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We test the top 10 cargo ebikes from Aventon, Specialized, Lectric, RadPower, and Blix.
Increased enjoyment is an unspoken benefit of cargo bikes.
Credit: Joshua Hutchens
By Joshua Hutchens ⋅ Senior Review Editor ⋅ Updated September 5, 2025
The right cargo ebike can eliminate many of your car trips, save you money, improve your health, and be more fun than a car. And you almost always get rockstar parking with a bike.
We have purchased and tested over 20 electric cargo bikes over the last 8 years. We measure the range and power of each model while transporting cargo, kids, and friends. We conducted side-by-side testing to assess the impact of heavy loads on handling and stability.
The Aventon Abound LR stands out as the best due to its impressive range, exceptional ride quality, and powerful performance. If you'd like to spend less, the Lectric XPedition 2.0 is our best value pick.
We also review a wide variety of top-ranked electric bikes. Our bike specialists have tested over 100 models and counting. An alternative to a cargo bike is a bike trailer, the pros and cons of which we detail below.
Editor's Note: We updated this review on September 5th, 2025, to remove a couple of models that are no longer available and update pricing.
Battery size: 720 Wh | Max weight capacity: 440 lbs
PROS
440 lbs total weight capacity
Extended rear rack
Impressive range
GPS and 4G connectivity
CONS
Accessories add utility and cost
Heavy
Difficult to move on a bike rack
The Aventon Abound LR distinguishes itself as the premier cargo bike in this lineup, blending high-end performance with an impressive suite of integrated technology. Designed with a low center of gravity and a torsionally rigid, step-through frame, it offers a stable, confidence-inspiring ride—even when fully loaded with groceries or passengers. Unlike many cargo bikes that feel cumbersome, the Abound remains agile, avoiding that “precarious wheelbarrow” sensation.
Powered by a 750W hub motor and a 720Wh battery, the LR hits speeds of 20 mph via throttle or 25 mph with pedal assist. While its 33-mile throttle-only range is a slight step down from its predecessor, the trade-off is well worth it for the improved ride quality provided by the new 3-inch tires. These wider tires, paired with a suspension fork and seat post, smooth out rough pavement and light trails alike.
A few Tech and Security Highlights: The Aventon Control Unit features 4G and GPS, enabling remote locking, real-time tracking, and geofencing. Aventon goes beyond standard lights; the Abound features active turn signals and brake lights for safer urban commuting. A dedicated locking box behind the bottom bracket keeps essentials like chargers and locks secure. Additionally, you can electronically lock the kickstand via the app, which also triggers an alarm if the bike is tampered with.
With a 440 lb weight capacity and a highly adjustable “quill” stem that fits riders from 4'11" to 6'3", the Abound LR is a versatile car-replacement. As tester Joshua Hutchens notes, it turns the school run into a daily highlight.
Battery size: 624 Wh | Max weight capacity: 450 lbs
PROS
Incredible value
Powerful assist
Incredible range with two batteries
450-pound hauling capacity
Torque Sensor
CONS
Quick-release pedals
Kickstand placement
The Lectric XPedition 2.0 has officially set the benchmark for high-value cargo bikes. It's a rare find: a bike that can grow with your family's needs without demanding a premium price tag. By offering a modular purchasing experience, Lectric lets you buy exactly the capacity you need, keeping the entry price accessible while maintaining a level of quality that can genuinely change your daily life.
Power and Performance Under the hood, the XPedition 2.0 is a powerhouse. While its 750W hub motor is impressive on paper, our dyno testing revealed a massive 1,247-watt peak and 46.3 Nm of torque. This raw power is smoothed out by a new torque sensor, ensuring the assistance feels natural rather than jerky. Whether you choose the single 624Wh battery or the massive 1,680Wh long-range dual-battery setup, this bike is built to handle heavy loads without breaking a sweat.
Refined Utility Despite its 450-pound carrying capacity, the bike remains remarkably manageable. The 20-inch wheels keep the center of gravity low, while the long wheelbase provides a stable platform even with two children on the back. “The XPedition 2.0 is far more refined than the original version, yet somehow, it's the same price. It impressed me with its performance, utility, and ride quality.” — Joshua Hutchens, Tester
Lectric Xpedition 2.0 vs. Aventon Abound LR
While Lectric wins the price war and lets you buy just the amount of battery you need, it doesn't quite match the exceptional ride quality provided by the Abound LR. Aventon's ACU gives its bikes a significant tech advantage, making them feel smart. Both bikes offer an abundance of aftermarket accessories and while prices appear to be in the same ballpark, Lectric includes a bevy of “free” accessories with the Xpedition 2.0.
