10 Best E-bikes for Cargo and Deliveries

The surge in e-commerce and the growing demand for sustainable urban logistics have thrust cargo e-bikes into the spotlight. These electric-powered workhorses are improving last-mile deliveries and short-distance freight transport in cities worldwide.

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For small business owners aiming to streamline local deliveries or eco-conscious entrepreneurs looking to reduce their carbon footprint, cargo e-bikes offer a compelling choice to traditional delivery vehicles.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll take a close look at the top 10 e-bikes for carrying cargo and making short deliveries, taking a close look at their features, benefits, and potential drawbacks.

Key Factors We Considered When Choosing the 10 Best E-bikes for Cargo and Deliveries

The best for you depends on how much importance each factor plays in your business:

1. Load Capacity: How much weight can the bike safely carry?

This includes the rider, cargo, and any extra accessories.

2. Range: How far can you travel on a single charge?

Consider your typical delivery routes and ensure the bike's range meets your needs.

3. Motor Power: Is it enough for your terrain and typical load?

More powerful motors are essential for hilly areas or when carrying heavy cargo.

4. Cargo Accessories: What options are available for securing and protecting your cargo?

Look for bikes with versatile attachment points and a range of compatible accessories.

5. Maneuverability: How well does the bike handle in tight urban spaces?

This is particularly important for businesses operating in congested city centers.

6. Maintenance Requirements: Are parts readily available, and is servicing straightforward?

Consider the long-term costs and downtime associated with maintenance.

Now, let's dive into our top 10 picks for the best cargo e-bikes on the market today.

1. Tern GSD S10

The Tern GSD S10 is a compact cargo e-bike that packs a serious punch. Despite its small footprint (it's only slightly longer than a standard bicycle), this e-bike can carry up to 440 pounds, including the rider.

This impressive capacity stems from its robust frame design and powerful Bosch cargo line motor.

Versatility

The GSD S10's standout feature is its adaptability. The bike can be equipped with a wide range of cargo-carrying accessories, from front racks to panniers and child seats.

This modularity allows you to tailor the bike to your specific needs, whether you're delivering groceries or transporting equipment.

Adjustable Cockpit

The GSD S10's adjustable cockpit is another notable feature. It can comfortably accommodate riders from 4'11” to 6'5″, making it an ideal choice for businesses with many riders.

The low step-through frame also facilitates easy mounting and dismounting, a crucial consideration for delivery riders making frequent stops.

Maneuverability

Despite its cargo capacity, the GSD S10 stays surprisingly nimble. Its 20-inch wheels contribute to a lower center of gravity, enhancing stability even when fully loaded. The Bosch motor provides smooth, powerful assistance, making hill climbs manageable even with heavy cargo.

2. Riese & Müller Load 75

For businesses requiring serious cargo capacity, the Riese & Müller Load 75 is a top contender. This front-loading cargo bike can carry up to 440 pounds and features a spacious cargo area that can accommodate bulky items or even small furniture.

Powerful Motor

The Load 75's standout feature is its powerful Bosch Performance CX motor. This motor provides plenty of torque for moving heavy loads, even on challenging terrain. Coupled with a robust frame and high-quality components, the Load 75 is built to withstand the rigors of daily commercial use.

Comfort and Suspension

Comfort hasn't been overlooked when focussing on cargo capacity. The Load 75 features a full suspension system, providing a smooth ride that's crucial when transporting delicate items.

The bike's weather-resistant components also make it suitable for year-round use, a key consideration for businesses that need reliable transportation regardless of the conditions.

Customizable Cargo Area

The Load 75's cargo area is highly customizable, with options for different box sizes, covers, and internal organizers. This flexibility allows you to tailor the bike to your specific cargo needs, whether you're delivering packages, groceries, or specialized equipment.

3. Rad Power Bikes RadWagon 4

If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option without sacrificing too much capability, the RadWagon 4 from Rad Power Bikes is an excellent choice. This longtail cargo e-bike can carry up to 350 pounds and comes with a sturdy rear rack that's compatible with a wide range of accessories.

Motor and Range

The RadWagon 4's 750W geared hub motor provides plenty of power for most urban delivery scenarios. With a range of 25-45+ miles per charge, you can complete many deliveries before needing to recharge.

The bike's adjustable frame can accommodate riders from 5'1″ to 6'4″, making it a versatile option for businesses with many riders.

