The Best Electric Cargo Bikes of 2024 (2024)

• Class3
• Motor700W rear hub
• Battery size772Wh
• Wheel x Tire size20” x 3.5”
• Weight88 lbs., 3 oz.
• Length53.4 inches, wheelbase
• Carrying capacity441 lbs.
• Range (claimed)60 miles

• Large carrying capacity
• Can haul three kids comfortably
• Has throttle for easier stop and go riding
• Fits multiple sized riders

• Long for even a longtail cargo bike
• Heavy
• No integrated lock

The Specialized Globe Haul LT’s ($3,500) versatility instantly enamored our tester’s family. LT stands for long tail, and this bike can comfortably transport up to three passengers and/or cargo with a 441-pound total weight capacity. During a delightful trip to the local river beach, the Globe Haul LT easily accommodated a rider, two children, a full set of towels, sand toys, and a picnic dinner, all while ensuring a safe and enjoyable ride.

Even with a full passenger load and gear, the bike handles well, making it a reliable choice for daily use. The Globe Haul LT offers a remarkably smooth ride. The user-friendly experience extended to its adjustability, accommodating riders of different heights. Whether a 4’10” or 6’4″ rider, the easy-to-adjust telescoping seatpost, and quill stem make this bike accessible and enjoyable for people of varying sizes.

Safety is paramount, especially during late rides with precious cargo. Our tester often rode in the dark with her kids, especially during the fall months. The bike’s 1,500-lumen light with three different modes provided excellent visibility, ensuring that motorists see you and you can see easily too.

Our lead tester is usually not a huge fan of the apps that come with e-bikes, but she found the Globe app extremely helpful and easy to set up. After just a couple of minutes, she was able to adjust the light setting and “locked” the bike outside the grocery store.

While the Specialized Globe Haul LT occupies a slightly larger garage space than traditional e-bikes, its unparalleled carrying capacity and robust 700W rear hub motor with throttle made up for it. With a top speed of 28 mph, reaching destinations quickly was no problem and the throttle added extra safety and confidence, especially when tackling hills or navigating stop-and-go riding environments.

The Globe Haul LT can be sent to a dealer for assembly and delivery or directly to the buyer and built by a Specialized mechanic at no extra cost. Additionally, when the battery reaches the end of its life, you can drop it off at a Specialized dealer for $15, and they will recycle it in an environmentally friendly way.

At a price tag of $3,500, the Globe Haul LT isn’t exactly inexpensive, but it comes equipped with quality components, a rear rack, a durable and easy-to-use double kickstand, fenders, and integrated lights. The add-on accessories our tester enjoyed on our test model were the passenger seat ($60), the rear wheel cover ($40), the adjustable cargo rail ($275), and the Cool Cave Pannier ($60). She feels these are all worthy additions to help carry everyone and everything for a full day of family adventure.

If the LT version of the Globe Haul seems too big for your needs, Specialized also makes the Globe Haul ST ($2,800), which is essentially the same bike with a shorter cargo rack and a 419-pound weight capacity.

Check Price At Specialized

• Class2 or 3 (can be changed in settings)
• Motor750W rear hub
• Battery Size672Wh (or 1,344Wh with dual battery)
• Wheel x Tire size20” x 3”
• WeightSingle battery: 68 lbs., Dual battery: 75 lbs.
• Length72 inches
• Carrying capacity450 lbs. total
• Range (claimed)Single battery: up to 75 miles, Dual battery: up to 150 miles

• Affordable
• No assembly required
• Dual battery option for massive range
• Comes with accessories that other brands charge extra for
• Large range of fit

• Handling can feel a bit twitchy at times
• Heavy with dual battery and accessories installed

Lectric made a name for itself a few years back by selling its popular XP folding electric bikes at super affordable prices. The brand has since expanded the lineup to include several other models, including the XPedition Cargo Bike, but what hasn’t expanded is the prices. And, while there are many good values in the electric cargo bike market these days, the Lectric XPedition ($1,880 single battery or $2,104 dual battery) makes a very strong argument for being the best. Not only is it priced lower than other “budget” models, but it comes with a handful of useful accessories that most other brands charge extra for, and it can often be found on sale for less than the retail price.