Battery size: 720 Wh | Max weight capacity: 440 lbs
PROS
Excellent ride quality
Compact size
4G/GPS Connectivity
440-pound capacity
CONS
Small display
Wimpy headlight
Meet your new urban sidekick, the Aventon Abound SR proves that a cargo bike doesn't need a massive footprint to be massively useful. As the first model to feature the Aventon Control Unit, it pairs a “sporty” riding experience with a high-tech security suite that sets a new industry standard. Despite its compact 45-inch wheelbase, the SR is a certified workhorse, boasting a total weight capacity of 440 lbs and an integrated rear rack capable of hauling 143 lbs.
Unlike traditional long-tail cargo bikes that can feel like “piloting a wheelbarrow,” the SR is remarkably agile; testers used the word “ zippy ” on multiple occasions. The combination of 20-inch wheels, an upright BMX-style handlebar, and a 50mm suspension fork creates a ride that feels planted but still fun. Whether you're navigating urban traffic or carrying a child to school, the 3-inch tires and suspension seatpost ensure a smooth, confidence-inspiring journey.
As with other Aventon ACU-equipped bikes, the 4G and GPS connectivity is a game changer. Through the Aventon app, riders can:
-Deploy the innovative locking kickstand.
-Monitor the bike's location in real-time and even create a geo-fence.
-Enjoy peace of mind without always needing a heavy physical lock.
For those who dread bike assembly, the SR arrives nearly ready to ride; our team had it road-ready in just 22 minutes. While its smaller size means it's best suited for one child rather than two, its utility as an urban errand-runner is unmatched.
Aventon Abound SR vs. Specialized Haul ST
On paper, the Aventon beats the Specialized in almost every way. It has more power, a higher carrying capacity, and costs significantly less. Couple that with Aventon's ACU, and the case for the Haul is getting harder to make. On the road, however, the Haul ST is just so much more fun to ride. While the Aventon has a suspension fork and the Haul does not, the 3.5" tires on the Specialized do wonders to add comfort and stability. The accessories for the Specialized are significantly more expensive, but they're largely of higher quality. Bottom line: both bikes are excellent for their intended purposes, but the logical person will end up with the Aventon, while bike geeks like me will pony up more cash for the Haul.
Battery size: 772 Wh | Max weight capacity: 419 lbs
PROS
Fun to ride
Small footprint
Long range
Large gear capacity
CONS
Costly accessories
Smaller cargo rack
The Specialized Haul ST is a masterclass in balancing utility with pure riding joy. It is small enough to be nimble and quick enough to feel sporty, yet it retains the heft required to haul serious loads—earning its reputation as the “Swiss Army knife” of the e-bike world. For the bicycle aficionado who is often discouraged by the flood of low-quality e-bikes and “disposable” components on the market, the Haul ST offers high-quality relief with a build meant to last.
Performance and Build The ride quality is exceptionally solid and confidence-inspiring, supporting a total weight capacity of 419 lbs. Specialized has paired a potent 700W hub motor with a massive 772Wh battery, ensuring you can carry more gear over longer distances without range anxiety. Because it is a “Short Tail” (ST) design, it remains agile enough for tight urban maneuvers while still functioning as a heavy-duty workhorse.
The Ownership Experience Assembly is where the Specialized truly shines; our team was riding just 17 minutes after opening the box. While the initial quality is undeniable, potential buyers should note that Specialized accessories come at a premium compared to other brands.
If you love the platform but need more room, the Haul LT (Long Tail) offers a 31-inch rear rack and a 441-lb capacity, making it better suited for multiple passengers. However, for those seeking a similar 20-inch wheel footprint at a lower price point, the Aventon Abound SR or the Lectric XPedition 2.0 remain excellent high-value alternatives.
