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Cargo E-Bikes are catching on as a viable alternative to the car, particularly in areas where there is good cycling infrastructure. The best electric cargo bikes can seem quite expensive for a first-time buyer, so in this article, we’ve hand-picked the top 10 cargo e-bikes, for those on a budget.
A cargo e-bike is an electric pedal cycle, that’s been specifically designed for the purpose of carrying larger items (or even passengers). They’re increasingly being used in day to day life, and they are particularly useful for delivery riders. They’re also great for nipping to the shops or taking a couple of kids to school (if it is safe to do so).
Electric cargo bikes are being touted as a viable replacement for the car, particularly for shorter shopping trips and the school run. This sounds great, but the main problem we have (in the UK at least) is poor cycling infrastructure. In cities with a good cycling network they’re great, but there’s a long way to go in order to make them safe to use in rural areas.
Cargo e-bikes are incredibly versatile machines and they’re improving all the time. You can even add to the carrying capacity of these load-luggers by fitting an additional bike cargo trailer.
Another reason to use a cargo e-bike, is the obvious fitness benefits. By making just a few short trips every day, you’ll soon be clocking up the miles and reaping the rewards!
Best Cargo E-Bikes for 2023
- Best Selling Long-Tail Cargo E-Bike: Rad Power RadWagon 4 or Flyer L885
- Best Battery Capacity Budget Cargo E-Bike: Fiido T1
- Best Cargo E-Bike from a British Brand: Mycle Cargo
- Best Fat Tire Cargo E-Bike: Addmotor M-81
- Best Mid-Drive Electric Cargo Bike: Tern GSD S10
- Best Larger Capacity Cargo E-Bike: Decathlon Elops R500
- Best Step-Through Fat Tire Cargo E-Bike: Himiway Big Dog or Mokwheel Scoria
- Best Step-Through Cargo E-Bike: Rad Power RadRunner Plus
- Best Budget Folding Cargo E-Bike: Fafrees F20 Max
On to my list of the 8 best electric cargo bikes for those on a budget in 2023. The cargo e-bikes listed below have been chosen based on their brand, specification, and value for money. The initial price of these e-bikes may seem quite a lot, but when you think about how much money you could potentially save over the course of a year, they start to make perfect sense! At the bottom of this article, I’ve included a quick guide to cargo e-bikes for more information.
Rad Power RadWagon 4
Best Selling Long-Tail Cargo E-Bike
| Motor | 250-watt or 750-watt (US) Rear Hub Motor |
| Battery | 48v 14Ah / 672Wh |
| Range | 55 – 88 km (estimated) |
| Brakes | Tektro Mechanical Disc Brakes |
| Gearing | 7-Speed |
| Weight | 34.8 kg |
| Max Load | 158 kg |
| Current Price | €2299 / $1999 |
The RadWagon 4 from Rad Power Bikes has been hugely successful on both sides of the Atlantic. In the EU, the RadWagon is limited to 250w, but the Stateside version produces 750w from the rear hub motor. There’s a decent 48v 14Ah battery which should give a realistic range of between 30-40 miles.
One of the main reasons the RadWagon 4 is such a good seller is it’s very affordable price (when compared with other e-cargo bikes) – it really does offer a high-quality entry into the world of e-cargo.
All of the components are fairly entry-level, but good quality. There is a Shimano drivetrain and mechanical disc brakes along with high-volume, puncture resistant tyres. There’s also front and rear lights a centre stand and of course, loads of luggage space. For more info read my article on Rad Power Bikes.
Flyer L885
| Motor | 500-watt Rear Hub Motor |
| Battery | 48v 15Ah / 720Wh |
| Range | 30 – 50 miles |
| Brakes | Tektro Mechanical Disc Brakes |
| Gearing | 7-Speed |
| Weight | 73 lbs / 33 kg |
| Max Load | 400 lbs / 181 kg |
| Current Price | $1999 |
The Flyer L885 is a great alternative to the Radwagon 4. It has several advantages over the Radwagon, including a slightly higher payload capacity, and a more powerful battery. Power output is slightly down on the Rad Power bike at 500-watts, but that should still be more than enough for most riders. Flyer is an iconic American brand, and their electric cargo bike is durable and well-built. It also has loads of positive customer reviews.