Lectric sells directly to the consumer, and our test bike arrived in a very large box. Fortunately, there is virtually no assembly required to get it up and running. Simply slide the bike out of the box, remove the packing materials, fold the handlebar up, lock it in position, and insert the pedals into the fittings on the cranks.

It took our tester about 10 minutes total to set up the XPedition, and it didn’t require any tools other than something to cut a few zip ties. Should you choose to install the included accessories, however, you’ll need some tools and a little time to attach the Orbitor and frame bag, but it’s pretty straightforward.

Once you’re set up with the desired accessories, the XPedition is a serious cargo-carrying machine. The bike is rated to handle up to 450 lbs. of total weight, 300 of which can be supported on the rear rack. You can potentially bring a passenger (or two) seated on the rear rack — with the included pads, Orbitor bar, and running boards — or load up the Orbitor bag with groceries or things picked up on errand runs.

And with a powerful 750W rear hub motor and five levels of pedal assist, the XPedition happily chugs along at 20 mph whether you’re putting in some pedaling effort or just twisting the throttle. It comes set up as class 2, but it can easily be configured as a class 3 bike with a top pedal-assisted speed of 28 mph by making some changes through the console.

The Xpedition can be purchased with a single 672Wh battery or with a second battery for a couple of hundred bucks more. The single battery on its own provides a pretty impressive range — Lectric claims up to 75 miles but that’s pretty wishful thinking — we easily did 25 miles using varying levels of pedal assist and throttle with plenty of juice to spare. The dual battery option nets you a whopping 1,344Wh of capacity and should be more than enough to handle all-day adventures or go several trips between charges.

Like similar bikes, the Xpedition is big and heavy, so it didn’t surprise us that it has a smooth and damp ride. And, despite its size, it remains pretty maneuverable. The only real handling quirk we noticed is that the 20″ wheels and tall handlebar can feel a tiny bit twitchy at times, though the same is true of other models.

Beyond that, we enjoyed the stopping power of the hydraulic disc brakes and features like fenders and front and rear lights that ensure you’re ready for changing light and weather conditions. The telescoping seatpost and adjustable handlebar also ensure that switching between riders is quick and easy with a claimed rider height range of 4’11” to 6’5″.

So, if you’re in the market for a well-equipped cargo e-bike that won’t drain your bank account, the Lectric XPedition is the best value we’ve found. This bike performs alongside many more expensive models while beating them in the ever-important metric of price.

Check Price at Lectric e-Bikes

• Class1
• Motor75 Nm Bosch Performance mid-drive
• Battery size545Wh
• Wheel x Tire size20" x 2.15"
• Weight61.5 lbs.
• Length65 inches
• Carrying capacity397 lbs.
• Range (claimed)76 miles

• Large carrying capacity
• Breaks down and folds quickly
• Fits into small spaces
• Has an integrated lock

• Expensive
• Cannot carry passenger

When it comes to commuter and mini e-cargo bikes, the Tern HSD P5i ($4,599) stands out as a mighty and compact marvel. It’s designed to fit into smaller spaces effortlessly and easily navigate office hallways, subways, buses, and apartment elevators. Our tester was particularly impressed by its ability to discreetly blend into her gear-filled garage while boasting an impressive carrying capacity of 397 pounds, accommodating both her and significant loads for her business ventures.

Throughout a rigorous 5-week test, our tester rode the HSD P5i daily, averaging 15 miles a day. This included kids’ play date drops and pick-ups, grocery runs, product deliveries, and more. She immediately noticed the near-silent and smooth operation of the maintenance-free Gates CDX belt drive and equally noiseless Shimano Nexus INTER-5E internally geared hub. The class 1 Bosch Performance line motor amplified the quiet efficiency, providing up to a 340% increase in pedaling power with its impressive 75Nm of torque and ultra-smooth pedal assistance.

