The Best Electric Cargo Bikes of 2024 | GearJunkie Tested

An electric cargo bike can completely change the way you approach life on two wheels. With high weight limits, large racks and boxes, and powerful electric motors, the right electric cargo bike can comfortably and easily haul everything from kids to groceries.

The e-bike market has expanded dramatically over the last few years, with brands popping up out of nowhere. With so many options to choose from, finding the right electric cargo bike to suit your specific needs can be a challenge. To help, we sifted through clunky, unwieldy, and wholly unreliable makes and models alongside bikes from well-established brands. The electric cargo bikes we tested ranged from small and nimble to e-bike versions of a freight hauler.

Mom and endurance athlete Chelsey Magness and GearJunkie editors Seiji Ishii and Jeremy Benson have pedaled, throttled, and weighed in on each model, assessing day-to-day usability and extolling the best uses for each bike. Our test team took these bikes on runs across smooth pavement, broken chip seal, and occasional dirt roads on trips to and from school, running errands around town, or heading to gatherings with friends. We’ve transported everything from kids, dogs, wood, tools, all kinds of outdoor gear, and even huge Costco and farmer’s market hauls to see how they perform in the real world.

So, whether you’re looking to reduce your vehicle dependence, spend less money on gas, or just get outside more, there’s an electric cargo bike to suit your needs and meet your budget. From the top-rated Specialized Glode Haul LT to the budget-friendly Lectric XPedition, we highlight, categorize, and review the best electric cargo bikes we tested. If you’re new to electric cargo bikes, check out our buying guide below, which helps explain the different styles of e-cargo bikes on the market today. See our new price & value section for cost-related considerations, and for a side-by-side rundown of price and specs, take a look at our comparison chart.

Editor’s Note: We updated this guide on September 4, 2024, with the addition of the new family-friendly front-box Ferla Royce 2 and the long-tail Flyer Via Pro. We also added information in our Price & Value section, which may be helpful when making a purchase decision.

The Specialized Globe Haul LT’s ($3,500) versatility instantly enamored us. LT stands for long tail, and this bike can comfortably transport up to three passengers and/or cargo with a 441-pound total weight capacity. During a delightful trip to the local river beach, the Globe Haul LT easily accommodated a rider, two children, a full set of towels, sand toys, and a picnic dinner, all while ensuring a safe and enjoyable ride.

Even with a full passenger load and gear, the bike handles well, making it a reliable choice for everyday use. With 3.5-inch wide tires, the Globe Haul LT offers a remarkably smooth ride. The user-friendly experience extended to its adjustability, accommodating riders of different heights. Whether a 4’10” or 6’4″ rider, the easy-to-adjust telescoping seatpost and quill stem make this bike accessible and enjoyable for people of varying sizes.

Safety is paramount, especially during late rides with precious cargo. During the fall months, riding in the dark with kids, the bike’s 1,500-lumen light with three different modes provided excellent visibility, ensuring that motorists see you and you can see easily, too.

We aren’t usually huge fans of the apps that come with e-bikes, but we found the Globe app extremely helpful and easy to set up. After just a couple of minutes, we were able to adjust the light setting and “locked” the bike outside the grocery store.

While the Specialized Globe Haul LT occupies a slightly larger garage space than traditional e-bikes, its cargo-carrying capacity and robust 700W rear hub motor with throttle made up for it. With a top pedal assist speed of 28 mph, reaching destinations quickly was no problem, and the throttle added extra safety and confidence, especially when tackling hills or navigating stop-and-go riding environments. Balancing that power, the strong 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes with 203 mm rotors do an excellent job of controlling your speed.

The Globe Haul LT can be sent to a dealer for assembly and delivery or directly to the buyer and built by a Specialized mechanic at no extra cost. Additionally, when the battery reaches the end of its life, you can drop it off at a Specialized dealer for $15, and they will recycle it in an environmentally friendly way.

At a price tag of $3,500, the Globe Haul LT isn’t exactly inexpensive, but it comes equipped with high-quality components, a sturdy rear rack, a durable and user-friendly double kickstand, fenders, and integrated lights. The add-on accessories we enjoyed on our test model were the passenger seat ($60), the rear wheel cover ($40), the adjustable cargo rail ($275), and the Cool Cave Pannier ($60). We feel these are all worthy additions to help carry everyone and everything for a full day of family adventure.

If the LT version of the Globe Haul seems too big for your needs, Specialized also makes the Globe Haul ST ($2,800), which is essentially the same bike with a shorter cargo rack and a 419-pound weight capacity.

Lectric made a name for itself a few years back by selling its popular XP folding electric bikes at super affordable prices. The brand has since expanded the lineup to include several other models, including the XPedition Cargo Bike, but thankfully, the prices have stayed low. And while there are many good values in the electric cargo bike market these days, the Lectric XPedition ($1,880 with a single battery or $2,105 with dual batteries) makes a very strong argument for being the best. Not only is it priced lower than other “budget” models, but it comes with a handful of useful accessories that most other brands charge extra for, and it can often be found on sale for less than the retail price.

Lectric sells directly to the consumer, and our test bike arrived in a very large box. Fortunately, virtually no assembly is required to get it up and running. Simply slide the bike out of the box, remove the packing materials, fold the handlebar up, lock it in position, and insert the pedals into the fittings on the cranks. It took us about 10 minutes total to set up the XPedition, and it didn’t require any tools other than something to cut a few zip ties. Should you choose to install the included accessories, however, you’ll need some tools and a little time to attach the Orbitor and frame bag, but it’s pretty straightforward.

Once you’re set up with the desired accessories, the XPedition is a serious cargo-carrying machine. The bike is rated to handle up to 450 pounds. of total weight, 300 of which can be supported on the rear rack. You can potentially bring a passenger (or two) seated on the rear rack — with the included pads, Orbitor bar, and running boards — or load up the Orbitor bag with groceries or things picked up on errand runs.

