10 Best Electric Cargo Bikes

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Updated 11:35 pm

To help you find the best electric cargo bike for sale, we have tried out a multitude of top models, testing to ensure they provided an effortless ride, a great battery pack for a long-range and, of course, the ability to carry lots of cargo or accommodate a second passenger. We also loved electric bicycles made from high-quality and durable components, such as carbon steel and aluminum alloy. Browse to the best electric bike guide and find ebikes with great features.

The best electric cargo bike we tried was easily the Tern GSD S10 Electric Cargo Bike. This family cargo bike boasts a 440-pound load capacity, which is enough for groceries and a couple of kids, with a dual battery system that can ride up to 121 miles on a single charge and safety-enhancing hydraulic disc brakes. Keep reading to learn more about other high-quality electric bikes for sale.

Top 10 Best Electric Cargo Bikes

 #1  Tern GSD S10 Electric Cargo Bike

Tern GSD S10 Electric Cargo Bike

Award: TOP PICK

WHY WE LIKE IT: Great choice for families, thanks to an impressive 440-pound load capacity, incredibly safe 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes, and a dual battery system that can go more than 120 pounds before needing a recharge.

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  • 440-pound load capacity
  • Bosch dual battery system gets 121 miles on single charge
  • Powerful Magura 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes

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  • Fits most rear seats, but does not come with any
  • Somewhat heavy, at nearly 80 lb

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The Tern GSD S10 Electric Cargo Bike is built for commuting or for families to perform errands together, with a 440-pound load capacity and a Bosch dual battery system that can ride up to 121 miles before needing a recharge. We loved the safety features here, including a suite of Magura 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes and ultra-bright front lights and tail lights. The Bosch motor can go up to 20 miles per hour and the puncture-resistant tires excel across a variety of terrain types.

Though the bike is designed to fit most popular passenger seat options, including Thule Yepp Maxi seats, these seats need to be purchased separately. Additionally, this cargo bike is somewhat heavy, at nearly 80 pounds, which will make it difficult to carry up flights of stairs, for instance. But it’s capacity and miles on a single charge make it the best electric bike for cargo.

 #2  Yuba Spicy Curry V3 Electric Cargo Bike

Yuba Spicy Curry V3 Electric Cargo Bike

Award: HONORABLE MENTION

WHY WE LIKE IT: High-quality cargo bike with hydraulic front and rear disc brakes, a Bosch Cargo Line motor that can ride up to 20 MPH, and Schwalbe fat tires, which increase handling and riding comfort.

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  • Schwalbe fat tires for handling and comfort
  • 4-piston front brakes and 2-piston rear brakes
  • Bosch Cargo Line motor can go up to 20 MPH

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  • Integrated tail light is fairly weak
  • Does not include some necessary accessories

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The Yuba Spicy Curry V3 Electric Cargo Bike offers a smooth and comfortable ride, thanks to a pair of Schwalbe fat tires and the renowned Bosch Cargo Line motor, manufactured specifically for cargo bikes, which can go up to 20 miles per hour. We loved the hydraulic disc brake system, with 4-piston brakes on the front and 20-piston rear brakes, and the sturdy aluminum frame. The load capacity here is 440 pounds, so it is a great choice for hauling groceries or children.

The front headlight is luminous and great for night riding, but we found the integrated tail light to be on the weaker side, particularly during daytime riding. Also, this cargo bike really needs several accessories to really shine, such as single cushion seats and a bamboo deck, none of which are included with the initial purchase, though they can be bought separately. Bit it still ranks pretty high as one of the best bikes for cargo or extra passengers because of its weight capacity.

 #3  RadWagon 4 Electric Cargo Bike

RadWagon 4

Award: BEST VALUE

WHY WE LIKE IT: Value-conscious ebike with plenty of high-end features, including Tektro Aries mechanical disc brakes, which excel during wet conditions, and a 750W geared hub motor that gets up to maximum speed quickly.

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  • Tektro Aries disc brakes excel on wet roads
  • 750W geared hub motor is great for inclines and quick acceleration
  • Adjustable handlebars and seatpost ideal for most heights

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  • 45 miles per charge
  • 350 lb load capacity

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This RadWagon Electric Cargo Bike comes in at a value-friendly price point while still offering features in line with higher-priced competitors, such as Tektro Aries mechanical disc brakes that are designed to function on varied terrain types, including wet roads, just like with the best kids mountain bikes. We loved the 750w geared hub motor, which allowed for quick acceleration and easy climbing. Both the handlebars and the seatpost are fully adjustable, allowing this cargo bike to fit a large variety of heights and weights.

