Best Electric Cargo Bikes 2025 | Twelve Top Cargo Haulers
Mar 18, 2025
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Cargo bikes have been in use since the 19th century when tradesmen used them to deliver and transport their goods around Holland. These tradesmen must have been on to something because the idea stuck!
Electric cargo bikes may look a bit different from those early models, but their motors make them even more practical. These days, cargo e-bikes are great for carrying loads of groceries, taking the kids to school, delivering food or packages, and generally serving as a versatile alternative to a car when running errands around town.
As the cargo e-bike category has grown in popularity, our team of reviewers has tested a myriad of makes and models. In our experience, not all of them are up to snuff! Rest assured that we’ve sorted the good from the bad—and we’ve assembled this list to make your search simple and straightforward.
While there are quite a few proven designs for cargo e-bikes, our list will focus on the short-tail/utility and long-tail (ST and LT, respectively) styles. Both types of bike share similar functionality—the only major differences are length and carrying capacity (usually volume, but also sometimes weight).
Whether you’re looking to live a healthier lifestyle while spending more time with the kids or seeking a dependable ride for gig work (think Doordash or Instacart), check out our top electric cargo bike picks below!
Our Best Cargo Electric Bikes for 2025
Long-Tail (LT) Cargo E-Bikes
- Lectric XPedition 2.0
- Aventon Abound LR
- RadPowerBikes RadWagon 5
- Specialized Globe Haul LT
- Flyer Via Pro
- Blix Packa Genie
- Tern Quick Haul Long D9
Short-Tail (ST) Cargo/Utility E-Bikes
- Aventon Abound SR
- Rad Power Bikes RadRunner 2
- Specialized Globe Haul ST
- RadPowerBikes RadRunner 3 Plus
- Tern HSD S11
*Electric Bike Report aims to help consumers find the right electric bike for their needs. When you buy a product we recommend, we may earn a commission.
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Lectric XPedition 2.0
The XPedition 2.0 from Lectric is simply one of the most effective and budget-friendly cargo e-bikes on the market.
It has three pricing tiers starting from $1399; the base model includes a single 624-Wh battery. The mid-tier option adds a second 624-Wh battery and goes for $1699. Finally, the top-tier model has a price of $1999 and includes two long-range 840-Wh power packs.
Each model features a variety of accessories to enhance its functionality. These range from basics like seat pads and footboards for the rear cargo rack to more coveted extras like a suspension seatpost, 5-amp fast charger, and Orbitor handrail attachment. Regardless of battery capacity, the bike can carry 300 lbs on its cargo rack with a 450-lb payload capacity.
The XPedition can move so much weight effectively, thanks to its 750W rear hub motor with 1310W of peak output and 85 Nm of torque. The motor is paired with a torque sensor that allows it to dish out more power when the rider pedals harder, but Lectric’s custom PWR+ programming ensures that the bike can keep moving even with relaxed pedaling.
We liked the overall stiffness of the XPedition 2.0’s sleek frame as well as the comfort of its suspension fork. The ride was spirited and fun thanks to the torque sensor and the bike’s maximum speed of 28 mph (we’d recommend sticking with the slower Class 2 mode when carrying kids or cargo).
With such a great foundation—plus extras such as turn signals, a color display, and an adjustable stem—we think the XPedition 2.0 is just too good to pass up!
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Pro’s- Not only is the XPedition 2.0 a great deal at all three of its price tiers, but it packs a ton of value with tons of great features.
- The bike has three battery capacity options to match nearly any budget or range need.
- A 750W hub motor provides plenty of power for heavy loads. Its torque sensor makes for a responsive and fun ride.
- The bike can carry a whopping 450 lbs, including the rider, and up to 300 lbs on the rear cargo rack.
- It includes cargo and passenger accessories, such as seat pads, footboards, and a small storage bag—with more options included with the higher battery capacity options.
Con’s- Colors are limited with just two options—though we especially liked the Raindrop Blue.
Aventon Abound LR
What do you get when you combine a sturdy step-thru frame, a 4G chip, a responsive motor, and a high-capacity cargo rack? The Abound LR, of course!
As Aventon’s second-generation long-tail cargo e-bike, the Abound LR received a full redesign and a host of high-tech upgrades. Most notable is the inclusion of the ACU or Aventon Control Unit, a smart module that gives riders precise control over the bike’s security and motor output.