And with a powerful 750W rear hub motor and five levels of pedal assist, the XPedition happily chugs along at 20 mph whether you’re putting in some pedaling effort or just twisting the throttle. It comes set up as class 2, but it can easily be configured as a class 3 bike with a top pedal-assisted speed of 28 mph by making some changes through the console.

The Xpedition can be purchased with a single 672Wh battery or with a second battery for a couple hundred bucks more. The single battery on its own provides a pretty impressive range — Lectric claims up to 75 miles, but that’s pretty wishful thinking — we easily did 25 miles using varying levels of pedal assist and throttle with plenty of juice to spare. The dual battery option nets you a whopping 1,344Wh of capacity and should be more than enough to handle all-day adventures or go several trips between charges.

Like similar bikes, the Xpedition is big and heavy, so it didn’t surprise us that it has a smooth and damp ride. And, despite its size, it remains pretty maneuverable. The only real handling quirk we noticed is that the 20″ wheels and tall handlebar can feel a tiny bit twitchy at times, though the same is true of other models.

Beyond that, we enjoyed the stopping power of the hydraulic disc brakes and features like fenders and front and rear lights that ensure you’re ready for changing light and weather conditions. The telescoping seatpost and adjustable handlebar also make switching between riders quick and easy, with a claimed rider height range of 4’11” to 6’5″.

If you’re in the market for a well-equipped cargo e-bike that won’t drain your bank account, the Lectric XPedition is the best value we’ve found. This bike performs alongside many more expensive models while beating them in the ever-important metric of price.

When it comes to commuter and mini e-cargo bikes, the Tern HSD P5i ($4,599) stands out as a mighty and compact marvel. It’s designed to fit into smaller spaces effortlessly and easily navigate office hallways, subways, buses, and apartment elevators. We were particularly impressed by its ability to more easily disappear into a gear-filled garage while still boasting an impressive carrying capacity of 397 pounds.

Throughout a rigorous 5-week test period, we rode the HSD P5i daily, averaging 15 miles a day. This included kids’ play date drops and pick-ups, grocery runs, product deliveries, and more. We immediately noticed the near-silent and smooth operation of the maintenance-free Gates CDX belt drive and equally noiseless Shimano Nexus INTER-5E internally geared hub. The class 1 Bosch Performance line motor amplified the quiet efficiency, providing up to a 340% increase in pedaling power with its impressive 75Nm of torque and ultra-smooth pedal assistance to hit speeds up to 20 mph.

With an exceptional claimed range of up to 76 miles, we easily logged four or five daily rides around town before needing a charge. A favorite feature is the well-placed charging port on the top tube — exceptionally convenient and straightforward. Many bikes have awkwardly located ports near the chain and cranks that can soil hands. This is a good example of precision and attention to detail embedded in Tern’s German engineering.

The riding experience on the HSD P5i resembles gliding on a nimble, sleek commuter bike, owing to its shorter size and resultant low center of gravity. A suspension fork and an elongated wheelbase smoothed out what could have been a rough ride due to the smaller wheel size and narrower tires.

The HSD P5i weighs just 61.5 pounds, much lighter than most cargo bikes, and therefore, much easier to deal with. Storage and size adjustments are a breeze, taking just 2 minutes to fold down the handlebar and stem for easier stowing in a car, garage, or apartment. Similarly, adjusting the seat post was quick and easy, accommodating a wide range of rider sizes — between 4’11” and 6’5″.

The HSD P5i also boasts an intuitive eBike Flow App and an integrated wheel lock, adding layers of convenience. The app allows for virtual bike locking and offers various useful functions, from system updates to customizable riding modes.

While the Tern HSD P5i has a relatively high price tag of $4,599, its ability to carry a staggering 397 pounds of cargo with a small form factor and lighter weight sets it apart. The HSD P5i isn’t just a bike — it’s a multifaceted transport solution and more.

The Ferla Royce 2 ($5,499) combines a family-friendly design with an impressive carrying capacity and a powerful motor to make it the best front-box cargo bike that we’ve tested. With a 700-pound total weight limit, room for up to four child passengers, and a powerful 750W motor to help haul them around, this is arguably as close as you’re going to get to a true vehicle replacement.

Similar to the Bunch Original, the Ferla Royce 2 has a three-wheeled design with a large cargo box in the front. This box sits between the two 20-inch front wheels, which keeps the cargo weight nice and close to the ground. With three wheels, the Royce 2 stands up on its own and remains super stable when loading and unloading passengers or other cargo. The overall balance of the bike when riding is also less affected by weight in the front compared to long-tail models.

The spacious storage compartment can fit up to four passengers on two bench seats with 3-point harnesses. The classy-looking bamboo composite front box has a padded top edge, two sturdy steps, and handrails to make getting in and out of the box safe and easy. The position of the cargo box allows the rider to see and interact with the passengers and makes it easy for children to interact with each other. Ferla offers a wealth of available options and accessories, including a side door, seat cushions, canopies, and even a clear floor with LED lights. These things cost extra but can add comfort, convenience, and fun to your rides. Front and rear fenders and lights also ensure that you’re prepared for changing weather and light conditions.

Kids aren’t the only thing this bike can haul. We tested it with an adult in the front as well as an inflatable paddle board. It handled both with ease and is perfectly suitable for pets, groceries, or any combination of cargo you need up to its cargo weight limit of a whopping 450 pounds. The Royce 2 has a rider weight limit of 250 pounds and a large range of adjustment of both the handlebar and seat to fit varying rider heights — Ferla claims it should work for riders between 4′ 11″ and 6′ 5″. The seated pedaling position is upright and casual, and the grips and seat proved to be comfortable, too.