The riding experience on the HSD P5i resembles gliding on a nimble, sleek commuter bike, owing to its shorter size and resultant low center of gravity. A front suspension fork and an elongated wheelbase smoothed out what could have been a rough ride due to the smaller wheel size and narrower tires.

Storage and size adjustments are a breeze, taking just 2 minutes to fold down the handlebar and stem for easier stowing in a car, garage, or apartment. Similarly, adjusting the seat post was quick and easy, accommodating a wide range of rider sizes.

With an exceptional claimed range of up to 76 miles, our tester logged four or five rides before needing a charge. A favorite feature is the well-placed charging port on the top tube — exceptionally convenient and straightforward. Many bikes have awkwardly located ports near the chain and cranks that can soil hands. This is a good example of precision and attention to detail embedded in Tern’s German engineering.

The HSD P5i also boasts an intuitive eBike Flow App and an integrated lock, adding layers of convenience. The app allows for virtual bike locking and offers various useful functions, from system updates to customizable riding modes.

While the Tern HSD P5i has a relatively high price tag of $4,599, its ability to carry a staggering 397 pounds of cargo with such a small frame sets it apart. The HSD P5i isn’t just a bike — it’s a multifaceted transport solution and more.

$4,599 at REICheck Price at Tern

• Class2
• Motor500W rear hub
• Battery size614Wh
• Wheel x Tire sizerear: 24” x 2”, front: 20” x 2.15”
• Weight152 lbs.
• Length83 inches
• Carrying capacity350 lbs.
• Range (claimed)20-30 miles

• Comes fully assembled
• Has a secure lockbox
• Durable, flat-resistant tires
• Can haul up to 4 kids

• Heavy
• Hard to back up
• Takes up a lot of storage space
• Handling takes some getting used to

The Bunch Original 4.0 is a crowd-stopping, front-loading trike ($5,399) that gets high points for its family-friendly design, cargo capacity, and ease of assembly. In fact, it arrived at our tester’s house fully assembled. All she had to do was remove the packaging and adjust the seat and it was ready to go. We actually tested the 3.0 version, and while it looks nearly identical, the 4.0 comes with more powerful brakes, an upgraded power delivery system, and a brighter headlight that makes it even better.

The standout feature of the Bunch bike is the big cargo box that fits up to four kids and comes with comfortable cushions and easy-to-use shoulder retention straps. It can handle a maximum of 220 pounds in the box and up to 350 pounds total on the bike.

In the span of a few weeks, our tester took it out with all combinations of cargo — a dog and two kids, three kids and a cooler full of snacks, and even a week’s worth of groceries. The 2-year-old loved it because he was up high and could chat with his friend across from him.

The bike had additional add-ons like a rain cover and a sunshade, which the kiddos and dog appreciated when it was hot and sunny or the weather turned ugly. Unlike other cargo bikes where securing cargo can be tricky, the Bunch front box has a lockable under-storage box that easily fits a purse, computer, and other smaller valuables.

The components aren’t of the highest quality possible, but the combination of the Shimano Tourney 7-speed drivetrain and the 500W geared Dapu Hub motor created a smooth shifting and pedaling experience. And, the easy-to-charge 614Wh battery kept us motoring around town for almost 25 miles before needing a recharge.

The standover design and easy-to-adjust seat fit a wide range of sizes. Our tester is barely 5’1″, and she rode it as comfortably as her 6′ tall stepdad. The control panel was also very intuitive, making it easy to turn the headlight on and view speed and battery life.

The Bunch bike is not for the person who wants to get to where they’re going quickly. While the motor will assist up to 20 mph, it comes with a factory-set max of 15 mph (this is easily changed via the settings). And because it’s a trike, it rides a bit differently and the handling can feel a bit unstable at higher speeds. This is especially noticeable in corners, as the rider cannot lean the bike. So we’d recommend keeping that 15 mph limit for a while until you learn the limitations.

