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Anyone who has ridden an electric Citi Bike compared to a regular model can understand an e-bike’s appeal: It makes pedaling easier, commuting faster, and hauling bigger, heavier items more feasible. This versatility might be most noticeable in the category of e-cargo bikes — e-bikes with features that allow you to schlep items, groceries, and even passengers. Some people find that cargo-carrying feature effective enough that their bike can serve as a car replacement.
There are many different types of e-cargo bikes, from ones with foldable handlebar stems to models with an extended rear rack (known as a longtail) or big front boxes (known as bakfiets, which is Dutch for “box bike”); you can read more about their differences, below. Some other things to consider when shopping for an e-cargo bike are what you plan to carry and overall weight capacity, especially if you’ll be schlepping kids or transporting heavy items.
When it comes to e-cargo bike pricing, you get what you pay for, and you should expect to pay at least $1,000 for a new, reliable model. More expensive e-cargo bikes will generally have better components, and those parts will require less maintenance and repairs. “There could be a $1,000 price difference between one derailleur and another,” explains Maxime Renson, a general manager at Upway, an online e-bike retailer.
To find the best e-cargo bikes available, I spoke to seven cyclists, e-bike enthusiasts, and bike experts about the top options for all needs, including commuting, transporting items, and carrying kids. Some of these models are not available for purchase directly from the bike manufacturer, so if it’s not in stock, check your local bike shop to see if it carries it or consider buying used or renting one via a subscription service.
What
we’re
looking
for
Type
There are generally two types of electric cargo bikes: front-loading models and rear-loading models. Front-loading models have storage options in front of the rider, like the box of a bakfiets, or a cycle truck, which typically has a smaller front wheel and a storage tray or rack on the head tube. Rear-loading cargo bikes allow the rider to store items behind their seat. One kind of rear-loader are longtails, or bikes with a longer rear wheelbase, which have storage options such as a rear rack that allows you to attach pannier bags or lash items to the frame. Midtail bikes, or more compact versions of longtails, have a shorter rear rack.
Class
Because e-bikes have the power to go faster than normal bikes, there are legal considerations to keep in mind when purchasing an e-cargo bike (or any electric bike). It’s best to check your local laws for the most up-to-date restrictions and allowances. As we explained in our guide to electric bikes, they are generally classified into three categories: Class 1 bikes allow you to reach 20 mph as you pedal; Class 2 bikes do the same, but they also have a throttle that propels you forward without having to pedal; Class 3 bikes allow you to reach 28 mph and are required to have a speedometer, and may or may not have a throttle.
Batteries
An e-cargo bike’s battery determines how far you’re able to travel. The bikes on this list are available as single-battery models or dual-battery options, which will make the bike heavier but allow you to use both batteries at the same time. Single-battery bikes will be less expensive, but some models listed below will have the option to purchase an additional battery to make it a dual-battery system.
Bike weight
Because of their bulk and heavy weight, e-cargo bikes should be kept on ground level and are not meant to be picked up or carried up stairs. We’ll note each bike’s weight.
Payload capacity
A bike’s overall weight allowance, which is generally hundreds of pounds, determines what’s possible (and safe) to carry on your e-cargo bike. This is important to keep in mind if you’re planning to frequently transport children or heavy items.
Notable accessories
Almost all of the bikes in this article offer add-ons and accessories such as baskets, child seats, pannier bags, and additional racks for more storage. Offerings vary by each mode, but we’ll list the most notable accessories available for each bike.
Tern GSD S10
$4,999
Type: Rear-loading (longtail) | Class: 1 | Batteries: Dual-battery system | Bike weight: 74 lbs. | Payload capacity: 440 lbs. Notable accessories: Child seats and panniers
Five experts recommended the Tern GSD as a fantastic choice for a cyclist looking to purchase a premium e-cargo bike. With a 440-pound maximum-gross-weight capacity and a dual battery system, it’s one of the most popular e-cargo bike models for hauling gear over long distances. Milo Kahney of Propel Electric Bikes in Brooklyn says the GSD is the shop’s best-selling e-cargo bike, and adds that it’s a popular model for cyclists looking to carry kids (with the addition of child seat attachments on the rear rack).
The GSD starts at $4,999, though there are different GSD models that cost up to $8,699. Ryan Johnson, an e-bike enthusiast and co-founder of Culdesac, says he prefers the GSD R14, a higher-end version of the GSD, which has a Rohloff hub that keeps the transmission shielded from the elements, such as dirt and water (unlike a regular derailleur gear). That hub also allows you to shift gears with the push of a button. Johnson likes that you can tilt the Tern upward and it can store vertically, which he says “makes it easier to go in an elevator or store in your apartment.”