With the ability to haul up to a total of 700 pounds — 450 pounds of cargo and a 250-pound rider — Ferla equipped the Royce 2 with the most powerful motor in its class. The 750W rear hub motor has ample power for pushing heavy loads with 5 pedal assist levels, a throttle, a top speed of 20 mph, intuitive controls, and an excellent display. With the three-wheeled design, we felt more comfortable at moderate speeds but appreciated having the extra power for hills and heavier loads. We also appreciated the powerful hydraulic disc brakes, which helped to keep those speeds in check.

Like the Bunch Original, the handling of the Royce 2 takes a little getting used to. Since you can’t lean the bike, turns and off-camber surfaces are best approached at slower speeds and with an abundance of caution. This bike is best for those who want to slow down the pace of life and enjoy time outside with their kids. If you’re always in a hurry, it might not be the best option for you.

At a starting price of $5,499, the Ferla Royce 2 isn’t cheap, but it’s much less expensive than buying and maintaining most vehicles, and it can haul around just as many kids. We think it’s an excellent choice for active families or anyone who needs a bike that can support heavier or larger cargo than long-tail models can handle. With great looks and performance, the Royce 2 is a luxury cargo bike to get around in comfort and style.

The Rad Power RadWagon is one of the most popular electric cargo bikes on the market, and for good reason. Rad Power has great marketing, and the brand has always done a great job of selling its bikes at competitive prices and making them accessible to more consumers. And the wealth of accessories they offer makes it easy to customize your RadWagon to your specific cargo-carrying needs.

Rad Power recently launched the updated RadWagon 5 ($2,399) — which we hope to be testing and reviewing soon. They still offer the RadWagon 4 and are selling it at a discounted price of $1,599 (down from $1,999). While it is still an investment, it’s one of the most affordable options we’ve found. Although it may lack some of the weight capacity and extras of other bikes on this list, it’s a solid contender and a great ride for most people.

The 750W geared-hub motor provides plenty of power, even when loaded up to the max 350-pound payload. It has five pedal assist levels, and we found it very easy to change between modes and get up to the top pedal-assisted and throttle speed of 20 mph.

Weighing in at nearly 77 pounds, we were worried smaller testers would find it to feel unmanageable. For riders of all sizes, however, it rode smoothly and never felt overly heavy. The 22 x 3-inch custom tires feel super smooth while keeping the ride low and stable. It’s worth noting that these unusual tire sizes can be hard to find in local bike shops. It’s not a bad idea to have a spare on hand, just in case (Rad Power sells them).

Like other electric cargo bikes, the Rad Power Bikes RadWagon 4 has integrated lights, so you won’t have to worry about forgetting your bike light at home. And the double-leg kickstand provided enough stability to load and unload wiggly children. For those seeking to trick out their ride, Rad Power sells every accessory imaginable to carry kids and other cargo.

The battery for this bike charged quickly, and we easily got 30-45 miles of travel, even when loaded down and traveling across hilly terrain. The RadWagon 4 continues to be a quality electric cargo bike at an excellent price. We’ll be testing the RadWagon 5 as soon as we can, and we’ll update this guide when we do.

Since our cargo-carrying needs change, the Yuba FastRack ($4,000) provides an ingenious convertible rack system that can change with them. Yuba’s Dual Rack System (DRS) uses quick-release levers to quickly and easily convert into four unique modes — flatbed, cargo, side-loader for passengers, and compact for storage — with no tools required. No other bike that we’ve tested can so seamlessly adapt to your ever-changing needs.

On top of providing quick and easy changes for the configuration of the rear cargo rack, the Yuba FastRack also comes equipped with a front cargo rack. It has a claimed maximum weight limit of 440 pounds, so it should be able to haul you and whatever else you’re trying to haul with ease.

We loved the ability to quickly adapt the rear rack to our needs, whether that was cruising around with a friend onboard or loading up with supplies from the store. It’s also compatible with many of Yuba’s extensive collection of add-on accessories, so you can further customize it to your needs.

Ease of cargo hauling isn’t the only thing the FastRack has going for it. This is a seriously nice bike that’s equipped with great components and an excellent motor system. It comes with a mid-drive Shimano Steps E7000 motor that provides 60 Nm of torque and super smooth power delivery to cruise along at its top pedal-assisted speed of 20 mph. Given that it doesn’t have a throttle, the 500Wh battery provides plenty of juice to assist your pedaling effort, and we easily got 45 miles of range on rolling terrain using mostly Eco and Boost modes.

It’s also a smooth ride that feels stable and damp due in large part to the bike’s length and weight. The suspension fork also works wonders here to take the edge off cracks and bumps in the road. The rest of the component specification is also quite nice.

The Shimano Deore drivetrain is a step up from what you get on most similar bikes, and the Magura hydraulic disc brakes with oversized rotors provide plenty of stopping power for cruising with heavy loads. It also comes with front and rear lights and fenders to ensure you’re ready for anything.

Another great feature of the Yuba FastRack is its storability. Sure, it’s a heavy and long bike, but its designed to be tipped up on its end, and with the handlebar turned, it takes up very little storage space. This makes it a viable option for apartment dwellers or those with limited storage compared to models that don’t have this feature.

At $4,000, the Yuba FastRack is on the more expensive side of the price spectrum, but it’s a top-quality electric cargo bike with high-end components and a great ride. The Dual Rack System is arguably its biggest selling point, making it a great option for anyone with constantly changing cargo-carrying needs.

Read review: Yuba FastRack Review: Cargo E-Bike Converts for Passengers, Gear

With an impressive array of add-on accessories, the Flyer Via Pro ($2,599) is one of the best electric cargo bikes for kid comfort. This model is the only long-tail bike we tested — and perhaps one of the only models on the market — that has the option of creating a completely enclosed and weatherproof cabin for your little ones.

The Via Pro comes standard with side running boards and a rear wheel cover. Add the kid and cargo carrier package ($199), and you’re ready to transport up to two kids between the ages of 5 and 10 years old. We added the Kid & Cargo Carrier XL ($199), which encloses the lower portion of the bike, and the Kid & Cargo Canopy ($199), which includes a top canopy, removable side windows, and a front mesh bug screen. Together, these pieces create a fully covered enclosure that seals out wind, rain, snow, and bugs and protects from direct sunlight.

