10 Best Electric Cargo Bikes for Families and Businesses in 2023
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 2023!
Best Electric Cargo Bikes of 2023
1. Tern GSD S10
2. Rad Power Bikes RadWagon 4
3. Momentum PakYak E+
4. Benno RemiDemi 10D Sport
5. Lectric XPremium (+cargo package)
6. Surly Big Easy
7. Benno Boost E 10D
8. Lectric XPedition
9. Urban Arrow Cargo
10. Yuba Kombi E5
1. 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.
2. Rad Power Bikes RadWagon 4
Best value electric cargo bike of 2023
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.
Rad Power Bikes Brand Review: All You Need to Know
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.
3. Momentum PakYak E+
Premium e-cargo bike with all the add-ons
MSRP: $4,900
Weight: 79lbs | Load Capacity: 361lbs | Range: 60 miles (120miles extended) | Battery: 500Wh | Motor: SyncDrive Pro
- Shimano Nexus 5-Speed
- 80Nm torque/250W mid-drive motor
- Tektro HD-E737 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes
Momentum is a lesser-known yet trusted cargo bike brand as a subsidiary of Giant. Giant’s high-quality ALUXX alloy frame is renowned amongst the cycling community and the perfect addition to a cargo e-bike.
The PakYak E+ is Momentum’s answer to a longtail electric cargo bike and has everything you need as sold. It uses Yamaha’s most efficient SyncDrive Pro mid-drive motor and an EnergyPak 500Wh battery to deliver 80Nm of torque and up to 60 miles of range.
This bike is perfect for adding a child passenger seat as it works with Thule’s Yepp seat without any mounts. This turns the rear platform into a comfortable seat for the kids while still making space for other cargo on the integrated front platform.
Overview of Surly Bikes
Five gears are available via an excellent Nexus internal hub from Shimano – an impressive piece of equipment not often seen on electric bikes. In combination with the punchy motor, this means you’ll have no trouble cycling up steep hills while fully loaded. Momentum doesn’t scrimp on the brakes either, with 4-piston Tektro hydraulic discs, providing rock-solid stopping at speed or on downhills thanks to the 203mm rotors.
The PakYak eBike comes in one size with a limited rider height of 5’2″ to 6’2″. Finished off with top-quality components like Maxxis Hook Worm, 24×2.5″ tires, and a 40mm travel suspension dropper.
You can understand why the price tag on this bike is considerable. It’s a truly world-class electric cargo bike for those who want nothing less than the best.
4. 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.
5. Lectric XPedition
MSRP: $1,399 – $1,699
Weight: 75 lb | Load Capacity: 450 lbs | Range: Up to 150mi | Battery: 672 Wh (x2 optional) | Motor: 750W
- Aluminum frame
- 1 or 2 672 Wh batteries
- 7-Speed drivetrain
- Hydraulic disc brakes
At $1,399 to $1,699, the Lectric XPedition e-bike is an excellent option for a wide range of riders. The Xpedition comes with a 750W rear hub motor, one or two 672Wh batteries, a 7-speed drivetrain, and hydraulic disc brakes. The large handlebar-mounted display clearly shows all the information you need, including battery life, speedometer, trip meter, and odometer.
The 20″ wheels are the ideal size for cargo bike requirements and come fitted with thick 3″ fat tires for all-terrain comfort and traction.
The cargo area consists of a rear rack that holds up to 300 lb of weight, though the bike has a 450 lb total load carrying capacity. This means you can easily transport two kids on the rear rack or load it with more groceries than you can eat in a month.
The 1344 Wh of energy with dual batteries allows you to ride this electric cargo bicycle for a max of 150 miles on a single charge. The Lectric Xpedition comes in only one size but with adjustable handlebars and telescoping seat post, making it suitable for a range of riders.
