9 Best Electric Cargo Bikes to Carry Heavy Loads with Ease in 2024

The small motors provide just another power to get around town without breaking a sweat, and the large cargo bays offer enough storage space for most people’s requirements.

A cargo bike is any bicycle that has been adapted to carry an excessive amount of luggage, boxes, goods, or other items that won’t fit on a normal bike. Since they are usually quite heavy, most people only use them for short trips within a town or city but longer tours are also possible.

The best electric cargo bikes come in many different forms, typically with front-loading cargo bays or large rear racks. The Netherlands popularized the ‘bakfiets’ (bucket bike): a cargo bike with an extra-large bucket on the front. Other cargo bikes have rear racks integrated into the frame, often strong enough to carry one adult passenger or two children.

More recently, electric cargo bikes have become very popular as car replacements, particularly amongst delivery staff, market stall workers, and small families. 

Here’s our list of the best electric cargo bikes you can get in 2024!

1. Rad Power Bikes RadWagon 4

Best value electric cargo bike of 2024

MSRP: $1,999

Weight: 77 lbs   |   Load Capacity: 350 lbs   |   Range: Up to 45mi   |   Battery: 672Wh   |   Motor: 750W rear hub

• Aluminum frame
• 7-Speed Shimano Acera
• Tektro mechanical disc brakes
• Suitable for riders 5’1″ – 6’4″

This compact cargo ebike from Rad Power Bikes is a very popular and highly affordable longtail option for carrying heavy loads or light passengers. With 22″ wheels on both the front and back, it has a low center of gravity, making it easy to maneuver when heavily loaded.

With a payload capacity of only 350lbs (158kg), this RadWagon bike carries slightly less than the average cargo bike but has a powerful motor and long-range battery. The 750W geared hub motor uses 5:1 planetary reduction to provide extra torque and low-range power when hill climbing. 

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It’s powered by a 48V removable Lithium NCA battery that lasts up to 45 miles (72km) on a single charge, easily enough to complete all your daily tasks. The 7-Speed Shimano Acera drivetrain is a decent accompaniment to the pedal-assist motor, offering just enough range for comfortable city cycling.

Stopping power is provided by Tektro Aries mechanical disc brakes and 180mm rotors, more than suitable for the speed and weight limits of the RadWagon 4. It comes ready to go straight out the box, with fenders, a kickstand, LCD display, and front and rear lights. Rad Power Bikes also sells a range of add-on options, including baskets, racks, bags, and child seats.

The RadWagon 4 comes in one size and is suitable for riders 5’1″ – 6’4″ with adjustable handlebars and telescoping seatpost. While this cargo ebike might not sport some of the same top-quality components seen on others, the price tag is almost unbeatable for a vehicle in this category.

Buy from Rad Power Bikes

2. Tern GSD S10

Best electric cargo bike with folding functionality

MSRP: $5,399

Weight: 74 lbs   |   Load Capacity: 440 lbs   |   Range: 26-53mi   |   Battery: 400Wh   |   Motor: 250W, 85Nm

• Aluminum frame
• 10-Speed Shimano Deore
• Magura MT5 hydraulic brakes
• Suitable for riders: 4’11” – 6’5″

Tern Bikes is a well-known cargo bike brand that manufactures top-quality cargo bikes with price tags to match.

The GSD S10 is a longtail electric cargo bike with a large integrated rear rack over a small, 20″ wheel. It’s the ideal utility e-bike or family cargo bike as it can fit a variety of containers, seats, or pannier bags on the rear rack. 

At 74lbs the GSD S10 is lighter than some other cargo eBikes, so it gets an excellent performance out of its 250W Bosch Cargo Line motor. Specifically designed for cargo bikes, this mid-drive motor pushes out 85Nm of torque, easily achieving its top speed of 20 mph (32km/h) even when fully loaded.

The 400Wh PowerPack battery will keep providing you with pedal assistance for up to 53 miles on a single charge. The pedal-assist motor is supported by an extensive 10-speed Shimano Deore drivetrain, making light work of heavily-loaded hill climbs.

Downhills are equally well-supported by highly responsive 4-piston Magura MT5 hydraulic disc brakes. A unique feature of this bike is the folding handlebars and stem and the telescoping seatpost which allow you to park this bike in a tight spaces at home. 

The Tern GSD S10 fits riders of heights between 4’11″ – 6’5″ and can carry up to 440lbs (200kg) of weight including rider and cargo.

