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.
Types of Cargo Bikes to Consider
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.
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.
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.
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
1. Lectric XPedition
An excellent mix of utility and versatility
Weight: 75 lb |Â Load Capacity: 450 lb | Range: 75-150 mi
MSRP: $1,399 – $1,699
- Class 1, 2 or 3 capabilities
- 750W, 85 Nm rear hub motor
- 672 Wh (+ another optional 672 Wh)
- Charge Time: 4-6 hours
- Aluminum Frame
The Lectric XPedition 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 750W rear hub motor packs a punch and all the additional accessories will make your day-to-day life easier.
At 72″, it’s not much longer than a standard bike and yet it can carry a child or a solid 450 lb of cargo! Hydraulic disc brakes, a 7-speed drivetrain, and front and rear lights are just a few of the extra components that make this a winning compact cargo ebike.
Plus, you get up to 150 miles (240km) out of the 672Wh double-battery setup that charges quickly and sits neatly behind the seat tube.
2. Aventon Abound
An integrated cargo e-bike
Weight: 81 lb|Load Capacity: 440 lb| Range: 50 mi
MSRP: $2,199
- 750W hub motor, 80Nm
- 720Wh battery
- Charge Time: 5 hours
- 6061 Aluminum alloy frame
- Shimano 7-speed Tourney drivetrain
If you’re looking for a modern, feature-rich cargo e-bike without a huge price stage, the Aventon Abound is a solid option. Aventon is a direct-to-consumer company and is quickly becoming one of the top choices on the market.
The Abound boasts a 750W motor with 80 Nm of torque, so it will make short work of hauling up to 440 lb of weight even when riding uphill. It comes with a 720Wh battery and a decent range of 50 miles.
The Abound also has compatibility with a front rack to add to the long rear one. In addition, you get a dual-leg kickstand, hydraulic disc brakes, lights, and foot platforms for the rear passengers.
All in all, this is a stable cargo e-bike that suits a family with two kids or a rider who needs to carry mixed cargo.
3. Tern GSD S10
Tern’s folding cargo bike
Weight: 74 lbs | Load Capacity: 440 lbs | Range: 26-53mi
MSRP: $5,399
- Class 1 eBike
- 250W Bosch Cargo Line Motor – 85nm Torque
- 400Wh Lithium-Ion Battery
- 6061-T6 Aluminum Frame
- Shimano Deore 10-Speed Gearing
With a massive load capacity of 440lbs (200kg), you can safely carry up to two kids on the back of this Tern cargo bike. The GSD S10 is unique with its folding handlebar, stem, and telescoping seatpost. It comes fitted with a powerful 250W mid-drive motor delivering 85Nm of torque.
The 400Wh battery will keep you going for up to 53 miles on a single charge, with a 10-speed Shimano Deore drivetrain helping you along. At only 74lbs, this bike is easy enough to navigate even when fully loaded, compared to other cargo electric bikes.
4. Trek Fetch+ 2
Trek’s compact cargo e-bike
MSRP: $6,000
- Class 1 eBike
- 250W Bosch Performance Line Cargo – 85Nm Torque
- 500Wh Lithium-Ion Battery
- 6061-T6 Aluminum Frame
- Shimano Deore 10-Speed Gearing
Trek’s cargo e-bike is a high-end option with premium components and a high price to match. The payload capacity of 440lb includes rider and cargo (up to 175lb of cargo).
20″ wheels and a rigid fork make for a slightly bumpy ride but help keep the center of gravity low and the front end stable for better control while the bike is loaded.
The Fetch+ 2 can fit two kids’ seats conveniently on the rack or a regular seat, bars, and footrests for older children. It comes fitted with a powerful 250W Bosch mid-drive motor delivering 85Nm of torque for hauling heavy cargo and tackling steep inclines.
The 500Wh battery will keep you going for up to 65 miles on a single charge, with a 10-speed Shimano Deore drivetrain helping you along. At just over 68lb, this bike is easy enough to navigate even when fully loaded, compared to other cargo electric bikes.
5. Blix Packa Genie
An affordable cargo e-bike with dual battery capacity
MSRP: $2,099 – 2,499
- Class 2 e-bike
- 750W hub motor – 90Nm Torque
- 1 or 2 614Wh batteries
- 6061-T6 Aluminum frame
- Shimano Acera 7-speed gearing
The Blix Packa Genie is an affordable hub-drive cargo e-bike with a high-power motor, dual-battery capacity ($400 extra for two batteries), and the brand’s modular accessory compatibility.