Battery size: 720 Wh | Max weight capacity: 375 lbs
PROS
Very stable ride
Abundant accessory options
Intuitive display
Quality comfort features
CONS
Hefty
The RadWagon 5 is the result of years of iterative refinement, maturing into what tester Joshua Hutchens aptly calls the “Volvo wagon of cargo bikes.” Every component has been scrutinized and upgraded—from sturdier handlebars and hydraulic disc brakes to a suspension fork and a modern digital display. It isn't just a bike; it's a highly engineered family transport vehicle designed for maximum predictability.
Rad Power Bikes has placed a massive emphasis on peace of mind with this generation. The all-new Safe Shield battery is a standout feature, using a special resin to encapsulate individual cells and help contain thermal events. Coupled with integrated turn signals and a torque sensor for natural-feeling power delivery, the RadWagon 5 is perhaps the most confidence-inspiring cargo bike on the market today.
The upgraded 750W motor now unlocks Class 3 speeds of up to 28 mph, making it easier to keep pace with urban traffic. However, these upgrades come with a physical cost. At 88 pounds (before accessories), this is a heavy machine. While its mass ensures a calm, “planted” ride that never feels twitchy, it does mean the bike has slightly less range than its predecessor and feels more “sturdy” than “sporty.” For the family looking to ditch the car for school runs, the RadWagon 5 is a rock-solid investment.
Rad Power RadWagon 5 vs. Aventon Abound LR
The RadWagon 5 offers a phenomenally smooth, stable ride quality that the Aventon just doesn't quite match. The Abound, however, is less expensive, has a larger battery, greater range, a higher carrying capacity, and the venerable ACU. The Rad is class-switchable, so you can ride at 28 mph, while the Aventon tops out at 25mph. Rad has a few more accessories, including a Conestoga enclosed tent for transporting kids.
Stability and utility in a family-friendly package. Credit: Joshua Hutchens
Product Comparison Table
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 asked veteran cargo bike rider Joshua Hutchens to order up all of his favorite cargo haulers that are available in North America. After purchasing the most promising models, we had our team of experienced cycling specialists go to work. Our testing process involves identifying the most important performance areas riders expect from their cargo bike and creating a test plan to push each bike to its limit. We spend months riding these bikes, much of it not looking like work as we integrate them into our everyday lives. We ride these bikes as car replacements, ride neighborhood trails, haul gear, tools, kids, friends, and create smiles. When our “testing” commences, we reluctantly return the bikes to our lab to inspect them for wear and damage. We compile and compare notes and results, then score them for each performance metric and total the cumulative scores.
Our analysis of cargo bikes is split into six rating metrics:
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.
We ride cargo bikes with kids and small items. Then we have a little fun and load these up with as much as possible!
Analysis and Test Results
We don't just ride these bikes—we live with them. Our comprehensive testing methodology exposes the raw pros and cons of each model, allowing us to score them uniformly across the metrics that actually matter. From battery life to hill-climbing power, we've weighted our findings to prioritize what the average buyer needs to know. Read on to see our performance deep-dives and discover which bikes earned the top spots in our review fleet.
Worse Value
Better Value
What's the Best Value?
When it comes to pure value, the Lectric XPedition 2.0 is the undisputed champion. It leads the class with a massive 450-pound carrying capacity and provides high-end features at a fraction of the cost of its competitors. With an ecosystem of affordable accessories, it remains the most budget-friendly way to enter the cargo bike world.
However, for those planning to use an e-bike as their primary vehicle, the Aventon Abound LR justifies its higher price tag. While it carries 10 pounds less than the Lectric, it offers a more refined riding experience and a significant range advantage—outperforming the XPedition by over 12 miles in our real-world range tests.
Park the car and take an XPedition 2.0; a cargo bike might save you more than gas and cash. Credit: Joshua Hutchens
From budget-friendly haulers to high-end luxury rigs, the cargo e-bike market has something for everyone. Typically, spending more gets you the "big three": better components, a smoother ride, and more battery life. But be aware—the most expensive bikes on the market are often niche products. While they offer incredible comfort and a suite of “cool” add-ons, they don't always outperform mid-range workhorses in a head-to-head sprint.
Ride
The Ride metric evaluates the overall comfort and intuitive feel of each bike. We look beyond simple specs to assess handling, maneuverability, and stability—factors heavily influenced by frame geometry, seat adjustability, and rider posture. Because cargo bikes require longer wheelbases to support heavy loads, they inherently handle differently than a standard bicycle.
