The 5 Best Cargo eBikes of 2025

Our Picks of Cargo eBikes

Best Overall Cargo eBike

Aventon Abound LR

$1,999 at Aventon Bikes

The Aventon Abound LR is the most impressive cargo bike in this review. Not only does it ride incredibly well, but it's packed with cool tech features that make owning it a joy. A low center of gravity, easy mounting, and a torsionally rigid frame make this the perfect bike for hauling kids, groceries, or even an adult passenger. A 720Wh battery powers the 750W hub motor, allowing speeds of up to 20 mph as a Class 2 e-bike or 25 mph with pedal assist. Rolling on 20-inch wheels, the bike strikes a balance of comfort and efficiency.

A locking storage box behind the bottom bracket is a perfect place to stash a lock, charger, or rain jacket. A suspension fork and suspension seat post provide a smooth ride, while integrated lights with working turn signals let you stay out after dark. Forget your bike lock- no problem, you can deploy the kickstand and lock the bike electronically. With Aventon accessories, you can tailor the bike to your needs and enhance its utility. The LR has enough juice to travel over 33 miles without pedaling or recharging. While it has slightly less range than the previous model, the ride quality improvement with the larger tires feels worth the trade-off.

“I really liked the previous bike's dropper seat post, but the comfort of the suspension post won me over,” says tester Joshua Hutchens. A revised cockpit gives the rider an upright position, and its quill stem offers 5 1/2" of adjustability for riders between 4'11" and 6'3". Wide 3" tires dampen vibrations and give the bike a stable feel with just enough tread to venture off the pavement.

While the wheelbase has grown, the smaller wheels keep its overall footprint small, making it easy to park and store. A 440 lb weight limit makes it suitable for carrying just about anything you can strap to it, but transporting the 86-pound bike is a bit more difficult. The Aventon Control Unit with 4G and GPS lets you lock, track, and even geo-fence the bike. Should it go missing, you can use the app to lock the kickstand remotely and sound an alarm.

Read more: Aventon Abound LR review

Best Bang for the Buck

Lectric XPedition 2.0

$1,399 at Lectric eBikes

The Lectric XPedition 2.0 is far and away the best cargo bike for the dollar. Advertised as a bike that can grow with your family, Lectric offers an abundance of accessories to help you get the most out of it. With a tunable suspension fork, torque sensor, and 450-pound capacity, this is one of the best deals we've come across. With numerous purchasing options, Lectric allows you to buy just what you need, keeping the price low and value high.

The XPedition 2.0 uses a 750W hub motor that generated an incredible 1247 watts and 46.3 Nm of torque in our dyno testing. Available with a standard range 624Wh battery, dual batteries with 1248Wh, or two long-range batteries with 1680Wh of juice, you can choose the package that works for you. 20" wheels and a long wheelbase provide stability and ease of use; this small bike does big jobs. The XPedition is easy to ride and park, and it won't dominate your garage space.

The bike doesn't feel like a budget offering with hydraulic disc brakes, full fenders, lights, turn signals, an expanding dual-leg kickstand, and a telescoping seatpost. Of course, the accessories will cost you a bit more, but Lectric offers a solid array of add-ons at reasonable prices. There are countless ways to customize the bike, and even with every accessory, it's still hundreds of dollars less than its competitors.

“The XPedition 2.0 impressed me with its performance, utility, and ride quality. It's far more refined than the original version, yet somehow, it's the same price,” remarked Joshua Hutchens. Budget-conscious shoppers and those curious to try a cargo bike should take note; this bike is an outstanding value. If you're looking for cargo bike utility without the cargo bike footprint, check out the Rad Power RadRunner Max, it's a commuter bike with more utility than most.

Read more: Lectric XPedition 2.0 review

Best Compact Cargo eBike

Aventon Abound SR

$1,899 at Aventon Bikes

The Aventon Abound SR was the first bike from Aventon that we tested with the Aventon Control Unit, and it's an impressive suite of technology attached to a spectacular little bike. The Abound SR has a short wheelbase of just over 45 inches and an integrated rack that can hold 143 pounds. Three-inch tires, a 50mm suspension fork, and a suspension seatpost give the bike a comfortable, planted feel. With a total weight capacity of 440 pounds, the bike is a workhorse, boasting the power and torque to make the most of it.

The SR shows us that cargo bikes don't need to be big to be useful. “While not the right bike for hauling more than one child, I found the SR to be the perfect urban errand bike,” says Joshua Hutchens. “I could take my kid to school, pick up a friend, carry a load of groceries, or just cruise around town without feeling like I was piloting a wheelbarrow.” We were initially skeptical of the 4G and GPS in Aventon's Control Unit, but the benefits of being able to remotely lock, track, or geofence the bike through my app were a game-changer. The innovative locking kickstand means you can forego the bike lock, while the onboard alarm and GPS tracking give you peace of mind.

