The 4 Best Cargo Bikes of 2024

Best Overall Cargo Bike

Aventon Abound

$1,799 at Aventon Bikes

The Aventon Abound is an incredibly well-thought-out cargo bike capable of hauling multiple kids, an adult passenger, or a giant load of gear. A 720Wh battery hidden in the down tube powers a 750W hub motor up to 20 mph on this Class 2 e-bike. The bike rolls on 20-inch wheels, and while not as smooth as larger wheels, they keep the bike's dimensions in check. The Abound contains useful features like a storage box, dropper seat post, working lights, and turn signals. As with other cargo bikes, like the Specialized Haul ST, accessories add much utility. Both companies offer many ways to customize the bikes to your needs, but the Aventon accessories will cost you much less. We rode the Abound 37.4 miles on a single charge without pedaling the bike, which is wildly impressive. The Abound has the longest range of any e-bike we've tested to date, owing partially to its 20 mph top speed. The bike uses a convenient dropper seatpost; depressing a lever under the saddle allows the saddle to move up and down. We didn't know we wanted this feature until we tried it; pulling up to a stop and putting your feet flat on the ground with a fully loaded bike is awesome.

The Abound is comfortable to ride, and its upright positioning gives the rider a commanding view. The seat and handlebars are adjustable enough to accommodate riders from 4' 11" to 6' 3". With a 440 lb total weight capacity and an enormous rack, it can carry kids, cargo, or both. The Abound's smaller size makes it convenient, fitting into many places a normal bike would. With a measured weight of over 84 pounds, the Abound weighs more than most bike racks can handle; even with the battery removed, the bike still weighs over 75 pounds. Lifting it into the back of a truck or up a staircase isn't easy. Luckily, transporting a cargo bike isn't frequent, so we have every reason to recommend the Abound as the best cargo bike.

If you want similar functionality for a few dollars less, the Lectric XPedition is an outstanding value. The ride quality feels slightly less refined, and it lacks Abound's impressive range, but it's quite capable and versatile. The XPedition lacks the suspension fork and dropper post that gives the Abound so much comfort but saves 9 pounds and can speed up to 28 mph. Notably, the less expensive bike has a display that is as impressive as the Aventon's.

Read more: Aventon Abound review

Most Useful Cargo Bike

Specialized Globe Haul ST

Read the Review

The Specialized Haul ST strikes a great balance in the cargo bike market. It's small enough to be nimble, quick enough to be sporty, yet hefty enough to haul a serious load. The bike isn't huge or eccentric and aims to replace car trips easily; its versatility is its standout feature. If you're a bicycle aficionado that is sometimes dismayed by the abundance of cheap e-bikes and junky componentry, the Haul is high-quality relief.

The Haul is well-designed, has a fun and confidence-inspiring ride quality, and can fit a wide range of people and gear. A large 772Wh battery lets you go farther and with more gear than you ever imagined possible. Its 700W hub motor helps the Haul live up to its namesake, allowing it to.. haul up to 419 pounds. The Short Tail design makes the bike easy to move, park, and store but limits capacity to just one passenger. Assembling this bike was amongst the easiest we've ever experienced, riding away from the box 17 minutes after opening it! While we like many things about this bike, its accessories are more costly than those from other manufacturers. Do you want to haul even more? Specialized now makes this bike in a long-tail (LT) version. The Haul LT's 31" rear rack can handle twice as much gear, multiple kids, and even more panniers. Its wheelbase is about 27cm long, and its carrying capacity exceeds 441 pounds. Riders wanting to save money on a convenient and utilitarian cargo bike should check out the other 20" wheel offerings, notably, the Aventon Abound, Lectric XPedition, and the KBO Ranger.

Long-Term Thoughts: We've ridden the Haul ST for several months now and have additional thoughts on ownership. Our battery charger failed and was replaced under warranty at around 1100 miles. We broke the plastic pedals and upgraded to a more durable model with more grip. The power button on the control unit is not easy to access, especially on cold mornings where gloves hamper our dexterity. All that said, this bike is still remarkably fun and especially recommended for those who really like bikes.

