Best Electric Cargo Bikes 2023

Leading off our choices for the best electric cargo bikes is the Aventon Abound. The consensus here at EBR is the Abound is helping to usher in a perception change in the greater world of cargo e-bikes.

For decades the conversation around minivans was it was the type of vehicle you had to drive, but didn’t want to drive. Well, the same is often true of cargo bikes. They’ve always been as useful as all get out, but it was a sign that you were riding for need, not for want. Much like automakers in the late 2000s turned their attention to making minivans desirable with better looks and features – happily marrying needs and wants – so too does the Abound provide much more than your run-of-the-mill cargo e-bike offering.

That starts with style, which the Abound has in spades: its a clean-looking frame that comes in two good-looking colors. The good doesn’t stop there though, you also get included a rear rack, a dropper seatpost, storage bag compartment, and footboards. All of those are commonly seen as things you have to add on after checkout.

The Abound also has “under-the-hood” desirability too. The 750W motor and torque sensor makes for a powerful and responsive ride. In our hill testing, it even bested Aventon’s mighty Aventure model in our infamous Hell Hole Hill Test in summiting the top of the slope. So no matter if you’re taking a couple of kids, or a whole lot of cargo the Abound can get you where you’re going. And that torque sensor also provides great battery efficiency to boot (40-51 miles in our testing).

The niceties on the bike continue from the suspension fork, to the turn signals, and to the folding stem making it easier for transport if needed. You have all manner of different accessory options for making it fit your needs too.

When considering value, features, style, and performance, the Abound scores high marks across the board which makes it an easy choice as one of the best cargo electric bikes you’ll find anywhere.

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I’ll cut right to it: I have no idea how Lectric makes a profit on the XPedition. A bike this good for what is by far the lowest price on this list of the best electric cargo bikes breaks my brain a little.

Most single-battery cargo e-bikes start at around $2,000. The model we tested has dual batteries and still comes in several hundred dollars below the $2,000 mark. But hey, I’ll let them worry about profit margins while pointing out the best dollar-for-dollar cargo bike I’ve tested this year to consumers.

Lectric boomed as a company thanks to their smash hit the XP which is widely regarded as one of the best e-bikes you’ll find without looking to break the bank. The XPedition cannonballed into the cargo e-bike world in a similar fashion offering a lot of versatility and performance for several hundreds of dollars less than similar bikes (heck, nearly a full thousand less in some cases).

And they somehow did it without cutting corners either. The web design of the rear rack offers a robust 300 lbs carrying capacity meaning you could bring a couple of people along or enough bags of dog food to keep Fido happy for 6 months. The 750W motor was specifically designed by Lectric to handle any hill with ease even if maxing out the bike’s 450lbs max payload, and sure enough, it posted some of the best hill climbing times amongst cargo e-bikes that we’ve seen to date.

The XPedition can be purchased with one battery, or two for a few hundred dollars more. Results may vary, but our testing showed 33-60 miles on a single battery, so you could be looking at close to 60-120 miles between charges if you get the dual battery set up.

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Blix did a really good job designing their cargo e-bike, the Packa Genie. This e-bike is a great all-rounder when it comes to its cargo capabilities thanks to the overbuilt frame and its large variety of accessories and mountable extras. The Packa Genie is constantly brought up in a positive manner and it’s easy to see why.

The Blix Packa Genie is a durable, safety-oriented cargo e-bike that’s ready to lug up to a 400 lb payload. Not only did the Packa impress us with its design. The Packa Genie just feels like a good value as it’s stocked with a 7-speed Shimano Acera drivetrain, has two 48V, 12.8Ah (614Wh) batteries, and uses a powerful 750W motor.

The high volume 24” x 2.4” tires offer improved 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 well roundedness of the Packa overall.

The Packa Genie also comes with a dual battery system for those looking to ride farther. I really like that Blix includes the secondary battery with the bike, as opposed to having to purchase it separately. The dual 614Wh battery setup offers up to a 80 mile range per charge which makes it our top pick for the long haul.

The Packa Genie has just about everything we look for in an electric cargo bike. It’s powerful thanks to its 750W motor, and it has puncture-resistant tires, and a wide gear range for steep hills. The Packa also has up to 200 different accessory setups which is more than enough to tailor to most people’s lifestyles.

We think the Blix Packa is a great choice regardless of what style of cargo riding you are doing, especially when you take into account all that you’re getting for a relative bargain; it’s a worthy addition to our best electric cargo bike list.

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Velotric has made a reputation for making functional and versatile e-bikes that are affordably priced. Rarely do they push boundaries, but instead they focus on nailing the basics, and that is where the Packer 1 succeeds.

The bike’s strong 750W motor makes hills a simple task even when hauling a lot of weight. It pairs efficiently with the 692Wh battery for upwards of 58 miles in our testing. So you can rest easy knowing it’ll be unlikely that you have to figure out how to push the bike and your child up a hill.

The Packer has better maneuverability than most cargo e-bikes with a similar wheelbase making it a pleasant experience for whatever journey you take it on. Throw in the standout colors, some nice included extras like the wheel guards, Apple Find My tracking for security, and the handy storage compartment, and you have an e-bike that is as capable as any long-tail hauler without making a significant dent in your wallet.

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“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? Well, a few things in fact. For one, it’s 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 rather easily. All of that is thanks to a nicely-tuned pedal system that responds to a rider’s pedal pressure. If you push harder, so will the bike, keeping the ride rather easy for you.

Another reason it’s mighty, the weight capacity. The ‘ST’ stands for short tail, but you can take some hefty items on the back of the Globe Haul ST thanks to it’s payload of 419 lbs. And Specialized includes all the accessories you’ll need to do it too with the included rear rack, and pack mounts on the front fork. You can load up several different attachments for hauling your gear.