Affordability and Features

One of the RadWagon 4's strengths is its affordability. Despite its lower price point compared to some other options on this list, it doesn't skimp on features.

The bike comes equipped with integrated lights, fenders, and a sturdy kickstand.

Its 22-inch wheels strike a balance between stability and maneuverability, making it well-suited for urban environments.

4. Urban Arrow Family

The Urban Arrow Family is an excellent choice for businesses needing a spacious front-loading cargo bike. The large cargo box can easily accommodate many packages or grocery deliveries, and the bike's overall design prioritizes stability and ease of use.

Motor and Reliability

The Urban Arrow Family is powered by a Bosch Performance CX motor, providing plenty of power for heavy loads and hilly terrain. The enclosed chain and low-maintenance components make this a reliable choice for daily commercial use. The Family model also offers the option of adding a rain cover for the cargo area, keeping your deliveries dry in inclement weather.

Handling and Accessibility

One of the Urban Arrow Family's standout features is its handling. Despite its size, the bike stays surprisingly maneuverable, thanks in part to its responsive steering and well-balanced design.

The step-through frame makes it easy to mount and dismount, a crucial feature for delivery riders making frequent stops.

5. Yuba Spicy Curry Bosch

The Yuba Spicy Curry Bosch combines the benefits of a longtail cargo bike with the power of a Bosch Performance Line CX motor. This combination results in a bike that's equally comfortable carrying heavy loads or zipping through city traffic for quick deliveries.

Low Center of Gravity

One of the Spicy Curry's standout features is its low rear rack, which lowers the center of gravity for improved stability when carrying heavy loads. The bike can carry up to 440 pounds, including the rider, and its sturdy frame is built to withstand the rigors of daily commercial use.

Versatility and Power

The Spicy Curry's versatility is another key selling point. Its modular design allows for a wide range of cargo configurations, from large panniers to child seats.

The powerful Bosch motor provides smooth, consistent assistance, making it easy to maintain speed even when fully loaded.

6. Butchers & Bicycles MK1-E

For businesses that need to navigate tight urban spaces while still carrying substantial cargo, the Butchers & Bicycles MK1-E offers an interesting solution. This three-wheeled cargo bike features a tilting mechanism that allows it to lean into turns, providing the maneuverability of a two-wheeled bike with the stability of a trike.

Cargo Capacity and Motor

The MK1-E can carry up to 350 pounds of cargo in its front box, which can be customized with various covers and accessories. The Bosch Performance Line CX motor provides plenty of power, while the NuVinci N380 continuously variable transmission confirms smooth shifting under load.

Unique Riding Experience

One of the MK1-E's unique features is its car-like driving experience. The enclosed cargo box is positioned in front of the rider, providing excellent visibility and control.

The bike's tilting mechanism allows for dynamic cornering, making it feel more like riding a traditional bicycle than operating a cargo trike.

7. Babboe Pro Bike-E

The Babboe Pro Bike-E is a robust, front-loading cargo e-bike designed specifically for commercial use. Its large cargo box can carry up to 175 pounds, making it suitable for a wide range of delivery tasks.

The bike's sturdy construction and high-quality components are built to withstand the demands of daily commercial use.

Business-Focused Features

What sets the Pro Bike-E apart is its attention to business needs. It comes with a lockable cargo box for secure deliveries and can be customized with branding. The powerful mid-drive motor and long-range battery ensure you can complete a full day of deliveries on a single charge.

Stability and Accessibility

The Pro Bike-E's stability is another key feature. Its low center of gravity and wide stance provide excellent balance, even when fully loaded. The bike's step-through frame design makes it easy to mount and dismount, a crucial consideration for delivery riders making frequent stops.

8. Pedego Stretch

The Pedego Stretch is a versatile cargo e-bike that lives up to its name. Its extendable rear rack can be adjusted to accommodate different load sizes, making it adaptable to various delivery needs. The bike can carry up to 400 pounds, including the rider, and its powerful 500W motor provides plenty of assistance for heavy loads.

Throttle Option

One of the Stretch's standout features is its throttle option, which can be useful for starting from a stop when fully loaded. The bike's comfortable upright riding position and wide tires make it a good choice for riders who need to make many stops throughout the day.

Cargo Versatility

The Stretch's versatility extends to its cargo options. The rear rack can accommodate a wide range of accessories, from large panniers to child seats.