6. Surly Big Easy
MSRP: $5,249
Weight: 67.4 lbs | Load Capacity: 400 lbs | Range: 80mi | Battery: 500Wh | Motor: 250W
- 11-speed SRAM GX
- Tektro Orion 4-Piston HD-M745 hydraulic disc brakes
The Surly Big Easy electric cargo bike is larger than most cargo ebikes, with a full-size longtail steel frame, 26″ 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 Surly ExtraTerrestrial 26×2.5″ tires are thick, tubeless-ready, and have plenty of tread for tackling gravel paths. The Big Easy gets its power from a 250W, 85Nm Bosch Performance Line CX motor and 500Wh battery. Support it with an 11-speed SRAM GX drivetrain, providing speeds up to 20 mph (32km/h).
Even when fully loaded, this powerful motor has no trouble climbing hills and the Tektro 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes make short work of stopping on downhills.
This Surly cargo bikehas a decent load capacity of 400lbs including rider and cargo (200lbs on the rack). This makes it the perfect electric delivery bike for businesses that sell large goods or for commuting to schoool with children.
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.
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.
9. Urban Arrow Cargo
MSRP: $8,000
Weight: 112lbs | Load Capacity: 550lbs | Range: 31mi average | Battery: 500Wh | Motor: 250W
- Tires: 26″ (r) 20″ (f) x 2.45″
- Motor: Bosch Cargo Line, 85Nm, 400% assistance
The Urban Arrow Cargo model is a high-end, high-performance cargo bike fully equipped for any job.
Urban Arrow cargo bikes are designed as the perfect replacement for a car, perfect for urban and rural riding. You can two kids along on a ride or to school, using pre-installed safety straps, or fill the box with cargo while you run errands around town.
The Cargo handles excellently for a large, heavy bike. It has a low center of gravity, stable geometry, and wide, grippy tires to keep you safe and confident while zipping around.
Its Bosch Cargo Line 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 a measly max range of 31 miles.
This bike is compatible with a range of other accessories from Urban Arrow, so you can further personalize the bike to match your needs. Consider this premium e-bike if you have a big budget or want something as to replace the car.
10. Yuba Kombi E5
Compact cargo bike optimized for convenience
MSRP: $3,300
Weight: 65 lbs | Load Capacity: 440 lbs | Range: 25-40mi | Battery: 418Wh | Motor: 250W rear hub, 40Nm Torque
- Chromoly steel frame
- Shimano Alivio 9-speed
- Shimano Alivio hydraulic brakes
- Suitable for riders 5’0″-6’6″
The Yuba Kombi E5 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 440 lbs.
To make it safe for travel, the Kombi E5 has Shimano hydraulic disc brakes and stable 2.5″ Maxxis Hookworm tires. Additionally, it has a heavy-duty v-shaped kickstand for stability when you dismount.
For power, you can rely on a Shimano STEP E5000 motor and a 418Wh battery for up to 40 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.
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What are your thoughts on the Blix Packa Genie? It seems to outperform the Rad Powerwagon for carrying capacity and range for a similar price point.
Hey Jason, the Packa Genie does outperform the RadWagon as it has two batteries (so double the range) and it also comes with hydraulic disc brakes, even through both are priced similarly.
Just about all bikes I see just don’t have near the range. All e-bikes should have a 150 mile rated range (100 real use’.
Hey Fred, that’s a good point, but that’s actually more than most people ride weekly. For most people, up to 60-miles is more than enough. Plus, getting that much range out of batteries means they have to be very heavy, which makes the ebike more difficult to handle or lift. Cheers!
When you say 60 miles, that means rated. That generally translates to 30 to 40 real usage…not enough. Regardless, there is nothing worse than running out of juice. Hub motors don’t spin well on their own. I owned an e-bike years ago and concluded that it’s worthless for tough errands. Batteries have come a ways and bike makers are waking up and offering dual batteries. I’m considering another go at it. I stand by my previous comment. Range must be beyond ample!
Great reviews, thank you. Would love to see your thoughts on the Xtracycle models. Looks like no reviews on any of these at the moment.
Thanks, Connor! We’ll definitely look into Xtracycle’s models.