The Best Electric Cargo Bikes of 2026

The Specialized Globe Haul LT’s ($3,800) versatility instantly enamored us. 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 everyday use. With 3.5-inch wide tires, 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. During the fall months, riding in the dark with kids, 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.

We aren’t usually huge fans of the apps that come with e-bikes, but we found the Globe app extremely helpful and easy to set up. After just a couple of minutes, we were 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 cargo-carrying capacity and robust 700W rear hub motor with throttle made up for it. With a top pedal assist 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. Balancing that power, the strong four-piston hydraulic disc brakes with 203 mm rotors do an excellent job of controlling your speed.

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 $3,800, the Globe Haul LT isn’t exactly inexpensive, but it comes equipped with high-quality components, a sturdy rear rack, a durable and user-friendly double kickstand, fenders, and integrated lights.

The add-on accessories we 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). We feel 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 ($2,700), which is essentially the same bike with a shorter cargo rack and a 419-pound weight capacity.

The ENGWE LE20 ($1,499-1,799) is one of the brand’s latest electric bikes and is arguably one of the best values on the market. It’s rare that we see any bike brand that undercuts Lectric’s prices, but ENGWE has managed to do it without skimping on performance or features.

It’s also pretty good looking, capable of class 3 speeds, and comes with a huge 921.6 Wh battery and the option to double that for a super long range.

ENGWE has seemingly built its reputation on affordability, but that doesn’t mean its bikes feel cheap. In fact, the LE20’s torque sensor helps give this bike a surprisingly smooth power delivery without the jerky feel or abruptness often associated with less expensive bikes. The assistance comes on slowly, ramping up along with your pedaling effort.

The five levels of pedal assistance provide a good range of assist, with the 750W rear hub motor topping out at 28 mph. Likewise, the throttle can help you start from a stop or cruise along at 20 mph on flat ground.

The LE20 is sold with a single 921.6 Wh (48V/19.2Ah) battery housed in the frame. Buyers also have the option of upgrading to dual batteries (+$300) for a truly massive 1,843.2 Wh of battery capacity.

With the single battery, ENGWE claims up to a maximum range of 109 miles. While that might be pretty unrealistic, people should be able to cover around 40 miles between charges with ease — you can basically double that with the dual battery. That’s really far, especially for a bike that can haul up to 440 pounds of total weight.

This long-tail bike has a large rear rack, and it comes with seat pads and protective side panels installed. ENGWE offers several upgrade options when buying for a slight increase in price, or you can pick and choose the accessories that are best for your needs.

We tested it with the “passenger upgrade,” which includes handrails, a backrest, and running boards for the passenger(s), as well as a cargo bag that attaches to the rail. This is a great option for anyone who plans to transport kids, and the cargo bag made it super easy to haul groceries and other things on errand runs around town.

Like other e-cargo bikes, the LE20 is long and heavy — ours weighed 88 pounds with the single battery and passenger accessories installed. That length and weight make it tough to pick up or transport but also make it stable and smooth.

The 50mm suspension fork contributes to a comfortable ride over rough surfaces, as do the 20 x 3-inch wide street tires. Those 20-inch wheels can make the steering feel a touch nervous at times, but this bike is surprisingly maneuverable for its size.

With a low-slung frame, the LE20 has a very low step-over height, so it’s easy to get on and off. A large range of adjustability in the seat and handlebar makes it possible to fit riders between 5’0″ and 6’4″, and the seated position is fairly upright and casual. A beefy two-footed kickstand supports the bike when you’re not riding. It also comes with front and rear fenders and lights.

The headlight isn’t the brightest, but it works to make you visible, and the rear light functions as a brake light and turn signal. The controls are intuitive, and the small color digital display is easy to read and understand.

Our biggest gripe with the LE20 is the thumb shifters for the drivetrain. They work fine, but the ergonomics aren’t great. It’s also quite heavy, and with the dual battery, it weighs just under 100 pounds. There was also a bit of assembly required to get it up and running, but most people should be able to handle it.

Beyond that, however, we were honestly quite impressed with the power output, range, ride quality, and overall performance of the affordable ENGWE LE20. This is a solid electric cargo bike at a very reasonable price.

When it comes to commuter and mini e-cargo bikes, the Tern HSD P5i ($5,300) 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. We were particularly impressed by its ability to more easily disappear into a gear-filled garage while still boasting an impressive carrying capacity of 397 pounds.