Read more: Specialized Haul ST review

Best Bang for the Buck

Lectric XPedition

Read the Review

The Lectric XPedition is one of the very best values in this category. A quality cargo bike with ample power and versatility for hundreds of dollars less than the competition. The XPedition uses a potent 750W hub motor capable of putting out 1310 watts at peak power. The 672Wh battery provides the juice and gives it the ability to haul 450 lbs. Smaller wheels give this bike a compact form, making it easy to maneuver or even transport on some bike racks. The small wheels and short wheelbase also affect the bike's handling, making it feel less stable at higher speeds. An excellent display and features like fenders, lights, a kickstand, and a telescoping seatpost add value to this already attractive package. As with other cargo bikes, their true potential is unlocked by adding accessories, and Lectric offers an entire range of useful accessories that expand this bike's versatility.

The XPedition impressed us with its performance, utility, and ride quality. Our testers scored the bike well but found it less refined than models at twice the price. Budget conscious shoppers should rejoice, this bike is an outstanding value. There are numerous ways to outfit this bike and customize it to your needs; it's a winner. Users wanting some cargo utility without the cargo bike size should check out the foldable Lectric XP 3.0 sporting a rack capable of carrying 150 pounds, with an optional passenger seat. The XP 3.0 is so capable that those with light-duty needs should consider it a top contender. The bike rides well enough that you'd never expect it had the ability to fold in half.

Long-Term Thoughts: The XPedition was kept around for some additional testing after our review because it's such a compelling value, and we wanted to know how durable it was. We're happy to report that this bike has faired well. The quick-release pedals always felt unstable, so we replaced them with a pair of mountain bike pedals that feel secure and grippy. The stem developed a creaking sound that necessitated a deep dive and lubrication of its hinge mechanism. Brake pad wear on this bike has been above average, but it may have more to do with our loads of cargo than the quality of parts.

Read more: Lectric XPedition review

Most Stable Cargo Bike

Rad Power RadWagon 5

$2,399 at Rad Power Bikes

The RadWagon 5 is the product of several generations of refinement. Each part of this bike has been honed, improved, and updated, and it's now more user-friendly and stable than ever. Rad's reimagined family hauler gets new wheels, wider tires, sturdier handlebars, hydraulic disc brakes, a suspension fork, and an all-new digital display.

The 750W motor can now push the bike to Class 3 speeds of 28mph, and an all-new Safe Shield battery coats each cell in a special resin to contain a fire should a cell fail. The bike is slightly shorter and has a lower step-over height than the previous RadWagon, making it even more user-friendly. A 375-pound carrying capacity means you can really load this bike down, and Rad makes plenty of accessories to help with that. Features like a torque sensor, built-in lights, fenders, and turn signals make the bike feel well-appointed.

With the addition of so many features, the price has crept up a little, and the weight has crept up a lot. Our RadWagon weighed in at 88 pounds before we started bolting on accessories. While that's quite hefty, the bike's mass contributes to a calm sense of stability that never feels unruly (or sporty). Despite its large battery, this bike has a bit less range than the outgoing model. All that said, we found the bike to be comfortable, capable, and a great alternative to sitting in traffic; the RadWagon 5 is worth a look.

Read more: RadWagon 5 review

A Unique Front Box Design

Bunch The Original

Read the Review

And now for something completely different, Bunch The Original. This front-box model has a family-oriented design that offers a unique take on cargo hauling for transporting loved ones, pets, or other items. With a total weight capacity of 350 pounds and the front box maxing out at 220 pounds, allowing you to haul a lot with this bike. Bunch bills it as “the family bike,” and that is evidenced in features like the two removable benches and four seatbelts that come in the cargo box. The 500W motor provides sufficient power using the throttle or pedal assist, and the 652.8Wh battery slides cleanly into the rear rack. The entire unit is well-made and durable on its steel frame. The controls and display are some of our favorites, too.

