REVIEW – I want to start bike camping this summer and using my bike more for errands, so when Earth+Kin asked me to review their MULE all-terrain wagon, I couldn’t say yes quick enough. Let’s see what the Earth+Kin MULE has to offer.
What is it?
The Earth+Kin MULE is way more than just a wagon. It’s an all-terrain, all-day chariot for your stuff. It’s definitely designed to perform like its namesake and can work on any terrain you may experience in your adventures. From beaches to trails to freeways, the MULE can get you and your stuff where you need to go.
What’s included?
- Instruction manual
- MULE with Pull Handle
- Rear Axle Bike Tow Bar Assembly
- 4-way Stretch Cargo Net
- Optional: Handlebar storage caddy $75
- Optional: All weather cover $75
- Optional: Super73 adapter
Tech specs
Click to expand
- Assembled product dimensions: 35″”(l) x 29″(w) x 27″(h)
- Interior cargo dimensions: 27″(l) x 18″(w) x 16″(h)
- Storage: Approximately 120 liters
- Approx. weight: 20lbs
- Tire Size: 16″x3″ pneumatic tires (Schrader valve tubes)
- Weight capacity: 100 lbs
- Bike Rear Axle Compatibility: Tow bar comes with a hitch plate that can mount to bike rear axle with diameter of 5mm – 12.7mm (0.2’’ – 0.5’’)
Design and features
The Earth+Kin MULE has some great features right off the bat. I have used a couple of other kid carriers, and there were tons of broken plastic bits, the tires were thin, and there were no other ways to use them except attached to a bike. The Earth+Kin MULE doesn’t even ship with plastic in the box, and there’s no plastic on it anywhere except for the bicycle rear axle pin. Even then, it isn’t under load, so I don’t see it breaking anytime soon.
Sturdy aluminum tubing is used for the frame, handles, and side bars. The little front wheels keep it balanced and are quickly removable without tools and the super wide 3” tires will roll over anything including sand and curbs.
Assembly, installation, and setup
Assembly was straightforward and there are easy to follow videos online along with the included printed manual. One really nice feature I like is everything uses steel retention pins or quick release pins for the wheels so no tools are required. Even the basket is made from 100% post-consumer recycled fabrics and the buckles are aircraft grade aluminum. It’s definitely made well and feels solid.
I used my older mountain bike that has a quick release skewer to attach the hitch plate. If you have used a BOB trailer before or have a thru axle setup you may need a longer axle that can be found at the Robert Axle Project.
Performance
I took a trip to my closest grocery store, which is 3.5 miles away. The Earth+Kin MULE can carry 100 lbs so I had no qualms about putting some groceries in the MULE. You can get a few accessories, such as a storage caddy for the handlebar that can hold a couple water bottles and attaches with Velcro so it’s easy to remove. While there is a leash tie point in the basket, if you need a little more security for a furry friend there is a mesh cover and for protecting gear from the elements there is an all weather cover to keep your stuff dry and secure.
On my grocery trip the Earth+Kin MULE rode super smooth and it went up curbs just fine too even with groceries in the back. It felt super stable and at only 20lbs empty I couldn’t even tell I was towing anything on the way. I could definitely see some city folks attaching this to an e-bike for even easier trips or for commuting. There are adapters available specifically for Super73 and Pedego electric bikes.
On the way to the store, I picked up several pebbles from the road. I did use the MULE as my cart inside the store and noticed the handlebar wasn’t quite tall enough for me. I’m 6 feet tall, and although it was fine, I noticed I would kick the front wheel when in front, or the tire would catch my foot when pulling it behind. I think if it were a little bit higher it would make it way more comfortable. I also noticed the entire MULE was black, which, although coordinated perfectly with my bike, I worry about visibility. I will probably put some reflective tape on the back and sides, but maybe at some point, offering a different color, such as bright orange, would give people the option to go stealth or not.
One of the most novel features that separates the Earth+Kin MULE from other cargo carriers is the ability to attach it to a vehicle trailer hitch using a hitch adapter (see visibility concern above). Here’s a video showing how it works. If you have a truck you can put your bikes in the bed and then attach the MULE to the hitch and be ready for the trail super quick. It’s also convenient for those beach outings, so you can keep all the sand out of your car and then just hose it off while it’s still on the hitch.
Unfortunately I was not able to test this feature out since the hitch adapters were out of stock. We asked Earth+Kin when they would be available, and the co-founder, Kurt MacLaurin, informed us that they had to pause the hitch adapter production to focus on bike and e-bike attachments for the MULE. They do plan to sell them again in the future, but as a small business, they are focusing their efforts so they don’t get spread too thin. I completely understand as a new business, you can’t do everything, but the hitch adapter is a major advertised capability that separates it from all the other bike chariots out there and the main reason I wanted to try the MULE in the first place. Hopefully, they can get those back in production soon.
What I like about the Earth+Kin Mule
- Very sturdy and quality construction
- Easy to customize to your needs
What needs to be improved?
- Brighter color options or add reflective material to the basket, especially in the back
- Hitch adapter availability
Final thoughts
The Earth+Kin MULE is super useful for multiple activities. I liked riding my bike to the store and saving gas and using the MULE as a shopping cart. Once the weather warms up I’ll definitely be using it for beach trips and for my first bike camping trip this summer as well. Overall, the Earth+Kin MULE is an awesome all-terrain wagon, and hopefully, they start producing the hitch adapters again, which will add to its usefulness. I definitely like it and look forward to the summer so I can use it a lot more.
Price: $349.00
Where to buy: Earth+Kin website and Amazon
Source: The sample for this review was provided by Earth+Kin.