Throughout a rigorous 5-week test period, we 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. We 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 amplifies quiet efficiency, providing up to a 340% increase in pedaling power with its impressive 75Nm of torque and ultra-smooth pedal assistance, allowing speeds of up to 20 mph.

With an exceptional claimed range of up to 76 miles, we easily logged four or five daily rides around town 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 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 suspension fork and an elongated wheelbase smoothed out what could have been a rough ride due to the smaller wheel size and narrower tires.

The HSD P5i weighs just 61.5 pounds, much lighter than most cargo bikes, and therefore, much easier to deal with. 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 — between 4’11” and 6’5″.

The HSD P5i also boasts an intuitive eBike Flow App and an integrated wheel 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 $5,300, its ability to carry a staggering 397 pounds of cargo with a small form factor and lighter weight sets it apart. The HSD P5i isn’t just a bike — it’s a multifaceted transport solution and more.

The Urban Arrow Family Cargo Line With Smart System ($8,000) combines a family-friendly design with a powerful (85Nm) mid-drive motor and loads of tech to make it the best front-box cargo bike we’ve tested. It can haul a 275-pound rider and 275 pounds of cargo/people in the box at up to 20 mph using pedal assist.

The Bosch motor system and Gates belt drive make for a powerful and smooth drivetrain. The internally geared hub and belt also require very little maintenance. Bosch’s controls are intuitive, and the display is easy to read — even if system startup took a bit longer than we liked. 

While this long-john-style bike is well-balanced and easy to use, it has a steep learning curve and takes a bit of effort to get moving from a standstill. This is partly because it is a Class 1 bike and doesn’t have a throttle to help propel you from a complete stop. 

Given its two-wheeled design, however, it felt more stable at speed and while turning compared to three-wheeled competitors. Those can feel tippy when turning, but the Urban Arrow handles more like a traditional bike. Still, it’s quite long and not particularly nimble, so you need to adapt your riding style a bit to match.

The large front box has harnesses for two small passengers. Tester Bryon Dorr’s child loved riding in it to preschool during testing. The box’s position keeps the cargo weight low and passengers in view. The powerful Tektro hydraulic disc brakes also help to maintain control for a safe ride.

The package is rounded out with useful features like front and rear fenders, bright lights that run off the bike’s battery, and a sturdy two-footed center stand. Security features like an integrated wheel lock, motor lock, and the anti-theft Bosch ConnectModule help protect your investment. Plenty of add-ons are available to customize the bike for your needs.

What’s not to love? This big bike comes with a weight penalty — 112.4 pounds! Its size and weight make it tough to transport and store. We also didn’t like having to remove the battery for charging or the lack of suspension over rough surfaces.

Still, if you’re looking for a front box cargo bike, the Urban Arrow Family Cargo Line is our top recommendation. It comes at a premium price, but that’s backed up with the quality and performance to match.

The Tern Quick Haul Long D9 ($3,999) is a thoughtfully designed cargo e-bike that we found strikes a great balance between cargo carrying utility, performance, and affordability — for a mid-drive model. At its retail price, the Quick Haul Long is the least expensive model in Tern’s cargo lineup, yet it doesn’t skimp on features or performance.

Bosch’s Cargo Line motor delivers 85 Nm of torque with four pedal assist levels. It’s a class 1 model, so it tops out at 20 mph and doesn’t have a throttle, but we found it had ample power for hauling heavy loads. During testing, we hauled four kids — two on the bike and two in a trailer — and it managed the load well. Sure, there are faster bikes, but 20 mph is plenty fast when you’re fully loaded.

With a total weight capacity of 419 pounds, 198 pounds of which can be supported on the rear rack, the Quick Haul is capable of moving substantial cargo. Tern’s growing range of accessories, from panniers and child seats to racks and trailers, makes it easy to outfit the bike for your specific cargo hauling needs. We especially appreciated the integrated trailer mount, as it provided more hauling options than most. 

The Bosch PowerPack 500 battery provides a claimed range of 26 to 53 miles, depending on terrain, payload, and riding mode. In our real-world testing, we were getting about 30 to 35 miles between charges. That’s not class-leading range, but it’s more than enough for most people’s needs, and it helps to keep the bike’s weight down to a respectable and more manageable 64.6 pounds.

Fit-wise, the adjustable seatpost and stem make it adaptable for riders between 5’1” and 6’3”. The low step-over height makes it easy to mount. The 20-inch wheels enable the cargo rack to be positioned low for improved balance and easier handling with a load. The bike’s length makes it stable, yet we found the small wheels kept it more agile than we expected.

