Best Cargo Bikes for Family Rides in 2023

A cargo bike is any bike customized to carry excess luggage in a safe and convenient way. They come in many shapes, sizes, and designs, typically with a large platform, rack, or basket somewhere. Many families in bike-friendly cities buy cargo bikes to carry their small children around town. This is also useful if you have pets and want to take them out with you!

Cargo bikes also make great delivery vehicles for small businesses or for transporting goods to market stalls.

In this cargo bikes review, you’ll be introduced to the most-used types of bikes on the market!

Different Types of Cargo Bikes

• Standard/Classic – With an integrated rear rack.
• Longtail – With a stretched rear rack to carry oversized items.
• Foldable – Generally a bike with a fold-in handlebar.
• Front-loader – Cargo bike with a large basket in the front.
• Trike – Three-wheeler for extra stability and heavy loads.

Front-Loader vs. Longtail Cargo Bikes

You get cargo bikes that hold luggage upfront, known as frontloaders, or in the rear, known as long tails or mid tails. They both have specific benefits depending on your preference and the type of cargo you’re carrying.

Rear cargo bikes are good for carrying extra passengers like kids or pets, or any heavy cargo. They usually have a smaller rear wheel with a platform above and can also fit pannier bags. 

Frontloaders, sometimes called ‘bakfiets’ from the Dutch for box bikes, have a cargo box over the front wheel. Some are detached from the handlebars so that they can carry a heavier weight without affecting steering. 

You also get cargo trikes, with two wheels on the front or rear to better balance heavy cargo.

1. Mongoose Envoy Cargo

The cheapest cargo bike by a known brand

Aluminum / Shimano Tourney / 26″ x 2.35″ / 3×8-speeds

• Total cargo capacity: 130 lb – 20lb per bag / 90 lb per upper rack
• Suggested rider height: 5’5” to 5’10” / Inseam: 30. 5″-33″

The Envoy is a cheap cargo bike from Mongoose with a medium-sized rear extension to carry two large panniers. It would be suited to delivering large work documents like blueprints, paintings, and records, or simply collecting groceries. Additional larger items can be strapped over the top of the rack with rope.

The Envoy has a 24-speed Shimano drivetrain with Mongoose mechanical disc brakes and tires 26″ x 2.35″ tires. The rack takes a max load of 130lbs (60kg) and comes with two large, water-resistant cargo bags measuring 24″x16″x6″. This is most likely the cheapest cargo bike without a motor.

Buy on Amazon

2. Yuba Kombi Step-Through

A Compact cargo bike

MSRP: $1,200

Steel / Shimano Altus / 24″ x 2.4″ / 9-speed

• Dual kickstand
• Mechanical disc brakes
• Fits riders 5′ – 6′ 5″

The Yuba Kombi is a steel, 24″ longtail cargo bike designed for city riding. The small frame with a lowered top tube makes it easier to mount and is convenient to store when not in use.

It has a 9-speed Shimano Altus drivetrain with Tektro mechanical disc brakes and 2.4″ Kenda tires. The rear rack is compatible with various Yuba add-ons and third-party extra like a Yepp Nexxt child seat. In addition to all that, the Yuba Kombi comes with a double kickstand, integrated lights, wheel fenders, and a Deflopilator to keep the front wheel still when parked.

Buy from REI.com

3. Benno Carry On 27D Utility Bike

MSRP: $1,099

Aluminium / Shimano Alivio / 24″ x 2.6″ / 27-speed

This affordable, lightweight 24″ cargo bike from Benno is a great little commuter with space for some extra luggage. The removable rear rack can carry up to 4 pannier bags but isn’t designed to hold heavy weight like passengers.

With a 21-speed Shimano Acera/Alivio drivetrain you’ll have no trouble getting up hills while heavily loaded and the Avid mechanical disc brakes will keep you safe when going down. Thick 2.6″ tires make for a comfortable ride and can handle both on-road and off-road conditions.

Get it from Benno Bikes

4. Benno Carry On 30D

An affordable everyday hybrid/cargo bike

MSRP: $1,500

Aluminum / Shimano Deore LX / 24″ x 2.6″ / 30-speed

The Carry On 30D is a strong but lightweight cargo bike from Benno. It makes for an ideal commuter bike if you need space for a little more luggage. The removable rear rack can fit up to 4 full pannier bags but isn’t designed to hold heavy weight like passengers.

With an expansive 30-speed Shimano Deore gearset and hydraulic disc brakes, you’ll have no trouble cycling up or coming down even the steepest of hills while heavily loaded. Thick 24″ x 2.6″ tires can handle both on-road and off-road conditions and provide a smooth, comfortable ride.