Lavanya Sunder, an adviser for Wombi who has been car-free and riding electric bikes for four years, calls the GSD an “all-around stellar cargo bike, especially if you have a family and want to invest in something that will not break down and has really good maintenance,” adding that it’s the e-cargo bike she sees most frequently when biking around San Francisco. Andrew Hawkins, transportation editor at The Verge, likes the build quality of the GSD but notes it might be a bit pricey for most people and sees it as a higher-end option. “If you have more money to spend, go with the GSD,” he says.
$4,999
at REI$4,999
at Tern Bicycles
Rad Power Bikes RadWagon 4
$1,999
Type: Rear-loading (longtail) | Class: 2 | Batteries: Single-battery system | Bike weight: 76.7 lbs. | Payload capacity: 350 lbs. | Notable accessories: Child seats and running boards
If you live in Brooklyn, as I do, there’s a good chance you’ve seen a RadWagon on the street ridden by a parent transporting two kids on the back seat along with panniers stuffed with groceries. That’s because the RadWagon is one of the most popular models for transporting children, much like the Tern GSD above. (Because of their similarities, Sunder calls the RadWagon a DTC version of the GSD, since it’s available for purchase directly from Rad Power’s site.) Hawkins of The Verge reviewed the RadWagon back in 2019 and called it “the SUV of e-bikes” due to its sturdiness and the confidence it inspired while riding.
At under $2,000, the RadWagon is a relatively affordable e-cargo bike, but the trade-off is its weight: It weighs just over 76 pounds, which is a couple pounds heavier than the GSD (74 pounds) and the XPedition (68 pounds) — so make sure you have a storage plan for the RadWagon, as it will be a bit heavier to move around. There is an even less expensive model on this list (the Lectric XPedition, below), but we think the RadWagon is the best blend of price and top-of-the-line features.
$1,999
at Rad Power Bikes
Lectric XPedition
From $1,399
Type: Rear-loading (longtail) | Class: 2 | Batteries: Dual-battery system | Bike weight: 68 lbs. | Payload capacity: 450 lbs. | Notable accessories: Deck pads and additional racks
The XPedition is the bike we’d recommend to riders who are new to the e-bike space and are looking for an entry-level cargo model (it’s the most affordable option on this list). I’ve been testing the XPedition for the past four months and have used it for commuting, grocery-store trips, and just general riding. It has a long rear rack, which can be customized to feature baskets, seat cushions, panniers, and child seating. As someone who had previously only ridden non-cargo bikes, I found the transition to riding the XPedition very easy. The shifting is seamless and the pedal-assist system is straightforward. Plus, it has a throttle, which allows me to get a little boost at the stoplight when the light turns green, as opposed to just pedaling.
The two-battery system (the XPedition is also available with one battery) has given me enough power to commute to work (around six miles round-trip) for about a week and a half without recharging. Because of its affordability and ease of use, Johnson of Culdesac says he frequently recommends the XPedition to folks looking to buy their first e-bike. “The value that you get for the money is quite high,” he says. (Sunder, who also has spotted XPeditions on the streets of San Francisco, currently rides the Lectric XP Lite — a foldable model from the same brand that costs only $799 but does not have traditional cargo features like a built-in rear rack or wider box.)
From $1,399
at Lectric eBikes
Riese & Müller Load 75
$9,659
Type: Front-loading (bakfiets) | Class: 3 | Batteries: Dual-battery system | Bike weight: 81.8 lbs. | Payload capacity: 440 lbs. | Notable accessories: Box covers and child seats
Four experts recommended the Load 75 for its sleek design and hauling capabilities. It has the familiar design of traditional Dutch cargo bikes, with a large front rack that allows you to fit a basket or set of seats. Renson of Upway says the Load 75 is one of his favorite cargo models because of everything it can carry: He notes it can fit three kids in the front, is customizable with different accessories, and is just plain “beautiful.”
At upwards of $10,000, Riese & Müller bikes are on the highest end of e-cargo bike offerings — Upway general manager Marta Anadón describes the brand as “the Mercedes-Benz of e-cargo bikes.” But Johnson calls these bakfiets models the most viable car replacements simply because of how much they can haul. The front boxes on bakfiets like the Load 75 allow you to fit more than you could by strapping them to rear racks on smaller e-cargo bikes, like the XPedition, GSD, or RadWagon.
