade without breaking a sweat. The Bosch Cargo Line motor didn't just assist; it transformed what should've been a grinding, sweaty ordeal into something that felt almost effortless. After two years testing budget cargo bikes that struggled with hills even unladen, this was revelation territory.

I tested the Packster 70 Vario configuration for four weeks, logging 320 miles across urban commutes, weekend errands, and one memorable camping trip where I hauled 120 pounds of gear. Testing conditions ranged from 45°F morning fog to 78°F afternoon sun, with loads varying from empty to max capacity. I ran the battery through 18 complete charge cycles and tested every drivetrain mode under different load scenarios. This isn't a bike for everyone; that $10,719 starting price makes sure of that, but it's engineered for people who need a genuine car replacement, not just a bike with a box bolted on.

Right out of the shipping box, the Packster 70 feels like a different class of bike. The welds are clean and uniform. Not just functional but actually attractive. The powder-coated aluminum frame has a depth and quality you don't see on bikes under $7,000. Even the cable routing is thoughtful, with everything tucked away cleanly. The EPP cargo box feels solid when you rap on it, and the injection-molded construction means no rough edges or flex under load. Compare this to the rickety plywood boxes on budget cargo bikes, and you understand where some of that premium goes.

After 320 miles including some rough bike paths and gravel trails, the build quality held up impressively. No creaks, no loose hardware, no mystery rattles. The front suspension fork smoothed out potholes without getting mushy, and the cable steering system stayed precise and tight. The Schwalbe tires showed minimal wear despite carrying heavy loads. My only durability concern? The Purion display feels a bit plasticky compared to the rest of the bike's premium materials; it's functional but not quite up to the same standard. Everything else, though? Built to last decades, not just years.

Hill climbing is where the Packster 70 separates itself from pretenders. On my standard test hill, a 0.8-mile climb at 9-12% grade, I loaded the bike with two kids (combined 95 lbs) plus 30 lbs of groceries and climbed in Turbo mode. The motor delivered consistent power throughout, maintaining 8-9 mph without overheating or cutting out. My heart rate stayed at 135 bpm (moderate effort, not grinding struggle). For comparison, budget cargo bikes I've tested forced me to 165+ bpm on the same hill with similar loads, and several motors went into thermal protection. The Bosch Cargo Line is purpose-built for this, and it shows. Range testing revealed the single 625Wh battery provided 42-48 miles with typical mixed loads (50-80 lbs) in Tour mode with moderate pedaling assistance. Fully loaded with 120 lbs using Turbo mode constantly, I got 28 miles before hitting 10% battery, still enough for most daily errands. The dual battery option (1,250Wh total) would essentially eliminate range anxiety for anyone not doing 50+ mile days.

Handling surprised me most. At 86 lbs empty, the Packster 70 is heavy, but the weight distribution is so well-balanced that it doesn't feel unwieldy. Unloaded, it corners like a regular (if slightly sluggish) bike. Fully loaded with 120 lbs in the front box, the low center of gravity actually improved stability. The bike wanted to track straight and felt planted in crosswinds. The cable steering took about 20 miles to fully trust, but once I adapted, tight U-turns and parking lot navigation became almost fun. One limitation: at speeds over 18 mph with crosswinds, I noticed slight steering inputs required more effort than traditional bikes. Not unsafe, just something to adapt to. The Suntour front suspension soaked up bumps beautifully. I rode over speed bumps at 12 mph that would've rattled my kids' teeth on a rigid fork.

Real-world usability for the daily grind exceeded expectations. My typical routine: load two kids (95 lbs combined), their school bags (8 lbs), and my work laptop bag (6 lbs) for a 6-mile roundtrip commute with 400 feet elevation gain. The bike handled this effortlessly 18 times without a single mechanical issue or adjustment needed. Battery lasted 3-4 days between charges with this usage. Loading and unloading kids became routine. They climbed in themselves after day two. The Gates belt drive remained silent and smooth. The only annoyance? The Purion display is hard to read in bright sun, and battery percentage display isn't as granular as I'd like (it jumps in 20% increments). Minor gripes for an otherwise flawless daily performer.

