7 Best Cargo Bikes: Electric Bikes That’ll Make Carrying Gear Easier
April 15, 2024
There’s so many reasons to hop on a bike—whether it’s getting more exercise, improving mobility, supporting planet-friendly beliefs, or simply because it’s more fun. And thanks to electric bikes, you can haul cargo, commute with all your gear, and even pick up groceries, all while enjoying the thrill of a bike ride. From taking your soccer bag to the field, riding to the park with your kids in tow, or heading to the beach with your overstuffed tote, you can go further, ride longer, and have more fun while you’re doing it.
In the last few years, the electric bike market has grown dramatically with the addition of cargo ebikes—motor-assisted bicycles that make it easy to carry gear. Designed for comfort and agility without sacrificing speed, these bikes are rigged to carry boxes, racks, and bins—and tow trailers—so you can transport everything from your kids to luggage and groceries, anywhere you want.
Looking for the best cargo bikes for sale? We’ve reviewed dozens of the best ebikes on the market—with speed, efficiency, and cost in mind—to build this ultimate guide to cargo bikes where you’ll discover the best cargo bikes and accessories, including:
1. Best Overall Cargo Bike & Electric Utility Bike: Aventon Abound - $1,799 MSRP
Highlighted Specs:
- ✓ Max speed: 20 mph
- ✓ Battery range: 50 miles
- ✓ Torque sensor: Yes
- ✓ Payload: 440 lbs
- ✓ Warranty: 2-year warranty
- ✓ Throttle: Throttle on demand
The Aventon Abound is our pick for the best electric cargo bike and best electric utility bike thanks to its incredibly long range, high payload capacity, and versatility. This step-through bike features a 720Wh battery tucked away in the down tube and a 750-watt rear-hub motor, allowing you to reach speeds of 20 miles per hour and ride up to 50 miles on a single charge.
The best part about the Abound? It’s one of the most affordable options on this list of the best cargo bikes. Coming in at $1,799 MSRP, you’ll pocket some cash and get more features and power compared to alternatives on the market.
The drivetrain is powered by a Shimano seven-speed derailleur and the bike features hydraulic disc brakes for quick deceleration. The bike’s massive 440-pound weight limit and accessory options make it easy to use as a two-seater ebike or to lug around heavy gear.
The Abound electric utility bike comes with several accessories so you can start carrying cargo as soon as you open the box. These accessories include an EVA waterproof storage bag and a built-in rear rack. You can purchase additional accessories, including custom-fit panniers and front racks to maximize storage space.
With safety features like built-in turn signals and integrated front and rear lights, this class 2 ebike is a no-brainer for transporting the family or other precious cargo. It’s also comfortable to ride thanks to the upright positioning and a dropper seat post with an easy-to-use lever — so you can instantly adjust the seat height to tackle steep hills.
2. Best Class 3 and Fat Tire Cargo Ebike: Specialized Globe Haul ST - $2,800 MSRP
Highlighted Specs:
- ✓ Max speed: 28 mph
- ✓ Battery range: 60 miles
- ✓ Torque sensor: Yes
- ✓ Payload: 419 lbs
- ✓ Warranty: 2-year e-system warranty, lifetime frame warranty
- ✓ Throttle: Globe Throttle
The Specialized Globe Haul ST is sporty and agile but has a 700-watt rear-hub motor, which is less powerful compared than the Abound. This ebike with storage functionality—including bags, backpacks, and racks—features a short tail design that makes it easier to maneuver and store but also limits its carrying capacity.
It’s only rated to carry 419 pounds, which is also less than the Aventon Abound. For more weight capacity, cyclists can consider the longtail cargo bike version of the Globe Haul. The Globe Haul is a class 3 cargo ebike starting at $2,800 MSRP — that’s 55% more expensive than the Aventon Abound.