$9,659
at Propel$9,659
at Riese & Müller
Urban Arrow Family
From $6,999
Type: Front-loading (bakfiets) | Class: 3 | Batteries: Single-battery system | Bike weight: 110 lbs. | Payload capacity: 550 lbs. | Notable accessories: Rain covers and luggage nets
Anadón and Renson of Upway say that this bakfiets model from Urban Arrow is a best seller and often sold out on their site, particularly in the commercial space and among riders looking to buy e-cargo bikes for their businesses, whether it be a delivery service or one that relies on two-wheeled urban transportation. But, like the Load 75, the Family is great for passengers too. Chris Nolte, founder of Propel Bikes, says it’s the best option for families thanks to its 600-pound weight capacity. Johnson says the Urban Arrow Family is the most common e-cargo bike recommendation he makes. “It works great for families and for folks without families. It can easily fit two or three kids in the front box, but I don’t have kids — I have a dog who loves it. You can also put an adult in there and quite a lot of groceries. It’s just phenomenal,” he says.
From $6,999
at Propel
Benno Boost
$4,499
Type: Compact rear-loading (midtail) | Class: 1 | Batteries: Single-battery system | Bike weight: 58.7 lbs. | Payload capacity: 440 lbs. | Notable accessories: Additional racks and panniers
The Benno Boost comes recommended by Anadón, who likes its bigger wheels (24″ x 2.6″ ) compared to the smaller sets on the other bikes on this list. Anadón still considers it a longtail bike, since it has a rear rack and allows her to carry anything with her, but says the bigger wheel set allows her to go faster and “provides more stability” during her ride. It’s also the lightest model (58.7 pounds) on this list. Given its specs, the Boost will feel similar to a non-cargo e-bike, so this is a great option for riders searching for a lightweight model that can still carry things but aren’t necessarily looking to transport kids or bulkier items, which a bakfiets would be better for.
$4,499
at Backcountry
Our
experts
• Marta Anadón, general manager at Upway
• Andrew Hawkins, transportation editor at The Verge
• Ryan Johnson, e-bike enthusiast and co-founder of Culdesac
• Milo Kahney, sales specialist at Propel Electric Bikes in Brooklyn
• Chris Nolte, founder of Propel Electric Bikes
• Maxime Renson, general manager at Upway
• Lavanya Sunder, adviser for Wombi
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For more than a year, GearJunkie cyclists have been testing a multitude of amazing electric cargo bikes. We’ve hauled everything from babies, kids, dogs, wood, tools, all kinds of outdoor gear, and even huge Costco and farmer’s market hauls. We went on e-cargo bikes if our destination was within 15 miles.
Our errand runs shuttled us across smooth tarmac, broken chip seal, and occasional dirt roads. Some bikes in the test fleet have throttles, while other’s electric assist only functioned while pedaling (this is a function of the e-bike class). The electric cargo bikes ranged from small and nimble bikes to e-bike versions of a freight hauler.
The e-bike market has drastically expanded over the last few years, with brands popping up out of nowhere. We sifted through clunky, unwieldy, and wholly unreliable makes and models alongside bikes from established bike and e-bike brands. We noted any assembly woes or anything that compromised safety or long-term reliability. E-bikes are a significant investment, and we approached our testing and editorial angle with this in mind.
Below, we highlight, categorize, and review the best electric cargo bikes we tested. They were all standouts in their own unique way. Mom and endurance athlete Chelsey Magnus and Gearjunkie Cycling Editior Seiji Ishii have pedaled, throttled, and weighed in on each model, assessing day-to-day usability and extolling the best uses for each model. If you’re new to Electric cargo bikes, check out the lingo in our buying guide below, which helps explain the different styles of e-cargo bikes on the market today. For a side-by-side rundown of price and specs, check our comparison chart.
Editor’s note: For our October 27, 2023, update, we’ve added the Specialized Globe Haul LT, Velotric Packer 1 and the Tern HSD P9 to round out our lineup.