The Abound SR is well-engineered, and that's apparent in the impressive tech and confidence-inspiring ride quality. 20" wheels feel more appropriate than ever on this zippy little bike that is actually fun to ride. The upright BMX-style handlebar and quill stem provide solid handling and ample adjustability. Given the price, the bike is a fantastic value, and it ships almost completely assembled; putting the final touches on it took us just 22 minutes. Aventon offers an impressive array of accessories that allow you unlock the bike's maximum utility. We tried a number of accessories and while the Captain's chair was less impressive, the other accessories we slam dunks.

If your hauling needs exceed the SR's size, look at the Aventon Abound LR; it's our favorite full-sized cargo bike for a good reason. If the price is more than you'd like to spend on a cargo bike, you might consider the comfortable and capable Lectric XPedition 2,0, which is an amazing value and has dual battery capability.

Read more: Aventon Abound SR review

Funnest Cargo Bike

Specialized Globe Haul ST

Read the Review

The Specialized Haul ST is a spectacular bike that strikes a perfect balance of utility and joy. It's small enough to be nimble, quick enough to be sporty, yet hefty enough to haul a serious load; it feels like the Swiss-Army knife of bikes. Even if you don't need cargo hauling capabilities, this bike's versatility could make it a top choice. If you're a bicycle aficionado (bike geek) who is sometimes dismayed by the abundance of cheap e-bikes and junky componentry, the Haul is high-quality relief.

The Haul has a solid, confidence-inspiring ride quality, with the ability to carry up to 419 pounds. 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. The Short Tail design makes it feel agile and up for any urban adventure.

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. Wanna 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 longer, and its carrying capacity goes up to 441 pounds. Riders wanting to save some money on a really convenient and utilitarian cargo bike should check out the other 20" wheel offerings, notably, the Aventon Abound SR and Lectric XPedition 2.0.

Read more: Specialized Haul ST 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. Every aspect 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. Tester Joshua Hutchens says, “This is the Volvo wagon of cargo bikes.”

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. A 375-pound carrying capacity gives you options galore, 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 increased slightly, and the weight has increased significantly. 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, I found the bike to be comfortable, easy to ride, and a great alternative to sitting in traffic; the RadWagon 5 is worth a look. If you want the safest feeling cargo bike, this is probably it.