The core engineering challenge for manufacturers is balancing that extended length with a nimble feel. Each model in our fleet takes a unique approach to this trade-off. It is also important to remember that physics plays a role: adding significant weight to any of these bikes will inevitably alter their handling characteristics, requiring a steadier hand and adjusted braking expectations.
Standing at the front of the pack for its unparalleled utility is the Specialized Globe Haul ST. This bike manages a rare feat: a ride that feels remarkably smooth and stable while remaining agile and sporty. Much of this is due to its exceptionally stiff frame; the bike's torsional rigidity remains uncompromised even when pushing its cargo limits.
While the Haul ST lacks a traditional suspension fork, it doesn't sacrifice comfort. Instead, it relies on high-volume 3.5-inch tires to provide natural damping over rough pavement and debris. Braking is equally impressive, utilizing oversized hydraulic disc brakes that offer massive stopping power when fully laden, yet remain progressive and smooth for solo unladen rides.
Specialized has mastered ergonomics on the Globe line. With a telescoping seatpost and adjustable stem, the Haul ST comfortably accommodates riders ranging from 4'5" to 6'4". Our testing team found it incredibly easy to “dial in” a perfect fit for multiple riders in minutes. Standard equipment is also top-tier, including full fenders, integrated lights, and a versatile MIK-compatible rear rack.
The Specialized Globe Haul ST took us much further than we would have expected. Credit: Joshua Hutchens
The Aventon Abound SR and Specialized Globe Haul ST share a design philosophy that prioritizes ride quality and urban agility, making them two of the most admired bikes in our review fleet. Both models provide an impressively smooth and stable experience, even when fully loaded.
Manufacturers for both brands have invested heavily in ergonomics; each bike offers a massive range of fit adjustments to comfortably accommodate riders of varying heights. While the Specialized Haul ST takes a slight lead in agility thanks to its shorter wheelbase and “sporty” steering, the Aventon Abound SR holds its own as a zippy urban hauler. Regardless of which you choose, you can kit out your ride via an extensive catalog of brand-specific accessories. Most importantly, neither bike suffers from the “lumbering” sensation typical of many heavy-duty cargo options.
You find fewer restrictions to using the SR due to its compact size; it fits everywhere bikes are meant to be. Credit: Joshua Hutchens
Another bike with great ride quality is the RadWagon 5. This bike feels remarkably planted, with cushy rubber, wide hub spacing, and an adjustable suspension fork. It never feels jittery or jarring; the RadWagon is confidence-inspiring and feels more stable than any of the other bikes of its length.
Bottom line, this is an incredibly enjoyable way to get around. Credit: Joshua Hutchens
Real-World Range Test Results
Range is the lifeblood of an electric cargo bike. After all, the grocery store isn't likely to let you charge your bike in the produce aisle. We test range with extra rigor so you can be certain your bike has enough “juice” for a round trip—even when you're in a hurry.
We test every bike on a fixed course in its most aggressive power mode, using the throttle alone. With a 180-lb rider and tires at max pressure, we find the absolute minimum range you can expect. This “no-pedal” baseline makes it easy to compare one bike to another. Just remember: if you help the bike by pedaling or dropping to a lower assist level, you'll see those mileage numbers climb. On the flip side, hauling a full load of kids or climbing big hills will eat into that battery life more quickly.
The most impressive range came from the Aventon Abound LR. Loaded with a single 720Wh battery, the LR clocked 33.4 miles in our range test with over 1,000 feet of elevation gain. The dual battery Lectric XPedition 2.0 made it 43.1 miles, but only 21.9 miles with a single battery, and can be purchased with two larger batteries for an even longer range. The Specialized Haul ST was no slouch either, traveling 32.4 miles under throttle power thanks to its 772Wh battery and 700W motor.
To the park, school, store, office, and pub; there are so many uses for the Abound. Credit: Joshua Hutchens
Worth mentioning here, the XPedition 2.0 has multiple battery options. Standard or Long Range batteries can be selected during purchase and even mixed. While the second battery adds to your purchase price, it's a sensible option for travelling longer distances, pedaling less, or charging with less frequency.