Think of this bike as more of a “take it easy and enjoy the sights” kind of rig. In that regard, the Bunch Original 4.0 shines and we found that it’s a super fun experience to share with kids. At $5,399, it isn’t cheap, but the smiles and good times are priceless.

Check Price At Bunch

• Class1
• MotorBosch Active line mid-drive
• Battery size400Wh
• Wheel x Tire size20 x 2.15”
• Weight57 lbs.
• Length67 inches
• Carrying capacity375 lbs.
• Range (claimed)69 miles

• Lightweight
• Carries large load while being small
• Folds to fit into small areas

• Pricey for what it is
• Can only haul one child

The Tern P9 HSD ($3,699) is the younger sibling to the dual-battery GSD model. Where the GSD is longer and heavier, the HSD is more compact, much lighter, and has less carrying capacity. The P9 HSD fits into many different e-bike categories.

With one wheel in the commuting realm and one in the cargo category, this bike can wear many hats, depending on the rider. We turned it into a kid, gear, and grocery hauler. However, Tern has many different configuration options on its site for carrying cargo. With a 45-inch wheelbase, 67-inch length, and just under 57 pounds, this bike is the lightest and most compact e-cargo bike we have tested yet.

Tern is known for its easily storable bikes that fit many different riders on a single frame. The HSD fit both our 5′1″ tester and her 6’1″ stepfather, thanks to an easy-to-adjust co*ckpit. Unlike some other larger electric cargo bikes, this bike is nimble and easy to maneuver. With a custom Suntour suspension fork, it made the bumpy roads a bit more enjoyable for both the tester and the passenger.

The Bosch Powerpack 400Wh battery and Bosch Active Line Plus motor helped our tester and her five-year-old son get a ton of farmer’s market goodies around town. And thanks to its 375-pound carrying capacity, there was no shortage of hauling ability.

With a range of 69 miles, she never had to worry about running out of battery, even after a full day of back-and-forth commuting. While the mid-drive motor system undoubtedly provides super smooth power delivery and assisted speeds up to 20 mph, it also means it doesn’t have a throttle, which can be helpful for stop-and-go type riding.

The Tern P9 HSD features integrated lights, fenders, and a double-sided kickstand for easy on and off for cargo and passengers. The folding handlebar is also useful for minimizing the bike’s size for storage.

Overall, this little bike packs a powerful punch, albeit it is pricey for what it is. It is easy to store (as with all Terns, it can be stored vertically), hauls everything from gear to dogs to one kid, and is surprisingly light compared to other e-cargo bikes. It’s also fun to ride!

Check Price At Tern

• Class2
• Motor750W rear hub
• Battery size672Wh
• Wheel x Tire size22” x 3”
• Weight76.7 lb.
• Length78.7 inches
• Carrying capacity350 lbs.
• Range (claimed)45 miles

• Affordable
• Reliable
• Lots of available accessories

• Heavy
• Lower carrying capacity than other electric cargo bikes

The Rad Power RadWagon is one of the most popular electric cargo bikes on the market, and for good reason. Rad Power has great marketing, and the brand has always done a great job of selling its bikes at competitive prices and making them accessible to more consumers. And, the wealth of accessories they offer makes it easy to customize your RadWagon to your specific cargo-carrying needs.

Rad Power recently launched the updated RadWagon 5 ($2,199), which isn’t available yet, but we will be testing and reviewing it soon. They still offer the RadWagon 4 and are selling it at a discounted price of $1,799 (down from $1,999). While it is still an investment, it’s one of the most affordable options we’ve found. Although it may lack some of the weight capacity and extras of other bikes on this list, it’s a solid contender and a great ride for most people.

The 750W geared-hub motor provides plenty of power, even when loaded up to the max 350-pound payload. It has five pedal assist levels, and we found it very easy to change between modes and get up to the top pedal-assisted and throttle speed of 20 mph.

