Electric Cargo Bike Guide

One of the recent developments in the electric bike and traditional bicycle world has been the cargo or utility bike. Cargo bikes are designed to carry loads that are larger and heavier than a traditional bicycle can carry. Electric cargo bikes offer an additional electric assist to the rider which allows them to carry a heavier load for a longer distance. The electric cargo bike in many cases is a great alternative to driving a car for running errands and commuting to work.

There are many users than can benefit from using an electric cargo bike.

The average person who commutes to work and needs to run errands around town can use this type of bike without getting too sweaty and they can carry what they need for work and/or pick up what they need while running errands.

Businesses that need to make deliveries around town can benefit from the maneuverability of a bicycle in a congested urban environment. Electric bikes with cargo carrying capabilities can also be a great marketing tool for businesses because of there unique look and they make a statement about the businesses environmental concern.  Check out this video of how FedEx is using an electric cargo trike in Paris.

Below are some links to electric cargo bikes and cargo bikes that can be converted to electric with some conversion kit options. I will be constantly adding new links to this list, so stay tuned!

Current types of complete electric cargo bikes:

Electric Kona Ute: Kona has put together an electric version of their popular Ute cargo bike.

TREK Transport + : TREK has designed a nice looking fully equipped electric cargo bike.

Yuba elMundo : This is a ready to go electric version of the popular Yuba Mundo.

Thrust Electric Bikes:  These are cool electric delivery bikes that have a large cargo box on the back that can provide advertising space.  They are based off the Madsen cargo bike.

Complete Electric Cargo Trikes:

Cycles Maximus:  Offers regular and electric trikes for cargo and people transport.  They have large cargo box options.

Cargo Bikes that can have electric bike conversion kits added:

Xtracycle Radish: This is Xtracycle‘s own complete cargo bike using their cargo system.

Surly Big Dummy: This is a mountain bike type cargo bike that uses the Xtracycle kit.

Xtracycle Kit: This is a great way to add cargo carrying capabilities to your existing bike. Nice if you really like your current bike.

Madsen: These are cool cargo bikes that have a large box on the back that can fit some very large items.

Metrofiets: These are custom made cargo bikes made in Portland Oregon and they carry the load in the front part of the bike.

Ahearn Cycles: These are considered cycle trucks and they carry the load on the front of the bike.  They are designed and built in Oregon.

Frances Cycles: Here is another cycle truck.  Pretty wild looking.

Work Cycles: This company offers many utilitarian bikes.  Cargo bikes, cycle trucks, and child transport bikes.

Civia Cycles: This is a company dedicated to bike commuting.  The link is to their new cycle truck.

Worksman Cycles: This company has a lot of inexpensive utility bikes.  They have been around for a long time.

Ant Bicycles: Here is a cycle truck that has a very clean look and a nice basket on the front.

Types of electric bike conversion kits available for cargo bikes:

Bionx: This is a very clean and lightweight electric bike kit that has a good track record.

eZee: This is a lightweight and economical kit that uses the front hub as the motor.

BMC: This is a high power and high torque motor that is well suited to cargo bikes.  (Note that the battery is not included in this kit)

The price of electric cargo bikes:

You can expect to pay $2000+ (USD) for an electric cargo bike.  This may seem like a lot, but when you consider how it can be used in lieu of your car for a lot of trips around town it starts to be more reasonable.  The stop and start driving around town causes a lot of wear and tear on your car.  By using an electric cargo bike instead you will save money on gas and maintenance (tires, oil changes, tune-ups, etc.).   Not to mention having more fun .  See this article for creative financing ideas for electric bikes.

Other electric cargo bike resources:

MyCargoBike.net is a good resource for cargo bike and electric cargo bike info.  Don enjoys riding an electric cargo bike to get around Seattle.

That’s it for now.  I will be adding more resources to this page,  so stay tuned.

-Pete

P.S. Don’t forget to get sign up for updates from the electric bike world, plus ebike riding and maintenance tips!  (upper right hand corner of this site)

Stores I recommend: Amazon, REI, Jenson USA, Bike Trailer Shop, Bike Bag Shop, and Bike Kid Shop.