Ideal for families, commuters and businesses alike, electric cargo bikes have seen a surge in popularity especially because of their eco-friendly credentials, producing zero emissions and relying on electricity rather than fuel.
This versatile and efficient mode of transport combines the convenience of a bike with the hauling capacity of a car. What’s more, most electric cargo bikes feature modular designs, allowing customisation to suit your specific needs, whether that’s adding child seats, boxes, or trailers.
Forget navigating traffic or fighting for a rare parking space outside the school gates, with an electric cargo bike, you can easily manoeuvre through the morning rush and get from A to B in a fun, fuss-free way.
What is a cargo bike?
Electric cargo bikes are two-wheelers with an integrated electric motor and battery that make pedalling easier, enabling riders to cover greater distances and carry heavier loads. These bikes come in a variety of designs, such as longtail, front-loading, and three-wheel trikes, catering to a diverse range of cargo-carrying needs. Electric cargo bikes are typically more expensive than traditional bikes but they make life much more convenient and are likely to become part of your everyday life, making them worth the extra spend.
Why should I buy a cargo bike?
Cargo bikes are an eco-friendly alternative to cars and the ideal solution for taking young children to and from school or nursery. Or if you find yourself transporting bags of shopping, or are running a small business and need to deliver goods regularly, then a cargo bike offers convenience at the press of a button.
For people with limited mobility, electric cargo bikes can provide an accessible form of transport that is easier to use than traditional bicycles, thanks to the motor assistance. By investing in an electric cargo bike, you’re not only choosing a practical and efficient mode of transport but also contributing to a more sustainable future for everyone.
How we tested
When reviewing the most popular bikes on the market we have also taken care to choose bikes that offer a range of uses, from transporting goods to those that include child seats and benches, to ensure they are suitable for different users.
All of our choices also have a wealth of accessories so you can customise the bike to suit your needs. So embrace the feeling of adventure, and add some fun into the everyday commute and weekly errands or make the school run the highlight of your day.
Best electric cargo bikes at a glance:
- Best overall: Raleigh Stride 2 Family Cargo Bike - £4,299, Raleigh
- Best app: Fiido T2 Longtail Cargo E-bike - £1,635, Fiido
- Best quick charge: Mycycle Cargo Electric Bike - £2,499, Mycycle
- Best budget-friendly: BTWIN Rear Loading Electric Longtail Cargo Bike R500E - £3,000, Decathlon
- Best space saver: Tern GSD S10 Gen2 500wh Performance CX LX 2023 Electric Cargo Bike - £5,600, Tern
- Best for aesthetic appeal: Urban Arrow Family Cargo Bike - £4,464, Urban Arrow
- Best all-rounder: ELOPS Electric Cargo Bike Rear loading longtail R500 - £3,299, ELOPS
- Best mid-range: Estarli eCargo Longtail - £2,995, AW
Raleigh Stride 2 Family Cargo Bike
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Best: overall
It is easy to see why this electric bike is a popular option for families. The sleek two-wheeled frame provides the perfect eco-friendly alternative to car travel.
The massive front cargo box is a real game changer – it comes with a child seat and safety belt, making it safe and comfortable to bring your little ones along for the ride. Powered by a 500Wh Bosch battery, this bike packs plenty of power that will get you up the steepest of hills with the kids and shopping in tow.
With a range of up to 40 miles on a single charge and a cargo capacity of 80kg, there’s enough power and space for a comfortable ride for the whole family. Hydraulic disc brakes make it easy to stop whilst in traffic and the 7-speed Shimano gear system ensures smooth sailing even on tricky hills. The bike can be customised to suit your needs, including adding a rear rack for extra storage, pannier bags and even a rain cover to keep everyone dry in the unpredictable British weather.
Buy now £4299.00, Raleigh
Fiido T2 Longtail Cargo E-bike
Best: app
There are many benefits of a longtail cargo bike, including allowing children to sit on the rear of the bike, typically with a protective metal bar surrounding them. The Fiido T2 E-Bike is a longtail bike that’s ideal for everyday transport from the daily commute to the school run. Featuring a 998Wh high-capacity battery with a range of up to 62 miles, this bike can be fully charged in seven hours, meaning you can plug it in overnight to use the following day.
It features a 750W rated power motor with a peak power of up to 923W, reaching a top speed of 40km/h. Additionally, it comes with five adjustable levels, and the 750W brushless geared motor offers high torque and low power consumption. Clever additions like Fiido app connectivity mean you can start the entire bike effortlessly and monitor real-time data whilst riding - including heart rate and blood oxygen. Additionally, you can share and exchange cycling insights and experiences with other cargo bike enthusiasts around the world.
Buy now £1635.00, Fiido
Mycycle Cargo Electric Bike
Best: quick charge
Electric cargo bikes are designed to transport heavier loads than regular bikes so whether you’re carrying groceries, packages or even your kids, the extra space and motor assistance make travelling around much easier. Make the school run fun again with this state-of-the-art electric cargo bike that has 7-speed Shimano gears, helping you to power up hills with two kids in tow.