Like other Tern models, the Quick Haul can be stored vertically, so it takes up less storage space than many similar options. It also comes with useful features like fenders and integrated lights, so you’re always prepared in case the light or weather conditions change.

Overall, the Tern Quick Haul Long is an excellent electric cargo bike for those seeking premium mid-drive performance at a more approachable price. It’s not cheap, of course, but it is more affordable than most mid-drive models, yet it boasts the quality, versatility, and, most importantly, the cargo-carrying functionality that we’ve come to expect from Tern.

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

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.

We loved the ability to quickly adapt the rear rack to our needs, whether that was cruising around with a friend onboard 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.

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.

While not quite the off-road machine as hunting e-bikes, the Tern Orox S12 ($6,599) is more of an ox and cart for hauling stuff into unkind terrains than many city-slicker cargo e-bikes can handle. Without suspension, you won’t be taking the Orox on many trails. But pretty much everything else is on the table for this all-terrain e-bike.

A Bosch Performance Line CX motor is the heart of this beast, and puts out 85 Nm of torque in a Class 1 designation, meaning it’ll make the most of its juice without a throttle. The single battery provides the Orox with a solid 725Wh of go-time. But the ability to add a second battery bumps the number up to an impressive 1,450 Wh. That’s some serious time off the charger.

We tested the Orox this winter in and out of New York City, taking the bike through both traffic and trails in city parks. The bike felt like an SUV on the pavement, and the motor setup will assist you up to 20 mph for up to 100 miles, claims Tern. We weren’t able to consistently get the full speed of this hefty bike, but it was fairly economical: The Tern didn’t dip much below one percent of battery charge per mile traveled.

The Vee Snowball tires are straight out of the fatbike scene, and provide a steady 4″ width and tread pattern to keep the Orox solidly on the ground. They provide a bit of cushion for rugged terrain, but tester Matt Jancer found that the lack of suspension meant the heavy rear-end of the bike could make it a little unruly when rolling over larger obstacles.

This rig’s on-road carrying capacity of 462 pounds is impressively high (only the bucket or front box trike-style bikes carry more), and the rear rack system on the Orox is well-suited for it. Our bike came with twin 72L panniers, which provide a massive area for grocery runs or camp equipment ferrying, and when removed and swapped out for a seat pad and handle, can haul two kiddos.

Otherwise, the ergonomics are great: An Ergon seat and grips get you in the right position for long hours in the saddle, and the Bosch control module and color screen are well-placed and easy to control. The bike certainly isn’t quick or exceptionally nimble, but it is a smooth ride. If you’ve got a lot to haul, consider giving the Orox a look.

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 thankfully, the prices have stayed low.

While there are many good values in the electric cargo bike market these days, the Lectric XPedition ($1,745 with a single battery or $2,543 with dual batteries) makes a compelling case for being the best. Not only is it priced lower than most other “budget” models, but it also 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, virtually no assembly is 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 us 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 pounds. 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 make switching between riders quick and easy, with a claimed rider height range of 4’11” to 6’5″.

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

With an impressive array of add-on accessories, the Radio Flyer Via Pro ($2,909) is one of the best electric cargo bikes for kid comfort. This model is the only long-tail bike we tested — and perhaps one of the only models on the market — that has the option of creating a completely enclosed and weatherproof cabin for your little ones.

The Via Pro comes standard with side running boards and a rear wheel cover. Add the kid and cargo carrier package ($199), and you’re ready to transport up to two kids between the ages of 5 and 10 years old. We added the Kid & Cargo Carrier XL ($199), which encloses the lower portion of the bike, and the Kid & Cargo Canopy ($199), which includes a top canopy, removable side windows, and a front mesh bug screen. Together, these pieces create a fully covered enclosure that seals out wind, rain, snow, and bugs and protects from direct sunlight. 

This combination helped our 2-year-old tester work up the courage to go for bike rides in the cool, windy, and rainy spring season in the Lake Tahoe area (with the addition of the $280 Thule Yepp 2 Maxxi seat to accommodate her). Once summer came, we were easily able to zip off the side windows for some open-air riding and, eventually, remove the top canopy.

The rear seating area is large enough to fit two smaller kiddos (either on the included seating pads or in child bike seats) or one bigger kiddo — in this case, our 2-year-old’s 10-year-old cousin.