Weighing in at nearly 77 pounds, our smaller testers were worried it would feel unmanageable. For riders of all sizes, however, it rode smoothly and never felt overly heavy. The 22 x 3-inch custom tires feel super smooth while keeping the ride low and stable. It’s worth noting that these unusual tire sizes can be hard to find in local bike shops. It’s not a bad idea to have a spare on hand, just in case (Rad Power sells them).

Like other electric cargo bikes, the Rad Power Bikes RadWagon 4 has integrated lights, so you won’t have to worry about forgetting your bike light at home. And the double-leg kickstand provided enough stability to load and unload wiggly children. For those seeking to trick out their ride, Rad Power sells every accessory imaginable to carry kids and other cargo.

The battery for this bike charged quickly, and we easily got 30-45 miles of travel, even when loaded down and traveling across hilly terrain. The RadWagon 4 continues to be a quality electric cargo bike at an excellent price. And, we’ll be testing the RadWagon 5 as soon as its available, and we’ll update this guide when we do.

Check Price At Rad Power Bikes

• Class1
• Weight76 lbs. (claimed)
• MotorShimano Steps E7000 mid-drive
• Battery size500Wh
• Wheel x Tire size20" x 2.4"
• Length74 inches
• Carrying Capacity440 lbs. total
• Rangenot specified

• The tool-free convertible rack system is super usable and convenient
• Stands up on end for storage
• Good power for intended use
• Great looking

• Front rack in stock form could be inadequate for larger or heavier loads
• Expensive
• No throttle, limited to 20mph

Since our cargo-carrying needs change, the Yuba FastRack ($4,000) provides an ingenious convertible rack system that can change with them. Yuba’s Dual Rack System (DRS) uses quick-release levers to quickly and easily convert into four unique modes — flatbed, cargo, side-loader for passengers, and compact for storage — with no tools required. No other bike that we’ve tested can so seamlessly adapt to your ever-changing needs.

On top of providing quick and easy changes for the configuration of the rear cargo rack, the Yuba FastRack also comes equipped with a front cargo rack. It has a claimed maximum weight limit of 440 pounds, so it should be able to haul you and whatever else you’re trying to haul with ease.

Our tester loved the ability to quickly adapt the rear rack to his needs, whether that was cruising around with a friend on board or loading up with supplies from the store. It’s also compatible with many of Yuba’s extensive collection of add-on accessories, so you can further customize it to your needs.

But ease of cargo hauling isn’t the only thing the FastRack has going for it. This is a seriously nice bike that’s equipped with great components and an excellent motor system. It comes with a mid-drive Shimano Steps E7000 motor that provides 60 Nm of torque and super smooth power delivery to cruise along at its top pedal-assisted speed of 20 mph. Given that it doesn’t have a throttle, the 500Wh battery provides plenty of juice to assist your pedaling effort, and we easily got 45 miles of range on rolling terrain using mostly Eco and Boost modes.

It’s also a smooth ride that feels stable and damp due in large part to the bike’s length and weight. The suspension fork also works wonders here to take the edge off cracks and bumps in the road. The rest of the component specification is also quite nice.

The Shimano Deore drivetrain is a step up from what you get on most similar bikes, and the Magura hydraulic disc brakes with oversized rotors provide plenty of stopping power for cruising with heavy loads. It also comes with front and rear lights and fenders to ensure you’re ready for anything.

Another great feature of the Yuba FastRack is its storability. Sure, it’s a heavy and long bike, but its designed to be tipped up on its end, and with the handlebar turned it takes up very little storage space. This makes it a viable option for apartment dwellers or those with limited storage, compared to models that don’t have this feature.

At $4,000, the Yuba FastRack is on the more expensive side of the price spectrum, but it’s a top-quality electric cargo bike with high-end components and a great ride. The Dual Rack System is arguably its biggest selling point, making it a great option for anyone with constantly changing cargo-carrying needs.

