Cargo eBikes combine two of the most convenient modern characteristics of cycling – motorized pedal assistance and the ability to carry a lot of luggage.
When put together, these two features turn a simple bicycle into a powerful machine that can help deliver goods, carry tools, transport equipment, and a myriad of other things. Some people even use them as a bike to carry kids, making the school run a quick and simple job.
Cargo ebikes come in several different shapes and sizes, from normal bikes with added racks to multi-wheeled haulers that can carry a fridge. Naturally, they also have strong frames and powerful motors designed to support the extra load.
RadWagon electric bike with kid seats.
How do I Choose a Cargo Bike?
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Bakfiets bikes aka Long Johns
The bakfiets is the ultimate luggage carrier, perfect for those big jobs that need more than just a rear rack or pannier bags. The massive bucket at the front of a bakfiets can carry large items like furniture, boxes, and building materials.
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Longtail cargo bikes
A longtail cargo bike has an extended chassis with a protruding rear wheel that supports a lengthy, sturdy rack. They make excellent children carriers when one or more seats are fitted on the back.
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Midtail cargo bikes
Much like the longtail, the mid-tail has a slightly extended rear rack that can carry heavy luggage but isn’t quite as loadbearing. These are commonly used for making deliveries, collecting goods, or in some rare cases, long-distance touring.
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Cargo tricycles
Cargo tricycles are the heavy loaders of the cargo bike world, fitted with luggage bins so big they need three wheels to stay upright. These bikes are typically used by delivery companies in busy cities with heavy traffic.
Best Electric Cargo Bikes
Yuba Spice Curry V3
Yuba’s flagship longtail cargo bike
Weight: 60 lbs | Load Capacity: 440 lbs | Range: 19-34mi
MSRP: $4,900
REI Co-op
With a massive load capacity of 440lbs (200kg), you can safely carry several kids and your dog on the back of this Yuba cargo bike. The Spicy Curry V3 is the latest installment of its flagship longtail bike, fitted with a powerful 750W mid-drive motor delivering 75Nm of torque.
The 500Wh battery will keep you going for up to 34 miles (54km) on a single charge, with a 10-speed Shimano Deore drivetrain helping you along. At only 60lbs (27kg), the Yuba Spicy Curry is easy enough to navigate even when fully loaded and benefits from Stay Steady Technology (SST) for flux reduction.
- Class 1 eBike
- 250W Mid-Drive Motor – 75nm Torque
- 500Wh Lithium-Ion Battery
- Length: 72″
- 6061-T6 Aluminum Frame
- Shimano Deore 10-Speed Gearing
> Read more
REI.com/
Rad Power Bikes RadWagon 4
Unbeatable value in an electric cargo bike – simply wow
Weight: 77 lbs | Load Capacity: 350 lbs | Range: up to 45mi
MSRP: $1,899
Rad Power Bikes
This electric utility bike from Rad Power Bikes offers the best value for money that we can find on the market. With a powerful 750W rear hub motor, long-range battery, and 350lbs (159kg) load capacity, you get everything you need for a fraction of the price.
Now with adjustable handlebars, wider tires, and twice the torque (80Nm), the RadWagon electric cargo bike is in its 4th edition and just getting better. Load it up with a range of accessories, including baby chairs, seat padding with safety bars, runner boards, baskets, or panniers. Whatever your fitness level or cargo requirements, the RadWagon 4 has got your back.
Score: 4.7 / 5 out of 1,400+ reviews
- Class 2 eBike
- 750W Geared Rear-Hub Motor
- 672Wh Lithium-Ion Battery
- Length: 78.7″
- 6061 Aluminum Frame
- 7-Speed Gearing
- Bike weight: 76.7lbs
- Full Review
Fits riders: 5’1″ – 6’4″
> Read more
RadPowerBikes.com
Surly Big Easy
An extra-long, steel frame cargo bike
Weight: 68 lbs | Load Capacity: 400 lbs | Range: 75mi
MSRP: $5,249 Gravity Coalition
Surly’s Big Easy might be the longest electric cargo bicycle we’ve ever seen, at a full 88″ (2.2m)! This gives you ample space to pack it full of racks, panniers, seats, baskets, or whatever else you can think of.
The Chromoly steel frame means you can load a full 400lbs (181kg) on this beast with no worries of frame failure and get an 11-speed SRAM GX drivetrain to help. At only 250W, the Bosch Performance mid-drive motor may seem weaker than others but it still kicks out 75Nm of torque. The reduced power requirement also means you get a full 75 miles (120km) from the battery.
- Class 1 eBike
- 250W Mid-Drive Motor, 75nm Torque
- 482Wh Lithium-Ion Battery
- Charge Time: 3.5 hours
- Length: 88″
- Chromoly Steel Frame
- SRAM GX 11-Speed Gearing
> Read more
Gravitycoalition.com/
Tern GSD S00
An excellent mix of utility and versatility
Weight: 77 lbs | Load Capacity: 440 lbs | Range: 31-63mi
MSRP: $6,199 REI
The Tern GSD S00 electric cargo bicycle is a marvel of engineering, able to fold up to a compact size for easy storage or transport. But don’t be fooled by its small size – the Bosch Cargo mid-drive motor packs a punch and the maintenance-free Gates Carbon Belt never needs attention.