Once paired with the Aventon app, users can set up a motion detection/alarm system, lock the bike’s kickstand, and unlock/eject the battery from the down tube. Additionally, the integrated 4G chip allows for location tracking via GPS, remote disabling of the bike in the event of theft, and the instatement of geofencing boundaries that limit where the bike can or cannot be ridden.
On top of these security features—which are nearly unheard of on an e-bike priced around $2k—the Abound LR has everything we look for in a cargo bike! Its cast aluminum frame is sturdy even when loaded up, thanks to an internal system of reinforcement. Additionally, its 750W motor delivers ample power responsively due to an adaptive torque sensor.
The Abound includes a handful of useful starter accessories, such as wheel guards, footboards, and a locking storage compartment. Once decked out with other cargo or passenger accessories, it can make a real workhorse for delivery gigs or a trusty mule for family rides around town.
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Pro’s- The Abound LR has three intuitive, customizable power levels and a responsive feel, thanks to its 750W motor and torque sensor.
- Security features such as a locking kickstand, alarm system, location tracking via 4G networks, etc., are rare at the Abound’s price point.
- The nearly weld-free cast aluminum frame looks great and feels sturdy when carrying extra weight on the cargo rack. Its total payload capacity is 440 lbs.
- The Abound’s results in our Range Test were among the best we’ve seen from a cargo e-bike! We exceeded Aventon’s 60-mile advertised range.
- The bike includes a suspension fork and a suspension seatpost with 50mm of travel to ensure a smooth ride.
Con’s- Riders around 6 feet tall or above may not get full leg extension due to the bike’s relatively short seatpost.
Rad Power Bikes RadWagon 5
The RadWagon has been a tried-and-true cargo hauler for years, so we were excited to see it receive many of the same updates Rad applied to their newest generation of e-bikes.
In addition to a refreshed design, this version of the bike features a more powerful motor and a more responsive ride while maintaining an impressive payload capacity with its extended rack. The bike can move up to 375 pounds worth of people, groceries, or any other gear you might need to carry.
In true Rad fashion, it’s compatible with a wide variety of accessories (the brand’s website offers 48 at the time of writing), such as cargo baskets, child seats, panniers, pet carriers, side mirrors, and plenty more.
We were extremely pleased with the bike’s torque sensor and upgraded 750W motor. The increased torque allowed it to climb our test hill confidently, while the torque sensor gave the ride a much more natural feel when compared to the RadWagon 4.
As with all of Rad’s latest e-bikes, the RadWagon 5 includes a potted and thermal-resistant Safe Shield battery and is UL-certified. It also includes additional safety features such as rear turn signals and powerful hydraulic disc brakes to enhance riding in any weather conditions.
Pro’s- Rad is leading the industry in terms of safety with things like the RadWagon’s Safe Shield battery that protects against thermal runaway
- The upgraded 750W motor helps the bike carry and climb more easily with 90 Nm of torque
- The RadWagon has extremely effective stopping power with Tektro Dorado hydraulic disc brakes.
- The rear rack can carry up to 120 lbs and is compatible with tons of cargo and passenger accessories
- A torque sensor gives the bike a natural feel with responsive motor output proportionate to the rider’s pedal effort.
Con’s- We’d like a fast charger to go along with the bike’s 720 Wh battery.
Specialized Globe Haul LT
Due to its status as a global brand with decades of experience making analog and electric bikes, we always have high expectations for Specialized models. The Globe Haul LT met and exceeded those expectations across the board when we put it through our series of standardized, real-world performance tests. It’s one of the best e-bikes we’ve tested, period.
It features a peppy and powerful 700W hub motor paired with a torque sensor. This combination made riding the LT one of the smoothest, most responsive, and simply fun pedal experiences we’ve enjoyed. It also climbed our strenuous test hill with ease, earning one of the fastest times we have ever recorded.
The Haul LT also gave us one of the longest Range Test results we’ve seen, with a maximum real-world range of well over 100 miles.
With that much power, plus a total payload capacity of 441 lbs (176 on the rack) and the ability to carry up to six of Specialized’s hard-shell panniers, this bike is designed to—well- haul.