The Bunch Original comes with some obvious downsides. For starters, it's a bit of a niche bike that may not be suitable for everyone. The three-wheeled design equates to a massive turning radius and handling that is wildly different from two-wheeled models. Riding takes some getting used to, and extra care is necessary when turning or riding uneven surfaces. We recommend it for rides that are on generally flatter terrain and smooth pavement, as the lack of suspension can be jarring to the rider and cargo. With a curb weight of 152 pounds, it's as heavy as it is large. It's also incredibly difficult to transport, even with a truck and ramps. However, those searching for a fun way to casually cruise around town with kids, pets, and more will find that the Bunch Original is a compelling option. We've seen people use the Bunch for vending or setting up rest stops.

Read more: Bunch The Original review

Compare Products

Compare select up to 5 products to compare

	Score	Product	Price
	90	Aventon Abound Best Overall Cargo Bike	$1,999
	88	Specialized Globe Haul ST Most Useful Cargo Bike	$2,800
	82	Yuba Spicy Curry	$5,199
	81	Rad Power RadWagon 5 Most Stable Cargo Bike	$2,199
	80	Lectric XPedition Best Bang for the Buck	$1,399
	77	Blix Packa Genie	$2,099
	75	Velotric Packer 1	$1,699
	72	KBO Ranger	$1,699
	67	Bunch The Original	$4,285

Why Trust GearLab

Since we began testing electric bikes in 2019, we have assessed over 100 unique models hands-on across a variety of e-bike categories. For our cargo bike review, we started by spending several days researching top technology aspects and products, comparing specifications and designs as well as consumer feedback to narrow down our list. We then buy the most promising models and have our team of experienced cycling specialists go to work. Our testing process involves identifying the most important areas of performance riders expect from their cargo bike and creating a test plan designed to push each bike to its limit. We spend weeks in the saddle, trialing each model. We also take each model home and deploy them in our daily lives to gain perspective on what it means and how it feels to own and rely on each bike for transportation. Upon test completion, we compile and compare notes and results before scoring them in each performance metric and totaling cumulative scores.

• Ride Quality (25% of overall score weighting)

• Range (25% weighting)

• Power (20% weighting)

• Cargo Carrying (15% weighting)

• Interface (10% weighting)

• Assembly (5% weighting)

Joshua Hutchens leads our team of bike testers as our Senior Bike Review Editor at GearLab. Joshua can usually be found on the trails and beaches around Lake Tahoe. Having spent his formative years in the bicycle industry, Joshua became an accomplished racer and trained mechanic. After a few degrees from UC Santa Cruz and Cal Berkeley, Joshua led cycling tours throughout the world for Backroads. Once he settled down, he ran a boutique bicycle shop for many years and was a founding member of the Lumberyard Indoor Bicycle Park. Hutchens now spends his days testing bikes and teaching kids mountain bike skills through his local community college. He's ridden and raced every cycling discipline and has a comprehensive understanding of the bicycle industry, bicycle mechanics, and electric motors. We rely on his unique experience in building, fixing, and riding bikes. Joshua has a discerning eye for critically assessing performance attributes between different bicycle models, especially cargo bikes. Joshua has been riding cargo bikes for over 20 years, from Xtracycles to imported Bakfiets, maybe even a rickshaw. He has an appreciation for how these bikes have evolved from quirky, niche machines to consumer-friendly and viable modes of transportation.

Analysis and Test Results

Our saddle-by-saddle testing methods expose the pros and cons of each bike in our review fleet. It also provides information necessary to score each product uniformly across performance metrics that combine to give an overall assessment of each bike's capabilities. These metrics are weighted according to their relevance for the average consumer. In the text below, we discuss these performance areas and highlight the models that proved to be stand-outs in each one so you can choose which model matches your specific needs.

What's the Best Value?

The Lectric XPedition is the clear winner in the value category, offering a class-leading carrying capacity of 450 pounds and many features found on more expensive models. The Xpedition also has value-priced accessories that keep your final cost down. If you're using a cargo bike as your main form of transportation, it might be worth a few hundred dollars more to get the refinement and range upgrade offered on the Aventon Abound. The Abound carries 10 pounds less but outran the Xpedition by more than 12 miles in our range test. If cost is less of a concern, our testers loved the sportiness and composure of the Specialized Globe Haul ST; it's the bike that cycling aficionados will appreciate most. The Haul ST uses some high-quality components that give this bike spectacular handling.