At 72″ (1.8m), it’s no longer than a standard bike and yet can carry two children or a massive 440lbs (200kg) of luggage! Solid disc brakes, an 11-speed SRAM GX drivetrain, and front suspension are just a few of the extra components that make this a winning cargo ebike. Plus, you get up to 63 miles (101km) out of the fast-charging battery pack.
Maintenance-Free Gates Carbon Belt-Drive
- Class 1 eBike
- 250W Bosch Cargo Line Mid-Drive Motor
- 500Wh Lithium-Ion Battery
- Charge Time: 2.5-4 hours
- Length: 72″
- Aluminum Frame
- SRAM GX 11-Speed Gearing
> Read more
REI.com/
Blix Packa Genie
A full-featured yet affordable alternative cargo ebike
Weight: 68 lbs | Load Capacity: 400 lbs | Range: up to 90mi
MSRP: from $1,699 Blix Bike
When choosing an affordable cargo ebike, your best options are between the Blix Packa vs RadWagon. These two bikes rule the world of cheap motorized cargo cycling.
In this Blix Packa review, we see how the two bikes match up. Firstly, despite the Blix Packa weighing only 68lbs (31kg), its load capacity is even more than the RadWagon at 400lbs (181kg). What’s more, its dual battery system can go a full 90 miles (144km) so you’ll never be without power. However, with a direct-drive motor, it doesn’t quite have the same hill-climbing power of the geared-hub RadWagon. So unless you live somewhere very hilly, the Blix Packa makes for a great option!
Class 1/2/3
electricbikereview.com/blix/packa-genie/
- 750W Geared Hub-Drive Motor
- 614Wh Lithium-Ion Battery
- Charge Time: 6 hours
- Length: 81″
- 6061 Aluminum-Alloy Frame
- Shimano Acera 7-Speed Gearing
> Read more
Blixbike.com/
Yuba Mundo
A steel-frame heavy-weight ebike for hauling serious cargo
Weight: 68 lbs | Load Capacity: 550 lbs | Range: 62mi
MSRP: $4,700 REI Co-op
The Mundo is a longtail Yuba electric bike that looks deceptively chilled with its bright yellow color, yet can haul around a huge 550lbs (250kg) of cargo or passengers on its Chromoly steel frame. Pretty impressive for a bike that only weighs 68 lbs (30kg).
The 504Wh battery keeps the 250W Shimano STEPS motor running for up to 62 miles (100km), with pedal assistance provided via the 10-speed Shimano Deore drivetrain. Any discerning cyclist will know that these are some serious components, which explains the rather eye-watering price at nearly $5,000. A small price to pay for the pick-up truck of cargo ebikes!
- Class 1 eBike
- 250W Shimano Steps Mid-Drive Motor
- 504Wh Lithium-Ion Battery
- 4130 Chromoly Steel Frame
- Shimano Deore 10-Speed Gearing
> Read more
REI.com/
Bunch The Original
Best electric cargo trike for families
Weight: 152 lbs | Load Capacity: 350 lbs | Range: 35mi
MSRP: $4,999 Bunch Bike
An electric cargo tricycle with an upfront cart is ideal for parents as you can see your kids and they feel safer. Bunch bikes make some heavyweight Dutch-style tricycles, like this impressive front-loader that can easily pass as a family bike for 4. The large front carrier comes equipped with seatbelts and benches, and is supported by two wheels for extra stability.
A 500W geared-hub motor is powered by a 653Wh battery and controlled by a thumb throttle, making it easy to get moving when fully loaded. It also includes an 8-speed drivetrain for pedal-assistance and can go for 35 miles (56km) on one charge.
The bike is shipped fully assembled.
A bike with a cart in front is the best bike for the family.
- Class 2 eBike
- 500W Geared Hub-Drive Motor
- 653Wh Lithium-Ion Battery
- Charge Time: 5 hours
- Length: 36″
- Steel Frame
- Shimano Acera 8-Speed Gearing
> Read more
Bunchbike.com/
Urban Arrow Family
One of the best bikes for carrying children
Image has been removed
Weight: 112 lbs | Load Capacity: 440 lbs | Range: 50mi
MSRP: $5,999 Urban Arrow
Urban Arrow makes stylish ‘backfiets’, which means bucket bike in Dutch, where they were made famous. The Urban Arrow Family cargo bike is a compact, aerodynamic bakfiets that can carry three kids up to a 440lbs (200kg) load capacity.
Oddly enough for a cargo bike, it only has a single-speed drivetrain but somehow this doesn’t present a problem, and getting moving is easy. With mild pedal assistance and stepless gear shifting, the 400Wh battery and 250W mid-drive motor will power you along effortlessly for up to 50 miles (80km). At only 112 lbs (50kg) it’s quite light for a front-load cargo bike but, unfortunately, the price tag is not.
- Class 1 eBike
- 250W Mid-Drive Motor
- 400Wh Lithium-Ion Battery
- Charge Time: 3.5 hours
- Length: 101″
- Aluminum Alloy Frame
- Single-Speed Gearing
> Read more
Urbanarrow.com/
FAQs
What is a freight bicycle?
A freight bicycle is technically just another term for a cargo bike, although would usually be used to describe large bikes like bakfiets, large tricycles, or cycletruck.
How much does an electric cargo bike cost?
Decent electric cargo bikes usually go for between $2,000 and $6,000, although the RadWagon and Blix Packa offer good value under $2,000.
Are bucket bikes safe?
While there have been a few rare accidents, bucket bikes are generally considered safer for children than cars. However, children should wear helmets and be strapped in at all times.