It also fits an exceptionally wide range of riders from 4’5” to 6’4”, ensuring that nearly anyone can ride the bike while experiencing comfort and proper leg extension for efficient pedaling. We also liked its gel saddle, wide handlebars, and low-strain, pedal-forward design.
With fun handling, a smooth and easy ride, and an extremely high weight capacity, we highly recommend the Globe Haul LT as a premium cargo e-bike option.
Pro’s- Not only did the Globe Haul LT perform well for a cargo e-bike, but it also exceeded the performance of nearly all of the hundreds of e-bikes of all styles we have reviewed.
- It has a total weight capacity of 441 lbs, with the ability to carry up to 176 lbs on its MID-compatible cargo rack.
- The bike’s torque sensor is extremely sensitive, making the bike feel extremely adaptive to changes in pedal pressure.
- While many bikes are limited to a small recommended height range, the Haul LT can fit those from 4’5” to 6’4”.
- It has quick, nimble handling (for a cargo bike) thanks to its 20” wheels and 700mm handlebars.
Con’s- While it delivers a lot for its price, we hoped to see safety features such as brake lights and turn signals.
Flyer Via Pro
With a shortened brand name on the down tube and a black paint job, it’s easy to miss that the Flyer Via Pro is made by Radio Flyer. That’s right, the same 100-plus-year-old brand known for its iconic red wagon!
Now, instead of carrying the kids (or anything else) around on four wheels, the Via Pro allows you to do it with just two.We think Flyer knocked this one out of the park; it’s a solid and stable ride with excellent performance, a high weight capacity, and plenty of unique optional accessories.
A powerful 750W motor helped the Via Pro climb our test hill with ease, and it’s this feature that makes it an effective cargo hauler. We were happy to experience the responsive ride that resulted from the Via’s torque sensor, but users who want a bit more help can switch to a cadence-sensing mode through the Flyer app.
The Via Pro boasts a 400-lb weight limit and includes passenger accessories such as footboards and seat pads. The Kid & Cargo Carrier Hoop is a bonus that keeps your precious cargo safe and contained. The bike is also compatible with optional extras like a soft passenger/cargo compartment and canopy, as well as baskets, covers, etc!
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Pro’s- The Via Pro features a peppy and powerful motor for moving heavy loads and climbing hills.
- The bike includes an uncommon set of accessories for a base model, and it’s compatible with others we’ve rarely seen.
- It can carry up to 400 lbs, including the rider, passengers, and/or cargo.
- The Via Pro has a similar feel to an analog bike, thanks to its torque sensor (but users can switch to a cadence-sensing mode, too)!
- It has great safety features like UL certification and rear turn signals.
- The bike is compatible with the Flyer app, which offers navigation, service assistance, data tracking, and ride customization.
Con’s- It didn’t affect the ride or performance, but we felt somewhat tipped forward by the steep seatpost at times.
Blix Packa Genie
Blix did a great job when designing their full-size cargo e-bike, the Packa Genie, and it’s easy to see why. This e-bike is a great all-rounder when it comes to its cargo capabilities, thanks to its overbuilt frame and its large variety of accessories and mountable extras.
The Blix Packa Genie is a durable, safety-oriented cargo e-bike ready to lug up to a 400-lb payload. Not only did the Packa Genie impress us with its design, but it’s just a good value as it’s stocked with a 7-speed Shimano Acera drivetrain, two 48V, 12.8Ah (614Wh) batteries, and a powerful 750W motor.
The high-volume, puncture-resistant 24×2.4” tires offer excellent stability and allow the Packa to perform relative to the terrain, thanks to their high volume. The 35 to 65 PSI range gives riders a large range in feeling and traction, which adds to the bike’s well-roundedness.
We like that the Packa Genie also comes with a dual battery system for those looking to ride farther. Most e-bikes capable of carrying multiple batteries require the extras to be purchased separately! Blix’s dual 614Wh battery setup offers up to an 80-mile range per charge, which makes the Packa one of our top picks for the long haul.
We think the Blix Packa is a great choice regardless of your style of cargo riding, whether that be grabbing groceries or spending more time with the kids or grandkids. The Packa also has up to 200 different accessory setups, which is more than enough to match most lifestyles; it’s a worthy addition to our best electric cargo bike list!
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Pro’s- The Blix Packa Genie offers great value. You get some seriously awesome features and components, including a high weight capacity (400 lbs), Shimano Acera drivetrain, Bengal brakes, etc.