This combination helped our 2-year-old tester work up the courage to go for bike rides in the cool, windy, and rainy spring season in the Lake Tahoe area (with the addition of the Thule Yepp 2 Maxxi ($280) seat to accommodate her). Once summer came, we were easily able to zip off the side windows for some open-air riding and, eventually, remove the top canopy. The rear seating area is large enough to fit two smaller kiddos (either on the included seating pads or in child bike seats) or one bigger kiddo — in this case, our 2-year-old’s 10-year-old cousin.

The comfort isn’t just limited to the passenger area. The Via Pro has thoughtful components like a comfortable seat with a quick-release seatpost adjustment, surprisingly comfortable hand grips, and a simple, user-friendly display with turn signals, a bright headlight, taillight, and horn, and easy adjustments to the pedal-assist level.

This bike has a 750W motor in the rear hub that is pretty standard for bikes in this class, and comes with a torque sensor that helps smooth out the acceleration by matching it to your power input into the pedals. This provides a much more natural riding experience than bikes with a speed sensor that can have very jerky acceleration even with minimal pedal input. The larger 24-inch front wheel helps provide confident turning and calm handling compared to bikes with smaller front wheels, especially with the added size and bulk of electric cargo bikes.

Perhaps the only notable drawbacks of the Flyer Via Pro are that the motor is limited to Class 2 speeds of 20 miles per hour, and it doesn’t have a dual-battery option. Neither of these were issues during our testing period, and this bike quickly became a favorite for both riders and passengers.

The Tern P9 HSD ($3,699) is the younger sibling to the dual-battery GSD model. Where the GSD is longer and heavier, the HSD is more compact, much lighter, and has less carrying capacity. The P9 HSD fits into many different e-bike categories.

With one wheel in the commuting realm and one in the cargo category, this bike can wear many hats, depending on the rider. We turned it into a kid, gear, and grocery hauler. However, Tern has many different configuration options on its site for carrying cargo. With a 45-inch wheelbase, 67-inch length, and just under 57 pounds, this bike is the lightest and most compact e-cargo bike we have tested yet.

Tern is known for its easily storable bikes that fit many different riders on a single frame. The HSD, thanks to an easy-to-adjust cockpit, fit both a 5′1″ female tester and her 6’1″ stepfather. Unlike some other larger electric cargo bikes, this bike is nimble and easy to maneuver. With a custom Suntour suspension fork, it made the bumpy roads a bit more enjoyable for both the tester and the passenger.

The Bosch Powerpack 400Wh battery and Bosch Active Line Plus motor helped us get a ton of farmer’s market goodies around town while also transporting a five-year-old on the back. And thanks to its 375-pound carrying capacity, there was no shortage of hauling ability.

With a range of 69 miles, we never had to worry about running out of battery, even after a full day of back-and-forth commuting. While the mid-drive motor system undoubtedly provides super smooth power delivery and assisted speeds up to 20 mph, it also means it doesn’t have a throttle, which can be helpful for stop-and-go type riding.

The Tern P9 HSD features integrated lights, fenders, and a double-sided kickstand for easy on and off for cargo and passengers. The folding handlebar is also useful for minimizing the bike’s size for storage.

Overall, this little bike packs a powerful punch, albeit it is pricey for what it is. It is easy to store (as with all Terns, it can be stored vertically), hauls everything from gear to dogs to one kid, and is surprisingly light compared to other e-cargo bikes. It’s also fun to ride!

The Xtracycle Swoop 2.0 is the recently updated version of the Swoop electric cargo bike. It stands out for its stellar handling, stability, high weight limit, extra long tail, and the reasonable weight of the bike itself. It is sold in two configurations — as a class 1 ($4,499) with a top speed of 20 mph or class 3 ($5,499) with a top speed of 28 mph. We tested the latter and came away very impressed by its cargo-carrying capability and all-around performance.

The Swoop is named for its low-slung, swooping step-through frame design. This gives it a very low standover height and makes it easy to mount. Like many other cargo e-bikes, it fits a claimed rider height range of 4’11” to 6’7″ (although some slight modification to the seatpost or handlebar may be needed for those on the extremes). Our 5’9″ to 5’11” testers found it to be perfectly comfortable at all times.

When it comes to hauling cargo, the Xtracycle Swoop is a standout. With 470 pounds total weight capacity and an extra-long 30-inch rear rack, it outdoes most of the other long-tail models by a slight margin. In fact, Xtracycle even shows it loaded up with three kids on the back on its website.

We used the Magic Carpet ($75) seat pads and Half Hooptie ($240) railing add-ons and could easily transport 6- and 9-year-old kids to and from school with their backpacks loaded up in the front rack with the PorterPack ($150) cargo bag. It even comes with the U-Tube footrests and a set of FreeLoader Too collapsible cargo bags, and Xtracycle also sells a variety of other options, too.

Like a few other models we’ve tested, the Xtracycle Swoop 2.0 has a small, 20-inch rear wheel paired with a larger 26-inch front wheel. The smaller wheel in the back allows the cargo rack to be positioned lower for better cargo weight distribution, while the larger front wheel provides a steadier handling feel. We noted just how smooth and predictable the handling was, along with powerful four-piston hydraulic disc brakes that provided confident stopping power for hauling heavy loads.

We tested the class 3 version of the Swoop, and the mid-drive Shimano Steps EP6 motor provided smooth, quiet, and strong (85 Nm of torque) power delivery for pedal-assisted speeds up to 28 mph. The 630Wh battery lasted for around 40 miles of daily trips loaded up with the kids before needing to be recharged. And, at 62.9 pounds (without add-on accessories), it’s lighter than most electric cargo bikes, particularly for its size and weight capacity.

