Finest Electrical Cargo Bikes of 2024

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 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. We sifted through clunky, unwieldy, and wholly unreliable makes and models alongside bikes from well-established brands. We’ve transported everything from babies, 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.

Our testing runs shuttled us across smooth tarmac, broken chip seal, and occasional dirt roads on trips to and from school, running errands around town, or heading to gatherings with friends. The electric cargo bikes we tested ranged from small and nimble to e-bike versions of a freight hauler. 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.

Below, we highlight, categorize, and review the best electric cargo bikes we tested. They were all standouts in their own unique way. Mom and endurance athlete Chelsey Magnus and GearJunkie 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. 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. For a side-by-side rundown of price and specs, take a look at our comparison chart.

Editor’s Note: For our April 16, 2024, update, we’ve added the value-packed Lectric XPedition, the convenient Yuba FastRack, and the Xtracycle Swoop 2.0. We’ve also added some information to our buying advice to help you choose the right electric cargo bike for your needs.

The Best Electric Cargo Bikes of 2024

Best of the Rest

Electric Cargo Bike Comparison Chart

Why You Should Trust Us

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.

How We Tested Electric Cargo Bikes

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, while Ishii hauled tools all over his property 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. All of the electric cargo bikes proved to be insanely useful and appreciated.

Some bikes operated flawlessly and smoothly for the test duration, while others fell apart or failed within the first few miles. This curated list represents thousands of miles of cumulative riding, hundreds of hours of assembly and maintenance, and equal amounts of frustration and joy. We did the hard work for you, suffered the disappointments, and reported the good finds so you can spend your hard-earned money wisely. We realize any bike on this list is a significant investment.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose an Electric Cargo Bike

Before delving into our buyer’s guide, it’s wise to discern how you will really use a cargo bike. The type, size, and weight of your intended cargo will help determine the style of electric cargo bike that will suit you best. The terrain, road or off-road surface, time of riding, urban versus rural, and weather also impact significant choices like wheel size, tire type, lighting needs, seating, and security. Storage space is also a concern, especially in urban environments.

The first thing to consider, though, is the style of electric cargo bike you need. Looking for a sleeker e-bike for commuting, or maybe something with more off-road capabilities? Check out our guides to the Best E-Bikes and the Best E-Bikes for Hunting.

Electric Cargo Bike Styles

Electric cargo bikes fall into three general styles. 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

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. One of these is the rider and the rear rack can usually be configured to fit 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). They aren’t just good for transporting the family, however, as the rear rack can also be configured to haul pets, groceries, and other cargo with various baskets, bags, etc.

Long John

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

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. We tested the Bunch Original Family Cargo Bike and really appreciated the utility and family-friendliness, though the three-wheel design limits its maneuverability. This style of bike handles quite differently from a traditional bike and is best suited to slower speeds and cautious riding.

What Are You Hauling?

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.

E-Bike Classes

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.

• Class 1: Class 1 bikes provide pedal assistance only and are limited to a top speed of 20 mph. They do not come equipped with a throttle, so they only provide power output when the rider is pedaling.
• Class 2: Class 2 bikes also have a top speed of 20 mph but in addition to providing pedal assistance, they are also equipped with a throttle. The throttle can propel you with pure electric power (no pedaling) and may be helpful for some riders when starting from a stop with a loaded bike.
• Class 3: Class 3 differs from classes 1 and 2 in that they provide pedal assistance up to 28 mph. These bikes may or may not have a throttle. If equipped with a throttle, the top throttle speed is still 20 mph.

Motor Type: Rear Hub vs. Mid-Drive

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

Rear Hub Motors

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

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.

Range

A bike’s range is an important factor to consider so you can be sure to make it to and from your destination without running out of battery before your next charge. Range is highly variable and depends on a combination of battery capacity and the amount of power you’re using. 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. It’s best to err on the conservative side when considering the range, as load, wind, and other factors can all have an effect. And, it’s important to note that the manufacturer’s claimed range of an electric bike is usually an over-estimation 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.

Battery Size

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!

Power Output

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?

Storage Space

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 load trikes are much wider.

Some electric cargo bike brands like Bunch understand that their models demand significant storage space and offer an outdoor cover to protect them while being stored outside. 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.

Accessories

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.

Included accessories aren’t the norm, unfortunately. 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 Concerns

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.

Riding with Kids

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 child’s seats, railings, handlebars, etc, and we recommend looking into the available options and choosing the proper size for 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 to ride cautiously to keep themselves and their passengers safe.

Riding with Cargo

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 Concerns

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; this means the bike is electrically actuated to prevent someone from either riding it or rolling it away. Some bikes include a built-in security cable 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.

Riding in Adverse Weather

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.

Price

New electric cargo bikes can range from as low as $1,800 to as high as $8,000 or more. And, they all work pretty darn well. So, what makes some bikes so much more expensive? The biggest thing separating the more budget-friendly models from the high-end models is the motor type and the quality of the components. Less expensive bikes usually have rear hub motors and lower-end components, both of which get the job done but can be a little clunky at times. Higher-end models almost always have mid-drive motors for smoother power delivery and typically come with name-brand components that work well and are more durable. Some also come with cool features like app connectivity and integrated locks.

Still, even the affordable models we tested are great options that absolutely get the job done while costing less than the price of fancier models. And along with the price of the bike itself, consider the price of the accessories you’ll need to purchase to set it up for your cargo-carrying needs. Cargo boxes, panniers, front boxes, kickstands, and kid seats can add to the total cost quickly. However, after doing a quick search of our local Craigslist and Facebook online market groups, we found accessory options being sold at significant savings over new.

Frequently Asked Questions