- The Packa Genie has an optional (and worthwhile) dual battery system and a powerful motor that makes for a great combination for lugging cargo.
- The dual battery system allows for up to an 80-mile range, which is seriously far for a cargo e-bike!
- It’s overbuilt in all the right ways. The bike’s sturdy construction makes it clear that this bike was built to last and be ready for any task.
- The bike’s 750W motor did a great job climbing hills and moving both passengers and cargo in our testing.
Con’s- An 8-speed drivetrain would improve range and make for a more engaging ride at higher speeds.
Tern Quick Haul Long D9
The Tern Quick Haul Long D9 is a premium cargo option geared toward city dwellers and those who prefer an exceptionally natural, reserved pedaling experience.
The bike features relatively lightweight construction; where most of the other models on this list weigh upwards of 80 or 90 lbs, the Quick Haul Long comes in at a comparatively featherlight 65 lbs. This makes it more nimble on the go and more easily managed when dealing with vehicle racks or flights of stairs when compared to many other bikes of its kind.
Unlike most other e-bikes on the market, it also stands vertically for storage, so its footprint can be reduced to that of a large potted plant. In case that didn’t sink in, let me repeat—it stands vertically!
The D9 hosts a premium 250W Bosch Cargo Line motor, providing responsive pedal assist with an active feel. With 20” wheels and a low total weight, it feels more like a city bike or a commuter than a cargo e-bike. This combination makes it suitable for hauling kids and cargo but also makes it effective as a leisure or exercise bike. It’s really that versatile!
It also lives up to its name; the Quick Haul Long D9 gave us one of the best Range Test results among all cargo e-bikes we’ve tested, thanks to its efficient motor and external 500-Wh battery pack.
This is a different kind of cargo e-bike for those who enjoy a helpful amount of pedal assist but don’t want the motor to overpower the ride. We give the Quick Haul Long D9 two very solid thumbs up!
Pro’s- The Bosch Cargo Line mid-drive feels smooth and natural; it’s effective at moving extra weight without feeling overpowered.
- The bike has excellent handling and a nimble feel thanks to its 20” wheels and lightweight construction.
- It achieved over 100 miles in our Range Test thanks to its efficient motor and 500-Wh battery.
- The bike can stand vertically so as to take up much less space than most other full-size cargo bikes.
- Tern offers up to a 10-year warranty on the frame, handlebars, and fork once enrolled in the Tern Care program.
Con’s- Tern offers a massive range of accessories, but in contrast with most of our other picks, they must be purchased separately.
Aventon Abound SR
While we already discussed the full-length Aventon Abound, the short-tail or short-rack SR model offers riders a ton of versatility while including fresh, high-tech security features and customization options.
The Abound SR features a highly sensitive and responsive 750W rear hub motor with a torque sensor, giving the bike an active and rewarding feel. It also includes a high-capacity 36V, 708-Wh battery that nests and locks electronically in the bike’s heavily reinforced down tube.
An electronic lock, you might ask? This is one of many benefits of the bike’s central “brain”; a smart module called the Aventon Control Unit (or ACU) includes security features such as a kickstand lock, GPS tracking, and geofencing. It also allows users to tune the motor’s output once the bike is paired with the Aventon app.
Many of these features are courtesy of the included 4G chip; this service is free for 1 year. Beyond that, it requires a highly affordable subscription fee of $2 monthly or $20 annually.
As a short-tail cargo option, the Abound SR handles much more like a “regular” bike than a full-size cargo e-bike while offering much of the same utility. The bike has a total payload capacity of 440 lbs (up to 143 lbs on its rack) and is compatible with a wide range of cargo and passenger accessories.
We highly recommend the Abound SR to those seeking a functional, extremely secure, and impressively high-tech e-bike with a natural pedal experience.
Pro’s- The bike feels and responds much like an analog bike—while boasting the power for moving extra weight—thanks to its 750W hub motor and torque sensor.
- The ACU smart module gives nearly unparalleled control over the bike’s security, with GPS tracking, kickstand and battery locks, geofencing, and more.
- The Abound SR can carry up to 440 lbs, with up to 143 lbs on its short cargo rack.
- When outfitted with cargo or passenger accessories, it’s nearly as versatile as a long-tail cargo bike with better handling.