While the class 3 Xtracycle Swoop 2.0 is fairly expensive at $5,499, it is a top-quality cargo e-bike that could easily replace your car for family outings. And, you could save $1,000 by going with the Class 2 version if 20 mph sounds fast enough for you.

Read review: Weigh It Down, Zap Around: Xtracycle Swoop 2.0 Cargo E-Bike Review

The Bunch Original 4.0+ is a crowd-stopping, front-loading trike ($5,799) that gets high points for its family-friendly design, cargo capacity, and ease of assembly. In fact, it arrives fully assembled. All we had to do was remove the packaging and adjust the seat, and it was ready to go. We actually tested the 3.0 version, and while it looks nearly identical, the 4.0+ comes with more powerful brakes, an upgraded power delivery system, and a brighter headlight that makes it even better.

The standout feature of the Bunch bike is the big cargo box that fits up to four kids and comes with comfortable cushions and easy-to-use shoulder retention straps. It can handle a maximum of 220 pounds in the box and up to 350 pounds total on the bike. In the span of a few weeks, we took it out with all combinations of cargo — a dog and two kids, three kids and a cooler full of snacks, and even a week’s worth of groceries. The 2-year-old loved it because he was up high and could chat with his friend across from him.

The bike had additional add-ons like a rain cover and a sunshade, which the kiddos and dog appreciated when it was hot and sunny or the weather turned ugly. Unlike other cargo bikes where securing cargo can be tricky, the Bunch front box has a lockable under-storage box that easily fits a purse, computer, and other smaller valuables.

The components aren’t of the highest quality possible, but the combination of the Shimano Tourney 7-speed drivetrain and the 500W geared Dapu Hub motor created a smooth shifting and pedaling experience. And the easy-to-charge 614Wh battery kept us motoring around town for almost 25 miles before needing a recharge.

The standover design and easy-to-adjust seat fit a wide range of sizes. While testing, we found it easy to fit a 5’1″ rider as comfortably as her 6′ tall stepdad. The control panel was also very intuitive, making it easy to turn the headlight on and view speed and battery life.

Like the Ferla Royce 2 described above, the Bunch bike is not for the person who wants to get to where they’re going quickly. While the motor will assist up to 20 mph, it comes with a factory-set max of 15 mph (this is easily changed via the settings). And because it’s a trike, it rides a bit differently and the handling can feel a bit unstable at higher speeds. This is especially noticeable in corners, as the rider cannot lean the bike. So we’d recommend keeping that 15 mph limit for a while until you get used to the handling and learn the limitations.

Think of this bike as more of a “take it easy and enjoy the sights” kind of rig. In that regard, the Bunch Original 4.0+ shines, and we found that it’s a super fun experience to share with kids. At $5,799, it isn’t cheap, but the smiles and good times are priceless.

We used the Velotric Packer 1 ($2,199) mostly for doing chores around a rural home in central Texas. From getting the mail 2+ miles down a dirt road to hauling tools and supplies all over the property, the Packer 1 was a workhorse. The large rear and smaller front basket held plenty of items for our purposes, and the 750W (1,200W peak) motor provided plenty of oomph, even up steep hills.

The 80 mm travel front suspension fork adequately damps smaller bumps, and the larger 26-inch front wheel provides a steady handling feel. That larger front wheel is paired with a smaller 20-inch rear wheel that helps keep the weight of the cargo rack lower for better balance.

The total weight capacity of 440 pounds (176 pounds on the rear rack) is more than enough, and the bike actually feels more stable with a load in the rear basket on dirt roads. We found the stock handlebar felt too narrow on unpaved surfaces for how heavy, long, and loaded down this bike could be, though it isn’t necessarily intended for off-pavement use, either.

The Packer 1 comes in class 2 settings with a top pedal-assisted and throttle speed of 20 mph. It can also be unlocked in the settings for a top speed of 25 mph if you prefer. The only real nitpick is that the power cuts abruptly when pedaling, regardless of which of the five assist levels is selected. It isn’t dangerous, just noticeable compared to other e-bikes.

Velotric offers a wide variety of rear seating accessories, accommodating one or two children, with options to be in or out of a safety cage. Although we didn’t test these items, we feel these options would make the bike extremely versatile, especially in urban environments. The large hauling capacity only adds to this versatility. The Velotric Packer 1 also works with Apple Find My, a potentially useful feature in the city.

Notably, Velotric did an excellent job packing this bike for shipment. It was well-protected on all surfaces. The assembly was quick and easy, with clearly marked parts and instructions that were easily understood. However, the real standout attribute is Packer 1’s MSRP of $2,199. This represents a pretty solid value for such a versatile cargo e-bike.

Yuba’s mission is to make bikes that can easily haul kids, gear, and groceries, all while putting a big smile on everyone’s face (bystanders included). Other than its awesome name, we love the Spicy Curry ($5,039) for its sturdy, tank-like feel. Even loaded down with a child waving side to side on the back, we barely noticed.

Yuba sells an impressive range of accessories to outfit the Spicy Curry, and for a little extra money, you can choose different add-ons for the bike depending on your lifestyle. We wanted to make this bike our main one for taking our son to preschool, so we opted to get the adjustable Monkey Bars ($200) as well as a Yepp Maxi Easy Fit kid seat ($259).

The combination of the seat and the Monkey Bars was a hit. He gets to ride up high so he can see Mom or Dad and can hold on whenever he feels like it. Later, we added the 2-Go Cargo Bags ($199) and the Bread Basket ($200). This more than doubled the carrying capability. It has easily been the neighborhood’s most widely used bike. It’s simple to adjust the size of the bike, and it fits a wide variety of heights.

The components consist of a Shimano Deore 10-speed drivetrain and powerful 4-piston Shimano Disc Brakes — quality components that help define the bike’s performance. The large front wheel helps smooth out bumps and ensure stable handling — this bike rides smoothly enough that kids regularly fell asleep on the way home from school. It also comes with super useful features like fenders, front and rear lights, and a sturdy two-footed kickstand.