Though the 48 volt 14 Ah lithium-ion battery pack recharges quickly, in just a few hours, it only allows for 45 miles of use from a single charge. Additionally, the maximum load capacity of this Rad Power Bike is 350 pounds, which could make it difficult to haul groceries and a couple of kids at the same time. And then there are also the best ebike for heavy riders, great for those with larger builds.

 #4  Pedego Stretch Electric Cargo Bike

Pedego Stretch Electric Cargo Bike

Award: BEST AESTHETICS

WHY WE LIKE IT: Gorgeous hand-painted design, available in multiple colors, with a state-of-the-art 48-volt battery that gets 70 miles on a charge and a good 400-pound max capacity.

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  • 5 levels of pedal assist
  • Battery gets 70 miles per charge and charges quickly
  • 400 lb max capacity

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  • Can struggle with steep inclines
  • Modular rear attachments, but no passenger seat included

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The Pedego Stretch Electric Cargo Bike is available in four gorgeous colors, with an aesthetically pleasing design that goes above and beyond what is typically found with cargo bikes. We loved the powerful 48v lithium-ion battery, which gets around 70 miles per charge and completes a recharge in just a few hours. This is also a sturdy and durably made ebike, with a load capacity of around 400 pounds.

Though the brushless geared rear hub motor is plenty powerful and can easily reach a max speed of 20 miles per hour, it does struggle on steeper-than-average inclines. Also, the modular rear attachments make it easy to attach a passenger seat or a storage trunk, neither is included with an initial purchase. If you live in areas without a lot of paved roads, be sure to read about the best gravel e bike.

 #5  Tern GSD S00 Electric Cargo Bike

Tern GSD S00 Electric Cargo Bike

Award: BEST FOLDING DESIGN

WHY WE LIKE IT: Ultra-compact design that shrinks even further when folded, enough to be stuffed in the back of an SUV, with a dual battery system that gets 120 miles on a single charge and premium Magura 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes.

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  • 124 miles on a single charge
  • Puncture-resistant Schwalbe Super Moto-X tires
  • Magura 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes

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  • Max rider weight 260 lb
  • Headlight is fantastic but tail light is slightly dim

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The Tern GSD S00 Electric Cargo Bike is great for families with limited space, as it features a folding design that allows it to fit in large trunks or the back area of a truck or SUV. The Bosch dual battery system gets 124 miles on a single charge, which is fantastic, and the Schwalbe Super Moto-X tires are both puncture-resistant and wide, 20 inches, so they can absorb shock from debris and bumps. We also loved the Magura 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes, which are ultra-premium and can stop on a dime in any weather condition.

Though the maximum load capacity of this ebike is 440 pounds, the maximum driver weight is just 264 pounds, which may not suit consumers of all body sizes. Additionally, the front-facing headlight is fantastic, outputting 150 lumens, but the tail light struggles just a bit, though it is serviceable for night riding. Just keep safe with the best bike lock to prevent theft.

 #6  Yuba Boda Boda Electric Cargo Bike

Yuba Boda Boda Electric Cargo Bike

Award: BEST AVAILABLE ACCESSORIES

WHY WE LIKE IT: Allows for the purchase of dozens of useful accessories, including bamboo sideboards and bread baskets, with ultra-durable Tektro Vela hydraulic disc brakes and a high-grade 250w motor that easily gets 20 MPH.

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  • Reliable Tektro Vela hydraulic disc brakes
  • Shimano Steps E6100 250W motor gets 20 MPH
  • Sturdy aluminum frame

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  • Not designed for more than 2 people
  • Handlebar buttons are close together

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The Yuba Boda Boda Electric Cargo Bike is a great option for families with dozens of available accessories, including bamboo decks, storage crates, pop-top covers, and more. We loved the Shimano Steps E6100 motor, which adequately handles inclines and can go up to 20 MPH, and the Tektro Vela hydraulic disc brakes, which we found excelled on wet and slippery terrain. The sturdy aluminum frame was also a highlight, further increasing this cargo bike’s safety rating.

Though the maximum weight limit here is nearly 400 pounds, this cargo bike’s design does not accommodate more than two people, which could be an issue for larger families. But if you’re alone and need to run errands to the grocery, the best adult tricycle may be the best choice for carrying and transporting goods. Also, this cargo bike’s pedal-assist buttons and throttle buttons on the handle are extremely close together, which could lead to some accidental throttling.

