The Best Electric Cargo Bikes for Families

Date：2022-03-01 Categories：Blog Views：1,659 views

We’ve spent a few years riding and testing oversized e-bikes for hauling kids and groceries around town.

There are many physical, philosophical, environmental, and logistical reasons why cycling is better than driving. Cars are expensive. They require maintenance, block roads and hit household pets. They pollute the air. But somehow none of that matters when you’ve been trying to get out of the park for the past four hours and haven’t put on pants for your screaming toddler.

If you’re still struggling to reconcile your past carefree cycling life with your current life as a family driver, then an electric cargo bike might be for you. I regularly use the best (and worst) electric cargo bikes around to carry kids, groceries, and who knows what’s in town bags. These are our favorites.

Need a smaller vehicle? Be sure to check out our roundup of the best electric bikes and best bike accessories. We also have a guide to understanding the e-bike category.

Which bike type is best for you?
Long tail or front box?
Electric cargo bikes come in two different configurations. The first are front-loaded bikes, also known as bakfiets or Long Johns, with a cargo box suspended between the rider and the front wheel. Another layout is the long tail, extending the rear end of the bike to accommodate more bodywork and gear.

Both shapes have pros and cons. If you choose a front-loaded bike, you will need a garage or storage space. They are also not particularly nimble and require practice riding at slower speeds. The Longtail maneuvers more like a regular bike, but the weight is suspended higher. Whenever storage is not an issue, I prefer cycling my kids in the cargo box as I am a smaller person and find it tricky to balance two growing kids on a long tail. If possible, I recommend making an appointment at your local bike shop to try a few models before committing.

best family bike
Urban Arrow Family Electric Cargo Bike
The two electric cargo bikes I’ve tested, the Urban Arrow Family (8/10, recommended by WIRED) and the R&M Load (8/10, recommended by WIRED), are top notch. It just depends on the characteristics you are looking for.

Family is my favorite for three reasons. First, the box is slightly lower, at the bottom of the front chassis instead of the top. The lower center of gravity makes it easier to steer. It also has a continuously variable gear lever that lets you downshift from a standstill, so you don’t downshift like crazy while trying to muscle uphill while your kids are screaming and shaking in the box. Finally, it’s a little cheaper.

However, if you live on rough roads, you may want full suspension from R&M Load.

more affordable option
Rad Electric Bike A7AT26
No matter which bike I recommend, most people I know end up buying an affordable mail-order Rad Power bike, whether it’s a RadRunner or a RadWagon. The latest version of the RadWagon features smaller, fatter tires, designed in-house by Rad Power Bikes (frankly, awesome) and Vee Tyre Co. The Rad is one of the few cargo bikes with a throttle, and it comes in handy when you have to haul your bike, baby and gear across the road quickly. If you want to save even more money, I’ve seen many parents put two kids on the RadRunner, one in the front and one in the back.

I have to point out here that the Rad is the only bike I own that makes an arc on me. When I tried to insert the battery, dangerous current jumped out of the gap between the wires. The display cracked, which Larder thinks might be the cause. Still, I’d recommend storing the bike in an outdoor shed if possible, and have one of Rad’s partner services take a look at it if you choose to assemble it yourself.

Best Smalls
Siro One
For years, I’ve recommended Tern’s cargo bikes to parents who want a durable, reliable vehicle to take their kids to school. Before the Cero One, I had never tried another cargo bike that I preferred.

It has a unique design based on the classic Japanese mamachari, with a small front wheel that bridges the frame and a larger rear wheel to make it more maneuverable. It’s as compact and lightweight as the Tern HSD, with the same high-end components like a 250-watt Shimano Steps motor and Gates ribbon drive. You can also completely trick your bike during the ordering process so it’s fully decked out on your doorstep – I loaded the tester with a full Thanksgiving dinner, including a 15-pound turkey. Just make sure you don’t drive that little front wheel straight into the pothole.

my own bike
A6AH20F
However, here I have to reveal that when shopping for a bike for my own family, I chose the A6AH20F (recommended by Fat tire electric bike). My daughter rode it to and from school for the first time when she was 15. If I had bought it when she was 13, I could still use it today.