We think the Flyer L885 is a great alternative to the Radwagon 4 – it looks great, and there’s lots of option accessories available from child seats through to bags, and cargo carrying solutions. We’d have no problem in recommending the Flyer cargo e-bike.
Visit the Flyer website for more information
Fiido T1
Best Battery Capacity Budget Cargo E-Bike
| Motor | 750-watt Rear Hub Motor |
| Battery | 48v 20Ah / 960Wh |
| Range | Up to 150 km (eco mode, light rider, flat road) |
| Brakes | Hydraulic Brakes |
| Gearing | 7-speed |
| Weight | 36.2 kg |
| Max Load | 200 kg |
| Current Price | $1699 (T1 Pro Model) |
The Fiido T1 is a great budget option, that benefits from a large 960Wh battery capacity. At its current price it’s a lot of bike for the money with a powerful 750-watt motor (US version), hydraulic brakes and front suspension fork.
For cargo carrying capacity there’s a large basket upfront which is directly mounted to the steerer tube. The rear rack is integral to the frame and has been rated to carry 80 kg. There’s a nice, polished wood platform and you can fit seats, a large basket or some over-sized panniers.
If comfort is important. the Fiido T1 features a large, sprung saddle with adjustable suspension seat post. Plus, thanks to the step-through frame design, it’s easy to get on and off. Finally, the riding position is upright, and the handlebars have a nice sweep back with ergonomic grips. For more information, read my Fiido T1 review.
Available direct from Fiido – US, UK and EU
Mycle Cargo
Best Cargo E-Bike for a British Brand
| Motor | 48-volt 250-watt Rear Hub Motor |
| Battery | 48v 15Ah + Dual Battery Option Available |
| Range | Up to 74 miles / 120 km |
| Brakes | Tektro Mechanical Brakes |
| Gearing | 7-speed |
| Weight | 33 kg / 36 kg (depending on battery size) |
| Max Load | 210 kg (including Bike and Rider) |
| Current Price | £1999 |
The Mycle Cargo was only released in 2022, but has quickly gone on to be a best-seller in the UK. All their e-bikes are assemble in Britain by Cytech-trained staff. The bike itself uses tried and tested technology, with a 48-volt 250-watt rear hub motor and 48v 15Ah battery. A second battery can be fitted to give a potential range of up to 120 km.
Components include 7-speed gearing, Tekro mechanical disc brakes and CST Big Boat 20″ x 3″ tires for added traction. It’s well designed bike and Mycle offer loads of accessories for this bike, including child seats, panniers, front basket and more. With a rear weight carrying capacity of 125 kg, it’s one of the best in its class.
The Mycle Cargo is one of the best options for under £2000, and a viable alternative to the RadWagon 4.
Visit Mycle for more information
Addmotor M-81
Best Long-Tail Fat Tire Cargo E-Bike
| Motor | 750-watt Rear Hub Motor |
| Battery | 48v 20Ah / 960Wh |
| Range | Up to 105 miles (estimate) |
| Brakes | Hydraulic Disc Brakes |
| Gearing | 7-speed |
| Weight | 78 lbs (approx) |
| Max Load | 350 lbs |
| Current Price | $1799 |
Addmotor are a US brand, and their M-81 fat tire cargo e-bike is a beast of a machine! Featuring a 750-watt rear hub motor with 48v 20Ah battery (with Samsung cells), the M-81 is ready for hauling groceries, kids or anything you can fit on it.
Components include Shimano 7-speed gearing, hydraulic disc brakes and 100mm of front suspension travel. The M-81 has a total weight capacity of 350 lbs, so you can carry passengers with ease. In addition, there is a mounting point for front basket. The Kenda 20″ x 4″ tyres are designed for all-terrain use, so you can take short cuts without worrying about getting bogged-down. The Addmotor M-81 also features on my list of the best fat tire electric bikes for 2023.