The motor is a very powerful and smooth Bosch Performance CX mid-drive with a 36V 500Wh battery. It has four levels of assist: Eco, Tour, eMTB, and Turbo. All of these are easy to click through on the control panel, which also displays the mileage, range, and speed.

While it doesn’t have a throttle, the power delivery of the Bosch motor is impressively smooth and has a more refined feel than rear hub motors. The Spicy Curry can be purchased as a class 1 (20 mph top speed) or class 3 (28 mph top speed) bike, but the faster model will cost you $600 more.

Given that you have to put some pedaling power into the drivetrain for it to assist, the Spicy Curry has an impressive range for its 500Wh battery size. On a single charge, we were able to get up to 55 miles on Eco mode or about 25 on full Turbo mode. The eMTB setting switches between all the modes depending on how the rider is pedaling, and in that mode, we clocked between 30 and 40 miles.

Again, the Yuba Spicy Curry has been the most used in our neighborhood of four families. It is easy to adjust, feels most like a regular bike, and can haul up to 440 pounds of total weight. At 72 inches in length, it’s not the easiest of the bunch to store, but for carrying capacity, range, and ride performance, this is easily one of the best electric cargo bikes money can buy.

Tern Bikes is known for its ingenuity in creating folding bikes. So when the brand came out with the GSD S00 ($5,599) — a cargo bike that was the length of a regular commuter bike and could fold down to fit easily in most midsize SUVs or minivans — many bike commuters (including us) took notice.

The bike is even made to stand vertically on its back rack so that it takes up minimal space when stored inside. For the urban family who lives in an apartment building, people with limited garage space, or anyone who just doesn’t want to deal with a big classic cargo bike, the Tern is a good solution.

Other specs that set the GSD apart are its carrying capacity of 440 pounds and the ability to fit two high-powered Bosch batteries on it. This gives it an impressive claimed range of up to 128 miles. From the Green Guard non-puncture tires to the Gates CDX Belt Drive drivetrain, this bike is clearly made to last and minimize maintenance. Other components like the Magura hydraulic disc brakes scream quality, and included features like super bright lights, finders, and integrated wheel lock earn serious convenience points.

Like other bikes, you can customize it however you like. We opted to try the Clubhouse basket ($200), the Cargo Hold Panniers ($175), and a Thule Yepp Maxi child seat ($220). We were pleased to find out that the Cargo panniers were still usable with the Yepp Maxi seat over the top of them. And with the batteries, panniers, and rack all sitting lower than your average bike, the handling and riding experience for both the driver and passenger is very smooth and comfortable. the suspension fork is also a nice touch that adds comfort over rough pavement.

Similar to other cargo bikes on this list, it fits a range of riders from 5′ to 6’5″. The unique handlebar, seatpost, and stem adjustment make it even quicker and easier to find a perfect cockpit setup for riders of various sizes. We used this bike exclusively for an entire week to see how quickly we would need to charge it. It lasted the entire week. We clocked 90 miles using a mix of tour and eMTB modes, and it still showed two of five battery bars remaining.

As a class 1 e-bike, the Tern GSD S00 is limited to a top-speed pedal assist speed of 20 mph, and it doesn’t have a throttle. That said, the Bosch Cargo line mid-drive motor is among the best in the business, delivering ultra-smooth power output with a torque sensor. But since you have to pedal this bike for the motor to assist, it also means you get a long range from the 500Wh battery.

At $5,599 with a single battery, the Tern GSD S00 comes in at the higher end of the price spectrum of the models we tested. It also happens to be one of the nicest, smoothest-riding cargo bikes we’ve tried and it comes with an excellent motor system and component specification.

Chelsey Magness, Seiji Ishii, and Jeremy Benson did the bulk of our electric cargo bike testing. In addition to the models they tested, we also include a few other electric cargo bikes in this guide that have recently been tested by other members of the GearJunkie editorial team.

Magness is an adventure racing world champion and mother of two. She lives a two-wheeled life at home, both while 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 has watched mountain biking explode, road racing implode, and witnessed the emergence of both gravel and electric bikes. And through it all, he has been a cycling dork. He started as a freelance cycling and climbing contributor to GearJunkie and now resides as the cycling and climbing editor.

Benson is also an editor at GearJunkie and has been professionally testing and reviewing bikes and related gear for the past 8 years. In addition to mountain and gravel bikes, he’s tested over 30 electric bikes of all styles, 10 of which have been cargo models. His experience has given him an extensive knowledge base and a keen sense of what differentiates the performance of the electric bikes he tests.

Magness, Ishii, and Benson have tested and continue to test countless bicycles and all related gear at GearJunkie, including e-bikes. For this buyer’s guide, our experienced team 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 around the bustling year-round outdoor playground of Bend, Oregon. Ishii hauled tools all over his property near Austin, Texas, while maintaining wells, fences, and outbuildings. Benson pushed the bikes he tested to their cargo and power limits getting groceries and running other errands in the hilly terrain near his mountain home.

We assembled each bike ourselves, following printed or online instructions and using the included tools when applicable. While setting each bike up, we were able to assess each model’s range and ease of adjustments for users of varying heights. While riding, our testers focused on important performance characteristics like handling, stability, power delivery, top speed, range, user interface/controls, comfort, and cargo-carrying capability.

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.

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 environment, 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. Looking for a sleeker e-bike for commuting or maybe something with more off-road capabilities? Check out our guides to the Best Electric Bikes and the Best E-Bikes for Hunting.

Electric cargo bikes fall into three general style categories. All of them are functional for transporting yourself and plenty of other items (including children), but they vary in where and how they support cargo.

Long-tail cargo bikes are arguably the most common and popular style of electric cargo bikes that we see in the U.S. These look and ride more like traditional bikes and have a large rear cargo rack — the long tail — and can typically fit up to three total passengers or other types of cargo. One of these is the rider, and the rear rack can usually be configured up to two kid-size passengers with additional accessories like pads, handles, and seats (depending on the bike and length of the rear rack). Most can also fit a clip-on seat for younger kids (9 months and up).