The Globe Haul doesn’t have a suspension fork, but to make up for this comes with large, 3.5-inch tires. As a fat-tire cargo ebike, it can be used on rough surfaces but isn’t a full mountain bike or off-road option. Built-in fenders on the front wheel and back wheel keep you clean and dry when carrying heavy loads, even in the rain.
This bike is versatile and can be used as a family ebike for small families since there’s only enough room for one child seat. Thanks to its agility and smaller frame, it’s also a good option for people looking for electric delivery bikes, work bikes, and commuting bikes with a little extra storage space.
3. Best Longtail Cargo Bike: Tern GSD S10 - $4,599 MSRP
Highlighted Specs:
- ✓ Max Speed: 20 mph
- ✓ Battery range: 121 miles
- ✓ Torque sensor: Yes
- ✓ Payload: 419 lbs
- ✓ Warranty: 1-10 year warranty depending on parts and coverage selected
- ✓ Throttle: No
To buy the Tern GSD S10, you have to visit an authorized bike shop or dealer. At a price point of $4,599 MSRP and higher depending on the configuration, it’s not the most affordable option on this list — and a whopping $2,800 more than the Aventon Abound, which offers similar ebike utility.
The Tern GSD S10 is a longtail heavy-duty ebike designed to transport families and gear long distances. It features a Bosch Cargo Line motor and dual battery option for a maximum range of up to 121 miles and a top speed of 20 miles per hour. That means you can double the fun and ride longer without having to stop for a charge.
This hauler bike also features a Shimano Deore 1x10-speed hub for efficient shifting whether you’re tackling hills in the city or cruising a paved trail along the river. The upgraded Atlas wheels offer improved durability and greater strength to handle any path. The Tern GSD also includes a kickstand that is an Atlas Lockstand featuring a remote unlock or simple button release for added security.
The GSD S10 was designed for transporting a bunch of gear without sacrificing comfort — it’s essentially an ebike with passenger seat functionality. One of the best cargo ebikes for families, accessory options turn this commuter into an electric bike with a back seat.
4. Best Bucket Bike: Madsen Loaded - $3,145 MSRP
Highlighted Specs:
- ✓ Max Speed: No motor so as fast as you can pedal
- ✓ Battery range: No battery or motor included
- ✓ Torque sensor: No
- ✓ Payload: 600 lbs
- ✓ Warranty: 1-year warranty
- ✓ Throttle: No
The Madsen Loaded is a stylish bike with a cart that offers versatility when it comes to transporting your family, pets, or belongings. The basic model of this bicycle with a cargo box features nine gears and no motor. That means it’s a non-electric cargo bike so you’ll do all the work to get around town. Alternatively, you can choose to add a custom electric assist kit or choose one of their pedal assist options if you want a little more support when it comes to power.
This bucket bike is available in nine eye-catching colors and includes the cargo box and other accessories like a front rack, brass bell, and front and rear lights. The cargo bucket has a 40-gallon capacity. The durable steel frame and impact-resistant bucket mean this bike will last, even with daily use.
With prices starting at $3,145 MSRP, the Madsen Loaded is a pricey option, especially when you consider that the cost doesn’t include a motor or battery. At 75% more than the Aventon Abound, this bike will cost you more for less since it doesn’t offer as many features.
5. Ebike With Storage: Rad Power RadWagon 4 - $1,799 MSRP
Highlighted Specs:
- ✓ Max Speed: 20 mph
- ✓ Battery range: 45+ miles
- ✓ Torque sensor: No
- ✓ Payload: 350 lbs
- ✓ Warranty: 2-year limited warranty
- ✓ Throttle: Half twist throttle
The RadWagon 4 from Rad Power Bikes is a family cargo bike that’s also suitable for people who want a bike that can transport groceries and larger items. It boasts a 750W geared hub motor and a 350-pound cargo-carrying capacity. With an estimated 24 to 45 miles per charge, this Class 2 ebike ensures you can get around town, no matter what you’re carrying.
Other specs include auto-on lights and an integrated taillight with a brake light indicator. Ergonomic comfort-grip handlebars, a plush saddle, and an upright riding position make it easy to cruise around.