Get it from Benno Bikes

5. Yuba Mundo Lux Cargo Bike

Loads of accessories to be added

MSRP: $2,499

Steel / Shimano Altus  / 26″ x 2.15″ / 3×9-speed

• Dual kick-stand
• Hydraulic disc brakes
• Weight: 58 lbs

The Mundo Lux is a large steel, longtail cargo bike with enough strength and space to carry two children on the back. The frame is easy to maneuver with a heavy load and includes a double kickstand and front-wheel stabilizer for easy parking.

It has a 27-speed Shimano drivetrain with thick 26″ Schwalbe Big Ben tires and hydraulic disc brakes. The inclusion of fenders, wheelskirts, a bell, and integrated front and rear lights make this the perfect utility cargo bike.

Buy on REI.com

6. Surly Big Dummy

One of the icons of the cargo bicycle history

Steel / Shimano Deore & SRAM GX / 26″ x 2.3″ / 30-speed

MSRP: $2,150

Surly is world-famous for its steel-framed commuter and adventure bicycles and introduced the Big Dummy to its fleet in 2008. This stretched-out longtail bike looks like the limousine of cargo bikes, with a huge rear rack that can hold up to 400lbs (180kg) of weight.

You can add dummy rail collars or seat attachments to carry up to two passengers or three small children. Shimano and SRAM make up the 30-speed drivetrain with a mix of GX and Deore parts, with Avid mechanical discs and SRAM rotors on the brakes.

Buy from Surlybikes.com

7. Salsa Blackborow GX Eagle

Fat tire cargo bike

MSRP: $3,299

Aluminum / SRAM GX Eagle 12-speed / 27.5″ x 3.8″

• Rear rack capacity: 110 lb
• Mechanical disc brakes w/ 180 mm rotors
• 1x and 2x drivetrain compatible
• Weight: 39lbs

The Blackborow GX is a fat tire cargo bicycle designed for extreme off-road expeditions. With its extra-long 4-pannier rear rack and 3.8″ thick 45NRTH tires, the Blackborow will take you and all your luggage anywhere in the world.

It’s built around a powerful 6066-T6 longtail aluminum frame with a lightweight carbon fork and a rear rack capacity of up to 110lbs (50kg). The drivetrain is an 11-speed SRAM GX Eagle with Hayes MX mechanical disc brakes on SUNringle Mulefut rims.

Get it from Salsa Cycles

8. Rad Power Bikes RadWagon 4

Best electric cargo bike at a low price tag

MSRP: $1,999

Aluminum / Shimano Acera / 22″ x 3″ / 7-speed

• Dual kickstand
• Payload capacity: 350 lb
• Range: Up to 45miles +
• 750W geared hub motor, 80Nm Torque
• Fits riders 5’1″ – 6’4″

With a 750W geared hub motor and 350lbs (159kg) load capacity, this is a highly versatile and affordable Rad Power Bikes e-Bike. The 48V battery will take you up to 45 miles (72km) on a single charge and keeps the integrated front and rear lights running without interruption.

For easy pedaling, the RadWagon gives you a choice of 7 gears provided by a Shimano groupset with Tektro mechanical disc brakes. The strong 22″ wheels and 3″ tires make cycling around safe and comfortable, plus you get a dual kickstand and full fenders for wet weather days.

Buy on RadPowerBikes.com

9. Urban Arrow Shorty Performance

Shorty-nose cargo bike by European cargo specialist Urban Arrow

MSRP: $5,000

 

Aluminum / Enviolo Trekking hub / 26+20″ x 2″ 

• Weight: 101lbs 
• Load Capacity: 496lbs  
•  Range: 31mi average 
• Battery: 500Wh
• Motor: 250W

Dutch cargo bike manufacturer Urban Arrow is back with a more compact and easy-to-maneuver cargo electric bike, the Shorty Performance. 

This front-loading bucket bike can carry anything you want, up to 496lbs payload capacities, such as pets, kids, and heavy cargo, The Bosch Performance Line motor with 65Nm of torque will easily carry you from A to B with an average range of 31 miles from the 500Wh battery. 

Other notable features of this bike include Tektro Dorado hydraulic disc brakes, a long-lasting Enviolo internally-geared hub, LED lights, and a dual-sided kickstand. 

Consider the Shorty Performance if you’re looking for a fully-equipped cargo e-bike with plenty of space and power. 