Tern GSD S10
Best Mid-Drive Cargo E-Bike
| Motor | Bosch Cargo-Line 250-watt Mid-Drive Motor |
| Battery | 400Wh / 500Wh Removable Bosch Battery |
| Range | Up to 100 miles (eco mode) |
| Brakes | Magura MT4 Hydraulic Brakes |
| Gearing | Shimano Deore 10-speed |
| Weight | 28 kg (approx) |
| Max Load | 200 kg (including bike and rider) |
| Current Price | £5400 (S10 LX Version) |
I was fortunate enough to have a go on the Tern GSD S10 a couple of years back and it really is a fantastic bit of kit! It’s such a fun and responsive e-bike to ride with the benefit of foldable parts making it much easier to transport.
It’s the most expensive e-bike on this list. But, the Tern GSD S10 boasts an amazing specification for such a compact package – Bosch Cargo Line, 400Wh battery (with the option of adding another), Magura MT5 4-pot hydraulic brakes, Suntour front suspension and Schwalbe Big Ben Plus tyres.
In the accessories department there’s a centre stand, front and rear lights (with an always-on brake light), mudguards and, of course that amazing cargo rack. The Tern GSD S10 also boasts an excellent 200kg maximum carrying capacity (including bike and rider weight).
Available from Velorution (UK) -GSD S10 LX Model
Also available from REI Co-op USA
Decathlon Elops R500
Best Larger Capacity Cargo E-Bike
| Motor | Bosch Active-Line Plus 250-watt Mid-Drive Motor |
| Battery | 48v 14Ah / 672Wh |
| Range | Up to 90 km (eco mode) |
| Brakes | Tektro Hydraulic Brakes |
| Gearing | 8-speed |
| Weight | 38 kg |
| Max Load | 170 kg (excluding bike) |
| Current Price | £3299 |
Decathlon’s foray into the world of cargo e-bikes has been well-received. It’s a really well designed bike at a reasonable price. The Decathlon Elops R500 features a 48v 250-watt rear hub motor which has torque-sensing pedal assist. This gives the rider a more intuitive feel and the assist responds to rider pedalling effort. Benefits include improved efficiency and a smoother, more responsive assist.
Components include 8-speed gearing, hydraulic brakes, front suspension fork and an integrated 48v 14Ah battery. In addition, Decathlon has released an impressive range of accessories to coincide with the release of the bike.
Pricing is competitive, with the R500 coming in at under €2900 in European countries and under £3300 in the UK. It’s a great option, especially if you’re looking for a massive carrying potential.
Himiway Big Dog
Best Step-Through Fat Tire Cargo E-Bike
| Motor | 250-watt or 750-watt (US) Rear Hub Motor |
| Battery | 48v 20Ah / 960Wh |
| Range | 60 – 80 miles |
| Brakes | Hydraulic Disc Brakes |
| Gearing | 7-speed |
| Weight | 70 lb |
| Max Load | 400 lb |
| Current Price | $1999 / £1999 |
The Himiway Big Dog is a step-through fat tire cargo e-bike that’s available on both sides of the Atlantic in either a 750-watt (US) or 250-watt (UK and EU) version. It features a stylish step-through frame design, with an integrated 48v 20Ah (960Wh) battery (using Samsun or LG cells).
It’s a robust-looking e-bike with an integrated rear rack and provision to mount a large front basket or rack. The 20″ x 4″ fat tires, give the Big Dog the potential to ride on sand or even snow.
Components include Shimano 7-speed gearing, hydraulic disc brakes with 180mm rotors and tough mag wheels. In addition, there’s a full set of mudguards, front and rear lights and a centre stand. The Himiway Big Dog is available for just under £2000, in the UK and represents excellent value for money.