Read review: Yuba FastRack Review: Cargo E-Bike Converts for Passengers, Gear

Check Price at Mike's Bikes

• Class1 or 3 options available
• MotorShimano Steps EP6 mid-drive
• Battery Size630Wh
• Wheel x Tire sizefront: 26" x 2.4", rear: 20" x 2.4"
• Weight62.9 lbs.
• Length83 inches
• Carrying capacity470 lbs.
• Range (claimed)30 – 60 miles

• High weight capacity
• Stable
• 30” long rear rack
• Lighter weight than most
• Swappable components
• Comes with some accessories

• Pricey
• Proprietary battery plug
• Limited color options
• Geared to climb/haul over speed

The Xtracycle Swoop 2.0 is the recently updated version of the Swoop electric cargo bike. It stands out for its stellar handling, stability, high weight limit, extra long tail, and the reasonable weight of the bike itself. It is sold in two configurations — as a class 1 ($4,499) with a top speed of 20 mph or class 3 ($5,499) with a top speed of 28 mph. We tested the latter and came away very impressed by its cargo-carrying capability and all-around performance.

The Swoop is named for its low-slung, swooping step-through frame design. This gives it a very low standover height and makes it easy to mount. Like many other cargo e-bikes, it fits a claimed rider height range of 4’11” to 6’7″ (although some slight modification to the seatpost or handlebar may be needed for those on the extremes). Our 5’9″ to 5’11” testers found it to be perfectly comfortable at all times.

When it comes to hauling cargo, the Xtracycle Swoop is a standout. With 470 pounds total weight capacity and an extra-long 30-inch rear rack, it outdoes most of the other long-tail models by a slight margin. In fact, Xtracycle even shows it loaded up with three kids on the back on its website.

Our tester used the Magic Carpet ($75) seat pads and Half Hooptie ($240) railing add-ons and could easily transport his 6- and 9-year-old kids to and from school with their backpacks loaded up in the front rack with the PorterPack ($150) cargo bag. It even comes with the U-Tube footrests and a set of FreeLoader Too collapsible cargo bags, and Xtracycle also sells a variety of other options, too.

Like a few other models we’ve tested, the Xtracycle Swoop 2.0 has a small, 20-inch rear wheel paired with a larger 26-inch front wheel. The smaller wheel in the back allows the cargo rack to be positioned lower for better cargo weight distribution, while the larger front wheel provides a steadier handling feel. Our tester noted just how smooth and predictable the handling was, along with powerful four-piston hydraulic disc brakes that provided confident stopping power for hauling heavy loads.

We tested the class 3 version of the Swoop and the mid-drive Shimano Steps EP6 motor provided smooth, quiet, and strong (85 Nm of torque) power delivery for pedal-assisted speeds up to 28 mph. The 630Wh battery lasted for around 40 miles of daily trips loaded up with the kids before needing to be recharged. And, at 62.9 pounds (without add-on accessories), it’s lighter than most electric cargo bikes, particularly for its size and weight capacity.

While the class 3 Xtracycle Swoop 2.0 is fairly expensive at $5,499, it is a top-quality cargo e-bike that could easily replace your car for family outings. And, you could save $1,000 by going with the Class 2 version if 20 mph sounds fast enough for you.

Read review: Weigh It Down, Zap Around: Xtracycle Swoop 2.0 Cargo E-Bike Review

Check Price at Xtracycle

• Class2 or 3 (can be changed in settings)
• Motor750W rear hub
• Battery size691Wh
• Wheel x Tire sizefront: 26” x 2.4”, rear: 20” x 3”
• Weight75 lbs.
• Length82 inches
• Carrying capacity440 lbs.
• Range (claimed)52 miles pedal-assist, 45 miles throttle-only

• Good carrying capacity
• Easy assembly
• Stable ride when loaded
• Extremely versatile rear cargo area

• Bars felt narrow for how long and heavy the bike is
• Power cuts in abruptly
• Tires only good for paved surfaces

Our cycling editor used the Velotric Packer 1 ($1,999) for chores around his rural home in central Texas. From getting the mail 2+ miles down a dirt road to hauling tools and supplies all over his property, the Packer 1 was a workhorse. The large rear and smaller front basket held plenty of items for his purposes, and the 750W (1,200W peak) motor provided plenty of oomph, even up steep hills.