Long-tail bikes aren’t just good for transporting the family, however. The rear rack can also be configured to haul pets, groceries, and other cargo with various baskets, bags, etc. Most brands offer a wide range of aftermarket accessories to accommodate a wide variety of cargo-carrying needs. Depending on what you intend to carry with your bike, it is often wise to check each brand’s available accessories to make sure they’ve got what you need.

Some front-loading bikes are also known as long-john or bucket bikes. As the name suggests, they 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. Long-john bikes are typically extra long and heavy, and they also happen to be among the most expensive options.

Front box trike cargo bikes are similar to the long john models in that they carry cargo in a box at the front of the bike. They differ in that the front cargo box sits between two front wheels. It depends on the model, but this style can fit as many as four kids in the box and sometimes an extra kid or panniers on the back. If you’re not transporting kids, loads of other gear can quickly and easily be loaded in the box.

Both the Bunch Original Family Cargo Bike and the Ferla Royce 2 are great examples of this style of electric cargo bike. We really appreciated the utility and family-friendliness, though the three-wheel design limits their maneuverability. This style of bike handles quite differently from a traditional bike and is best suited to slower speeds and cautious riding. Both of the models we’ve tested also happen to be fairly expensive.

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. You’ll also need to consider the size and type of cargo, as most bikes require accessories to customize the cargo-carrying capabilities to your needs.

In the U.S., electric bikes are separated into classes based on top speed and whether or not they have a throttle. Whether or not you have the convenience of a throttle and how fast you want to go is up to you, and it may also be influenced by the surfaces you ride and the cargo you’re carrying. Likewise, you may also want to consider the regulations where you live, as many bike paths have speed limits, etc.

There are two main types of motors used on electric bikes — rear hub and mid-drive. Both have their pros and cons.

As the name suggests, rear hub motors are contained within the hub of the rear wheel. These are super common because they are less expensive and provide the option to have a throttle on the bike. Since their power delivery is often based on a cadence sensor, it typically doesn’t feel quite smooth or refined as mid-drive systems. That said, they work well, have plenty of power, and are usually pretty low maintenance and easy to replace if needed.

Mid-drive motors are typically integrated into the frame of the bike by the bottom bracket and connect to the cranks to transfer power into the drivetrain. This type of motor typically costs more and is found on high-end bikes. Mid-drive motors usually work with a torque sensor and have smoother, more natural feeling power delivery than the less refined rear hub motors. The motor location also helps to distribute weight in the bike better. Beyond the higher cost, one of the primary disadvantages is that they typically can’t incorporate a throttle.

A bike’s range, or the number of miles you can travel per battery charge, is an important factor to consider so you can be sure to make it to and from your destination without running out of juice. This distance is highly variable and depends on a combination of battery storage capacity and the amount of power you’re using. Generally speaking, the larger the battery, the greater the range.

There are several factors that impact a bike’s range, including the motor’s power, rider weight, cargo weight, terrain, temperature, and how much power you use. If you simply twist the throttle and make the bike do all the work, you’ll drain the battery much more quickly than you will if you push hard on the pedals in a low pedal assist mode. Likewise, if you’re riding up and down hills, it will use more power than riding on flat roads. And it’s important to note that the manufacturer’s claimed range of an electric bike is usually an overestimation of what you’ll get in the real world.

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. For example, the Lectric XPedition and the Tern GSD S00 are both sold with either a single or dual battery. Even with single batteries, these bikes are plenty capable of going 30+ miles between charges, which should be more than adequate for most people’s daily needs.

A major factor in your bike’s range potential is the storage capacity of the battery. This is generally expressed in Watt hours (Wh), and the higher the number, the more juice it holds. The bikes we tested have batteries ranging in size between 400Wh and 772Wh. A few outliers have the option for dual batteries for up to 1,000 or 1,344Wh!

How quickly your battery drains and the amount of range you can get from your bike depends entirely on how much power you use. So, by pedaling harder and using lower assistance modes, you’ll be able to ride farther than you will if you use higher modes and don’t put in as much of your own effort. Makes sense, right?

An often overlooked factor is the storage space an electric cargo bike will require, which is typically much more than a standard e-bike. You’ll definitely need to consider your storage space when choosing an electric cargo bike. Some, like longtail versions, require substantial length, and front box 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. Thankfully, other brands like Yuba and Tern have designed their bikes to stand on their end so they can take up much less space in your garage or apartment for storage than when they are on their wheels.

The point of cargo bikes is to carry cargo, and it is typically necessary to purchase add-on accessories to customize them for your specific needs. It depends on the brand or model in question, but some come with certain accessories included so you can carry passengers or items picked up on your errand runs without needing to shell out more cash right off the bat. The Lectric XPedition we tested came with seat pads, running boards, an Orbitor rail, an Orbitor bag, and a frame pack included with the purchase. This bike is pretty much ready to carry just about anything once you install them.

Unfortunately, included accessories aren’t the norm. For most of the other models we tested, you’ll need to purchase seats, baskets, running boards, and the specific items you need to transport the people or cargo you’re intended to carry. Thankfully, most brands offer a range of accessories made to fit the bikes they sell, so you can carefully curate the perfect kid hauler, grocery-getter, or beach-going machine.

Thule’s Yepp child seats are a very popular option for small children, and some brands even make racks that can carry surfboards to the beach. Consider what you’re hoping to carry with your electric cargo bike and check the accessories pages to see which brands offer compatible add-ons to cover your needs.

Safety is another factor to consider when discussing electric cargo bikes. Not only are the bikes themselves longer and heavier than regular bikes, but adding significant weight in the form of child passengers or bulky cargo can further impact the bike’s handling.