Get it from Mike’s Bikes

10. Tern GSD S10

Carries 2 kids – Max load capacity: 440 lb

MSRP: $5,399

Aluminum / Shimano Deore / 20″ / 10-speed

• Motor: Bosch Cargo Line 400% support, 85Nm
• Battery Capacity: 400Wh
• Pedal-assist range: 26-53 miles 
• Weight: 74lb
• Fits riders: 4’11” – 6’5″

The compact Tern GSD S10 is an electric cargo eBike with enough space to carry four panniers or two child seats up to 440 lbs in weight. It uses a top-quality Bosch Cargo Line 85Nm motor and 400Wh battery that will take you up to 53 miles on a single charge.

Despite its strong frame and weight capacity, the bike isn’t much heavier than a normal e-bicycle and weighs 74lbs. Shimano provides a 10-speed Deore groupset for pedal assistance with Magura MT-5 hydraulic discs for braking.

Get it from REI

11. Benno RemiDemi 10D Sport

MSRP: $4,099

Steel / Shimano Acera / 20″ x 4.25″ / 9-speed

• Pedal-assist range: Up to 25-70miles
• Motor: 250W, 65Nm, 504Why battery
• Weight: 65 lbs
• Fits riders: 5’1″ – 6’1″

The RemiDemi 10D Sport is Benno’s best electric cargo bike on their range, and for a good reason, it’s compact and powerful. The RemiDemi 10D Sport is a steel bike that can carry up to 400lbs.

To help the load along, it includes a Bosch Performance Sport 250W motor and a 400Wh battery that will take you 70 miles on a single charge.

The groupset features Shimano BR-MT200 hydraulic disc brakes and a 9-speed Shimano drivetrain. The 4.25″ Duro fat tires ensure you have a comfortable ride no matter the terrain. Other extras include fenders, a dual kickstand, and integrated lights.

Buy on REI.com

12. Yuba Spicy Curry V3

Powerful mid-drive electric cargo bike

MSRP: $5,199

Aluminum / Shimano Deore 10-speed / 26/20″ x 2.4″

• Pedal-assist range: 19-34mi 
• Motor: 250W @75Nm / Battery: 500Wh
• Max gross weight: 440 lb
• Fits riders 5′ – 6’5″

This cargo bike with electric assist can carry two passengers or cargo up to 440lbs (200kg). Its key feature is the Bosch Cargo Line mid-drive motor system that provides a smooth and quiet ride with plenty of power to haul a full payload. 

75Nm of torque and the 500Wh battery system will take you just 34miles on a single charge, unfortunately.

With Magura MT32 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes, Schwalbe Super Moto-X 2.4″ tires, integrated lights, and an ABUS wheel lock, you’ll feel safe at all times on the road. Finally, this bike has a unique Stay Steady Technology (SST) design that improves ride quality with continuous stays that reduce flex.

Buy on REI.com

13. Momentum 22 PakYak E+

Premium cargo bike with tons of great features

MSRP: $5,599

ALUXX Aluminum / Shimano Nexus Inter-5E / 24″ x 2.5″ / 5-speed

The Momentum PakYak is one of the biggest yet easiest to ride cargo bikes available. The huge Giant ALUXX aluminum frame, dual cargo racks, 40mm suspension dropper post, and internally geared hub all make this bike a special option. 

The drive unit is the Giant/Yamaha SyncDrive Pro mid-drive setup with 250W/80Nm supported by a huge 500Wh battery with an optional range extender. This combination provides huge ranges and the battery changes in less than 4 hours. 

Finally, Tektro 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes, premium Maxxis Hook Worm 2.5″ tires, and confident steering from the integrated headset stability control ensure you can ride confidently even with a full 361lb payload. 

Buy from Mikesbikes.com

14. Benno Boost E 10D

One of the most versatile and affordable cargo e-bikes

Aluminum / 24″ x 2.6″ / Shimano Deore 10-speed

MSRP: $5,499

• Pedal-assist range: 30-75mi
• 500Wh battery
• Bosch Performance Speed 250W
• Weight: 65 lbs
• Fits riders 5’1″ – 6’3″

Benno Boost E is a compact electric cargo bike with a long-range battery that will take you up to 75 miles on one charge. It also supports dual battery capability, so you can extend the range even more and double the capacity to 1000 Wh.

The Bosch Performance Speed 250W motor and 10-speed Shimano Deore drivetrain will carry you along at speeds up to 28mph.

The rear rack can carry huge loads of diverse shapes and sizes up to 130 lb and is capable of carrying 2 kids seats. Benno Boost also includes front and rear lights plus fenders and a kickstand. Braking is provided by Shimano hydraulic disc brakes and the tires are 2.6″ wide for maximum comfort.