Best Overall Electric Cargo Bike
3
88 pounds, 3 ounces
53.4 inches, wheelbase
441 pounds
60 miles
Large carrying capacity
Can haul three kids comfortably
Has throttle for easier stop and go riding
Fits multiple sized riders
Long for even a longtail cargo bike
Heavy
No integrated lock
Chelsey Magness
Best Budget Electric Cargo Bike
2
76.7 pounds
78.7 inches
350 pounds
45 miles
(Photo/Rad Power Bikes)
Value pricing
Reliable
Heavy
Lower carrying capacity than other electric cargo bikes
Chelsey Magness
Best Compact Daily Commuter Electric Cargo Bike
1
61.5 pounds
Unknown
397 pounds
76 miles
(Photo/HSD)
Large carrying capacity
Breaks down and folds quickly
Fits into small spaces
Has in integrated lock
Expensive
Cannot carry passenger
Chelsey Magness
Best Kid-Hauler Electric Cargo Bike
2
152 pounds
83 inches
350 pounds
20-30 miles
(Photo/Bunch)
Comes fully assembled
Has a secure lockbox
Durable, flat-resistant tires
Can haul up to 5 kids
Heavy
Hard to back up
Takes up a lot of storage space
Not an electric cargo bike for quick trips
Chelsey Magness
Lightest Weight Electric Cargo Bike
1
57 pounds
67 inches
375 pounds
69 miles
(Photo/Tern)
Lightweight
Carries large load while being small
Folds to fit into small areas
Pricey for what it is
Can only haul one child
Chelsey Magness
An Awesome Value Electric Cargo Bike
2
75 pounds
82 inches
440 pounds
52 miles pedal-assist, 45 miles throttle-only
(Photo/Velotric)
Good carrying capacity
Easy assembly
Stable ride when loaded
Extremely versatile rear cargo area
Bars felt narrow for how long and heavy the bike is
Power cuts in abruptly
Tires only good for paved surfaces
Chelsey Magness
Best of the Rest
2
73 pounds
83.8 inches
400 pounds
50 miles
(Photo/Flyer)
Great price
Easy to maneuver
Visually attractive
Baskets are a little small for groceries
One size doesn't fit all riders
Chelsey Magness
60 lbs. (without any of the add-ons)
6′
300 lbs.
25-55 miles depending on mode and capacity
Around town errands, kid pickups and dropoffs, dogs, big grocery or hardware store buys
(Photo/Yuba)
Rides like a normal bike
Can fit a wide range of people
Sturdy
Can be hard to store
On the pricey side
Chelsey Magness
1
70 lbs. (with one battery)
6′
440 lbs.
62 mi.
(Photo/Tern)
Stem/handlebars/seatpost can fold down in 5 seconds, allowing it to fit in many vehicles
Can carry a ton of gear and people
Compact for e-bikes
20″ wheels can be a little harsh on bumpy ground
Chelsey Magness
Chelsey Magness
Chelsey Magness and Seiji Ishii did the bulk of our electric cargo bike testing. Magness is an adventure racing world champion and mother of two. She lives a two-wheeled life at home, both training and running family and business errands via pedal power. She is a long-time contributor to GearJunkie in the cycling category and draws from an extensive and deep well of experience and knowledge in both the competitive and lifestyle branches of cycling.
Ishii has been involved with cycling for nearly four decades, starting with road racing in the 1980s. He watched mountain biking explode, road racing implode, and witnessed the emergence of both gravel bikes and e-bikes. And through it all, he has been a cycling dork through and through. He started as a freelance cycling and climbing contributor to GearJunkie and now resides as the cycling and climbing editor.
Both Magness and Ishii have tested and continue to test countless bicycles and all related gear at GearJunkie, including e-bikes. For this buyer’s guide, our experienced cyclists ran personal, business, and family errands aboard as many electric cargo bikes as they could get their legs over.
They ran short errands across smooth pavement in urban areas to longer missions in remote areas (Ishii had to ride over 2 miles on dirt to get his mail and five times further to get groceries). Magness often carried multiple children and pets, while Ishii hauled tools all over his property while maintaining wells, fences, and outbuildings. The electric cargo bikes proved to be insanely useful and appreciated.
Some bikes operated flawlessly and smoothly for the test duration, while others fell apart or failed within the first few miles. This curated list represents thousands of miles of cumulative riding, hundreds of hours of assembly and maintenance, and equal amounts of frustration and joy. We did the hard work for you, suffered the disappointments, and reported the good finds so you can spend your hard-earned money wisely. We realize any bike on this list is a significant investment.
Looking for a sleeker e-bike for commuting, or maybe something with more off-road capabilities? Check out our guides to the Best E-Bikes and the Best E-Bikes for Hunting.
Before delving into our buyer’s guide, it’s wise to discern how you will really use a cargo bike. The type, size, and weight of your intended cargo will help determine the style of electric cargo bike that will suit you best. The terrain, road or off-road surface, time of riding, urban versus rural, and weather also impact significant choices like wheel size, tire type, lighting needs, seating, and security. Storage space is also a concern, especially in urban environments.
The first thing to consider, though, is the style of electric cargo bike you need.