- It handles extra weight extremely well due to its gravity-cast frame with internal reinforcement.
Con’s- Some riders may wish for more power than the Abound SR’s 36V electrical system.
Rad Power Bikes RadRunner 2
As radio host Art Laboe might say, the RadRunner 2 is an oldie but a goodie!
This bike was originally released in 2022, but the fact that we’re still featuring it as one of the best cargo and utility bikes on the market three years later is a testament to its functionality and overall value.
Much of the RadRunner 2’s beauty lies in its simplicity; this bike won’t overwhelm you with too many buttons, levers, knobs, or features.
Instead of a display, the bike hosts a no-nonsense LED indicator panel showing the battery charge level and pedal assist setting. It also has a single-speed drivetrain, so there’s no shifting required—just choose your power level and start pedaling (or twist the throttle)! This setup means you can spend more time focusing on your surroundings instead of looking down.
A simple user interface doesn’t mean the bike sacrifices elsewhere; the bike’s 750W motor provides an approachable level of power that’s effective in moving up to 300 lbs of total payload capacity. Rad claims a total of 330 possible accessory combinations, allowing riders to haul a child passenger, a pet, a load of groceries, or whatever else your heart desires.
We appreciated the RadRunner 2’s overall utility as well as its comfortable, upright riding position and crisp, predictable handling. On top of that, the bike sells for a remarkably affordable $1500, making it one of the best value purchases on this list! If you’re looking for a safe, affordable, and straightforward short-tail cargo bike, the RadRunner 2 checks all three boxes!
Pro’s- With an MSRP of $1500, the RadRunner 2 is one of the most affordable, value-packed utility bikes on the market.
- The bike steers predictably and comfortably, thanks to its BMX-style handlebars, ergonomic grips, and upright riding position.
- The rear rack can carry up to 120 lbs and can be decked out with tons of optional accessories for cargo or a passenger.
- Rad’s 750W rear-hub motor is powerful and capable but also approachable with steady power delivery.
- It’s incredibly easy to use, thanks to a single-speed drivetrain and LED indicator panel.
Con’s- The Runner 2’s wedge-shaped saddle isn’t our favorite, but fortunately, Rad offers a few other options to choose from.
Specialized Globe Haul ST
“It’s not the size of the dog in the fight; it’s the size of the fight in the dog.”
In the cargo e-bike world, this quote may as well apply to the Specialized Globe Haul ST; this bike has some of the most ‘fight’ of any choice on our list of the best electric cargo bikes.
So what makes this (relatively) little guy so mighty?
For one, its 700W rear hub motor is among the most powerful we’ve tested by any definition of that word. It is capable of blazing-fast speeds, and it can whisk you to the top of any hill easily. Thanks to a nicely tuned pedal assist system that responds to the rider’s pedal pressure, the bike pushes harder when you do, keeping the ride fun and easy.
Another reason is its weight capacity of 419 lbs. The ‘ST’ stands for short tail, but rest assured, you can load up some hefty items on the back of this bike! Specialized includes all the attachment points you’ll need, including the rear rack and pack mounts on the front fork. Plus, you can connect a variety of optional accessories to haul your gear.
With all that motor and payload potential on a small-ish frame, the Globe Haul ST is one of the better options for getting around a city or other areas where longtail cargo options could be a hindrance.
On top of that, the Specialized name means you get decades (and millions of dollars) worth of R&D, ensuring excellent handling and other finer details of the bike. We consider the Globe Haul ST a pretty easy recommendation for one of the best cargo and utility e-bikes money can buy.
Pro’s- It’ll make cargo hauling and general riding fun and easy. It’s one of the most effective hub motors we’ve tested, period.
- It fits almost any rider exceptionally well. Specialized did their homework, making sure riders 4’5” – 6’4” could fit (seriously!).
- Great stability. The 20×3.5” Carless Whisper tires are wide enough to help you feel secure even with a larger payload, and they handle more nimbly than you’d expect.
- Its brakes are super safe. This bike had one of our best-ever brake test results, which inspires confidence if you want to max out the payload.
- It offers a huge payload-to-size ratio with 419 lbs of capacity. It has pack mounts and an MIK rack, too, so the customization options are impressive.
Con’s- With the short cargo rack and steep angle of the saddle, it may be harder to carry larger items.