The 80 mm travel front suspension fork damps smaller bumps adequately and the larger 26-inch front wheel provides a steady handling feel. That larger front wheel is paired with a smaller, 20-inch rear wheel that helps keep the weight of the cargo rack lower for better balance.

The total weight capacity of 440 pounds (176 pounds on the back) is more than enough, and the bike actually feels more stable with a load in the rear basket on dirt roads. Our tester found the stock handlebar felt too narrow on unpaved surfaces for how heavy, long, and loaded down this bike could be.

The Packer 1 comes in class 2 settings with a top pedal-assisted and throttle speed of 20 mph. It can also be unlocked in the settings for a top speed of 25 mph if you prefer. The only real nitpick is that the power cuts abruptly when pedaling, regardless of which of the five assist levels is selected. It isn’t dangerous, just noticeable compared to other e-bikes.

Velotric offers a wide variety of rear seating accessories, accommodating one or two children, with options to be in or out of a safety cage. Although we didn’t test these items, we feel these options would make the bike extremely versatile, especially in urban environments. The large hauling capacity only adds to this versatility. The Velotric Packer 1 also works with Apple Find My, a potentially useful feature in the city.

Notably, Velotric did an excellent job packing this bike for shipment. It was well-protected on all surfaces. The assembly was quick and easy, with clearly marked parts and instructions that were easily understood. However, the real standout attribute is Packer 1’s MSRP of $1999. This represents an incredible value for such a versatile cargo e-bike.

Check Price At Velotric

• Class1
• MotorBosch Cargo line mid-drive
• Battery size500Wh
• Wheel x Tire size26” x 2.4”, 20” x 2.4”
• Weight60 lbs.
• Length72 inches
• Carrying Capacity440 lbs.
• Range (claimed)50 miles

• Rides like a normal bike
• Can fit a wide range of people
• Sturdy
• Smooth power delivery

• Can be hard to store
• On the pricey side

Yuba’s mission is to make bikes that can easily haul kids, gear, and groceries, all while putting a big smile on everyone’s face (bystanders included). Other than its awesome name, we love theSpicy Curry($5,000) for its sturdy, tank-like feel. Even when it’s loaded down and our son is waving side to side on the back, we barely notice.

Yuba sells an impressive range of accessories to outfit the Spicy Curry, and for a little extra money, you can choose different add-ons for the bike depending on your lifestyle. We wanted to make this bike our main one for taking our son to preschool, so we opted to get the adjustableMonkey Bars($200) as well as aYepp Maxi Easy Fit kid seat($259).

Our son loves the combination of the seat and the Monkey Bars. He gets to ride up high so he can see Mom or Dad and can hold on whenever he feels like it. Later, we added the2-Go Cargo Bags($199) andthe Bread Basket($200). This more than doubled our carrying capacity. The frame looked big at first, but after adjusting the co*ckpit and seat to our tester’s 5’1″ height, she was pleasantly surprised at how natural and comfortable it felt. It has easily been the neighborhood’s most widely used bike. It’s simple to adjust the size of the bike, and it fits a wide variety of heights.

The components consist of a Shimano Deore 10-speed adjuster and powerful 4-piston Shimano Disc Brakes — quality components that help define the bike’s side. The large front wheel helps smooth out bumps and ensure stable handling — this bike rides smoothly enough that our passenger regularly fell asleep on the way home from school. It also comes with super useful features like fenders, front and rear lights, and a sturdy two-footed kickstand.

The motor is a very powerful and smooth Bosch Performance CX mid-drive with a 36V 500Wh battery. It has four levels of assist: Eco, Tour, eMTB, and Turbo. All of these are easy to click through on the control panel, which also displays the mileage, range, and speed.