The RadWagon 4 has an MSRP of $1,799, a similar price point compared to the Aventon Abound. Keep in mind, you’ll get less range with the RadWagon, and there aren’t as many accessories available to maximize storage capacity.
6. Best Mid-Drive Cargo Ebike: Yuba Spicy Curry - Up To $5,499 MSRP
Highlighted Specs:
- ✓ Max Speed: 20 mph
- ✓ Battery range: 70 miles with dual battery pack
- ✓ Torque sensor: Yes
- ✓ Payload: 440 lbs
- ✓ Warranty: 2-year warranty
- ✓ Throttle: No
The Yuba Spicy Curry is a class 1 mid-drive cargo ebike. That means it only offers pedal-assist and no throttle, so you’ll have to pedal and put more effort in when lugging your gear around town.
The Spicy Curry offers a Bosch Cargo Line 500W motor, Shimano 10-speed derailleur, and plenty of torque (85 Nm) to get you up and over hills, even if you do have to break a sweat pedaling. Add-ons include bamboo sideboards for passengers to rest their feet, baskets, and rain covers to keep your gear dry.
The biggest downside of the Spicy Curry is its price tag. With an MSRP of $4,999 to $5,499, it’s an incredible $3,200 to $3,700 more than the Aventon Abound — and without a throttle.
7. Best Front Load Cargo Bike: Bunch Bike Original 4 - $5,399 MSRP
Highlighted Specs:
- ✓ Max Speed: 20 mph
- ✓ Battery range: 20-30 miles
- ✓ Torque sensor: Yes
- ✓ Payload: 350 lbs
- ✓ Warranty: 12-month warranty
- ✓ Throttle: PowerBoost variable throttle
The Original 4 is a front-load cargo bike (also known as a bakfiet or Dutch cargo bike, which is a traditional bike with a large front bin made famous by the Netherlands). It’s a cargo trike with two wheels in front that carry a large box and one wheel behind, which is just beneath the bike seat and rear rack. It features a rear and front bench seat inside the cargo box with four seats and integrated seat belts. The benches feature sliding and lockable tops for additional secure storage.
The Original 4 ebike with passenger seat features a 653wH battery, a top speed of 20 miles per hour, and a 20- to 30-mile range. A seven-speed Shimano derailleur and integrated throttle make taking kids to school as easy as hopping in the car.
This bike with bench seat will cost a pretty penny — $5,399 MSRP to be exact. While that’s triple the price of the Aventon Abound, it does enable you to transport more passengers, making it a good choice for larger families looking for one bike.
The Best Cargo Bike Accessories
Once you’ve picked out a cargo bike that suits your style—whether it’s an ebike with a passenger cart or an agile ebike with racks—it’s time to pick up accessories. Whether you want add-ons like bike luggage carriers or seats, there are tons of options. Here are some of the best cargo bike accessories for the Aventon Abound.
Aventon Front Basket Kit
Looking for a bike luggage carrier? The Aventon Front Basket Kit is designed to store all the essentials while you pedal to your destination in style. It’s pet-friendly and can hold up to 40 pounds.
Abound Rear Rack
Made of aluminum and designed to hold 143 pounds, the Aventon Abound Rear Rack makes it easy to transport groceries, book bags, and deliveries. Easy to install and remove, you can quickly swap it out with other accessories to meet your daily cargo needs.
Aventon Backpack Pannier
The Aventon Backpack Pannier does double duty—functioning as a backpack and securing safely to your bike as a pannier. Easily grab what you need out of the backpack thanks to the roll-top design and front external pocket. It’ll ride safely on your Aventon Abound with its water-resistant fabric and Quick-Lock connectors.
Aventon Twin Pannier
The Aventon Twin Pannier is a waterproof bag designed to hold up to 25 liters of gear. Reflective sides improve riding safety, and a snap-release clip system allows easy access to your belongings.
