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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 nearly 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 did side-by-side testing to see how heavy loads affect handling and stability.
The Aventon Abound is the best because of its incredible range, ride quality, and power. 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, including the top commuter ebikes. An alternative to a cargo bike is a bike trailer, the pros and cons of which we detail below.
Editor's Note: We're currently testing the Aventon Abound LR which will replace the Abound and features much of the cool tech we reviewed on the Aventon Abound SR.
The Aventon Abound is a well-designed cargo e-bike that can transport multiple children, an adult, or a huge load of cargo. It features a 720Wh battery and a 750W hub motor, allowing speeds of up to 20 mph as a Class 2 e-bike. Equipped with 20-inch wheels, the bike balances size and maneuverability.
Key features include a storage box, dropper seat post, working lights, and turn signals. Accessories enhance its utility, and Aventon's options are generally more affordable than those of competitors like the Specialized Haul ST. We tested the Abound over 37.4 miles on a single charge without pedaling, showcasing its impressive range.
“I wasn't sold on the dropper seat post when we got this bike, but after a few rides with cargo, I was absolutely sold on its merits,” says tester Joshua Hutchens. It allows for easy adjustment, making stops convenient, especially when loaded. The bike offers an upright riding position and adjustable seat and handlebars, accommodating riders from 4' 11" to 6' 3". With a 440 lb weight capacity, it's suitable for kids and cargo, though it weighs over 84 pounds, making lifting challenging.
For those seeking a budget-friendly option, the Lectric XPedition 2.0 is a great alternative, offering solid features and range with a two-battery setup, though it lacks the dropper post. Its display is equally impressive to that of the Abound.
The Lectric XPedition 2.0 is the best cargo bike for the dollar and might be the best cargo bike for many people, regardless of price. With abundant options, Lectric allows you to buy just what you need, keeping the price low and value high. Advertised as a bike that can grow with your family, there are abundant 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.
The XPedition 2.0 uses a powerful 750W hub motor that generated 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. It's easy to ride and park and won't dominate your garage's space.
The bike feels well-equipped and versatile with hydraulic disc brakes, full fenders, lights, turn signals, an expanding kickstand, and a telescoping seatpost. Accessories are key to unlocking the true potential of a cargo bike, and Lectric offers an entire range of useful accessories that expand this bike's versatility. There are numerous ways to outfit and customize this bike to your needs.
“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 rejoice; this bike is an outstanding value. If you're looking for cargo bike utility without the cargo bike footprint, check out the Aventon Abound SR with a host of great features, including the ability to geofence and track the bike, thanks to Aventon's ACU with GPS and 4G connectivity. The SR is wildly capable for its size and can haul 440 pounds.
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
The Aventon Abound SR hits the market with more cutting-edge technology than any other cargo bike currently being sold. The technology is impressive, and the bike is super versatile. The Abound SR has a wheelbase of just over 45 inches and a rack that can hold 143 pounds. Three-inch tires, a 50mm suspension fork, and a suspension seatpost give the bike more comfort and stability than most. With a hauling capacity of 440 pounds, the bike is a workhorse with the power and torque numbers to make the most of it.
The SR can easily replace some car trips with its useful features, and it's also enjoyable to ride, loaded or not. Cargo bikes needn't be enormous to be useful. “While incapable of carrying two kids, I found the SR to be the perfect urban errand bike,” says Joshua Hutchens. “I could haul a friend or a child, carry a load of groceries, or just commute without feeling like I was piloting a wheelbarrow.” I was skeptical of the 4G and GPS in Aventon's Control Unit, but the benefits of being able to control or geofence the bike through my phone won me over. An innovative locking kickstand means you can forego the bike rack 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 easy to park, store, and maneuver. The BMX-style handlebar and quill stem provide solid handling and ample adjustability. Given the price, the bike is a fantastic value and ships almost completely assembled; putting the final touches on it took me just 22 minutes. Aventon sells a bevy of accessories you can mount easily to increase the bike's utility. I found the Captain's chair difficult to load and unload, but the other accessories worked well and enhanced the bike's utility.
If your hauling needs exceed the SR's size, look at the Aventon Abound; 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.
The Specialized Haul ST strikes a great balance in the cargo bike market. It's small enough to be nimble, quick enough to be sporty, yet hefty enough to haul a serious load. The bike isn't huge or eccentric and aims to easily replace car trips; its versatility is its standout feature. If you're a bicycle aficionado that is sometimes dismayed by the abundance of cheap e-bikes and junky componentry, the Haul is high-quality relief.