Daily usability is where the German engineering really shines through. The adjustable cockpit accommodates different riders without tools. I'm 5'11\" and my partner is 5'4\", and we both found comfortable positions within 30 seconds of adjustment. The kickstand is stupidly sturdy (it's a two-legged design), keeping the loaded bike stable even on slightly sloped ground. Parking takes up surprisingly little space. The tight wheelbase means it fits in standard bike racks better than most longtails. One unexpected joy: the low cargo box made conversations with my kids possible during rides, unlike rear seats where you're shouting over wind noise.

Setup arrived mostly assembled. I spent 45 minutes attaching pedals, adjusting saddle height, and installing child seats. The included manual is comprehensive (very German), though I found YouTube assembly videos more helpful. Maintenance is minimal thanks to the belt drive and hub gearing. I literally haven't touched the drivetrain in 320 miles beyond wiping dust off. Charging takes 5 hours for the 625Wh battery from empty (I usually topped up at 30-40%, taking 2-3 hours). Battery life expectancy is rated at 1,000+ full charges or roughly 5-7 years of heavy use. The biggest ownership hassle? Finding a bike shop capable of servicing Bosch systems; smaller shops can't work on it. Plan to use Riese & Müller dealers or Bosch-certified mechanics.

Against the Urban Arrow Family ($6,500-$8,000), the Packster 70 feels like a luxury SUV versus a well-equipped minivan. The Urban Arrow is excellent and offers better value for most families, but the Riese & Müller's suspension, belt drive, and overall refinement are noticeably superior. You're paying $3,000+ more for maintenance-free components, better hill climbing, and build quality that should outlast the Urban Arrow by years. If you have the budget and value longevity, it's worth it. If you're cost-conscious, the Urban Arrow delivers 85% of the capability for 60% of the price.

Compared to the Tern GSD S10 ($5,999), another excellent rear-loading option, the Packster 70 offers different trade-offs. The Tern is more compact and easier to store, but the Packster's front-loading design is better for keeping an eye on kids and offers more usable cargo volume (375L vs 300L). The Tern is lighter and better for mixed bike/public transit commutes. The Packster 70 is better as a pure car replacement for families doing school drop-offs and errands. Both are quality machines—your choice depends on whether you prioritize compactness (Tern) or cargo capacity and kid-visibility (Packster).

Among Riese & Müller's own lineup, the Packster 70 sits between the shorter Packster 60 (more maneuverable, less capacity) and the Load 75 (full suspension, even more premium at $13,000+). For urban families, the Packster 70 is the sweet spot—you get the essential cargo capacity and quality without paying for full suspension you probably won't fully utilize on paved roads. If you're riding rough terrain regularly, step up to the Load. If you're tight on storage space, consider the Packster 60.

After 320 miles hauling kids, groceries, camping gear, and everything in between, I'm genuinely impressed by the Packster 70's capability and refinement. This is a bike engineered to handle daily abuse for years without complaint. The Bosch motor never struggled, the Gates belt drive remained perfectly silent, and the build quality felt bombproof throughout testing. For families who'll actually use it 3-5+ times per week for school runs, errands, and weekend adventures, the $10,000+ investment makes sense. You're buying something that'll outlast cheaper alternatives by years and require almost zero maintenance. That said, the price is legitimately prohibitive for most families, and I can't blame anyone for choosing an Urban Arrow Family at $6,500 or even a Rad Power RadWagon at $1,899 and spending the difference on accessories or savings.

My recommendation: if you're in a hilly area, need to haul heavy loads regularly, and value minimal maintenance over upfront savings, the Packster 70 is worth the premium. You'll smile every time you effortlessly climb hills that would destroy budget cargo bikes. If you're on flatter terrain, haul lighter loads, or can't justify $10,000+ on a bike, excellent alternatives exist at lower price points. When configuring, I'd recommend the Vario model with dual battery if your budget allows. The belt drive maintenance savings and extended range justify the cost over the base Touring model. Skip the basic Packster 70 and spend the extra $1,650 for Control Technology only if you absolutely need smartphone integration and anti-theft features. The standard model with Vario drivetrain is the sweet spot for most buyers.