 #7  Surly Big Easy Longtail Electric Cargo Bike

Surly Big Easy Longtail Electric Cargo Bike

Award: MOST ROOM FOR PASSENGERS AND STORAGE

WHY WE LIKE IT: Longtail design, otherwise known as a long john, can easily accommodate one rider and two passengers, not to mention a whole lot of cargo, with a powerful Bosch Performance CX motor that excels on hills and can even haul trailers.

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  • 4-piston Tektro brakes are excellent
  • Powerful Bosch Performance CX motor excels with steep inclines
  • Can attach to trailers for even more hauling potential

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  • Can accommodate 2 batteries, but only includes 1
  • Tires not designed for offroading

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This Surly cargo bike is built from the ground up to maximize space and cargo-hauling potential. The longtail design can easily accommodate one rider and two passengers and the Bosch Performance Line CX motor boasts power enough to haul a trailer (purchased separately) for maximum hauling potential. We also loved the 4-piston Tektro brakes, which we found to offer a stable decrease in acceleration even on wet roads, and the front-loading cargo carrier.

Though this cargo bike can accommodate a dual battery set up, for extra range, it does only ship with one battery. Additionally, the 26” Surly ExtraTerrestrial tires offer a smooth and stable ride while commuting, but are not designed for off-road pursuits. Also consider the best e bikes for women. To get an ebike that can traverse diverse terrain, read our best electric fat tire bike guide.

 #8  Schwinn Meridian Electric Cargo Tricycle

Award: BEST 3-TIRE DESIGN

WHY WE LIKE IT: Fantastic tricycle design that offers a stable ride, with a large comfortable saddle that absorbs bumps and a 7-speed Shimano drivetrain for easy and fuss-free shifting.

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  • Large cushioned saddle for comfort
  • 7-speed Shimano drivetrain for easy shifting
  • Ships with large mesh basket for cargo

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  • Not for riders above 6’2”
  • Max speed 16 MPH

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This Schwinn Meridian Electric Cargo Trike offers the kind of stability and durability one would expect from an electric tricycle, with an aluminum frame and a large cushioned saddle for comfort. We loved the 7-speed Shimano drivetrain, which allows for easy shifting, and the fact that it comes with a large mesh basket for the purposes of transporting groceries and other pieces of cargo.

Though this electric cargo tricycle is fully adjustable along a number of metrics, it does not accommodate riders taller than 6’2”, which could be an issue for some. Also, the maximum speed here is 16 miles per hour, which is on the lower end though still serviceable. Take a look at the best electric bike for seniors, a great gift for those who are bit older.

 #9  Urban Arrow Shorty Electric Cargo Bike

Urban Arrow Shorty Electric Cargo Bike

Award: BEST QUALITY

WHY WE LIKE IT: High-quality cargo bike with plenty of high-end features, including a large front-facing storage container and a Bosch Purion LCD display that relays useful metrics, such as battery life and speed.

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  • 420 lb load capacity
  • Bosch Purion display relays useful metrics
  • Extremely large front-facing cargo container

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  • Posture may be too upright for some riders
  • May be too wide for some bike lanes

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The Urban Arrow Shorty Electric Cargo Bike is of extremely high quality, with plenty of bells and whistles. This cargo bike is made for transporting large loads of cargo to and fro, thanks to a large front-facing container and a 420-pound load capacity. The Bosch Purion display relays loads of useful metrics, including speed, battery life, and more. We also loved the Bosch Active Line Plus, which offers multiple levels of pedal assist and excels with steep inclines, in addition to reaching a max speed of 20 miles per hour.

Though this electric cargo bike is surprisingly light, given the features on offer, it is wider than comparable models, which could make it an issue while riding along narrow bike lanes. Additionally, this ebike forces the rider into a rigid and upright posture, which may not suit all consumers. And also read our buying guide on the best electric trike.

 #10  Nakto Electric Cargo Bike

Award: BEST ON A BUDGET

WHY WE LIKE IT: Budget-friendly with plenty of nifty features, such as an ultra-durable carbon steel frame and a 6-speed Shimano transmission system. This is also a great choice for night riding, thanks to an ultra-bright headlight and integrated horn.