Long-john bike: These have the cargo box up front with the front wheel stretched out in front of you. Some also have the capacity for another passenger to ride on the back. This style takes some practice when you first get on, as it handles a little differently than a traditional bike.
The Velotric Packer 1 is a capable, maneuverable Longtail bike with a range of 52 miles; (photo/Seiji Ishii)Longtail bike: These ride more like traditional bikes and can fit up to three small passengers (kids) riding on the tail. Most can also fit a clip-on seat for younger kids (9 months and up).
Front-load trike: These have two wheels and the cargo box in front. This stable style can fit as many as four kids in the box and sometimes an extra kid or panniers on the back. We tested the Bunch Original Family Cargo Bike and really appreciate the utility, though the three-wheel design limits its maneuverability.
Before starting your search, ask yourself what you will use the bike for most. Grocery shopping? Kid pickups and dropoffs? Delivering pizzas? Taking your dog to the dog park? Hauling the boards to the local surf wave? All of the above? When you narrow your search down in this way before you start looking at the options, it makes it less overwhelming.
The size of what you are hauling can determine the type of e-cargo bike, while the total weight of passengers and items plays into the carrying capacity. You will need both the ability to hold the sheer volume of your items and the weight of intended cargo plus passengers.
New electric cargo bikes can range from as low as $1,800 to as high as $8,000.
Cargo boxes, panniers, front boxes, kickstands, and kid seats can cost extra and add to the total cost quickly. However, after doing a quick search of our local Craigslist and Facebook online market groups, we found accessory options being sold at significant savings over new.
Identifying your longest average commute will give you a good idea of what kind of range you will require to avoid running out of battery life before the next planned charge. Endless combinations of battery capacity and motor current draw produce the stated range. It’s best to err on the conservative side when calculating the range, as load, wind, and other factors can all have an effect.
More electric cargo bikes are coming out with the option of either attaching or hot-swapping an additional battery to extend the range between charges.
An often overlooked factor is the storage space an electric cargo bike will require, which can be more than a standard e-bike. Outside of folding cargo bikes, many electric cargo bikes occupy a lot of space. Some, like longtail versions, require substantial length, and front load trikes are much wider.
Some electric cargo bike brands like Bunch understand that their models demand significant storage space and offer an outdoor cover to protect them while being stored outside.
Security of both the bike and cargo can be an issue, especially in urban centers. Many electric cargo bikes can be virtually locked via the app; this means the bike is electrically actuated to prevent someone from either riding it or rolling it away. Some bikes include a built-in security cable and lock for physically and visually protecting the bike from theft. Of course, you can always use a standard bike lock and cable.
Electric cargo bikes can also have locking cargo areas.
Die-hard cyclists and dedicated commuters know that the weather makes no guarantees. What starts as a dry ride can quickly turn into a downpour. There are a couple of accessories and features you should consider if you plan to roll, regardless of whether the sun shows or not.
Regardless of the electric cargo bike type, you will undoubtedly, at some point, need to protect whatever it is that you are hauling from precipitation. Some brands offer dedicated and fitted covers for the storage area of their bikes. If not, the bike will need a way to attach some type of cover or secure a dry bag, etc.
Some brands have accessories that can help protect passengers from the elements as well, such as canopies. It’s worth noting that such accessories can create a lot of drag, reducing both speed and battery life.
What is the difference between an electric cargo bike and a standard e-bike?
Electric cargo bikes can carry more volume and weight than a standard e-bike. They have baskets, platforms, and other means to accommodate cargo. The frames, motors, wheels, and other components must be able to handle the added stresses from carrying potentially hundreds of pounds more than a single passenger e-bike.
Is an electric cargo bike worth it?
The assistance provided by the electric motor of an electric cargo bike makes riding with heavy loads much easier and feasible, especially over longer distances. The baskets, platforms, seating arrangements, and the large carrying capacity of electric cargo bikes truly open up possibilities that cannot exist on a standard bicycle or e-bike. Many electric cargo bikes can replace cars for daily errands, especially in urban environments. There are more electric cargo bike options than there are standard cargo bikes for these reasons.
Why are electric cargo bikes so expensive?
The additional and higher quality chassis and wheel materials, larger battery and motor capacity, and extra features and accessories to handle the higher load ratings and passengers greatly add to the costs of electric cargo bikes.
How fast can an electric cargo bike go?
Most e-bikes can go 20 mph, but some can go as fast as 28 mph. Some brands limit the speed of cargo bikes for safety reasons beyond what the class rating demands. For instance, the Bunch Original 3.0 is limited to 15 mph by the factory but can be changed by the user.