The Abound LR puts out over 1200 watts at peak power, meaning you can dance up those hills without raising your heart rate. Credit: Joshua Hutchens
Power
Think of e-bike power as your “get out of trouble” button. Whether you're trying to clear an intersection before a light changes or dodging an obstacle in a bike lane, zippy acceleration is your best friend. This is especially true for cargo bikes; when you're fully loaded with kids or gear, you need that extra power just to feel “normal.” Just remember: a big motor needs a big battery to back it up. If you want high-speed performance and heavy-hauling capability, look for a bike that balances a high-watt motor with plenty of battery capacity.
The Abound LR delivered the most torque amongst its competitors, shooting up to 20 mph in 6 seconds. All Class 2 bikes have a maximum throttle-assisted speed of 20 mph, while many of these bikes have higher (Class 3) pedal-assisted speeds. While we time the bike's acceleration, the real power and torque data come from the dynamometer we test the bikes on.
Our favorite cargo bike is the Aventon Abound LR Credit: Joshua Hutchens
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 greater efficiency and better performance going 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.
Going beyond how powerful the bike “feels”, the dyno gives us data that we can compare and present here. Credit: Joshua Hutchens
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, supporting speeds up to 20 mph. It is impressively smooth in its power delivery, using a more advanced torque-sensing system that delivers power in proportion 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 are in the market for a cargo bike, your primary goal is likely to transform your two-wheeled transport into a true utility vehicle. In our fleet, we tested five models that share a foundational design: a robust, integrated rear rack designed for heavy-duty hauling. While these bikes look similar at a glance, their true capabilities vary significantly. A bike's total utility is defined by more than just a weight rating; it is a combination of frame geometry, available cargo “real estate,” and the specific ecosystem of accessories offered by the manufacturer to help you secure your load.
Riding any bicycle can be dangerous, and adding significant amounts of weight/cargo to a bike has the potential to make it even riskier. Cargo weight has the potential to impact a bike's handling characteristics, and typically not for the better. Cargo bikes appeal to many people for their ability to transport the most precious cargo of all, children, and many brands include this use in their marketing to consumers. We recommend that anyone considering a cargo bike for transporting children do a little research and look into safety considerations associated with doing so. When riding with children, we recommend always taking proper safety precautions such as wearing helmets at all times, using the appropriate size seat for your child, wearing safety belts when applicable, and riding cautiously and in control while following the rules of the road. Ultimately, it is up to the rider to use good judgment to keep their own children safe.
We sometimes think of cargo bikes as being made to haul kids, but they have amazing utility. Credit: Joshua Hutchens
The 450-pound max weight capacity of the Lectric XPedition 2.0 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 Rad Power RadWagon 5. The six-button control unit is easily manipulated by the left thumb while riding, and the throttle is an intuitive twist style located in the right grip. The display is wide, clear, and has an abundance of data.
The Haul ST has a functional interface, but it becomes even more impressive when 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. Both Aventon Abound models have tiny displays but phenomenal app interfaces.
All of the current Rad Power displays are quite impressive. Credit: Joshua Hutchens
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 Haul ST was also incredibly easy to assemble, with easy-to-follow numbered instructions in the packaging. The assembly of this bike took 17 minutes, as you can see in the time-lapse below.
Assembly of the Haul ST was quick and painless Credit: Chris McNamara
The Aventon Abound LR arrives in eco-friendly packaging, includes clear instructions, and even video tutorials to guide you through setup. It was also missing a critical part that would have made operating the bike dangerous. Many consumer-direct companies are simplifying assembly and eliminating the need for bike shops. While we appreciate the value and efficiency of this model, bicycles are complex machines with significant 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.
Safety & Battery Certifications
If you're nervous about battery technology, you're not alone, and this has led many of the industry's key players to look for ways to reassure consumers that batteries are indeed safe. UL Certifications are becoming far more common among top brands, and companies like Rad Power have developed Safe Shield technology that uses a fireproof resin to wrap each cell, so that in the event of a battery malfunction and fire (thermal runaway), the pack will not ignite and damage will be kept within the pack.
Conclusion
Buying an electric cargo bike is a significant investment, and we want to ensure you choose the one that best suits your needs. There are so many options on the market today that making a decision can be challenging. When reviewing the options and our assessments, focus on the performance aspects that align with your intended bike usage. 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.