While it doesn’t have a throttle, the power delivery of the Bosch motor is impressively smooth and has a more refined feel than rear hub motors. The Spicy Curry can be purchased as a class 1 (20 mph top speed) or class 3 (28 mph top speed) bike, but the faster model will cost you $600 more.

Given that you have to put some pedaling power into the drivetrain for it to assist, the Spicy Curry has an impressive range for its 500Wh battery size. On a single charge, our tester was able to get up to 55 miles on Eco mode or about 25 on full Turbo mode. The eMTB setting switches between all the modes depending on how the rider is pedaling, and in that mode we were able to ride between 30 and 40 miles.

Again, the Yuba Spicy Curryhas been the most used in our neighborhood of four families. It is easy to adjust, feels most like a regular bike, and can haul up to 440 pounds of total weight. At 60 pounds and 72 inches in length, it’s not the easiest of the bunch to store. But for carrying capacity, range, and ride performance, this is easily one of the best electric cargo bikes money can buy.

Check Price at Yuba

• Class1
• MotorBosch Cargo line mid-drive
• Battery size500Wh (or 1,000Wh with dual battery)
• Wheel x Tire size20" x 2.15"
• Weight70 lbs. (single battery)
• Length72 inches
• Carry capacity440 lbs.
• Range (claimed)62 miles

• Stem/handlebars/seatpost can fold down in 5 seconds, allowing it to fit in many vehicles
• Can carry a ton of gear and people
• Compact for e-bikes

• 20″ wheels can be a little harsh on bumpy ground

Tern Bikes is known for its ingenuity in creating folding bikes. So when the brand came out with the GSD S00 — a cargo bike that was the length of a regular commuter bike and could fold down to fit easily in most midsize SUVs or minivans — many bike commuters (including us) took notice.

The bike is even made to stand vertically on its back rack so that it takes up minimal space when stored inside. For the urban family who lives in an apartment building, people with limited garage space, or anyone who just doesn’t want to deal with a big classic cargo bike, the Tern is a good solution.

Other specs that set the GSD apart are its carrying capacity of 440 pounds and the ability to fit two high-powered Bosch batteries on it. This gives it an impressive claimed range of up to 128 miles. From the Green Guard non-puncture tires to the Gates CDX Belt Drive drivetrain, this bike is clearly made to last and minimize maintenance. Other components like the Magura hydraulic disc brakes scream quality, and included features like super bright lights, finders, and integrated wheel lock earn serious convenience points.

Like the other bikes, you can customize it however you like. We opted to try theClubhouse basket($200), theCargo Hold Panniers($175), and aThule Yepp Maxi child’s seat($220). We were pleased to find out that the Cargo panniers were still usable with the Yepp Maxi seat over top of them. And with the batteries, panniers, and rack all sitting lower than your average bike, the handling and riding experience for both the driver and passenger is very smooth and comfortable. the suspension fork is also a nice touch that adds comfort over rough pavement.

Like most other cargo bikes on this list, it fits a range of riders from 5′ to 6’5″. The unique handlebar, seatpost, and stem adjustment make it even quicker and easier to find a perfect co*ckpit setup for riders of various sizes.We used this bike exclusively for an entire week to see how quickly we would need to charge it. It lasted the entire week. We clocked 90 miles, using a mix of tour and eMTB modes, and it still showed two of five battery bars remaining.

As a class 1 e-bike, the Tern GSD S00 is limited to a top-speed pedal assist speed of 20 mph and it doesn’t have a throttle. That said, the Bosch Cargo line mid-drive motor is among the best in the business, delivering ultra-smooth power output with a torque sensor. But since you have to pedal this bike for the motor to assist, it also means you get a long range from the 500Wh battery.

At $5,599 with a single battery, the Tern GSD S00 comes in at the higher end of the price spectrum of the models we tested. It also happens to be one of the nicest, smoothest-riding cargo bikes we’ve tried and it comes with an excellent motor system and component specification.

$5,599 at REICheck Price at Tern

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