The Lyon Cargo Bike Festival 2026: Programme and information

What is the Lyon Cargo Bike Festival 2026?

A show entirely dedicated to cargo bikes

The Cargo Bike Festival is an event held every year in two French cities. In 2026, it stopped in Rennes in early June, then in Lyon in September. The concept is simple: bring together, in one place, as many cargo-bike manufacturers as possible, allowing the public to test them for free and compare them side by side. Two-wheel cargo bikes, longtails, three-wheel cargo bikes, adult tricycles, electric or non-electric versions — all are available to try, without an appointment or any obligation to buy.

The Lyon edition takes place as part of the Cycling and Walking Festival organised by the City of Lyon. Place Bellecour is one of the largest public squares in Europe, making it possible to set up a full-size test track. In 2026, the organiser is announcing more than a hundred models available for testing.

Free test rides, in real conditions

This is probably what attracts the most people: the ability to actually ride, not just put your hands on a handlebar. A cargo bike is a significant purchase — often several thousand euros — and getting a feel for it on the road completely changes how it is perceived compared with a product page. The test area at Place Bellecour is secure. Test rides are open to everyone. Access to the test rides remains free.

Meet Damius at the Lyon Cargo Bike Festival at Stand No. 49!

Why is Damius taking part in the Cargo Bike Festival?

A show like the Cargo Bike Festival is an opportunity to meet people who are genuinely considering changing their travel habits. Not casual passers-by, but people with a specific need: carrying groceries, accompanying a child, regaining independence despite a physical limitation, replacing a car for short trips. These are exactly the questions Mathis and Charly deal with every week from Miramas. Meeting them face to face, understanding their situation, showing them what our tricycles can do in practical terms — that is more useful than an online catalogue.

Damius manufactures adult electric tricycles designed from the outset for everyday use. The two-rear-wheel configuration provides stability that two-wheel cargo bikes and longtails cannot offer: the tricycle stays balanced when stopped, without any effort from the rider. It is a detail that makes a significant difference for people who have balance issues or limited strength in their legs.

Which models will you be able to discover at our stand?

The entire Damius range will be on display and available for test rides:

The Essentiel (€2,490) is the entry-level model. It is suitable for everyday travel, shopping, and rides on roads and compacted paths. The Essentiel Fatbike (€2,690) uses the same base with wide tyres that broaden the range of rideable terrain, especially gravel paths or slightly muddy ground.

The Evasion (€2,990) offers greater comfort and equipment, with a more upright riding position, suited to people looking for a tricycle for longer outings. The Evasion Evo (€3,790) is the most complete version in the range: a more powerful motor, higher-end finishes, for users who want the best level of equipment available.

One accessory deserves a mention: the removable transport box (€400), compatible with all these models. It attaches to the rear rack and makes it easy to carry groceries, equipment, or bulky items.

Speak directly with our team

The show is the ideal place to ask questions that are not easy to cover over the phone: will this tricycle fit in my hallway? Can I use it with a prosthesis? What real-world range can I expect on my usual route? Mathis and Charly will be there to answer these questions directly and show you the machines up close. If you would like us to bring a specific model, or if you would like to know more before you come, call us on 04 90 59 49 10 or email info@damius.com.

Why come to the Cargo Bike Festival, even if you are not necessarily looking for a tricycle?

Compare in one weekend what you would not see in a year

Finding a cargo-bike retailer in your city is not always easy. Some brands sell exclusively online. Others have only one point of sale in France. The Cargo Bike Festival brings together, in one place, manufacturers from all over Europe: it is probably the only opportunity of the year to ride ten different models in a single afternoon and form your own opinion about what suits your needs.

Activities for the whole family

The weekend programme is not limited to test rides. A Kids Zone is planned so children can also ride in a dedicated area under supervision. Talks and exhibitor presentations are scheduled throughout both days. On Saturday at 12:30 PM, the awards ceremony for the 2026 Cargo Bike of the Year election will bring together exhibitors and visitors. On Sunday afternoon, a large cycling parade crosses Lyon. MTB trials shows are scheduled at 11:00 AM and 5:00 PM. A food corner will also be set up in the square for those spending the day there.

