Cargo bikes from Danish firm Bullitt are becoming increasingly popular at Lucien King in Leuven

In the Leuven branch of the Lucien cycle dealership - better known as Lucien King - one brand immediately stands out: Bullitt. It’s neither a classic sports bike nor a heavy-framed cargo bike, but a slender, metal cargo bike with sporty lines. ‘The Bullitt is essentially a normal bike,’ stresses manager Michaël Klaps. ‘You can do everything with it that you can do with a regular bike, but with extra cargo space.’ In addition to the bike’s growing popularity, the collaboration with KBC Autolease is also going well.

The Bullitt brand comes from Denmark, from the heart of the cycling metropolis that is Copenhagen. The firm was founded there 20 years ago with one ambition: to build the ultimate cargo bike. ‘The founders wanted to develop a bike that was strong, simple and versatile,’ Klaps explains. ‘Initially designed mainly for transporting goods, it was only later that the bikes began to be used for carrying children.’

Its simplicity and robustness make the Bullitt popular with professional users. In Belgium, for example, urban transport company Urbike chose Bullitt bikes as the standard vehicle for their last-mile deliveries. ‘They use them intensively, day in and day out, and that demonstrates how sturdy and reliable the design is,’ says Klaps. ‘The payload is 180 kilos - that says it all.’

Although the electric version of the Bullitt is the most popular these days, according to Klaps, the non-electric version is still in demand. ‘We delivered one just last week. Some customers just prefer to cycle without the aid of a motor,’ he says. ‘And that is very doable, given the Bullitt’s light weight and sporty design. You can tune it however you want: with specific components, a mountain bike groupset or classic citybike handlebars.’

That flexibility is one of the Bullitt's strengths. Each model starts with a basic frame, which the customer then customises to suit their needs. ‘If you want to transport your children in it, we fit a cover and seats. If you want to transport goods, we provide special boxes or bags. And for the real cycling enthusiasts, we can even build fully customised sports versions.’

Lucien King has some eye-catching models in his shop in Kessel-Lo, just outside Leuven city centre. One is a fully customised, non-electric Bullitt, equipped with the latest Shimano XTR Di2 groupset. ‘That’s an electronic drivetrain for mountain bikes,’ Klaps explains. ‘You can literally ride up a wall with that. And all that on a cargo bike weighing just over 21 kg. People often think these bikes are heavy and unwieldy, but the opposite is true.’

There are extensive options for personalising the bikes. Customers not only choose the type of drive - chain or belt - but also the colours, accessories and finishes. ‘The belt drive is becoming more popular,’ notes Klaps. ‘It’s virtually maintenance-free, lasts two to three times longer than a chain, and doesn’t stretch. For people who use their bikes daily, it really makes a massive difference.’

As well as the technical aspects, aesthetics are also becoming increasingly important. Whereas cargo bikes used to be mostly black or a dark colour, customers today are choosing bold, bright colours. ‘Life is dark enough, they say,’ Klaps laughs. ‘The yellow, orange and blue models are hugely popular. They literally bring colour to the streets.’

The Bullitt is also a bike with history. Klaps points to an old model in the shop. ‘That’s one of the first versions, with a reinforced tube. You can still see the retro logo. We always keep it here, out of respect for the origins of the brand.’

In early 2025, we had the opportunity to include Bullitt in our brand portfolio. Up to that point, Fietsen King was the importer of Bullitt bikes in Belgium. But when Lucien took over Fietsen King, an opportunity arose for KBC Autolease to enter into a strategic alliance. 

Jerk Lassen (Business Development Lead - Leasing) and Michael Nordahl Petersen (Business Development Leasing) from Copenhagen saw collaboration with us as a way of getting even more Bullitt bikes on Belgian roads.  

When we enter into a strategic alliance like that, we look particularly at the after-sales service offered by the brand, and at the three-year warranty riders enjoy when leasing a Bullitt bike, says Els Collier, Buyer/Contract Manager at KBC Autolease.  

The price of a Bullitt bike ranges from around 3 500 euros for a basic non-electric model to between 7 000 and 8,000 euros for a fully equipped electric model.  Buying a bike privately is therefore a major investment. But leasing a bike through your employer changes the equation.  You then you benefit from tax breaks as well as a mileage allowance, says Els Collier.  

A Bullitt is a durable bike that will last for years. And as your life changes, you can adapt the bike to your new needs, whether it’s taking the kids to school or shopping.  

‘To date, 16 riders have already opted for a Bullitt bike through KBC Bicycle Leasing. And demand is still growing, especially in urban areas.’ 

The cargo bike has long since ceased to be the slow alternative to the car. In cities like Leuven, it’s turning into a symbol of smart mobility. Businesses, families and self-employed workers are discovering the benefits: no traffic jams, no parking stress, fewer emissions and - not least - fun to ride.

‘We’re finding that the Bullitt is getting people back into cycling,’ says Klaps. ‘They are discovering that functional transport can also be fun. And that is exactly what the creators in Copenhagen had in mind: a bike that makes everyday life easier, but at the same time puts a smile on your face  .’