The Haul is well-designed, has a fun and confidence-inspiring ride quality, and can fit a wide range of people and gear. 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, allowing it to.. haul up to 419 pounds. The Short Tail design makes the bike easy to move, park, and store but limits capacity to just one passenger. 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.
Long-Term Thoughts: “I've ridden the Haul ST for several months now and have some additional thoughts on ownership. The battery charger failed and was replaced under warranty at around 1100 miles. I broke the plastic pedals and upgraded to a more durable model with more grip. The power button on the control unit is not easy to access, especially on cold mornings where gloves hamper dexterity. All that said, this bike is still remarkably fun and especially recommended for those who really like bikes.” - Joshua Hutchens
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 product of several generations of refinement. Each part 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. The bike is slightly shorter and has a lower step-over height than the previous RadWagon, making it even more user-friendly. A 375-pound carrying capacity means you can really load this bike down, 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 crept up a little, and the weight has crept up a lot. 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.
Battery size: 652.8 Wh | Max weight capacity: 350 lbs
PROS
Huge front box with space for kids, pets, etc
Ability to carry large items
Sturdy and well-made
Delivered fully assembled
CONS
Three-wheeled handling
No suspension
Heavy and large
Price
And now for something completely different, Bunch The Original. This front-box model has a family-oriented design that offers a unique take on cargo hauling for transporting loved ones, pets, or other items. With a total weight capacity of 350 pounds and the front box maxing out at 220 pounds, allowing you to haul a lot with this bike. Bunch bills it as “the family bike,” and that is evidenced in features like the two removable benches and four seatbelts that come in the cargo box. The 500W motor provides sufficient power using the throttle or pedal assist, and the 652.8Wh battery slides cleanly into the rear rack. The entire unit is well-made and durable on its steel frame. The controls and display are some of our favorites, too.
The Bunch Original comes with some obvious downsides. For starters, it's a bit of a niche bike that may not be suitable for everyone. The three-wheeled design equates to a massive turning radius and handling that is wildly different from two-wheeled models. Riding takes some getting used to, and extra care is necessary when turning or riding uneven surfaces. We recommend it for rides that are on generally flatter terrain and smooth pavement, as the lack of suspension can be jarring to the rider and cargo. With a curb weight of 152 pounds, it's as heavy as it is large. It's also incredibly difficult to transport, even with a truck and ramps. However, those searching for a fun way to casually cruise around town with kids, pets, and more will find that the Bunch Original is a compelling option. We've seen people use the Bunch for vending or setting up rest stops.
The front-box, three-wheeled Bunch Original approaches cargo carrying in a completely different way.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Compare Products
We load up and pedal it out with each cargo bike model we review to give you field-tested results you can rely on for an informed purchase decision.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
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.
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.
Real-world testing provides the basis for our cargo e-bike review.
We look over every aspect and component of these technical products to bring you all the needed details.
We charge and re-charge the bike batteries multiple times throughout the testing process.
Our testing process involves a range test, handling tests, and acceleration tests, along with examining each model's features, interface, and cargo-carrying capabilities, all to find the best cargo bike for you.
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. 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.
Park the car and take an XPedition 2.0; a cargo bike might save you more than gas and cash.
Credit: Joshua Hutchens
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 usability. The ride is smooth, stable, and still sporty. The frame is stiff, and it's relatively unfazed 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. The 20-inch wheels have wide, high-volume tires that provide damping over bumps in the road, and hydraulic disc brakes function reliably and provide good speed control. The features that come standard issue assist in convenience and safety, such as front and rear fenders and front and rear lights powered by the onboard battery. There's even a USB port to charge your mobile phone while riding.
The Packa Genie has plenty of seat height adjustment to accommodate our tallest tester easily.
Credit: Jason Peters
The Aventon Abound and Specialized Globe Haul ST share some design similarities and excellent ride quality, earning our near-equal admiration in this metric. Both bikes are impressively stable and smooth, with a wide range of fit adjustments to suit varying rider heights. Both manufacturers sell abundant accessories to kit out your ride. The Haul's shorter wheelbase makes parking, storing, and transporting this bike a little bit easier than most.
Bottom line, this is an incredibly enjoyable way to get around.