The market for electric cargo bikes offers an incredible range of price points. Higher prices typically net you higher-end components, smoother ride quality, and a bigger battery and motor for more range and power. Premium prices often lead to niche products that are luxurious in their specific appeal but may or may not have performance benefits. Many of these models offer compelling and well-built add-ons that enhance the bike's comfort and utility.

Ride

The Ride metric focuses on the feel and comfort each bike offers its rider. Handling, maneuverability, and stability are important factors, as are bike design, seat adjustability and posture, and features that make regular bike use convenient and easy. Cargo bikes typically have longer wheelbases to support their cargo, which creates a different feel from standard-sized bikes. How the manufacturer tries to balance this change in ride feel is an important engineering challenge, and each bike design in our review takes a different approach. It should be noted that, in most cases, adding significant cargo weight to a bike does have an impact on its overall handling characteristics.

Standing at the front of the pack is the Specialized Globe Haul ST for its unparalleled usability. The ride is smooth, stable, and still sporty. The frame is stiff, and it's relatively unfazed by added cargo weight. The seatpost and stem offer a huge range of adjustments to fit riders from 4'5" to 6'4", and our testers had no problem getting the bike dialed in for different fits. The 20-inch wheels have wide, high-volume tires that provide damping over bumps in the road, and hydraulic disc brakes function reliably and provide good speed control. The features that come standard issue assist in convenience and safety, such as front and rear fenders and front and rear lights powered by the onboard battery. There's even a USB port to charge your mobile phone while riding.

The Aventon Abound and Specialized Globe Haul ST share some design similarities and excellent ride quality, earning our near-equal admiration in this metric. Both bikes are impressively stable and smooth, with a wide range of fit adjustments to suit varying rider heights. Both manufacturers sell abundant accessories to kit out your ride. The Haul's shorter wheelbase makes parking, storing, and transporting this bike a little bit easier than most.

Another bike with great ride quality is the Yuba Spicy Curry, but for different reasons. Its wheelbase is over three inches longer than that of the Packa Genie and RadWagon 5, which means it is less nimble and requires a larger turning radius. Still, its stability and super-smooth ride feel are quite appreciated. The components of the Spicy Curry are top-shelf, meaning that shifting, braking, and rolling on the tires provide an elevated feel. We once rode this bike over 40 miles, and our tester remained comfortable the entire time.

While generally similar in design to the bikes mentioned above, the Lectric XPedition is a bit shorter in overall length and has smaller 20-inch wheels. It's a smooth operator, but comparatively speaking, it's less refined than the Abound or short tail Haul ST.

The Bunch Original sets itself apart with its front-box style and European flare. The nature of the three-wheeled design results in a bike that handles much differently than your regular two-wheeled models, and there's a bit of a learning curve. It doesn't take long to figure out, but this bike requires a cautious rider, slowing way down for turns and uneven surfaces, and generally riding much more conservatively than you might on a normal bike. That said, caution and control are positive attributes to have if you intend to cart the family around in this unique model. We found it works best on flat terrain and smooth surfaces at slower speeds with a safety-first approach. It is worth noting that the Bunch is one bike where its stability and handling improve with additional weight in the cargo box.

Range

An electric bike's utility is limited by its range, and we test this metric with extra rigor. You should purchase a cargo bike with enough range to handle your distance needs on a single charge without worrying you might run out of power before reaching your destination. To test this metric, we have a standard circuit that we ride continuously until the once-full battery runs empty, only using the throttle (for models that have one) to eliminate variability in the pedaling effort. This provides a fair baseline for scoring each product, but it is important to realize that by pedaling, you will be able to increase your bike's range. Also, note that rider and cargo weight, pedal assist level, temperature, and elevation gain will influence the range you get.

The Yuba Spicy Curry produced outstanding range results in our test. As a Class 1 e-bike, it does not have the luxury (or crutch, depending on your position) of a throttle paddle. Therefore, we had to pedal to test the range. With moderate pedaling effort in its highest pedal-assist mode, we reached a category-leading 44 miles before running out of battery, achieving over 2,000 feet of elevation gain along the way. Impressive. We think it's possible to improve on this distance using the lower pedal-assist modes, as this is less demanding on the battery. The caveat here is that you have to pedal this bike, so other models may be able to produce similar results using pedal assist as opposed to our standard throttle-only test.

