Trek’s Fetch+ 4 Takes Bike Design for a Spin

GraphisJuly 26, 2024

The Fetch+ 4 by Trek is a bike with a design that's hard to ignore. Its cargo box stretches beyond the handlebars, and its wheels come in different sizes, giving it a distinctive look. While it may initially seem unusual, this e-bike is efficient in blending utility and a bike's agility, showcasing Trek's innovative approach to redefining bicycle capabilities. So, let's pedal into the story behind the Fetch+ 4 and explore the creativity and thought process that makes this bike a standout.

Fetch+ 4 by Trek

The Fetch+ 4 may be the oddest-looking bike since the penny-farthing. The cargo box that stretches past the handlebars is so distracting that it takes some time to realize that its wheels, much like the penny-farthing, are different sizes. Luckily, this e-bike is much more practical than its Victorian ancestor, with the ability to carry five children in addition to the rider being a major design achievement.

The appearance of the Fetch+ 4 is undoubtedly idiosyncratic. At first, some may even consider it to be ugly. That’s the issue with bold new approaches: They take time to be accepted. After all, one of the world’s most iconic office chairs, the Aeron chair, was originally rejected by industry experts and customers alike just because it looked unusual. The Fetch+ 4 conveys a similar energy. Yes, the “snout” of the bike does initially look odd. But the solidity of the product also conveys that this is an efficient, sturdy design that’s enjoyable to ride. Eventually, most will come around to the Fetch+ 4’s charms. Even those who are unable to connect with it aesthetically must concede that the design is both innovative and highly practical.

Trek, the organization behind the Fetch+ 4, may be overstretching a little when it claims that the bike can “even replace your car.” That may be an option for a certain demographic, such as those who live in urban environments. Yet it would be surprising if many people actually decided to ditch their SUVs and sedans in favor of using an electronic bike. However, the Fetch+ 4 still has plenty to offer those who may want to use it as something other than a primary mode of transportation. For instance, the box’s ability to carry up to 175 lbs, with the bike’s overall weight limit being 551 lbs, should certainly appeal to the weekend warrior who wants to bring equipment with them on their next adventure.

The biggest testament to the Fetch+ 4’s design is its maneuverability. Some have even stated that it feels almost as if it’s turning itself. This advantage is sure to impress anyone who initially misjudged the bike as being cumbersome. To misquote a famous phrase, don’t judge a bike by its cargo box!


In 1976, after running bicycle stores in Wisconsin, Dick Burke and Bevil Hogg founded Trek in a rural barn to build bikes of extraordinary artistry. Today, the company is headquartered just one mile away from this barn and headed by Dick Burke’s son, John. The Fetch+ 4 proves that Trek has challenged the limits of bicycle capabilities.

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