Buy on REI.com

15. Urban Arrow Family Cargo Bike

Best front-load e-Cargo bike

MSRP: $8,000

UA 4.2 Aluminium / 26″-20″ x 1.75″ / Enviolo Internal Hub 

• Bosch Cargo Line Gen 4, 250W
• Internal gear Enviolo Cargo hub
• Weight: 112.4 lbs

This cargo bike company is among the most popular choice for front-load electric bikes. The Family Cargo Bike is a Dutch cargo bike frame with a long front loading box designed specifically for carrying a large amount of cargo.

It combines a 26″ rear wheel with a smaller 20″ front wheel which provides better steering and control. It can carry up to a whopping 606lbs of payload, the highest on the market. Finally, you have a fully Bosch Cargo line setup that ensures plenty of range and enough power to pull a fully loaded bike. 

Buy from Mike’s Bikes

16. Tern HSD P9

MSRP: $3,699

• Bosch Active Line Plus, 250W
• 400Wh battery
• 26-69 miles range
• Shimano Alivio 9-speed drivetrain
• Shimano Alivio hydraulic disc brakes

With a powerful Bosch Active Line Plus mid-drive 250W motor and a respectable range of up to 69 miles, this bike can do whatever you need. The Tern HSD P9 comes with a long rear rack with a total carrying capacity of 375lbs.

That means that you can easily transport a child passenger and carry groceries at the same time. Additionally, you have fenders, a kickstand, integrated lights, and hydraulic disc brakes which make it perfect for riding in all conditions. 

The HSD P9 will assist you up to 20 mph, which makes it a class 1 e-bike. Therefore, it is legal to ride it anywhere in the world.

It fits riders 4’11” to 6’5″, and you can easily find the perfect position thanks to the adjustable stem and seatpost. 

Get the Tern HSD P9 if you need a fun, quick, and nimble cargo e-bike to take your kids to school, do grocery shopping, or support your business!

Buy from REI

A Guide to Different Types of Cargo Bikes

Cycle Truck

This bike has a smaller front wheel to accommodate a large basket above it for storage. Typically, they also have a rear rack for additional cargo. Some cycle trucks have an extended front area for cargo and are known as front loaders.

Long John

The Long John is an extraordinary-looking machine with an extended front flatbed cargo loader to fit large items like kitchen appliances. The small front wheel sticks out far ahead and is controlled by a long metal pole running under the flatbed loader.

Longtail Bike

The longtail bike has a large rear rack built over a smaller back wheel. It can usually accommodate large items on the rack plus four pannier racks attached to the side. Often, these bikes are fitted with removable seats to carry two or more passengers.

Bakfiets

A ‘bakfiets’ is a common type of cargo bike found in the Netherlands with an extended front cargo hold over a small front wheel. They are similar to a Long John, only less extended and with a bucket rather than a flatbed loader. You also get three-wheel bakfiets with extra-large cargo buckets.

FAQ

How to transport a cargo bike?

Most cargo bikes have large, inconvenient frames that make them difficult to transport but these days foldable cargo bikes are becoming more popular. The best transportation method is in the rear of a truck or large SUV.

How to lock a cargo bicycle?

Due to the unusual size, it’s often impossible to lock a cargo bike on a normal bike rack. However, many cargo bikes come with integrated wheel locks which make them easy to park and lock on the street.

How to use a cargo bike rack?

Most cargo bike racks fit basic strap or or clip-on pannier bags without the need for any extra accessories. However, if you want to carry larger loads like passengers or unusual cargo then you should find out what add-ons can fit your cargo bike rack.

Which cargo bike is the best?

The RadWagon electric cargo bike by Rad Power Bikes is most likely one of the hardest bikes not to consider buying.

Depending on your requirements, different cargo bikes are better for certain activities. For the most luggage space, the Surly Big Dummy or Urban Arrow Family Cargo Bike is best. If you need something compact to carry just a small child or a bit of luggage, the Tern GSD or RadWagon is perfect.

Where to buy a cargo bike frame?

For custom builders, Aventuron offers a selection of the best cargo bike frames from Surly and Salsa.

Cargo bike vs. bike trailer

Some people prefer to pull a trailer on a normal bike rather than use a cargo bike which has some advantages and disadvantages. A cargo bike is not as versatile and can’t be used as a normal bike when carrying cargo but a trailer can be more cumbersome and difficult to cycle with. It also involves more moving parts and therefore, more possibility for breakdowns.

Cargo bike vs trike

Trike’s can be useful if carrying heavy weight or extra passengers as they are self-standing and much easier to balance when moving. However, they are very big and include more complex moving parts, making them harder to maintain and store.

Cargo bike vs. touring bike

Some cargo bikes are almost interchangeable with touring bikes although typically they can hold more weight. Many cargo bikes are built to carry passengers so they have stronger, heavier frames.

 

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