Also available from Himiway UK
Mokwheel Scoria
| Motor | 750-watt Rear Hub Motor |
| Battery | 48v 19.6Ah |
| Range | 60 – 80 miles |
| Brakes | Hydraulic Disc Brakes |
| Gearing | 7-speed |
| Weight | 70 lb |
| Max Load | 400 lb |
| Current Price | $1999 |
The Mokwheel Scoria is a good alternative to the Himiway Big Dog. Currently only available in the US, and competitively priced at $1999, the Scoria features a 750w rear hub motor with 48v 19.6Ah battery. In addition, there’s hydraulic brakes, a large, integrated pannier rack and provision to fit a large front basket. There’s also an impressive 400 lbs total carrying capacity, making the Scoria suitable for heavier items. You can buy accessories to further increase the carrying capacity of the Scoria – there’s is a pannier rack extender, front basket and even a child seat available.
All in all, the Mokwheel Scoria is another excellent value e-bike with cargo carrying potential. This brand are planning on entering the UK and EU markets at some stage in the future, and I’m sure their range of electric bikes will be very popular.
Rad Power RadRunner Plus
Best Step-Through Cargo E-Bike
| Motor | 250-watt or 750-watt (US) Rear Hub Motor |
| Battery | 48v 14Ah / 672Wh |
| Range | Up to 45 miles / 72 km |
| Brakes | Tektro Mechanical Disc Brakes |
| Gearing | 7-Speed |
| Weight | 77 lb / 34.9 kg |
| Max Load | 300 lb / 136 kg |
| Current Price | $1999 / €1999 |
The Rad Power RadRunner Plus is another e-bike that’s available in the US, UK and EU. Billed as a ‘utility e-bike’ it has loads of potential for carrying anything from passengers through to light cargo. Rad Power offer a vast array of accessories, so you can personalize the RadRunner Plus to suit your particular needs.
Featuring either a 750-watt (US spec) or 250-watt (UK and EU) rear hub motor with 672Wh battery, the RadRunner is ready for action! In addition there’s do quality components like Shimano 7-speed gearing, hydraulic disc brakes and front suspension fork. The CTS 4″ x 3″ tires add to the comfortable ride and make the RadRunner suitable for riding on tarmac and gravel surfaces.
It’s a very popular e-bike, from a great company with a good reputation, and definitely worth considering.
Also available from Rad Power EU
Fafrees F20 Max
Best Budget Folding Cargo E-Bike
| Motor | 500-watt Rear Hub Motor |
| Battery | 48v 18Ah / 864Wh |
| Range | Up to 140 km (eco mode) |
| Brakes | Mechanical Disc Brakes |
| Gearing | 7-speed |
| Weight | 31 kg |
| Max Load | 150 kg |
| Current Price | £1099 / €1199 |
At the cheaper end of the scale we have the lesser-known brand of Fafrees. They are a Chinese company with a great range of e-bikes, and their F20 Max fat tire folding cargo e-bike represents excellent value for money.
This bike has a powerful 500w rear hub motor with a large 48v 18Ah battery. Plus, with its foldable design, it’s easier to take it in a vehicle or store it at home, or the office.
It has a great specification for the price. There’s a rear rack with cushion – this can be removed if required. A sturdy front rack, mudguards, lights and kickstand. Brakes are mechanical disc and gearing is Shimano 7-speed.
For added comfort and versatility it has 20″ X 4″ fat tires, front suspension, suspension seat-post and a step-through frame with upright riding position. All in all a bargain for just over £1000 / €1000, and certainly worth considering if it fits your budget.
Available from Geekbuying (EU shipping)
Also available from BuyBestGear
Quick Guide to Cargo E-Bikes
Below are some quick answers to some questions you may have before purchasing an electric cargo bike. If there’s anything more you’d like to know, please use the comments section below.
Can anyone ride one?
Anyone can ride a cargo e-bike providing they’re old enough – some countries have a minimum age for e-bike riding. Most of the cargo e-bikes featured above are designed to be ridden by riders of varying heights. Most have a certain amount of adjustability in their components.
What’s it like to ride a cargo e-bike?
Riding a cargo e-bike isn’t much different to riding a regular electric bike. Generally, these weigh 20-30% heavier than regular e-bikes, so you may need to rely on the assist more. If you do run out of battery, pedalling uphill will definitely be a struggle, but you shouldn’t have too much bother on the flat.