Credit: Joshua Hutchens
Another bike with great ride quality is the Yuba Spicy Curry, but for different reasons. Its wheelbase is over three inches longer than that of the Packa Genie and RadWagon 5, which means it is less nimble and requires a larger turning radius. Still, its stability and super-smooth ride feel are quite appreciated. The components of the Spicy Curry are top-shelf, meaning that shifting, braking, and rolling on the tires provide an elevated feel. We once rode this bike over 40 miles, and our tester remained comfortable the entire time.
Credit: Joshua Hutchens
While generally similar in design to the bikes mentioned above, the Abound SR is a bit shorter in overall length and has smaller 20-inch wheels. It's a smooth operator, but comparatively speaking, it's less refined than the short tail Haul ST.
Not surprisingly, three-wheeled bikes handle much differently than their two-wheeled counterparts.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
The Bunch Original sets itself apart with its front-box style and European flare. The nature of the three-wheeled design results in a bike that handles much differently than your regular two-wheeled models, and there's a bit of a learning curve. It doesn't take long to figure out, but this bike requires a cautious rider, slowing way down for turns and uneven surfaces, and generally riding much more conservatively than you might on a normal bike. That said, caution and control are positive attributes to have if you intend to cart the family around in this unique model. We found it works best on flat terrain and smooth surfaces at slower speeds with a safety-first approach. It is worth noting that the Bunch is one bike where its stability and handling improve with additional weight in the cargo box.
The Class 1 Yuba Spicy Curry makes you work for a bit, but it has an exceptional range as a result.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Range
An electric bike's utility is limited by its range, and we test this metric with extra rigor. You should purchase a cargo bike with enough range to handle your distance needs on a single charge without worrying you might run out of power before reaching your destination. To test this metric, we have a standard circuit that we ride continuously until the once-full battery runs empty, only using the throttle (for models that have one) to eliminate variability in the pedaling effort. This provides a fair baseline for scoring each product, but it is important to realize that by pedaling, you will be able to increase your bike's range. Also, note that rider and cargo weight, pedal assist level, temperature, and elevation gain will influence the range you get.
The Yuba Spicy Curry produced outstanding range results in our test. As a Class 1 e-bike, it does not have the luxury (or crutch, depending on your position) of a throttle paddle. Therefore, we had to pedal to test the range. With moderate pedaling effort in its highest pedal-assist mode, we reached a category-leading 44 miles before running out of battery, achieving over 2,000 feet of elevation gain along the way. Impressive. We think it's possible to improve on this distance using the lower pedal-assist modes, as this is less demanding on the battery. The caveat here is that you have to pedal this bike, so other models may be able to produce similar results using pedal assist as opposed to our standard throttle-only test.
Boasting an impressive range, the little KBO just kept going.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
One of the most impressive range performances came from the Aventon Abound. Loaded with a giant battery, the Class 2 e-bike clocked 37.4 miles in our range test with over 1,000 feet of elevation gain. The Aventon battery holds 720Wh of juice and relies on a 750W motor but limits assistance to 20 mph. The Specialized Haul ST was no slouch either, traveling 32.4 miles under throttle power thanks to its 772Wh battery and 700W motor.
The Packa Genie's single battery does quite well but adding a second battery gives it outstanding range.
Credit: Jason Peters
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, it has the option to add a second battery onboard for an additional cost. If you need to travel longer distances, this is a fantastic option that will double the battery capacity and distance you can go in the saddle with a single charge of the Packa Genie.
The mid-drive motor of the Class 1 Spicy Curry stands apart from the rear hub motors of the competition. The power delivery feels very refined and super smooth thanks to the torque sensor.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
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. Furthermore, the heavier the cargo load you're carrying, the more you will notice the power capability of your e-bike. Large motors generally mean more power, but bike weight and design also play a role. In this metric, we also assess the quality and smoothness of the pedal-assist modes each model offers.
The Abound delivered the most torque amongst its competitors. While the 750-watt KBO Ranger makes it to 20 mph in 9.7 seconds, the Abound and Haul ST could do it in just 7.9 seconds. The Class 3KBO Ranger stands out with a top, tested throttle speed of 24 mph, the fastest in the test fleet. Most other bikes have a throttle-produced top speed of 20mph per their class rating. The 750W geared hub motor of the Class 2Blix Packa Genie tops out at 20 mph but accelerates quickly, and its power is adequate for its max capacity load of 400 pounds, still offering some pep when loaded with cargo.
