These bikes have been thoroughly tested and vetted by Bicycling editors. While it can be fun to think aspirationally, getting a bike that’s perfectly suited to your daily needs will mean you use it more often. The best way to figure out which style or bike you prefer is by getting out for a test ride.Īpproach an e-cargo bike and accessory purchase the same way you would if you were buying a car.
Alternatively, if your style is more “dump it and go,” bakfiets like the Riese & Müller Load 60 use a single spacious box that’ll fit all your stuff (there are still seat belts for your kids, though). Start on the manufacturer’s website: Brands like Tern and Benno sell panniers, racks, and child seats to match their cargo bikes.
Once you’ve purchased a cargo bike, you’ll want the right accessories to maximize its utility. The vastly improved usability, carrying capacity, and range of e-cargo bikes save you money in the long run by being more effective car substitutes (versus non-assist bikes that requires more effort to ride). E-cargo bikes tend to be pricier than their non-electric counterparts, but unless you live somewhere completely flat (and even if you do), we think an e-cargo bike is still the way to go. But e-cargo bikes like the Tern GSD and Benno Boost E use pedal-assist electric motors with more than 50 miles of range to make cargo bikes more accessible to riders who want the convenience of a car in a bike-sized package. Schlepping hundreds of pounds on a bike is great if you’re looking for a workout. “Electricity and cargo bikes go together like PB&J,” Evans says. To make sense of the recent cargo bike boom, look to e-bikes. A bakfiet style bike with a large basket for cargo or passengers.