Patrick Perret, from Switzerland, decided to combine making a statement and do a grand adventure together with his children Yoann and Emilie on an electric cargo bike. After 17 437 km and many countries, they are now back in Switzerland to tell the story.

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This was what Patrick said before departure:

I think it is necessary to realize that moving with a clean vehicle is essential if we want to provide a healthy life for our children. Currently 80% of cars move with only one person in them. Why move 1 ton of scrap to transport 80 kg? 90% of the energy consumed is used to move the car and maximum 10% for the person inside.

For everyday journeys, for example to get to work, it is quite possible to use a 4-wheeled, 80 kg vehicle in which one is safe, operating with clean energy. In addition, it brings considerable benefits regarding cost and parking.

Of course, the icing on the cake of the demonstration of the clean vehicle is the Adventure.

The Silk Road is an amazing journey for my children and myself with great emotions and memories.

In addition to the daily school education that I will strive to give them, my children will enjoy this journey for an education and an open mind that will give them a different vision of life.

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To be honest we were a little hesitant about bringing children on such an adventure. Until one of our employees, Olle, who took the Armadillo electric cargo bike to Gotland this summer, said that he would have absolutely loved if his dad had brought him on such an adventure when he was a kid! And we also saw in the reports that the kids were indeed enjoying a fantastic adventure with their dad!

The vehicle

Patrick chose to use the Armadillo as his base vehicle. He came, joined by Emilie and Yoann, to Gothenburg and assembled it himself. Back in Switzerland he added child seats and solar panels, decreasing the need for power outlets and providing shade. The Armadillo also towed a bike trailer in the beginning of the trip, but the luggage was later moved on to the bike after the trailer broke down.

The solar panel roof charged the batteries to extend the range possible to travel between power outlets. Every day the sun topped up the batteries with 60 km of extra range. The record was 953 km on one battery charge!

The adventure

Patrick, Emilie and Yoann departed from Switzerland in the beginning of July 2018.

They usually rode 60-120 km per day, and stayed for a few days when they found a spot the children liked.

When they were at the Myanmar/China border they found out that since November, only Myanmar citizens were allowed to pass... So they needed to make a 3500(!) km detour through Myanmar, Thailand, Laos and Vietnam! Not a problem for Patrick and the kids, staying at cheap 4-5 star hotels, Patrick said, but we heard the mother was not equally pleased... Their mother came for a two week holiday together, just before the attempt to cross the border to China.

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Patrick, Emilie and Yoann came to visit us at the International Cargo Bike Festival in Groningen in June 2019. We learned that Yoann had grown 12 cm (!) during the trip and Emilie 10 cm.

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Johan, the CEO of Velove and the audience asked Patrick a few questions:

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How did a typical day look?

There was no such thing as a typical day! Every day was different. We did whatever we felt to do everyday. Now, the routines of being at home is demanding… 

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Has the trip changed something in your mind?

Yes. I have seen so much plastic waste. It is unbelievable. This needs to change.

Why did you choose this bike?

It is perfect. It fits me, my children and our gear and we ride in comfort. Which other bike could do that?

Have you had any technical problems?

Very few. A few tyre changes and I changed the mid chain twice. (we however know he also changed the freewheels, he is too polite to tell!)

Did the children play a lot with other kids along the way?

Not too much, the language was often a barrier. But they had each other to play with.

Which part of the journey did you enjoy the most?

When the kids said they love me!

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You can see a lot more photos and videos on Patricks Facebook page. Keep an eye there for an aftermovie!