Buy from REI.com    Buy from TernBicycles.com

3. Yuba FastRack

MSRP: $3,999

Weight: 76lb |   Load Capacity: 440lb  |   Range: 45mi average |   Battery: 500Wh   |   Motor: 250W

• Tires: Schwalbe Super Moto 20 x 2.4
• Motor: Shimano STEPS E7000, 250W, 60Nm

The Yuba FastRack cargo e-bike is a mid-range choice fully equipped for any job. 

Yuba cargo bikes are designed as the perfect replacement for a car. You can two kids along on a ride or to school or add a range of cargo-carrying accessories for running errands around town. 

The FastRack handles excellently for a cargo bike. It has a low center of gravity, stable geometry, and wide tires to keep you safe and confident while zipping around. 

Its Shimano STEPS E7000 drive system is one of the best on the market, providing huge power to keep you going with a fully loaded bike. However, the 500Wh motor returns modest ranges of around 45 miles. 

This bike is compatible with a range of other accessories, so you can further personalize the bike to match your needs. Consider the Yuba FastRack if you want a long-lasting e-bike to replace your car. 

Buy from REI

4. Aventon Abound

Entry-level e-cargo bike with a premium look

MSRP: $2,199

Weight: 81lb  |   Load Capacity: 440lb  |   Range: 50 miles |   Battery: 720Wh   |   Motor: 750W hub

• Shimano Tourney 7-speed
• 750W hub-drive motor
• Tektro hydraulic disc brakes

Aventon is a new entrant into the cargo bike market, having developed a reputation amongst the e-bike community for producing affordable and reliable models.

The Abound is Aventons’s answer to the growing demand for this style of e-bike. It has almost everything you need as sold, just add a couple of cargo-carrying accessories, and you have the perfect car replacement. 

It uses a large 750W hub motor and a 720Wh battery to deliver up to 50 miles of range. This bike is perfect for adding a child passenger seat. This turns the rear platform into a comfortable seat for the kids while still having the option to add a front rack. 

Seven gears are available via a basic Tourney drivetrain from Shimano – a cheap piece of equipment often seen on electric bikes in this price range. Combined with the powerful motor, you’ll have no trouble cycling up hills while fully loaded. Aventon didn’t scrimp on the brakes either, with Tektro hydraulic discs providing rock-solid stopping at speed or on downhills.

Overall, the Aventon Abound is a solid electric cargo bike for those who want performance, versatility, and value.

Buy from Aventon

5. Benno RemiDemi 10D

Electric cargo bike equipped for the long haul

MSRP: $4,099

Weight: 65 lbs   |   Load Capacity: 400lbs   |   Range: 25-70mi   |   Battery: 400Wh   |   Motor: 250W mid-drive

• 4130 Chromoly steel
• Hauls heavy cargo up to 400 lbs
• Shimano BR-MT200 hydraulic disc brakes
• Bosch Performance Sport 65Nm mid-drive motor

Benno is a popular manufacturer of cargo bikes for city commuters and urban riders, including this innovative compact model.

The RemiDemi 10D Sport electric cargo bike runs on 20″ wheels with massive 4.25″ Duro fat tires. It can carry up to 400 lbs of cargo on its compact rear rack or fit a range of accessories or a kids’ seat. Therefore, it is the ideal choice for a young family that does lots of grocery shopping. 

This model is powered by a dedicated Bosch Performance Sport mid-drive motor that provides 65Nm of torque and a 400Wh battery that delivers 25-75 miles of pedal-assist range. 

It also boasts a Shimano Acera/Sora 9-speed drivetrain as well as Shimano BR-MT200 hydraulic disc brakes. 

At 65lbs, it’s not the lightest electric cargo bike around but considering that it can carry 400 lbs, it’s understandable. It also fits a Thule Yepp Maxi child seat without needing an adapter, making it super practical for school trips.

Buy from REI.com

6. Specialized Globe Haul LT

MSRP: $3,500

Weight: 88 lb, 3.0 oz   |   Load Capacity: 440 lbs   |   Range: 60mi   |   Battery: 772 Wh   |   Motor: 700W

• microSHIFT Advent, 9-speed
• Tektro HD-T535, 4 piston hydraulic disc brakes

The Specialized Globe Haul LT electric cargo bike is another affordable option, with a full-size longtail aluminum frame, 20″ wheels, and space for two extra passengers. This makes it the ideal child-carrying vehicle. The rear rack can be fitted with several attachments, from child seats to baskets.

The 3.5″ puncture-resistant tires have plenty of cushion for bumpy roads and light dirt trails. The Globe Haul LT gets its power from a 700W hub motor and a 772 Wh battery, providing speeds up to 28 mph and ranges up to 60 miles. 