The comfort isn’t just limited to the passenger area. The Via Pro has thoughtful components like a comfortable seat with a quick-release seatpost adjustment, surprisingly comfortable hand grips, and a simple, user-friendly display with turn signals, a bright headlight, taillight, and horn, and easy adjustments to the pedal-assist level.

This bike has a 750W motor in the rear hub, which is pretty standard for bikes in this class, and comes with a torque sensor that helps smooth out the acceleration by matching it to your power input into the pedals. This provides a much more natural riding experience than bikes with a speed sensor that can have very jerky acceleration even with minimal pedal input.

The larger 24-inch front wheel helps provide confident turning and calm handling compared to bikes with smaller front wheels, especially with the added size and bulk of electric cargo bikes.

Perhaps the only notable drawbacks of the Flyer Via Pro are that the motor is limited to Class 2 speeds of 20 miles per hour, and it doesn’t have a dual-battery option. Neither of these were issues during our testing period, and this bike quickly became a favorite for both riders and passengers.

The Ferla Royce 2 ($5,999 and up) combines a family-friendly design with an impressive carrying capacity and a powerful motor to make it the best front-box cargo bike that we’ve tested. With a 700-pound total weight limit, room for up to four child passengers, and a powerful 750W motor to help haul them around, this is arguably as close as you’re going to get to a true vehicle replacement.

Similar to the Bunch Original, the Ferla Royce 2 has a three-wheeled design with a large cargo box in the front. This box sits between the two 20-inch front wheels, which keeps the cargo weight nice and close to the ground.

With three wheels, the Royce 2 stands up on its own and remains super stable when loading and unloading passengers or other cargo. The overall balance of the bike when riding is also less affected by weight in the front compared to long-tail models.

The spacious storage compartment can fit up to four passengers on two bench seats with three-point harnesses. The classy-looking bamboo composite front box has a padded top edge, two sturdy steps, and handrails to make getting in and out of the box safe and easy. The position of the cargo box allows the rider to see and interact with the passengers and makes it easy for children to interact with each other.

Ferla offers a wealth of available options and accessories, including a side door, seat cushions, canopies, and even a clear floor with LED lights. These things cost extra but can add comfort, convenience, and fun to your rides. Front and rear fenders and lights also ensure that you’re prepared for changing weather and light conditions.

Kids aren’t the only thing this bike can haul. We tested it with an adult in the front as well as an inflatable paddle board. It handled both with ease and is perfectly suitable for pets, groceries, or any combination of cargo you need up to its cargo weight limit of a whopping 450 pounds.

The Royce 2 has a rider weight limit of 250 pounds and a large range of adjustment of both the handlebar and seat to fit varying rider heights — Ferla claims it should work for riders between 4′ 11″ and 6′ 5″. The seated pedaling position is upright and casual, and the grips and seat proved to be comfortable, too.

With the ability to haul up to a total of 700 pounds — 450 pounds of cargo and a 250-pound rider — Ferla equipped the Royce 2 with the most powerful motor in its class. The 750W rear hub motor has ample power for pushing heavy loads with five pedal assist levels, a throttle, a top speed of 20 mph, intuitive controls, and an excellent display.

With the three-wheeled design, we felt more comfortable at moderate speeds but appreciated having the extra power for hills and heavier loads. We also appreciated the powerful hydraulic disc brakes, which helped to keep those speeds in check.

Like the Bunch Original, the handling of the Royce 2 takes a little getting used to. Since you can’t lean the bike, turns and off-camber surfaces are best approached at slower speeds and with an abundance of caution. This bike is best for those who want to slow down the pace of life and enjoy time outside with their kids. If you’re always in a hurry, it might not be the best option for you. The front box Urban Arrow handles a bit more like a regular bike.

At a starting price of $5,798, the Ferla Royce 2 isn’t cheap, but it’s much less expensive than buying and maintaining most vehicles, and it can haul around just as many kids. We think it’s an excellent choice for active families or anyone who needs a bike that can support heavier or larger cargo than long-tail models can handle. With great looks and performance, the Royce 2 is a luxury cargo bike to get around in comfort and style.

The RadWagon is a true classic and one of the models that helped popularize electric cargo bikes in the U.S. Once the most dominant player at the affordable end of the e-bike market, Rad Power is now competing with numerous budget-friendly brands. In response, it launched several new models and significantly overhauled the RadWagon in 2024.

Now in its fifth iteration, the Rad Power RadWagon 5 ($2,399) builds on the foundation laid by its predecessors with numerous meaningful updates to bring it to speed and keep it competitive.