One of the most impressive range performances came from the Aventon Abound. Loaded with a giant battery, the Class 2 e-bike clocked 37.4 miles in our range test with over 1,000 feet of elevation gain. The Aventon battery holds 720Wh of juice and relies on a 750W motor but limits assistance to 20 mph. The Specialized Haul ST was no slouch either, traveling 32.4 miles under throttle power thanks to its 772Wh battery and 700W motor.

Worth mentioning here is the Blix Packa Genie model. While its 614-watt-hour battery propelled us 23.6 miles in our throttle-only range test, it has the option to add a second battery onboard for an additional cost. If you need to travel longer distances, this is a fantastic option that will double the battery capacity and distance you can go in the saddle with a single charge of the Packa Genie.

Power

The power of an e-bike affects its acceleration and top speed. Power can be especially helpful in traffic, helping you evade obstacles and jump out in front of other vehicles and bikes when the light turns green. Furthermore, the heavier the cargo load you're carrying, the more you will notice the power capability of your e-bike. Large motors generally mean more power, but bike weight and design also play a role. In this metric, we also assess the quality and smoothness of the pedal-assist modes each model offers.

The Abound delivered the most torque amongst its competitors. While the 750-watt KBO Ranger makes it to 20 mph in 9.7 seconds, the Abound and Haul ST could do it in just 7.9 seconds. The Class 3 KBO Ranger stands out with a top, tested throttle speed of 24 mph, the fastest in the test fleet. Most other bikes have a throttle-produced top speed of 20mph per their class rating. The 750W geared hub motor of the Class 2 Blix Packa Genie tops out at 20 mph but accelerates quickly, and its power is adequate for its max capacity load of 400 pounds, still offering some pep when loaded with cargo.

Likewise, the Rad Power RadWagon 5 features a 750W geared hub motor, which, in theory, should provide more torque and less motor drag, leading to more efficiency and better results heading uphill. The RadWagon moved uphill quickly; it had no problem reaching its top speed of 20 mph in the flats using the throttle or pedal assist. The Packa Genie is unique in its throttle implementation; moving up PAS modes changes the amount of throttle power. On most models tested, the throttle is always the same and does not increase with the pedal assist setting. The rider can modulate the throttle's power, though, by how far they twist or push it.

The Bunch Original falls behind the higher-powered competition with its slightly smaller 500W motor. It's a Class 2 model with a top throttle and pedal-assisted speed of 20 mph. The heavier weight of the Bunch is a factor that makes it a bit more sluggish than the competition, but realistically, it's plenty fast for its three-wheel design. We preferred riding it at lower speeds, given its unique handling.

Being a Class 1 model with a mid-drive motor, the Yuba Spicy Curry does not have a throttle. Instead, the 250W Bosch Cargo Line motor provides 4 levels of pedal assistance to support speeds up to 20 mph. It is impressively smooth in its power delivery, using a more advanced torque sensor system that delivers power proportionally to the rider's effort. You won't get a free ride on this bike, but there's still plenty of power available as long as you're willing to put in a little work.

Cargo Carrying

If you're shopping for a cargo bike, you're probably looking for a way to transport yourself and other cargo on your bike. Five of the models we tested have similar designs with large rear racks that can support quite a bit of weight, although total weight limits vary among the bikes. Furthermore, bike design, cargo space, and accessory add-ons available play a role in maxing out your carrying capacity.

The Bunch Original brings a unique design to hauling passengers, pets, and other cargo around town and presents itself as a family-friendly adventure wagon. The bike has a 350-pound total weight capacity, and the large front box can support up to 220 pounds itself, and it has 3-point safety belts for up to four child passengers spread over two benches that double as storage compartments. These benches are removable for additional cargo space. The cargo space available on the Bunch bike makes it easier to carry larger items that might be challenging to fit on the rear racks of other bikes, too, such as coolers. Bunch also offers a ton of accessories to kit out your ride. Unlike the other models we tested, the Original benefits from having weight in the front box from a stability and handling standpoint.

