The Best Electric 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 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.

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.

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.

Editor’s Note: We updated this guide on November 26, 2024, with the addition of the affordable and long-range ENGWE LE20.

The Best Electric Cargo Bikes of 2024

Other Electric Cargo Bikes We Tested and Recommend

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.

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, 12 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.

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 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.

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 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. While long-tail, long John, and front-box trikes all aim to transport cargo, one style or another may suit your needs best.

Not sure if a cargo bike is the best fit for your needs? We’ve tested sleeker s-bikes for commuting as well as folding electric bikes for easier transport or storage. Interested in something with more off-road capabilities? Check out our guides to the Best Electric Bikes and the Best E-Bikes for Hunting.

Electric Cargo Bike Styles

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

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.

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.

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.

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, 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 ENGWE LE20 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 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.

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.

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 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 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.

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, 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.

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 & Value

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

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. A great example is the Lectric XPedition ($1,695). 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.

Similarly, the ENGWE LE20 ($1,499-1,799) cost even less but does great when the rubber meets the road. Its torque sensors do a fine job of delivering power smoothly, and its huge battery — plus the dual battery option — ensure you can make it there and back again. Add the accessories you need to haul kids or cargo, and it’s still a fraction of the price of the premium models.

Mid-Tier

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?

Premium

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.

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