Previous RadWagons were solid bikes, but were beginning to lag behind in some respects. One of those was speed. The RadWagon 5 is now class 3 capable and can reach pedal-assisted speeds up to 28 mph. It ships in class 2 settings, but users can quickly and easily choose the e-bike class, 1, 2, or 3, that best suits their needs or local regulations. Five levels of pedal assist offer a great range of support for varying situations, and the twist throttle is handy for getting started from a complete stop — or if you’re feeling lazy.

The 750W rear hub motor produces a claimed 90 Nm of torque, which is plenty powerful for moving fast, climbing hills, and hauling weight. A new torque sensor is a nice upgrade that delivers pedal-assist power in a controlled manner for a natural-feeling ride.

This sensor eliminates jumpiness and unpredictability and replaces it with a far more refined power delivery. That said, it isn’t the sportiest or quickest off the line, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing for a cargo bike.

Range has also gone up slightly with the modest increase in battery capacity to 720 Wh — up from 672 Wh. Riders should expect a minimum of 20 miles on a charge, but should be able to get at least double that with some pedaling effort. We were able to ride 30 miles easily with about 35% of the battery remaining.

Perhaps more importantly, the new batteries feature Safe Shield technology. By encapsulating the battery cells in a heat-absorbing resin, this tech aims to reduce the chances of battery fires.

While it’s still a long bike, the wheelbase was reduced by 2 inches. That, along with wider BMX-style handlebars, has improved handling at all speeds. A 45 mm suspension fork adds serious comfort and control over rough surfaces, while the hydraulic disc brakes have ample power to handle higher speeds and heavy loads. Thankfully, Rad Power ditched its proprietary 22-inch wheels in favor of the more common 20-inch size. This makes it so much easier to source spare tubes and tires.

Cargo-wise, not much has changed. The bike’s total weight limit has increased to 375 pounds, and the cargo rack is rated to support up to 120 of it. Other bikes claim higher capacities, but the RadWagon is still more than enough for most people’s needs.

You’ll need to add some accessories to customize it for your cargo-carrying needs, and Rad Power offers a wide selection of add-ons for kids, pets, groceries, you name it. Just be ready to spend a bit more.

For convenience, it comes with fenders, a bell, front and rear lights, and an excellent new kickstand. The lights have been upgraded to be brighter in the front, while the rear has gained turn signal functionality. The new controls and display are a step up, too.

At $2,399, the RadWagon 5 is beaten on price by Lectric and ENGWE but is still far less expensive than the Specialized Globe Haul LT. That said, its price seems to align with its finish quality and performance. Plus, it’s faster, smoother, more comfortable, and safer than ever. This is the best RadWagon yet and still a great option for most people.

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, thanks to an easy-to-adjust cockpit, fit both a 5′1″ female tester and her 6’1″ stepfather. 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 us get a ton of farmer’s market goodies around town while also transporting a 5-year-old on the back. And thanks to its 375-pound carrying capacity, there was no shortage of hauling ability.

With a range of 69 miles, we 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, although 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!

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

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 ($4,999) 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.

We used the Magic Carpet ($75) seat pads and Half Hooptie ($240) railing add-ons and could easily transport 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. We 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 $4,999, it is a top-quality cargo e-bike that could easily replace your car for family outings.

The Bunch Original 4.0+ is a crowd-stopping, front-loading trike ($6,499) that gets high points for its family-friendly design, cargo capacity, and ease of assembly. In fact, it arrives fully assembled. All we 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, we 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. While testing, we found it easy to fit a 5’1″ rider 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.

Like the Ferla Royce 2 described above, 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 get used to the handling and 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 $6,199, it isn’t cheap, but the smiles and good times are priceless.

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 the Spicy Curry ($5,999) for its sturdy, tank-like feel. Even loaded down with a child waving side to side on the back, we barely noticed.

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 adjustable Monkey Bars ($230) as well as a Yepp Maxi Easy Fit kid seat ($259).

The combination of the seat and the Monkey Bars was a hit. 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 the 2-Go Cargo Bags ($199) and the Bread Basket ($200). This more than doubled the carrying capability. 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 drivetrain and powerful four-piston Shimano Disc Brakes — quality components that help define the bike’s performance. The large front wheel helps smooth out bumps and ensure stable handling — this bike rides smoothly enough that kids 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, we were 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 clocked between 30 and 40 miles.

Again, the Yuba Spicy Curry has 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 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.