With all that motor and payload potential on a smaller frame, this makes the Globe Haul ST one of the better options for getting around a city where longtail cargo options could possibly be a hindrance. Throw in the fact that the Specialized name means you get decades and millions worth of R&D to leverage into making sure you nail the handling and other finer details of a bike and you have a pretty easy recommendation for one of the best cargo and utility e-bikes money can buy.

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The newly released Rad Power Bikes RadRunner 3 Plus will continue the models 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” x 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 accessories, the RadRunner series really utilizes the modular accessories to the fullest. The Runner has more than 300 total accessory combinations, some of which we think every RadRunner owner should have.

We tested out the hardshell panniers on the Runner and loved them. The keep your valuable save from the elements, and save from thieves thanks to the locking design. They also hold a lot of volume meaning you can take plenty with you.

If gear hauling isn’t your appeal the RadRunner 3 Plus also takes advantage of the longer new rear rack design to accommodate a buddy or a child easily via cushions and grab rails, or child seat attachments. It can even be outfitted with a trailer that carries bets too if four-legged friends want to come along.

The RadRunner 3 Plus isn’t confined to one category, and can easily double as a commuter if need be. 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 too – it’s a fun ride.

Its versatility adds to the overall utility of the bike and we see this being our “jack of all trades” choice for our 2023 best electric cargo bikes.

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The RadWagon 4 is a sturdy and eye-catching cargo e-bike from Rad Power Bikes that combines great value with great performance. Rad Power Bikes went with a slightly more conventional two-wheel design that provided our team with predictable and nimble (for a cargo bike) handling characteristics. With a wide array of modular accessories, the RadWagon 4 can easily tailor to your lifestyle and needs.

The Radwagon 4 is a 7-speed cargo e-bike with a 750W brushless geared hub motor and a 48V, 14Ah battery. When we conducted the full review of the RadWagon 4, the 14Ah battery impressed our team as it lasted 27.91 miles on maximum pedal assist. The 750W motor produces up to 80 Nm of torque which is perfect for boosting up steep hills and holding speed with heavy cargo loads.

We all agreed that the RadWagon 4 handled well and that it managed its power and battery life in a consistent and predictable way. The RadWagon 4 has a lot of characteristics and attributes at a competitive price point which makes it a solid option for anybody looking for a sturdy, budget-friendly cargo e-bike.

The RadWagon 4 has some interesting characteristics such as its custom 22” x 3.0” tires from VEE Tire Company. The uncommon tire and wheel dimensions made for a great combination of low stand over heights, a lower center of gravity, and good handling. The 3.0” width gave us ample traction and made the occasional off road stretch comfortable and predictable.

The RadWagon 4’s refined handling characteristics, torque and stability makes it good for dropping kids off at school or picking up groceries for the week ahead. When it comes to bang for your buck, the RadWagon 4 is at the top of our best electric cargo bike list.

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The GSD is a well-rounded, vibrant-looking cargo e-bike from Tern. The lively visuals mixed with a high-end fourth-generation Bosch Cargo Line motor capable of 85 Nm of torque make for a fun-to-ride, capable cargo e-bike that’s just as much fun as it is useful. There are lots of options for accessories on the GSD, creating somewhat of a “plug and play” experience.

Despite the GSD being slightly smaller in size than some of its competitors, it still holds its own with a 440 lb maximum payload. The GSD is still able to fit riders up to 6’5” thanks to its telescopic seat post, high-rise handlebars, and updated frame geometry.

Tern didn’t just build the GSD to perform, they built it to last. From the reinforced tubing to the Atlas Wheels and Lockstand (kickstand), stability and durability is very prevalent on the Tern GSD.

Tern seemed to think of just about everything when designing the GSD, the componentry and design intuition are truly impressive to me, and you really get what you pay for. The GSD possesses some premium componentry that isn’t very common to see.

Take the geared Rohloff Speedhub for example. This hub offers a 526% gear range, and automatically shifts to an easier gear when you slow down to a stop. The Tern GSD also uses a belt drive transmission, which is lower maintenance and longer lasting than a lot of chain & cassette setups. The list of quality components goes on and on, from the Magura MT5 hydraulic disc brakes to the Shimano Deore groupset it’s all quality.

I see the GSD as the embodiment of an electric cargo bike, the durability, power, gear range and long-lasting battery make for a phenomenal combination. The GSD is available in four models, ranging from $5000 to $9000 in price. While even the lowest cost variation is by no means cheap, it’s good to have a couple of options to choose from.

I see the GSD being good for cargo carriers and family outings alike. There aren’t a lot of e-bikes that can live a double life quite like the GSD is able to. This is an example of a cargo e-bike that isn’t confined to one specific style of cargo riding.

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Electric bikes are fast gaining a cult following in North America, but few corners of the e-bike world have earned the type of love that electric cargo bikes have.

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. They may be big and a little unwieldy at times, but e-cargo bikes are a prime example of how e-bikes are changing the way we move through the world. The various flavors of electric cargo bikes we included on this best list are our picks for the best, though there are many variations to choose from.

Outside of urban areas with well established bike paths or routes (think Seattle, San Francisco, etc.), electric cargo bikes are still a bit of a novelty. Their size makes them a bit tough to handle on the narrow or nonexistent bike lanes found in less bicycle-friendly areas, but as bikes become a more accepted form of alternative transportation that infrastructure is likely to catch up. But if you are lucky enough to live in an area that’s friendly to these behemoths, it’s time to jump on the electric bike bandwagon — you won’t regret it.