One of my motivations for building Cargo Bike Life is to provide cargo bike buyers with authentic information from an experienced cargo bike mechanic, rider, and parent. I’ve ridden and worked on every bike below. Unless noted, it is a bike that I’ve tested with kids or heavy cargo. Most importantly, if it makes this list, I would feel comfortable with my own family riding it.
Why does that matter? Some “best of” lists are flooding the internet so that media outlets can drive traffic and hopefully make a few dollars if you buy through one of their affiliate links. When working at Tern, this drove me crazy because we would make a “Best of” list with publishers that I knew had never tested our bikes. On the flip side, we wouldn’t make a list because they were pay-to-play, and I chose not to pay $500 for us to be on a “Best Folding Bike” list.
Below is a list of the 10 best cargo bikes ranked by price, based on my experiences riding dozens of bikes. They all serve different purposes, from price point to ride quality to carrying capacity. If you have specific questions about your unique needs, please comment below!
10 Best Electric Cargo Bikes Ranked by Price
Aventon Abound Midtail Cargo Bike $1,999
This is the most affordable cargo bike on the list and is certified to UL-2849. The hub motor may not last as long as others on this list, but the price will also help get more people on bikes with the price tag. There is a good selection of Aventon accessories to get you started and Aventon has dealers around the country if you want to buy through a shop.
Cargo Capacity: 2 kids – 143 lbs / 65 kg
Max Gross Vehicle Weight: 440 lbs
eBike System: Bafang Rear Hub Drive
eBike Class: 20 mph Class 2 with a throttle that can be removed to become Class 1
How to Buy: Online or a local Aventon Dealer
Warranty: 2 years
Read more about the Aventon Abound
Cero One Cycle Truck Cargo Bike $1,980
If you are looking for a light-duty cargo bike, this is great with the recent price drop.
The Cero One is a light-duty cargo bike with a large front rack to hold cargo and a rear rack for more panniers or a baby seat. The limiter is the 77 lb / 35 kg cargo weight limit. The setup on this bike is unique, with a 26″ rear wheel and 20″ front wheel that keeps that front cargo rack low but will place your child up higher if you use the Yepp seat in the back.
The bike utilizes a Shimano Nexus Inter-5E internal hub with a Gates Belt Drive for low maintenance.
Cargo Capacity: 1 kid – 77 lbs / 35 kg for combined racks total
Max Gross Vehicle Weight: Unknown
eBike System: Shimano STEPS 6100 60Nm Torque Class 1 20mph
How to Buy: Online
Warranty: 2 years
Tern Quick Haul Short Tail Cargo Bike $2,499
The Tern Quick Haul is the most capable cargo bike with Bosch eBike systems for the price. You can carry 110 lbs on the rear rack, perfect for a small kid, your dog, or running all your errands in one trip.
There are two models: the D8 Class 1 is a bit underpowered for heavy-duty cargo use but great for light work, and the P9 Class 3 is perfect for hauling a small kid or dog, pulling a trailer, or starting your cargo bike life. You can also tap into the extensive Tern accessory line for a great price.
Rear Cargo Capacity: 1 kids – 110 lbs / 48 kg
Max Gross Vehicle Weight: 330 lbs
eBike System: Tern Quick Haul D8 Bosch Active Line Plus (50 Nm torque) or Tern Quick Haul P9 Performance Line Sport (65 Nm torque)
eBike Class: D8 is Class 1 20mph, P9 is Class 3 28mph
How to Buy: Local Tern Dealer or online for local bike shop to build
Warranty: 10 Years on Tern Frame, and 2 years on Bosch eBike System
Read more about the Quick Haul
Tern Quick haul Long Midtail Cargo Bike $3,799
If you are looking for a long-term cargo bike investment on the tightest budget you can muster, the Tern Quick Haul Long is your answer.
You are utilizing Bosch’s Cargo Line motor with 85Nm of torque and a 500Wh battery. You can also use most of the accessories Tern has developed over the years for the GSD cargo bike, which adds to this value-packed midtail cargo bike. It is a bit more twitchy of a ride than the GSD listed below, and you won’t have front suspension or an option to run a Bosch DualBattery, but you also save $700 for the base price between the two bikes.
Rear Cargo Capacity: 2 kids / 1 adult – 198 lb / 90 kg
Max Gross Vehicle Weight: 419 lbs
eBike System: Bosch Cargo Line 85 Nm torque
eBike Class: Class 1 20mph
How to Buy: Local Tern Dealer or online for local bike shop to build
Warranty: 10 Years on Tern Frame. 2 years on Bosch eBike System
Read more about the Quick Haul Long
Xtracycle Swoop Long Tail Cargo Bike $3,999
The Xtracycle Swoop (originally the Edgerunner) is one of my favorite cargo bikes. It has a 26″ front wheel, a 20″ rear wheel, and a rear rack long enough for three kids to fit. Xtracycle has started to ship the bikes with essential accessories included, like the Hooptie rear rack, which lowers the price.
Cargo Capacity: 3 kids / 1 adult – 400 lbs / 180 kg
Max Gross Vehicle Weight: 470 lbs
eBike System: Shimano STEPS EP6 85 Nm torque
eBike Class: Class 1 20mph or Class 3 28mph
How to Buy: Online
Warranty: Lifetime
Read more about the Xtracycle Swoop
Tern HSD Gen 2 P10 Short Tail Cargo Bike $4,299
This is the best value cargo bike with Bosch’s new eBike Smart System. The HSD Gen 2 can now carry an adult on the back, has a steady ride, and a vast selection of accessories. I always tell people that if I were to own ONE cargo bike for the rest of my life, it would be this one. The HSD Gen 2 has many options. I like the price of the P10, and you can add on the Bosch Connect Module to have the best GPS tracking and alarm available on an eBike.