The 450-pound max weight capacity of the Lectric XPedition leads the category, and it has an extra-long rear rack to accommodate large items. There is easily room to mount two child seats (sold separately) onto the back of the bike. The smaller wheels allow the rack to sit low keeping the bike's center of gravity lower than other bikes, improving its handling and stability. Lectric offers a huge variety of slick accessories beyond just kid seats, too.

The Haul ST also throws its hat into the cargo-carrying ring. Its rear rack is much shorter than the others, but it has plenty of options for transporting cargo, a kid, or a full-size passenger. It has a max weight capacity of 419 pounds. Specialized sells a range of accessories for the Haul that increase its versatility and hauling ability. The ever-popular Rad Power RadWagon 5 is another solid option for cargo. The 375-pound weight limit is slightly lower than other competitors, but Rad Power's well-developed selection of accessory options makes it easy to customize your bike to your specific needs.

Interface

The Interface metric pertains to the ergonomics of the control buttons and throttle paddles, as well as the quality and usefulness of the display screen. Convenient and intuitive controls and an easily readable display are key features we look for here. None of the bikes proved to be user-unfriendly, but two models stepped it up to be clearly superior in this field.

Hands down, the best user interface goes to the Yuba Spicy Curry. The five-button control unit is easily manipulated by the left thumb while riding, and there is no throttle on this bike, so the handlebar is less cluttered. The Kiox display is top-notch tech. It integrates with the Bosch mobile app to provide extra capabilities that other bikes do not offer, such as a fitness tracker and route planning. It feels sophisticated and modern without being complicated. Ideal.

The Haul ST has a functional interface but turns impressive if you download the Globe app and mount your phone to the handlebar. A phone mount is not included, but the display has a USB jack for keeping your phone charged while it serves as a dashboard. The Abound and RadWagon 5 have fantastic color displays in the center of the handlebars, but polarized sunglasses will render them blank. The Blix, and KBO bikes both have relatively similar controls and displays. They work well enough and are easy to use, they just don't really stand out like the models mentioned above.

Assembly

Luckily, you'll likely only ever assemble your cargo bike once, so this metric probably is not your first priority. However, a frustrating setup after unboxing your new product is never welcome. There was not a great deal of variance in assembly among the models we tested, and each one was put together within an hour. These bikes are very heavy, though, so it is a good time to call in a favor from a friend when you're ready to unbox your bike.

The Bunch Original makes setup incredibly easy — there is essentially none. Shipping costs a little extra, but the bike arrived at our doors, assembled on a huge pallet. We had to remove the cardboard box surrounding it, cut five zip ties, and roll it off the pallet. The tires were even inflated, so we were off in under 10 minutes. The Haul ST was also incredibly easy to assemble, with easy-to-follow numbered instructions in the packaging. Assembly of this bike took 17 minutes, as you can see in the time-lapse below.

The Yuba Spicy Curry is a special case. We ordered it through a major outdoor retailer located near our office, and in doing so, assembly was included free of charge. If this service is available near you, we strongly recommend utilizing it. We looked at the assembly instructions, though, and imagine that if you were to assemble it yourself, it would take about 40 minutes, similar to most other cargo bikes we had to assemble ourselves.

The Aventon Abound arrives in eco-packaging, has clear instructions, and even video tutorials to guide you through set up. It was also missing a critical part that would have made operating the bike dangerous. Many consumer direct companies are simplifying assembly and taking the bike shop out of the process. While we appreciate the value and efficiency of this model, bicycles are complex machines that have tremendous potential for injury. For this reason, Aventon has partnered with over 1000 bike shops to have a service network capable of keeping these bikes in top shape.

Conclusion

Buying an electric cargo bike is a big purchase decision, and we want you to get the one that fits your needs. There are so many options on the market today that make the decision hard on your own. When looking over the options and our assessments, remember to focus on the performance aspects that speak to how you intend to use your bike. We hope this review helps you identify your ideal model to get you pedaling away happily. If a cargo bike replaces your car, you might even consider it a free electric bike.

Want more? See our review of electric mountain bikes. For space-savers, we review top-rated folding e-bikes, and for cash-savers, we offer the best electric bikes on a budget.