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Rad Power Bikes RadRunner 3 Plus
The newly released Rad Power Bikes RadRunner 3 Plus continues the model’s status as a staple in the electric bike scene, thanks to its versatility and unique design.
The RadRunner 3 Plus is a smooth-sailing, single-person utility e-bike with 20×3.3” high-volume tires, a 750W geared hub motor, and a 350 lb payload capacity. It also comes with a host of accessories, perfect for setting up the bike for your lifestyle.
While some other bikes on our best cargo e-bikes list offer lots of versatility, the RadRunner series utilizes its modular accessories to the fullest. The Runner has more than 300 total accessory combinations, some of which every RadRunner owner should have.
For example, we loved the hard-shell panniers. They keep your valuables safe from the elements – and safe from thieves, thanks to their locking design. They also hold a lot of volume, meaning you can take plenty with you.
If gear hauling isn’t your thing, the RadRunner 3 Plus offers a longer new rear rack design that allows you to accommodate a buddy with added cushions and a grab rail. It’s kid-friendly, too, with optional child seat attachments. It can even be outfitted with a trailer to carry pets!
Clearly, the RadRunner 3 Plus isn’t confined to one category. It can run errands and can easily double as a commuter.
The RadRunner 3 Plus is also the best-feeling Runner to date. The redesigned frame and seat give the bike a grounded and comfortable feel. If you’re using it as your daily commuter, don’t be surprised if you find yourself taking the Runner out “just because” pretty often – it’s a seriously fun ride!
Thanks to its versatility, we see this as our “jack of all trades” choice for our 2025 best electric cargo bikes.
Pro’s- Simply put, it’s one of the most versatile e-bikes on the market.
- The ride quality has never been better on a Rad bike. It handles well, accelerates nicely, and stops safely and quickly.
- Riders 4’10” – 6’2” should be comfortable on the RadRunner 3 Plus, and the 17” standover height means it casts a wide net in terms of rider accessibility.
- Its “short tail” design might seem limiting, but when fully equipped with racks, bags, and a trailer, this is every bit as capable as the big boys.
Con’s- When loading up the Runner 3 Plus with cargo, be aware that the single-leg kickstand doesn’t keep the bike as centered as the old dual-leg one did.
Tern HSD S11
Are you searching for a premium e-bike that can do it all? The Tern HSD S11 might just fit the bill.
This short-tail cargo/utility e-bike incorporates a responsive Bosch Performance Line Sport mid-drive motor with a stout, smartly-designed frame and a full suspension for a comfortable ride. It’s as though a commuter e-bike and a cargo bike fused their best features together to create a capable, high-tech, and heavy-hauling multi-purpose machine!
Not only is the bike’s Bosch drive system among the smoothest and most natural-feeling we’ve tested, but it allows users to connect with the Bosch Flow app for navigation, security, motor tuning, etc. Riders can even set their desired charge level upon arrival at their destination; the bike’s system automatically governs motor output to ensure the right amount of charge remains.
The HSD S11 features a GPS system for location tracking and a motion detection and alarm system to deter thieves. It also locks automatically when parking and unlocks automatically when it detects a Bluetooth connection with the paired smartphone.
Additionally, this bike is highly storable and portable! As with many e-bikes from Tern, the HSD can stand vertically to reduce its footprint. It also features a dual-telescoping seatpost and a collapsible stem to reduce its overall height for easier transport in a van or SUV.
In short, the HSD S11 is one of the most feature-rich and thoughtfully designed cargo e-bikes we’ve had our hands on. Its premium price is a worthwhile investment for the utility and security it offers!
Pro’s- The Bosch Performance Line Sport mid-drive motor delivers power smoothly and intuitively, easily carrying the bike up to 28 mph.
- The Bosch Flow app is amazing! It includes location tracking, pedal assist system customization, turn-by-turn navigation, and range/battery charge control.
- The HSD S11 has a smooth and comfortable ride, thanks to the suspension fork and suspension seatpost.
- With a cargo rack that can carry up to 132 lbs. and a myriad of optional accessories, the bike can do just about anything.
- It stands! Tilting the bike vertically to rest on its frame allows the HSD to take up much less floor space than most traditional cargo bikes.
Con’s- We consider the HSD S11’s price justified by its features, but there’s no denying that it’s likely to be outside of most folks’ budgets.