Rear Cargo Capacity: 1 kid or 1 adult – 176 lbs / 80 kg
Max Gross Vehicle Weight: 397 lb / 180 kg
eBike System: Bosch Performance Line 75 Nm torque
eBike Class: Class 1 20mph (other models come in Class 3)
How to Buy: Local Tern Dealer or online for local bike shop to build
Warranty: 10 Years on Tern Frame. 2 years on Bosch eBike System
Read more about the Tern HSD Gen 2
Tern GSD S10 LX Midtail Cargo Bike $4,499
The iconic GSD rewrote what we think a midtail cargo bike should be and the latest generation is still outstanding after 4 years on the market—a ton of accessories and a great online community to be apart of.
Rear Cargo Capacity: 2 kids or 1 adult – 220 lb / 100 kg
Max Gross Vehicle Weight: 440 lb / 200 kg
eBike System: Bosch Cargo Line 85 Nm torque
eBike Class: Class 1 20mph
How to Buy: Local Tern Dealer or online for local bike shop to build
Warranty: 10 Years on Tern Frame. 2 years on Bosch eBike System
Read our Tern GSD Buyer’s Guide
Bunch Bikes Original 4+ Trike $5,799
If you are looking for a 3-wheeled cargo bike, Bunch makes the best one for the price in North America. Available in various configurations to accommodate kids, dogs, or even a preschool setup! They are based in the US and even succeeded with the Shark Tank investors.
Cargo Capacity: 4 kids – 220 lb / 100 kg
Max Gross Vehicle Weight: 350 lb / 159 kg
eBike System: 45 Nm torque
eBike Class: Class 2 20mph with throttle
How to Buy: Online
Warranty: 1 year or purchase extended warranty
Read more about the Bunch Original 4+ Trike
Urban Arrow Family Front Loading Cargo Bike $5,999
This is my personal everyday cargo bike if that means something to you! A great riding 2 wheel front loader without the bells and whistles of some others. Carry up to 3 kids in the front or an additional child on the back rack!
Cargo Capacity: 4 kids or 1 adult – 242 lb / 120 kg
Max Gross Vehicle Weight: 551 lb / 250 kg
eBike System: Bosch Cargo Line 85 Nm torque
eBike Class: Class 1 20mph
How to Buy: Your local Urban Arrow dealer
Warranty: 5 Years on the frame and fork. 2 years on Bosch eBike System
Read more about the Urban Arrow Family
Riese and Müller Load 60 and 75 Front Loading Cargo Bikes $8,400
If you want the most comfortable cargo bike, this is it! A full suspension front loader cargo bike with the ability to carry 1-3 kids depending on your setup.
Cargo Capacity: 2-3 kids or 1 adult – 154 lb / 70 kg
Max Gross Vehicle Weight: 440 lb / 200 kg
eBike System: Bosch Cargo Line 85 Nm or Performance Line Sport
eBike Class: Class 1 20mph or Class 3 28mph
How to Buy: Local Riese & Muller dealer
Warranty: 5 Years on Frame. 2 years on Bosch eBike System
Riese and Müller Carrie Front Loading Cargo Bike $8,239
This is an honorable mention and not truly part of the top 10 as we haven’t spent any time on it, but the Carrie is easily the most anticipated cargo bike in 2024 for us! Could this be the front loader that competes with the Tern HSD?
Worth Mentioning…
There are many niche cargo bikes available in North America that didn’t make the top 10 but are still unique and worth mentioning!
Omnium Cargo Bikes
These are making bike folks turn heads and get interested in the utility side of biking
Muli Cycles Cargo Bikes
Available only in Canada at this point, but very much where the Riese & Muller Carrie got some ideas from.
Adventure Cargo Bikes
Tern Orox, Surly Big Easy, Surly Skid Loader, and Riese & Muller Multicharger
The Big Brands Cargo Bikes
It was so amazing to see large brands jump into the cargo bike space a couple of years ago. Sadly, most haven’t gone very far with their marketing or shop education but it is great to see them thinking about the space.
Cannondale has the Cargowagen
Specialized has the Haul LT and Haul ST
Trek has the Fetch+ 4 and Fetch+ 2
Momentum (Giant) has the Cito E+ and PakaK E+
Final Thoughts
With so many new cargo bikes hitting the market in 2024, there are so many wonderful options to choose from. It all comes down to: What you want to carry, your budget, your parking/storage, and personal riding style.
Ready to find your perfect cargo bike? Check out our Cargo Bike Buyer’s Guide!
Thinking of a new cargo bike?
Sign up for more tips in our bi-monthly email
Disclaimer: Some links above are affiliate links, meaning we make a commission if you purchase through them. This is no cost to you.
Great job! I love these reviews. My “Acoustic” Xtracycle longtail cargo bike has served my family well for many years.
Thanks, David! I knew we would be friends when I first saw your Xtracycle!
I have been searching far and wide for the cargo bike that would suit my needs in commuting, carrying $hit, off-roading, and kid hauling, and the Multicharger seems to tick all the boxes for me. Glad to see it made your list, and thanks for the great write-up!
I have had my Multicharger2 Vario for just over a week now, already firmly in love with it as is my five year old. I went with the bars and panniers, Bosch control module and the Kiox 300. It’s really the total package and surprisingly light and handy on the road and trail.
I have zero buyers remorse so far.
So happy to hear you found the right bike for you! What type of terrain are you riding on with the Multicharger?
Great to hear! What are your unique needs for the Multicharger?