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  • High-strength carbon steel frame
  • 6-speed Shimano transmission system
  • Bright LED headlight and horn for night riding

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  • Removable battery, but only 28 miles per charge
  • Max load around 300 lb

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The Nakto Electric Cargo Bike comes in at a budget-friendly price point while still offering some features in line with higher-priced competitors, such as a high-strength carbon steel frame for added durability and an easy-to-use 6-speed Shimano transmission system. We also loved the features included for night riders, including an ultra-bright LED headlight and an integrated horn.

Though the battery is removable, for on-the-go charging and to deter theft, it does only get around 28 miles of use per charge, which is on the lower side. Also, the maximum load here is just 300 pounds, though the motor can easily reach speeds up to 25 miles per hour. For those commuting and need something more portable, check out our best folding electric bike buying guide.

How We Decided

To help narrow down to the above list, we took great care to ensure that each of the above electric bikes excelled at transporting cargo and additional passengers, such as children. To that end, we liked cargo bikes with powerful motors intended for large hauls and those with maximum load capacities of anywhere from 350 to 460 pounds. This large load capacity allows riders to transport groceries and a couple of kids without overloading the bike.

Motors were also of paramount importance. We liked durably made and powerful Bosch motors that could ascend to around 20 miles per hour and easily ascended steel hills and inclines. Battery life was also on our radar, as these cargo bikes are intended for errands and for general commuting. To that end, many of our picks include dual battery setups that allow for over 100 miles of use on a single charge.

As far as transporting cargo, we liked bikes with plenty of room for baskets, containers, and extra seats for additional passengers. We also admired electric cargo bikes with plenty of high-end safety features, including bright LED headlights, high-quality hydraulic brake systems, and durable frames that help to protect the passenger. Finally, we liked cargo bikes with additional features like useful LCD displays and integrated horns.

Best Electric Cargo Bike Buyer’s Guide

The Most Important Features to Consider

  1. Motor and Cargo
    The motors included with electric cargo bikes are not necessarily intended for speed, though they can typically reach up to 20 miles per hour. Rather, look for a motor that can marry speed with raw power, so as to increase its hauling capabilities. These motors are generally effective at dealing with steep inclines as well. Multiple levels of pedal assist are also preferable.
  2. Battery
    Battery life and maximum range are of extreme importance when considering the purchase of an electric cargo bike. You don’t want to run out of juice in the middle of an errand, after all. Look for a battery that can get around 50 miles of use out of a single charge. Some cargo bikes also include dual battery systems, which can ride up to 100 or more miles on a single charge. A dual battery system can ensure you’ll only have to charge up a few times per week, depending on how often you ride.
  3. Safety
    You will be hauling groceries, often with children in tow, so safety is an incredibly important concern while shopping for an electric cargo bike. Look for braking systems that can stop without too much lurching and those that can easily stop in wet or snowy conditions. You will also want to choose a bike with a sturdy frame, either aluminum or carbon steel, and one that features bright and luminous headlights and tail lights.

Electric Cargo Bike FAQs

What is the best electric cargo bike?

We think all of the selections on the above list are fantastic but if we had to choose just one, we’d go with the top pick. The Tern GSD S10 Electric Cargo Bike boasts a 440-pound load capacity and a dual battery setup that can go over 110 miles on a single charge.

What is the best value electric cargo bike?

It is true. Electric cargo bicycles can be extremely expensive. If you are looking to save some bucks, while still retaining many high-end features, we’d suggest the RadWagon 4 Electric Cargo Bike. It features high-quality brakes, a wide range battery, a mid-drive motor, and a fully adjustable frame to suit different body sizes and shapes.

Can I replace my car with an electric cargo bike?

In recent years, many folks have done just that, as they make a great family bike. Electric cargo bikes are perfect for city living, thanks to powerful motors, large and sometimes double batteries, and integrated cargo space. Some include child seats, a cargo box, rear racks that are designed for heavy loads, electrically assisted pedals, full suspension, and rain covers. In short, they are fully loaded, with electric motors, and can nearly do anything an automobile can do.

Who are the best electric cargo bike manufacturers?

We made sure to include electric cargo bikes by a number of renowned manufacturers, including Surly, RadWagon, Urban Arrow, and Tern. Other highly respected companies that nearly made our list include Riese Müller, Xtracycle, Packs, and Babboe. The Babboe line of ebikes is known for being relatively inexpensive, while the Xtracycle line, such as the Xtracycle Free Radical, is known for high quality.

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