Even when fully loaded, this powerful motor has no trouble climbing hills and the hydraulic disc brakes make short work of stopping.

This Specialized cargo e-bike has a decent load capacity of 440lb, including up to 176 lb of cargo on the rear rack. This makes it the perfect electric delivery bike for businesses that sell large goods or for commuting to school with children.

Buy from Specialized Bikes

7. Benno Boost E 10D

Nimble City Cargo Bike

MSRP: $5,499

Weight: 65 lb   |   Load Capacity: 130 lb (rear rack)   |   Range: 30-75 mi   |   Battery: 500 Wh   |   Motor: 250W

• Bosch Performance Speed 250W motor
• 6061 aluminum frame
• 24 x 2.6 in. custom tires
• Dual battery function
• Supernova Mini 2 front and E3 rear lights

Benno Boost E 10D is a nimble and fun city cargo bike built for quick school trips and grocery shopping adventures. It has a lower carrying capacity than all other bikes on this list, but it boasts a long range and great riding performance. 

This bike uses 24″ wheels combined with wide 2.6″ tires, which makes it easy to load cargo onto the rear rack or lift kids in and out of the child seat. With the addition of a powerful motor, this rear-rack electric cargo bike can haul 2 children or a total of 130 lb of cargo.

For plumbers, mechanics, or contractors, it’s the perfect electric utility bike to beat the traffic, save on fuel, and help the environment. Like most other cargo tricycles, you get a solid front rack or box built from tough materials and boost its carrying capacity.

The Benno Boost E 10D cargo bike uses a Shimano Deore 10-speed drivetrain supported by a 250W Bosch Performance Speed motor running off a massive 500 Wh battery. The battery charges in 7.5 hours and will last up to 75 miles on a single charge, but thanks to the dual battery capability, you can extend the range even more.

With integrated front and rear lighting, a kickstand, and strong brakes, Benno Boost is ready to go on a long city adventure.

Buy from REI

8. Lectric XPedition

MSRP: $1,399

Weight: 68 lbs  |   Load Capacity: 450 lbs   |   Range: 75 mi |   Battery: 672Wh   |   Motor: 750W

Lectric is a popular manufacturer of folding electric bicycles with highly-competitive pricing. Their new XPedition makes life convenient for cyclists with cargo or child passengers, thanks to its high power, range, and payload capacity. 

Rather than getting stuck in traffic, the Lectric XPedition electric cargo bike will ensure that you and everything you need will arrive on time. You’ll get a strong 750W hub motor pumping out 85Nm of torque and handling up to 450 lbs of weight.

Hydraulic disc brakes with 180mm rotors sort out the braking on this cheap cargo e-bike but a basic Shimano 7-speed drivetrain that will lose performance quickly. This bike has integrated LED lights with a built-in dual kickstand and removable battery, so you have everything you need upon delivery.

finally, this e-bike features space for your kid on the extra-long rear rack and can be fitted with a wide variety of accessories for carrying cargo and passengers.

Buy from LectricEbikes.com

9. Tern HSD P9

Compact cargo bike optimized for convenience

MSRP: $3,699

Weight: 58.5 lb  |   Load Capacity: 374 lb  |   Range: 26-69mi   |   Battery: 400Wh   |   Motor: 250W mid-drive, 50Nm Torque

• Aluminum frame
• Shimano Alivio 9-speed
• Shimano hydraulic disc brakes
• Suitable for riders 4’11″-6’5″
  

The Tern HSD P9 is a compact cargo e-bike packed with tons of features and versatility.

This model is highly customizable so that you can adapt it to fit whatever you’re carrying on a specific day. It comes with a long rear rack so you can fit a mix of cargo for a payload of up to 374 lb.

To make it safe for travel, the HSD P9 has Shimano hydraulic disc brakes and stable Schwalbe Big Apple 2.2″ tires. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have a heavy-duty V-shaped kickstand, just a regular single-leg stand. 

For power, you can rely on a Bosch Active Line motor and a 400Wh battery for up to 69 miles. However, this is underpowered for tackling hills. Finally, integrated LED lights make this bike safe to use in the city out of the box. 

Buy from TernBicycles.com

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About the Author

Mark Hartley

Mark is a cycling enthusiast and freelance writer specializing in travel and technology. He has traveled to 56 countries worldwide, cycling through Africa and Europe. You can contact him on Twitter @splshrollstmble. Mark is behind most of the current bicycle reviews in Bikexchange today. You can check his journeys @splashrollstumble. Specializes in best-of reviews, bike brand reviews, bicycle reviews.