If you’re carrying extra weight, then extra care should be taken – allow more room for braking, and if you’re descending a steep hill, don’t just hold onto the brakes, but pulse them on and off. This will reduce the chance of the brakes overheating. Be extra careful when manoeuvring as the handling will be effected by the extra weight.
Does a cargo e-bike cost more to maintain?
If you’re using a cargo e-bike as intended, then it’s likely there will be increased wear and tear on components when compared with a regular e-bike. Things like brake pads will definitely need replacing more often, and tire wear will be greater. Battery range won’t be as good as on a regular e-bike due to the extra weight being lugged around.
What is the law regarding Cargo E-Bikes?
The same laws apply to cargo e-bikes as regular electric bikes. In the US, federal e-bike law is quite generous and allows for 750-watts (nominal) and up to 28 mph (pedal assist) – 750-watts is equivalent to one horsepower, and should be plenty of power for a cargo e-bike. Unfortunately, EU and UK e-bike laws require all electrically assisted pedal cycles to produce no more than 250w of continuous power regardless of how much weight they are carrying or their intended purpose – e.g. courier work.
What can I use a Cargo E-Bike for?
You can use a cargo e-bike for lots of different things. Taking a couple of small children to school, shopping and commuting to work. More and more riders are using cargo e-bikes for food delivery. And, some companies will use e-bike couriers to send sameday parcel deliveries across town. For one it reduces the companies carbon footprint, and also beats the traffic.
Is it safe to carry children?
You can carry children on a cargo e-bike, as long as you have an approved child seat fitted, and they always wear a helmet and protective clothing. I would not advise using roads without a segregated cycle lane, as there are too many impatient drivers out there, and I wouldn’t want to risk it. If you have good cycling infrastructure, then it’s safe, as long as you keep your speed down and ride carefully.
What motor is best for a cargo e-bike?
The best motor for a cargo e-bike depends on the kind of terrain you’re riding on. If you live in an area with steep hills, then a mid-drive would be the way to go. Even more powerful hub motors struggle on steeper hills. For flat or moderately hilly terrain, a hub motor is ideal. Mid-drive motors are generally more efficient, but most hub motor bikes will give you at least 25 miles out of a charge.
How far will they go? (on a charge)
This really depends on many different factors. The higher the Wh (watt-hour) figure of a battery, the greater the energy capacity and longer the potential range. If you are using throttle only and not pedalling, then range will be drastically lowered. Pedalling will maximise battery range, and using the lower assist level will also help. If you need to travel longer distance, you may need to factor in a stop to re-charge, or purchase a second battery. Most of the cargo e-bikes featured here will do at least 25 miles on a single charge.
Can I tow a trailer?
You can tow a trailer using a cargo e-bike, as long as the trailer can be fitted. Most cargo trailers, are adapted for quick-release or thru-axle fitment. Some trailers connect to the seat post or frame. Having a trailer will greatly increase your carrying capacity.
Conclusion
I think electric cargo bikes are going to play a big part in the future of urban transport. Over the years, I’ve learned to rely on the car less and now I use a bike for all my local errands. Last year, I covered nearly 8000 miles on a bike – with current fuel prices in the UK, that would have cost me about £2000 in petrol.
Some may argue about weather, but with modern waterproof clothing you can stay warm and dry. If it snows in the winter, a fat tire cargo e-bike will do the job.
Then you have the health and fitness aspect. Riding an e-bike you’re burning the same amount of calories as a brisk walk. If you’re riding every day it’s going to have a positive impact on your health one way or the other.
The bottom line is cargo e-bikes rock! They’re great fun to ride, and it’s a liberating feeling not having to worry about fuel costs, insurance (although I recommend it), taxation, parking – the list goes on. If you’re thinking about getting a cargo e-bike, I can highly recommend it.
Thanks for reading and if you have any questions or require advice, please leave a message in the comments section below and I will usually reply within 24hrs.