The 5 levels of pedal assistance of the RadWagon 4 provide a great range of support and top speed so you can dial in the power output to your preferences or the situation.
Credit: Laura Casner
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. The Packa Genie is unique in its throttle implementation; moving up PAS modes changes the amount of throttle power. On most models tested, the throttle is always the same and does not increase with the pedal assist setting. The rider can modulate the throttle's power, though, by how far they twist or push it.
The Bunch is powerful enough for its three-wheeled design with its 500W motor.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
The Bunch Original falls behind the higher-powered competition with its slightly smaller 500W motor. It's a Class 2 model with a top throttle and pedal-assisted speed of 20 mph. The heavier weight of the Bunch is a factor that makes it a bit more sluggish than the competition, but realistically, it's plenty fast for its three-wheel design. We preferred riding it at lower speeds, given its unique handling.
The Yuba Spicy Curry is a Class 1 bike, so you've got pedal. Thankfully the power delivery is ultra smooth.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
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.
The large front box of the Bunch Original can hold up to 220 lbs of cargo, pets, or people.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
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.
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 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.
The front box of the Bunch Original can handle a variety of cargo in the large front box.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
The Bunch Original brings a unique design to hauling passengers, pets, and other cargo around town and presents itself as a family-friendly adventure wagon. The bike has a 350-pound total weight capacity, and the large front box can support up to 220 pounds itself, and it has 3-point safety belts for up to four child passengers spread over two benches that double as storage compartments. These benches are removable for additional cargo space. The cargo space available on the Bunch bike makes it easier to carry larger items that might be challenging to fit on the rear racks of other bikes, too, such as coolers. Bunch also offers a ton of accessories to kit out your ride. Unlike the other models we tested, the Original benefits from having weight in the front box from a stability and handling standpoint.
The extra-long rear rack, 440 lbs weight capacity, and huge selection of add-on accessories make the Spicy Curry a great option for moving any kind of cargo.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
The 450-pound max weight capacity of the Lectric XPedition 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.
The Bosch Kiox display on the Spicy Curry is easily the most advanced system of the bikes we tested. Connect with the Bosch app to unlock a number of cool features.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
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 Yuba Spicy Curry. The five-button control unit is easily manipulated by the left thumb while riding, and there is no throttle on this bike, so the handlebar is less cluttered. The Kiox display is top-notch tech. It integrates with the Bosch mobile app to provide extra capabilities that other bikes do not offer, such as a fitness tracker and route planning. It feels sophisticated and modern without being complicated. Ideal.
We really like the screen used on the Bunch, it's also used on Ride1Up's Revv 1.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
The Haul ST has a functional interface but turns impressive if 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. The Abound and RadWagon 5 have fantastic color displays in the center of the handlebars, but polarized sunglasses will render them blank. The Blix, and KBO bikes both have relatively similar controls and displays. They work well enough and are easy to use, they just don't really stand out like the models mentioned above.
Some bikes come fully assembled like the Bunch Original, but most have a few steps required to complete the task at home.
Credit: Jeremy Benson
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 Bunch Original makes setup incredibly easy — there is essentially none. Shipping costs a little extra, but the bike arrived at our doors, assembled on a huge pallet. We had to remove the cardboard box surrounding it, cut five zip ties, and roll it off the pallet. The tires were even inflated, so we were off in under 10 minutes. 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.
Assembly of the Haul ST was quick and painless
Credit: Chris McNamara
The Yuba Spicy Curry is a special case. We ordered it through a major outdoor retailer located near our office, and in doing so, assembly was included free of charge. If this service is available near you, we strongly recommend utilizing it. We looked at the assembly instructions, though, and imagine that if you were to assemble it yourself, it would take about 40 minutes, similar to most other cargo bikes we had to assemble ourselves.
The Aventon Abound arrives in eco-packaging, has clear instructions, and even video tutorials to guide you through set up. It was also missing a critical part that would have made operating the bike dangerous. Many consumer direct companies are simplifying assembly and taking the bike shop out of the process. 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 big purchase decision, and we want you to get the one that fits your needs. There are so many options on the market today that make the decision hard on your own. When looking over the options and our assessments, remember to focus on the performance aspects that speak to how you intend to use your bike. 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.
Among the many options for cargo e-bikes, we hope our efforts to rigorously test and review some of the market's best options will illuminate the one that matches your needs best.