Read more: RadWagon 5 review

Specifications	Aventon Abound LR	Specialized Globe Haul ST	Aventon Abound SR	Lectric XPedition 2.0	Rad Power RadWagon 5	Blix Packa Genie	Velotric Packer 1	KBO Ranger
Awards	Best Overall Cargo eBike	Funnest Cargo Bike	Best Compact Cargo eBike	Best Bang for the Buck	Most Stable Cargo Bike
Wheel size	20-inch	20-inch	20-inch	20-inch	20-inch	24-inch	26-inch front, 20-inch rear	20-inch
Battery Size	720 Wh	772 Wh	720Wh	624 Wh (1248 Wh Dual)	720 Wh	614 (with dual battery capability for up to 1228 Wh)	691 Wh	840 Wh
E-Bike Class	Class 2	Class 2 or 3	Class 2	Class 1, 2 or 3	Class 1, 2 or 3	Class 2	Class 2	Class 3
Motor Power	750W	700W	750W	750W	750W	750W	750W	750W
Sensor	Torque	Torque	Torque	Torque	Torque	Cadence	Cadence	Cadence
Number of pedal assist settings	3	5	3	5	5	5	5	5
Top speed throttle	20 mph	20 mph	20 mph	20 mph	20 mph	20 mph	23 mph	24 mph
Top speed pedal-assist	25 mph	28 mph	25 mph	28 mph	28 mph	20 mph	25 mph	28 mph
Measured Distance Range	33.4 miles	31.9 miles	28.4 miles	21.9 miles (43.1 miles with dual battery)	25.0 miles	23.6 miles	28.9 miles	29.9 miles
Charging time (standard charger)	5 hours	6. 4 hours	5 hours	6.5 hours	7.5 hours	6.4 hours	7.2 hours	5.8 hours
Frame material	Aluminum	Aluminum	Aluminum	Aluminum	Aluminum	Aluminum	Aluminum	Aluminum
Total Weight Limit	440 lbs	419 lbs	440 lbs	450 lbs total capacity (up to 300 lbs on rear rack)	375 lbs total capacity (up to 120 lbs on rear rack)	400 lbs total capacity (up to 150 lbs on rear rack, and up to 50 lbs on front rack)	440 lbs	400 lbs total capacity (up to 120 lbs on rear rack)
Measured Weight	86 lbs 8 oz	80 lbs 8 oz	81 lbs 6 oz	81 lbs 5 oz (89 lbs 14 oz w/dual battery)	88 lbs 1 oz	78 lbs 8 oz	77 lbs 6 oz	77 lbs
Wheelbase length	52.44-inches (1332mm)	43-inches (1089mm)	45.3-inches (1152mm)	54-inches (1372mm)	50.7-inches (1288 mm)	53.7-inches (1364mm)	54.33-inches (1380mm)	47-inches (1194mm)
Drivetrain	Shimano Altus 8-speed	MicroSHIFT 9 Speed	Shimano Altus 8-speed	Shimano Altus 8-speed	Shimano Altus 7-speed	Shimano 7-speed	Shimano Altus 8-speed	Shimano Altus 7-speed
Brakes	Tektro Hydraulic	Tektro Hydraulic	Tektro Hydraulic	Hydraulic	Tektro Hydraulic Disc	Tektro MD-M300 Mechanical Disc	Hydraulic	Tektro Mechanical Disc
Additional features	Fenders, front and rear lights, suspension fork, suspension seatpost, rear rack, locking kickstand, Aventon ACU with 4G and GPS, running boards	Fenders, front and rear lights, rear rack, bell	Fenders, front and rear lights, rear rack, locking kickstand, Aventon ACU with 4G/GPS, suspension fork, suspension post	Fenders, front and rear lights, rear rack, center kickstand, dual battery capability, suspension fork	Fenders, front and rear lights, rear cargo rack, telescoping seatpost, adjustable handlebars, mounts for accessories, deflopilator, USB-C port	Fenders, front and rear lights, USB charging, kickstand, bell, puncture resistant tires, smart mounting points for accessories, dual battery capability, deflopilator	Fenders, front and rear lights, rear rack, kickstand, storage box	Fenders, front and rear lights, rear cargo rack, running boards, heavy-duty aluminum kickstand, puncture-resistant tires,
Warranty	2 year	Lifetime (2 year on battery and motor)	2 year	1 year	2 year	1 year	2 year	2 year

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 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.

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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 2.0 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 2.0 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 LR. 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 utility. The ride is smooth and stable, yet still sporty. The frame is stiff, and it's torsional rigidity isn't affected 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. Despite lacking a suspension fork and rolling on 20-inch wheels, the bike is exceptionally comfortable thanks to 3.5" wide, high-volume tires that provide damping over the rough stuff. Powerful, oversized hydraulic disc brakes provide excellent stopping power when laden, but they're not too touchy when riding without a load. Standard features include fenders, front and rear lights, and a MIK-compatible rack.

The Aventon Abound SR and Specialized Globe Haul ST share some design similarities and excellent ride quality, earning near-equal admiration from our testers. Both bikes are impressively stable and smooth, with a wide range of fit adjustments to suit varying rider heights. Both manufacturers offer a wide range of accessories to kit out your ride. The Haul's slightly shorter wheelbase makes it slightly more agile, but neither bike rides like a lumbering cargo bike.

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.

Range

An electric bike's utility is limited by its range, which we test with extra rigor. You should purchase a cargo bike with enough range to handle your distance needs on a single charge without worrying that you might run out of power before reaching your destination. The manager at the grocery store probably won't let you plug in to charge while you shop. To test a cargo bike's range, we ride a fixed course with the bike in its highest power setting, tires at maximum inflation, and a test rider who weighs 180 pounds with gear. We don't pedal the bikes at all; instead, we rely on the throttle for propulsion, eliminating the variable of added assist. This gives us a baseline for scoring each bike, but it's also important to note that pedaling will increase your bike's range. Also, variables like rider and cargo weight, pedal assist level, temperature, and elevation gain will influence the range you can achieve.

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.

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. Like the XPedition 2.0, it has the option to add a second battery for an additional cost. If you need to travel longer distances, a second battery is a sensible option that will double your battery capacity.

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. Heavier cargo bikes, especially when laden, need more power to offset the heavy loads. Since large motors generally mean more power, they'll need an accompanyinglarge battery to make the most of it.

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 thee 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.

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.

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 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.

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. Assembly of this bike took 17 minutes, as you can see in the time-lapse below.

The Aventon Abound LR arrives in eco-packaging, has 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 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 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.