We always recommend wearing a properly fitting bike helmet, not exceeding the weight limits of the bike or cargo areas, riding in control, and obeying the rules of the road. Ultimately, your safety is up to you, so use good judgment.

Cargo bikes are often marketed as being great for transporting kids and other passengers, and they definitely can be. Riding with passengers, especially children, can be dangerous. A huge variety of accessories are available for children, including children’s seats, railings, handlebars, etc. We recommend looking into the available options and choosing the size that best fits your children.

The weight of passengers will also affect the bike’s handling, so familiarizing yourself with a loaded bike by practicing in a more controlled environment may be a great idea before heading out into traffic. Again, we strongly recommend that all passengers on the bike wear properly fitting helmets and ride cautiously to keep themselves and their passengers safe. Ultimately, your safety and the safety of your children or cargo is up to you, so please use good judgment.

Adding heavy weight to the front or rear of the bike in the form of non-human cargo can also impact the handling of the bike. Always ensure that your cargo is properly secured to keep the weight from shifting while you ride and to keep it from falling off the bike.

Most cargo bikes are quite stable as they are designed to carry heavy loads, but again, it may be beneficial to practice riding with a loaded bike to get used to the way it handles.

Security of both the bike and cargo can be an issue, especially in urban centers. Many electric cargo bikes can be virtually locked via an app, which 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 or wheel lock for physically and visually protecting the bike from theft. Of course, you can always use a standard bike lock and cable to protect your investment. Electric cargo bikes are not cheap, so we always lock ours wherever we go.

Some electric cargo bikes can also have locking cargo areas. This is relatively uncommon but a nice feature to have.

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.

Fortunately, most electric cargo bikes come equipped with fenders to protect the rider from road spray, and most also come with integrated front and rear lights for changing light conditions. These features are appreciated and ensure that you’re ready for changing weather and that you’ll be able to see and be seen if you’re out after dark (or when it’s still light out).

Regardless of the electric cargo bike type, you will undoubtedly need to protect whatever you are hauling from precipitation at some point. Some brands offer dedicated and fitted covers for their bikes’ storage areas. 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 the 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.

New electric cargo bikes can range from around $1,500 to as high as $8,000 or more. So, what makes some bikes so much more expensive and how much should you spend? Realistically, they all work pretty darn well, but spending more typically gets you a higher quality, higher performance bike.

Budget-friendly electric cargo bikes typically cost around $2,500 or less. These bikes are almost always sold directly from the brand to the consumer, usually have rear hub motors, and come equipped with lower-end but functional components. While the performance is a bit less refined, the affordable models we tested certainly get the job done but can feel a little clunky at times. A great example is the Lectric XPedition ($1,808). While the delivery may not be quite as smooth as higher-end models with more advanced torque sensors, it still has ample power to push speeds up to 28 mph. The components may not be name-brand, but they still work well enough for shifting between gears and controlling your speed. They may not be the brightest, but it comes with front and rear lights. Still, it can handle lots of cargo, just like the more expensive competition.

Between around $2,500 and $4,000, we enter the middle of the electric cargo bike price range. While most still have rear hub motors, they typically come with more advanced torque sensors that provide a much smoother and more natural feeling power delivery. The components are usually a step up from the budget models as well, with nicer shifters, higher-quality brakes, and brighter lights. Take the Specialized Globe Haul LT ($3,500), for example. This bike won numerous awards when it was launched — including our best overall title — for providing a price-to-performance ratio that few other bikes can match. It has plenty of power, a large battery and impressive range, an ultra-smooth and stable ride, great components, and an excellent feature set. You could spend more, but do you need to?

From around $4,000 and up, we enter the high end of the electric cargo bike market. These bikes typically come with fancier motors, top-of-the-line components, front suspension, or have specialized designs for hauling kids or other cargo. In this price range, long tail models like Tern HSD P5i ($4,599) and the Yuba Spicy Curry ($5,039) feature mid-drive motors with the smoothest and most natural power delivery. They also come with top-tier drivetrains, excellent brakes, better controls and displays, and somehow manage to weigh significantly less — closer to 60 pounds — while being able to haul just as much.

Other bikes in this price range, like the Ferla Royce 2 ($5,499) and the Bunch Original ($5,799), have more complex designs to carry cargo in the front. With three wheels and a large front box that can accommodate up to four small passengers and a rider, these bikes are arguably more capable of replacing a vehicle if they suit your needs. The engineering and additional materials needed to make bikes like this drive the price up, not to mention the fancy wood finishes plus all of the usual electric bike components. Still, they are less expensive than just about any vehicle, and arguably a lot more fun for the whole family.

Electric cargo bikes can carry more cargo volume and weight than a standard e-bike. They have baskets, platforms, and other means to accommodate cargo and can be equipped with a variety of accessories to suit your specific cargo-carrying needs.

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. As a result, electric cargo bikes are often heavier and also longer than non-cargo models.

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 which can reduce your dependence on your vehicle and lower your spending on fuel. There are more electric cargo bike options than non-electric cargo bikes for these reasons.

But, an electric cargo bike is only worth the cost if you actually use it. Otherwise, it just becomes a large and expensive piece of gear taking up storage space. That said, they are typically quite durable and should provide many years of faithful service so we feel they are a sound investment that can actually save you money in the long term. On top of that, riding a bike can also do wonders for your health and well-being.

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.

Higher-end models use higher-quality mid-drive motors and name-brand components that both drive the price up. It’s also worth considering that you’ll probably need to spend a little more on accessories to dial in most cargo bikes to your needs.

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. Similarly, some bikes, like the Lectric XPedition and the Velotric Packer 1 come in class 2 settings but can be changed by the user to class 3 (up to 28 mph) through the display.

Whether you’re looking to improve your commute, save gas money, or get more fresh air, we’ve reviewed the best e-bikes to get you on the road emission-free.

We tested 11 of the best commuter bikes of 2024 and have recommendations to suit your needs and meet your budget.