If this particular model with a continuously variable hub (which lets you shift the bike from a standstill) is a little too expensive, the A6AH20F does have a whole range, from the most affordable GSD S10 to the dual-battery GSD S14. Even older models have powerful, reliable Bosch motors and compact displays. Short, maneuverable length; low center of gravity, making them comfortable and easy to ride.

Main Specifications:
1.48V gearless brushless hub-motor
2.Controller: 48V Intelligent brushless
3.Battery:48V 20AH lithium battery
4.Max speed: 35-45km/h
5.Tyre: 20″*4.0
6.Frame:6061 Aluminum alloy
7.Range: 1:1 PAS mode, 40-80KM
8.Display:Shuangye LCD3 with electric brake,USB LED light
9.Gear: 7/9/27 Speed with derailleur
10.Disc brake:180 disc brake
11.Brake lever:Conjointed shifter with power cut -off brake

The 750w dual motor electric motorbike adult A6AH20F uses a newly designed aluminum frame with a 48v 20AH lithium battery with keylithium ion built in battery. This powers the 48V 750W geared rear hub motor, which provides more powerful torque controller to enhance your cycling experience on any terrain.TThe new frame of this electric bicycle gives a perfect riding experience. The top tube swoops down slightly, making it easier for the rider to get on and off the electric bike.The stylish and atmospheric design makes people look back at a high rate.

The A6AH20F still uses 20×4.0 inch fat tires. It is an ideal youth electric road legal motorbike for riders looking for alternatives to traditional riding. In many cases, traditional riding may be limited to road and light off-road use. 750w electric bike fat tire A6AH20F allows riders to easily ride along. Ride on sand, mud, muddy trails, snow and regular road conditions

48V Intelligent brushless

48W gearless brushless hub motor provides a high power , allowing you to easily cross different terrains. You can ride it up to steep hill, thread your way along the trickiest and get a top speed 45 km/h on the flat road. Each motor is more than 80% efficiency and below 60 Db noise. It will bring you a high efficiency but low noise riding experience.

motorcycle battery

The removable design is one of the highlights of this electric fat bike. No need to move the heavy battery near the socket or find a power strip. Just need to turn the key to take out the battery, and then charge battery in home or other places with a charger supplied.

Waterproof Display

Equipped with a big screen LCD display show many data of e-bike, for example Distance, Mileage, Temperature, Battery Capacity, Motor Power, Max Speed etc. And excellent waterproof make it also do a good job in rain. Five levels pedal assistance and press thum throttle, make the motor supply more high speed for this electric fat bike.

Disc Brake

180mm mechanicial disc brake on front and rear wheel to ensure each cyclist security. Whether under emergency, in rain weather, down-hill riding, this brake system always provide enough braking to the bike.

Front&Rear Light

A 3W LED front light with USB charging port. Newly designed rear LED light, supporting flashing when braking(Whether it is braking front or rear wheels), this light can remind others and vehicles to pay attention to ensure your riding safety at night on the road.

If you are interested in our electric scooters motorbik, you can leave a message. If you have any query please feel free to contact us. We are looking forward to your arrival.

Zhuhai Shuangye Electronic Technology Co., Ltd. established in 2006 year,is a professional manufacturers of electric bike,electric mountain bike,folding electric bike,ebike kits and ebike batteries.

we have professional technical and production design people,with advanced production line,precise processing workshop,assembly workshop and the improve ebike testing equipment,provide reliable quality guarantee and thoughtful service to customers. OEM and ODM orders are supported in Shuangye company. Customers inquiries will be replied within 24 hours,Shuangye Pursue to offer parters Reliable quality, competitive price,quick feedback./We dedicated to strict quality control and thoughtful customer service, our experienced staff members are always available to discuss your requirements and ensure full customers,satisfaction. In recent years, our company has introduced a series of advanced equipment including automatic production line,CNC drilling, Battery capacity testing Equipment .

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