Taking just five hours to recharge, this bike is quickly ready for everyday use and covers up to 120km range. This quick charge time also adds to the environmental benefits of this electric cargo bike, using less power and making it an eco-friendly alternative to the car. It has hydraulic disc brakes as standard and an upgraded kickstand to help keep the bike steady when loading children.
Safety features have also been considered with puncture-resistant tyres, an integrated rear light and a bright front LED light that is controlled via a button on the handlebars. The Digital LCD display has five power options, and shows real-time cycling stats including a speedometer and distance travelled.
Buy now £2499.00, Mycycle
BTWIN Rear Loading Electric Longtail Cargo Bike R500E
Best: budget-friendly
The most affordable option on our list, this cargo bike still has many of the features and gadgets of higher-end models. The standard version comes with a rear carrier which is effectively a bamboo bench seat that can carry children or shopping. The rear carrier can be loaded with up to 80kg and the front basket with a maximum of 10kg.
Like others on our list, this bike has an electric motor that provides powerful momentum when cycling uphill or over more difficult terrain. The Samsung battery has a capacity of 675Wh which compares well with more expensive bikes and the handlebars have a start and push button to get the bike moving if carrying heavy loads. Choose from sage green, beige or red and a range of additional accessories including seat cushions, child seats, and side pockets.
Buy now £3000.00, Decathlon
Tern GSD S10 Gen2 500wh Performance CX LX 2023 Electric Cargo Bike
Best: space saver
Car on its last legs? This might be a cost-effective alternative. With no fuel or parking costs and minimal maintenance expenses, you’ll save money whilst getting around efficiently, especially if you live in the city. With a 200 kg (440 lb) gross weight powered by a Bosch dual-battery system, this bike will let you carry two kids plus groceries up to a range of 206km, plus it’s the same length as a regular bike.
One of the huge selling points of this bike is that it can be folded down to one-third of its volume in seconds, meaning if you do have a larger car, you can pop the bike in the boot and venture out on longer trips, or simply fold the bike for easier storage at home. This bike has also been designed so it can be stored vertically, taking up roughly as much space as a large house plant, making it the ideal option for smaller flats or those who need a bike that won’t get in the way.
Thoughtful design details, like a lower frame, make it easier to touch the ground when the bike is not in motion and the step-through design makes mounting and dismounting comfortable at a range of different heights. This option features a huge 10-option speed range for smooth riding on flat roads or inclines.
Buy now £5600.00, Tern
Urban Arrow Family Cargo Bike
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Best for: aesthetic appeal
Cycling uphill can be a chore, especially when carrying kids to and from school, thankfully this electric cargo bike makes easy work of any route, even with the extra load. The huge front bucket is large enough for two children and has harnesses to keep everyone safe on the journey. It’s even big enough for a few shopping bags if you’re on the supermarket run.
With this electric cargo bike, you can comfortably carry the kids around regardless of your fitness levels, supported by a light frame, electric pedal assist, stepless gear shifting and a low point of gravity for the best riding experience. With the wide range of accessories on offer, you can tailor the bike to match your family’s changing needs, starting with a seat for smaller children. In terms of aesthetic appeal, this bike looks as sleek as any top-of-the-range bike and comes in black, white or green.
Buy now £4464.00, Urban Arrow
Estarli eCargo Longtail
Best: mid-range
This well-equipped cargo bike is designed for urban use and is loaded with clever features including a powerful 250W Bafang motor and a 36V 14Ah Samsung battery, giving you up to 50 miles of range on a single charge. It’s got a 7-speed Shimano gear system and Tektro hydraulic disc brakes for smooth shifting and solid stopping power.
With a weight of 25 kg, it can carry a maximum load of 180 kg – making it perfect for hauling. You can customise the bike with a rear rack, pannier bags, or add child seats for younger kids. With three colours to choose from (black, green and blue) and a two-year warranty, this is an affordable cargo bike with all the pedalling power you need to get you from A to B in sweat-free style.
Buy now £2995.00, Estarli
ELOPS Electric Cargo Bike Rear loading longtail R500
Best: all-rounder
If transporting kids around isn’t on your agenda, how about giving your friend a lift to work instead? This bike can take two children or one adult, a full 170 kg load on top of the bike's weight. It even has an assistance trigger that gives the bike some extra power on steeper hills. The rear rack can carry 80 kg and this bike comes already fitted with a metal enclosure, so you only need to buy extra seat pads for added comfort.
This cargo bike has a front suspension and a sturdy front wheel, which is impressive for the price tag. It’s got a strong 250W motor and Shimano 10-speed gears for smooth hill starts. Safety-wise, it features reliable Tektro hydraulic disc brakes and comes with front and rear lights. You can keep an eye on important stats using the digital display, and the puncture-resistant tyres are perfect for both city and countryside rides. This cargo bike is a great all-rounder at a reasonable price given its versatility.
Buy now £3299.00, Decathlon
Verdict
The Raleigh electric cargo bike combines a sleek aesthetic with all the functionality you need for an easy ride. Whether you plan to haul kids or cargo, it’s equipped with enough space and all the safety features needed to make any journey smooth and stress-free. Overall, this is a solid choice at the top end of the market and comes from a reliable brand, so you know it is ready for many years of biking adventures.