The cargo-bike marketplace

A second-hand bike marketplace is organised throughout the weekend. It is an interesting option if you are looking to get equipped on a limited budget, or if you want to give a second life to a cargo bike you no longer use. Previous editions have brought together several hundred second-hand bikes.

How to prepare for your visit

Where does the festival take place?

Place Bellecour, 69002 Lyon. It is one of the largest pedestrian squares in Europe, right in the centre of the Presqu’île. It is easily accessible on foot from Perrache station or from Part-Dieu station by metro.

How do you get there by public transport?

Metro lines A and D serve Bellecour station directly. It is the fastest access from any district of Lyon. Several TCL bus lines also stop in the immediate vicinity.

Can you come by bike?

Yes, and it is even encouraged. A free, secure, supervised bike parking area is set up on the square by Wheelskeep, a partner of the organiser.

And by car?

The organiser does not provide dedicated parking. Indigo Bellecour car park is the closest to the square. In September, central Lyon is often busy at weekends: allow extra time if you come by car, and choosing the metro or a bike will generally be more comfortable.

How do you test-ride a bike at the Cargo Bike Festival?

Test rides are open to anyone aged 16 and over. You must present a valid ID and a bank card for the bike deposit during the test. Everything else is free. You can register in advance on the organiser’s website to save time at reception, or complete the formalities on site on the day.

At the Damius stand, test rides of our tricycles take place under the same conditions. No mandatory sales pitch before you get on. You can ask your questions during the test, afterwards, or not at all — it is entirely up to you.

Why take advantage of the show to discover Damius?

Design and assembly in France

Damius is a company founded in 2016 in Miramas, Provence. Until 2025, all manufacturing was carried out on site. Since late 2025, production has been outsourced for industrial cost reasons, but final assembly, pre-shipment quality checks, R&D and after-sales service remain in Miramas. Cédric handles assembly, Sébastien quality control, and Jérémy after-sales service. This organisation makes it possible to respond quickly in the event of an issue, without going through an intermediary or an outsourced hotline.

Finding the right model for your needs

A Damius electric tricycle is not suitable for everyone in the same way. For someone who lives in the city and shops by bike several times a week, the Essentiel with the transport box meets the need very well. For someone who wants to resume physical activity after a health issue and needs a bike that stays upright on its own when stopped, the Evasion, with its more comfortable size and well-calibrated assistance, will be more appropriate. For professional use, for example a tradesperson travelling with equipment, the question of payload and frame strength becomes the priority.

These are conversations that are difficult to have fully by email or on a product page. The Cargo Bike Festival is a good opportunity to have them in person.

FAQ: Lyon Cargo Bike Festival 2026

When will the Lyon Cargo Bike Festival 2026 take place?

On Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September 2026. Some online calendars still list 26 and 27 September, but that is not the correct date. The organiser’s official website confirms 19 and 20 September for the Lyon edition.

Where does the Lyon Cargo Bike Festival take place?

Place Bellecour, right in the centre of Lyon (69002). Metro lines A and D stop at Bellecour station.

What are the opening hours?

From 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, both days.

Is entry to the Cargo Bike Festival free?

Yes, entry is completely free for all visitors. Bike test rides are also free, subject to presenting an ID and a bank card for the deposit during the test.

Will Damius be present at the Cargo Bike Festival 2026?

Yes. Our team will be present both days with several adult electric tricycle models to discover and test. The stand number will be shared as soon as it is confirmed by the organiser.

Which Damius models will be available to discover at the show?

The entire range will be on display. In the meantime, you can view our full range at damius.com/nos-produits, or contact us directly on 04 90 59 49 10 if you would like us to bring a specific model.

Do Damius tricycles require a licence or registration?

No. All our tricycles are compliant e-bikes (electric-assist bicycles) under European regulations: 250 W motor, assistance limited to 25 km/h, pedal-assist only. They can be used without a licence, without registration, and without mandatory equipment, like any standard city e-bike.