How We Picked These Electric Cargo Bikes
With such a wide array of options for cargo e-bikes on the market, we understand that it can be overwhelming trying to figure out which is the best electric cargo bike for you.
We have hands-on experience with each and every e-bike on this list, and we included every model for a reason. Some bikes stood out for their performance in our real-world testing, others are equipped with unique features, and still others proved to provide incredible value. These factors aren’t mutually exclusive; most of our selections excelled in many areas!
- Utility/Usefulness – We analyzed the real-world usefulness of each of these bikes in order to see if they live up to their manufacturers’ claims. All of the bikes we selected have a high weight rating and are compatible with a wide range of accessories to meet the needs of different riders.
- Quality and affordability – A bike’s price point has to make sense for what you receive on the bike. While some of the models on our list are more affordable than others, all provide a great balance between what you pay for and what you get.
- Power and stability – As cargo e-bikes, each model on this list needed to have enough power and a stiff enough frame to move extra weight effectively. They also needed to be balanced when loading up and able to steer confidently when under load.
- Comfort and efficiency – Whether you’re in it for the long haul or just running to the grocery store, being comfortable is an important variable in enjoying your ride. It’s also important that the cargo e-bike is efficient so that you don’t have to overwork yourself to get from point A to point B. Each of our selections felt great to ride and pedal.
Bottom Line: Your Minivan Doesn’t Have to Be a Minivan
For those looking to ditch their car but can’t ditch their grocery-getting and child-carrying responsibilities, electric cargo bikes offer a sensible and greener alternative to gas-guzzling vehicles.
Once outfitted with the right accessories, cargo e-bikes can be just about anything a rider needs them to be. They can carry the kids on family trips to the park or the weekend farmer’s market. They can haul a week’s worth of groceries or a supply of animal feed. Or they can help with pizza or package delivery in crowded urban environments.
Whatever you decide to use a cargo bike for, choosing the right one is essential. A comfortable, well-equipped bike can make you feel excited to hit the road, while one that leaves you sore or rides unsteadily when loaded up might leave you resorting to a car.
Rest assured that every bike on our list lived up to—and in many cases, exceeded—our expectations for a dependable ride. Feel free to reach out to us with any questions about the bikes detailed above, or let us know if you think you found a model that deserves to be on this list! Either way, happy hauling!
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I’m a 50+ year cyclist, both road and mountain biking. 5+ years ago I bought a Pedego Stretch. It now has over 10k on it and the longer I have it the better I like it. My experience is an asset of course, but I find it to be very flexible and completely adaptable to road, street, trails and even sidewalks when necessary. Pedego independent dealers are available increasingly everywhere. Can’t imagine how Pedego got left off of this list.
Yes, you might say I’m one of those “cargo bike cultists”, because I can carry so much to so many places ……….. I’ve even ridden it to the top of one of Colorado’s 14,000 ft. mountains. Extra gear, cameras, tripods, you name it ………. a true “adventure machine”.
Cannondale bike?
You guys do some outstanding bike reviews, possibly the best on the internet when it comes to testing things like range and brake performance.
Why let your audience down by quoting the ‘400lb weight capacity’, when that’s the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating? After deducting the bike’s 85lb weight, the actual capacity to carry rider, passengers, and/or cargo is a pathetic 315lb, far below average for a cargo bike.
Assume an adult male weighing 200lb is the rider, add a couple of 40lb kids, and a few cargo accessories, and suddenly, you’re down to around 30lb of cargo. Hardly a game changer.
You should be highlighting the misleading claims made by brands, not parroting them.
The only one that fits your description is the Flyer VIA pro. They probably didn’t notice it, as most of the other brands seem to have been more transparent.
Even you in your criticism didn’t point out the brand, which would have been helpful. Like them, I don’t think you intended to let anyone down.
I never rode an electric bike before. I can really use one now. But I’m a senior citizen over 6feet 2inches weight 220-240 pounds and I need a cargo, also possible attachments for groceries.
You came to the right place!
Warning, annoying comment alert! I appreciate your website and all you do but please change the words “PRO’S” and “CON’S” in your reviews, it drives me crazy. It should be “PROS” and “CONS” since it’s plural. The apostrophe is only for possessives (“the pro’s bike”) or contractions (“the pro’s biking later”). Thanks for all your helpful report’s about bike’s! (hehe)