What is an electric cargo bike and who should buy one?

An electric cargo bike can carry the kids or the groceries.

Thomas Quack/Shutterstock.com

It is important to remember that an electric cargo bike is not a typical bicycle. They are big, long, heavy, but perfect for families and companies.

Electric bikes come in all shapes and sizes, and an increasingly popular style is the electric cargo bike, or an electric cargo bike. We often see them with delivery guys or small businesses, but the benefits of this power-assisted bike aren’t apparent to everyone.

These bikes typically have a longer wheelbase and are designed to carry heavier loads or multiple passengers, which means they are great for a number of different uses. Here’s what you need to know.

Electric Cargo Bike Designs

Man carrying cargo ebike with surfboard.
Rad Power Bikes

Just like a bicycle or a car, you can get an electric cargo bike in one of several different designs to suit your needs. Some brands focus on models for business users with a higher cargo capacity, while others have family-friendly options to take to the park or the beach.

With an electric cargo bike, you can get something like the affordable Rad Power Bikes RadWagon 4 for under $2,000 or spend $5,999 (or more) on a high-end delivery machine for urban areas.

As we said earlier, the general shape makes an electric cargo bike different from normal electric bikes. They typically have a sturdier, longer design to handle additional weight, passengers, or accessories like a surfboard, which means the bike weighs more, too. They also use a low center of gravity, ensuring a comfortable, stable and safe driving experience.

Almost all electric cargo bikes have additional frame support, not to mention the additional frame on the front (or rear) of the rider for mounting luggage racks, passenger seats, panniers, storage bins, turn signal blinkers and more. . Many family-friendly electric cargo bikes even have extra footrests for passengers, like the Aventon Abound.

As you can see, this type of electric bike is available in a wide variety of designs to suit multiple needs, be they personal or business.

Electric Cargo Bike Weight Capacities

Urban Arrow Business Electric Cargo Bike
urban arrow

If you are considering an electric cargo bike, weight or payload capacity is an important factor in your purchase decision. That’s because while they’re designed to carry extra stuff or passengers, that doesn’t necessarily mean two adults can comfortably ride in one.

For example, the popular RadWagon 4 has a full capacity of 350 pounds. That’s perfect for an adult and a kid or two, but start adding too much gear and you’ll quickly reach your limit, affecting range and safety. Depending on your weight and level of pedal assist, the Wagon can go over 45 miles per charge.

Aventon’s new Abound electric cargo bike can carry 440lbs total, with over 300lbs on the bike and another 143lbs on the rack system. The RadTrike can hold just over 415 pounds. But if you’re a business user in the city, you can choose something like the Urban Arrow Cargo Carrier with a maximum payload of over 550lbs (250kg).

Electric cargo bikes are very popular in some regions, such as Europe, while they are just beginning to gain popularity in the United States. As a result, you’ll want to look for a model that fits your needs. In America, it’s a growing segment of families looking for a ride in the park, so bikes with extra seats over storage are probably your best route.

What is an electric cargo bike used for?

Aventon Abound electric cargo bike with kids on the back.
Lift

At this point, you should have a pretty good understanding of what an electric cargo bike is suitable for. With all the extra storage or charging capacity, powerful motors, and long-range battery packs, they’re a popular choice with last-mile delivery.

Those same features make an electric cargo bike great for a family, too. And if you don’t have kids, you can load up your dog or other furry family members, shop for groceries, take a walk through a campground, or even drag a surfboard down the boardwalk. It is a perfect machine for business or pleasure.

An electric cargo bike can carry more than most bikes, and thanks to an electric motor and multiple pedal-assist motors, you’ll be able to ride it more easily and tackle hills. Basically you get the benefits of a bike, or cargo bike, just with electric bits to enhance everything.

Should you buy one?

electric cargo bike carrying a family.
urban arrow

So who is an electric cargo bike for? Should you buy one? While that’s up to you and your budget, they’re a great option for anyone who wants more than one bike.

If you plan to run last-mile delivery services in your area, want to ditch your gas-powered car for quick trips to the grocery or convenience store, or have kids you want to take to school, you’ll want an electric cargo bike. . It’s a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts, families, or businesses.

Those who want a fun electric bike with fat tires, an eMTB, or one that goes really fast will want to consider something like a Super 73-RX. If you want a workhorse or casual family cruiser, cargo bikes are ideal.

This style of bike can easily cost more than a regular electric bike, but that’s because of the added benefits. Being able to carry more than one passenger or load cargo in the front or rear makes them a great choice for a wide range of users.


The combination of the easy-to-ride design and low center of gravity ensures that riders of all levels can quickly learn to ride one and feel confident. If you want an ebike cargo carrier, buy one and then hit the road. Here are a few that we recommend.





Source link

James D. Brown
James D. Brown
Articles: 9344