The single 614Wh battery will keep you going for up to 45 miles and with two batteries you can expect up to 80. With 90Nm of torque from the 750W motor, you can be confident of tackling any gradient with a loaded bike.
A basic 7-speed Shimano Altus drivetrain provides a decent gearing range but lacks high gears. Thankfully, the Packa Genie has hydraulic disc brakes, but they are from a lesser-known brand so the durability is questionable.
Other notable components which add to the value of this bike include the puncture-resistant tires, USB charging, and LED lights with brake light activation.
6. Benno Boost E 10D
A spacious and modern electric cargo bike
Weight: 65 lbs |Â Load Capacity: 440 lbs | Range: 30-75 mi
MSRP: $5,499
- Class 3 eBike
- 250W Mid-Drive Motor, 85 Nm Torque
- 500 Wh Lithium-Ion Battery
- Charge Time: 7.5 hours
- Shimano Deore 10-Speed Gearing
Benno Boost E 10D is one of the most attractive cargo bikes on the market, with excellent accessories and a high maximum payload! This gives you ample room to pack it full of racks, panniers, seats, baskets, or whatever else you can think of.
The strong aluminum frame means you can load a full 440 lb on this beast with no worries of frame failure. You also get a 10-speed Shimano Deore drivetrain to help you haul that weight uphill.
At only 250W, the Bosch Performance mid-drive motor may seem weaker than others but it still kicks out 85 Nm of torque. The reduced power requirement also means you get a full 75 miles (120 km) from the battery.
7. Tern Quick Haul P9
Folding electric cargo bike
Weight: 50 lbs. 11.2 oz. |Â Load Capacity: 331 lb | Range: up to 32-62 mi
MSRP: $3,299
- Class 3 eBike
- Bosch Performance Sport 250W, 65 Nm motor
- 400 Wh Lithium-Ion Battery
- 9-Speed Gearing
The Quick Haul P9 electric cargo bike from Tern offers the best value for money that we can find on the market. With a powerful 250W, 65 Nm mid-drive motor, long-range battery, and a 331 lb load capacity, you get everything you need.
With adjustable, foldable handlebars, 2.15″ Schwable tires, upright geometry, and comfortable touchpoints, this bike is a joy to ride. Load it up with a range of accessories, including a kids’ seat, baskets, or panniers.
Whatever your fitness level or cargo requirements, the Tern Quick Haul P9 has got your back. It fits riders between 5’3″ – 6’5″ tall, and the bike weighs around 50 lb which is lightweight for a cargo e-bike.
8. Benno RemiDemi 10D Sport
Best lightweight electric cargo bike
Weight: 65 lbs | Load Capacity: 400 lbs | Range: 25-70 mi
MSRP: $4,099
- Class 3 eBike
- 250W/65Nm Bosch Performance Sport motor
- 400Wh Bosch battery
- Charge Time: 6.5 hours
- Steel frame
- Hydraulic disc brakes
Benno makes some heavy-duty cargo bikes, but the RemiDemi 10D Sport is a lighter, more agile model that can still handle heavy loads.
The large rear rack is compatible with a range of accessories so you can easily carry your cargo. Optionally, you can increase its versatility by fitting it with a front rack for additional capacity.
A 250W Bosch mid-drive motor is powered by a 400Wh battery that will help you get moving up to 28 mph. It also includes a Shimano Sora 9-speed drivetrain to help you pedal more smoothly and maximize your range.
Finally, the RemiDemi 10D Sport has huge 4.25″ fat tires that allow you to tackle any surface with traction and stability.
9. Rad Power Bikes – RadWagon 4
A fully-equipped cargo eBike, ready for hauling serious cargo
MSRP: $1,999
- 750W hub motor
- 672Wh Battery
- Aluminum Frame
- 7-speed Shimano
The Rad Power Bikes RadWagon 4 is the brand’s cargo electric bike. It can haul 350 lbs of payload on its sturdy aluminum frame.
The 672Wh battery keeps the 750W hub motor running for 25 to 45 miles, with pedal assistance provided via a 7-speed Shimano drivetrain.
Wide 3″ tires come on a set of 22″ wheels to provide plenty of traction and shock absorption. Rad Power Bikes also chose Tektro mechanical disc brakes and integrated LED lights for safety.
The rear integrated rack can support up to 120 lbs of weight, making this a highly capable yet affordable cargo choice.
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.