This flexibility makes the Stretch suitable for businesses with diverse cargo needs.

9. Xtracycle RFA Utility

The Xtracycle RFA Utility is a highly customizable cargo e-bike that can be configured to suit a wide range of business needs. It can be set up as a compact utility bike for quick deliveries or extended to carry larger loads. This adaptability makes it an excellent choice for businesses with diverse cargo-carrying needs.

Motor and Modularity

The RFA Utility uses a Bosch Performance Line CX motor, providing plenty of power for heavy loads and hilly terrain. Its modular design allows for easy upgrades and replacements, potentially extending the bike's lifespan and reducing long-term costs.

Adjustable Wheelbase

One of the RFA Utility's unique features is its adjustable wheelbase. This allows you to improve the bike's length for your specific needs, balancing cargo capacity with maneuverability.

The bike's robust frame and high-quality components ensure it can withstand the rigors of daily commercial use.

10. Larry vs Harry eBullitt

Rounding out our list is the Larry vs Harry eBullitt, a sleek and nimble front-loading cargo e-bike. Despite its relatively compact size, the eBullitt can carry up to 220 pounds of cargo in its front box.

Its design prioritizes maneuverability, making it an excellent choice for navigating busy urban environments.

Motor and Handling

The eBullitt comes equipped with a Shimano STEPS e8000 motor, known for its smooth and natural-feeling assistance. The bike's low step-over height and responsive handling make it easy to mount and dismount often, a crucial feature for delivery riders making many stops.

Balance of Capacity and Agility

One of the eBullitt's standout features is its balance of cargo capacity and agility. While it can carry substantial loads, it stays nimble enough to weave through traffic and navigate tight spaces.

This makes it an excellent choice for businesses operating in dense urban areas.

People Also Asked

What is the average range of a cargo e-bike?

The average range of a cargo e-bike varies depending on factors like battery capacity, motor power, terrain, and load weight. Typically, you can expect a range between 20-80 miles on a single charge.

How much weight can a cargo e-bike typically carry?

Cargo e-bikes can typically carry between 300-500 pounds, including the rider. However, this varies significantly between models, with some specialized cargo e-bikes capable of carrying even more.

Are cargo e-bikes legal to use for commercial deliveries?

In most areas, cargo e-bikes are legal for commercial deliveries. However, regulations can vary by location, so it's important to check local laws regarding e-bike use and any specific requirements for commercial operations.

How much does a cargo e-bike cost?

Cargo e-bikes can range from around $1,500 for entry-level models to over $10,000 for high-end, commercially-oriented bikes. The price depends on factors like motor quality, cargo capacity, and overall build quality.

Do I need a license to operate a cargo e-bike?

In most areas, you don't need a special license to operate a cargo e-bike. However, some locations may have specific regulations for commercial use or for e-bikes that can reach higher speeds.

How long does it take to charge a cargo e-bike battery?

Charging time for a cargo e-bike battery typically ranges from 3-6 hours for a full charge, depending on the battery capacity and charger type.

Can cargo e-bikes handle hills?

Most cargo e-bikes are designed to handle hills, especially those with mid-drive motors. However, performance on hills can vary depending on the motor power, gear ratios, and the weight being carried.

Are cargo e-bikes difficult to ride?

While cargo e-bikes can take some getting used to, especially when loaded, they're designed to be stable and relatively easy to ride. Many models include features like step-through frames and balanced weight distribution to improve handling.

How often do cargo e-bikes need maintenance?

Like any bicycle, cargo e-bikes benefit from regular maintenance. This typically includes periodic checks of the drivetrain, brakes, and tires.

The electric components generally need less frequent maintenance but should be inspected regularly.

Can cargo e-bikes be used in winter conditions?

Many cargo e-bikes can be used year-round, including in winter conditions. However, cold weather can affect battery performance, and extra care may be needed for riding in snow or ice.

Key Takeaways

1. Cargo e-bikes offer a sustainable and effective solution for urban deliveries and freight transport.
2. When choosing a cargo e-bike, consider factors such as load capacity, range, motor power, and adaptability to your specific business needs.
3. Front-loading and longtail designs each have their advantages, so choose based on the type of cargo you'll be carrying most often.
4. Invest in high-quality locks and consider GPS tracking for valuable cargo e-bikes.
5. Regular maintenance is crucial for keeping your cargo e-bike fleet running smoothly and extending its lifespan.