Best Cargo E-Bikes for Commuting in 2024: A Comprehensive Guide
Last Updated on September 8, 2024 by Kristina Grant
Are you tired of the hassle of public transportation or the expense of car ownership? A cargo e-bike might be the perfect solution for your daily commute. These versatile machines offer a convenient, eco-friendly, and enjoyable way to get around your city.
In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best cargo e-bikes on the market in 2024, providing detailed information on each model to help you make an informed decision.
Features to Consider
- Payload capacity: How much weight can the bike carry, including the rider and cargo?
- Motor power: How much power does the motor offer to assist you with hills and heavy loads?
- Battery range: How far can you ride on a single charge?
- Cargo options: Does the bike come with a rack or options for adding baskets or panniers?
- Comfort: Consider factors like seat adjustability, suspension, and handlebar position.
- Price: Cargo e-bikes can be a significant investment, so be sure to factor in your budget.
Aventon Abound
- Pros: Powerful motor, impressive payload capacity, lots of included features, comfortable ride
- Cons: Heavy, folding stem can cause vibration at higher speeds
- Who it’s good for: Riders who need a powerful and versatile cargo e-bike for hauling heavy loads
- Price range: $1,799 – $1,999
- Where to buy: Aventon
Specifications:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Motor | 48V, 750W Brushless Rear Hub Motor |
| Battery | Removable Internal Lithium-ion 48V, 15 Ah (720 Wh) w/ LG Cells |
| Display | BC280 LCD Smart Easy Read Display w/ Backlight and App Connectivity |
| Range | Up to 50 Miles |
| Weight | 81 lbs |
| Payload capacity | 440 lbs |
| Brakes | Tektro HD-E350 Hydraulic disc brakes |
Read our full review of the Aventon Abound Cargo Ebike
Rad Power Bikes RadWagon 5
- Pros: Safe and powerful, excellent stopping power, large cargo capacity, comfortable ride
- Cons: No fast charger available
- Who it’s good for: Riders who prioritize safety and want a versatile cargo e-bike for hauling a variety of loads
- Price range: $1,499 – $1,699
- Where to buy: Rad Power Bikes
Specifications:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Motor | 750W brushless, geared hub motor producing 90Nm of torque |
| Battery | 720Wh Safe Shield lithium-ion battery |
| Display | Color LED display with USB-C port |
| Range | Up to 60 mi. per charge |
| Weight | 86 lbs |
| Payload capacity | 375 lbs |
| Brakes | Tektro E-395 hydraulic disc brakes, 180mm rotors |
RELATED CONTENT
Velotric Packer 1
- Pros: Great value, excellent handling, good payload capacity, comfortable ride
- Cons: Lower PAS levels could be smoother
- Who it’s good for: Riders who are looking for an affordable cargo e-bike with good features
- Price range: $1,699 – $1,999
- Where to buy: Velotric
Specifications:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Motor | 750W, Peak 1200W, 75Nm |
| Battery | 48V, 14.4Ah, 691.2Wh w/ LG 21700 cells |
| Display | 3.5″ Backlit LCD display with speed, trip, battery, assist Level and more |
| Range | Up to 52 miles (claimed) |
| Weight | 75 lbs |
| Payload capacity | 44 |
Specialized Globe Haul ST
- Pros: Excellent handling, powerful motor, comfortable ride, high payload capacity
- Cons: Short cargo rack, steep saddle angle for carrying larger items
- Who it’s good for: Riders who prioritize performance and handling in a cargo e-bike
- Price range: $2,499 – $2,699
- Where to buy: Specialized
Specifications:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Motor | Globe custom-tuned motor, alloy, 6-bolt disc, 9 speed freehub, bolt on, 36h |
| Battery | Globe external battery, 772Wh, IPX7 |
| Display | Globe handlebar remote HMI |
| Range | Claimed 60, (EBR testing 38 – 54) |
| Weight | N/A |
| Payload capacity | 419 lbs |
| Brakes | Tektro HD-T535, 4 piston caliper, hydraulic disc, 203mm rotor |
Lectric XPedition
- Pros: Affordable, comfortable ride, long range, high payload capacity
- Cons: Folding stem can cause vibration at higher speeds
- Who it’s good for: Riders on a budget who need a versatile cargo e-bike with a long range
- Price range: $1,299 – $1,799
- Where to buy: Lectric Bikes
Read our full review of the Lectric Xpedition Cargo Ebike
Specifications:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Motor | 750W rear hub (1310W Peak) with 85Nm of torque |
| Battery | 48V, 14Ah Lithium-ion, Available with a Single and Dual-Battery |
| Display | LCD display provides trip and battery |
| Range | 75 miles (single battery) 150 miles (dual battery) |
| Weight | 65 lbs (single battery), 75 lbs (dual battery) |
| Payload capacity | 450 lbs |
| Brakes | Zoom, hydraulic, 180mm rotors, dual piston calipers |
Tern GSD
- Pros: Versatile, durable, powerful motor, long range, comfortable ride
- Cons: Rear tire/tube can be hard to replace
- Who it’s good for: Riders who need a versatile cargo e-bike with a long range and high payload capacity
- Price range: $3,499 – $4,499
- Where to buy: Tern
Specifications:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Motor | Bosch Cargo Line motor with 85Nm of torque |
| Battery | Bosch PowerPack 500 batteries (1,000Wh total) |
| Display | Globe handlebar remote HMI |
| Range | Claimed 60, (EBR testing 38 – 54) |
| Weight | N/A |
| Payload capacity | 440 lbs |
| Brakes | Magura MT5 eSTOP 4-piston hydraulic brakes |
Conclusion
The best cargo e-bike for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Consider factors like payload capacity, motor power, battery range, cargo options, comfort, and price. By carefully evaluating these factors, you can find the perfect cargo e-bike to meet your commuting and hauling needs.
Help a fellow commuter! Have you used a cargo bike for commuting? Share your tips and recommendations in the comments.
Kristina Grant is not just an enthusiast but a true authority on electric bikes. Nestled in the coastal beauty of Virginia, Kristina has found the perfect backdrop for her passion for electric biking. As a dedicated wife and homeschooling mom, her life revolves around family, faith, and the thrill of adventure.
Originally hailing from Ohio, Kristina's journey with electric bikes began as a curiosity and quickly evolved into a deep expertise. Her blog is a testament to her love for electric biking, combining her fascination for eco-friendly transportation with her coastal lifestyle.
When she's not cruising the beach on her electric bike, you'll find Kristina indulging in her other loves: long walks along the shore, getting lost in a good book, and cherishing moments with her loved ones. With a heart as big as her love for animals, especially cats, Kristina brings a unique perspective to the electric bike world, grounded in her strong faith in God and her dedication to a sustainable lifestyle.
Through her blog, Kristina shares her extensive knowledge of electric bikes, offering valuable insights, tips, and recommendations to fellow enthusiasts. Whether you're a seasoned rider or a newcomer to the electric bike scene, Kristina's blog is your go-to source for all things electric biking, fueled by her passion, expertise, and the scenic beauty of coastal Virginia.
