Best Electric Cargo Bikes of 2022

Once considered a hard-to-get luxury item, electric bikes - or e-bikes - are increasingly becoming more of a staple in American households. In fact, in 2019, the electric bicycle market was valued at nearly $15.5 billion and there's a projected continuous annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 7.5 percent between 2020 and 2025. It's evidence that this market is here to stay. Further evidence is the fact that e-bikes have diversified in style and purpose since their initial introduction several years ago. For instance, while e-bikes make for a great single-rider bike for commuting and general riding purposes, there's a growing segment of electric cargo bikes. In some cases, these electric cargo bikes have replaced the family car, serving as the "vehicle" to run errands and take care of other necessities. In other situations, they've served as the perfect complement to the family vehicle for shorter trips.

Regardless of the intended end use of electric cargo bikes, it's a segment that continues to grow alongside the greater e-bike market itself. In this post, we'll take a closer look at what you need to know about electric cargo bikes and talk about some of the best models that you can purchase today. Here's a closer look at what you need to know about cargo e-bikes:

Benefits of Electric Cargo Bikes

Let's kick things off by talking about the benefits of electric cargo bikes. Perhaps the biggest benefit is that they're a smart transportation solution when it comes to sustainable living and still getting exercise. They're especially useful for city dwellers, as they're more affordable than purchasing a car, can navigate sidewalks instead of packed city streets and offer the necessary storage space to transport goods and groceries. In fact, in crowded downtown areas, they can even be a faster source of transportation than a motor vehicle in bumper-to-bumper traffic based on the access that riders experience to sidewalks, alleys and more around town.

Here's a closer look at what else you need to know about the benefits of electric cargo bikes:

• Electric assist or full electric mode doesn't mean that you still can't get quality exercise when riding an e-bike. You can still pedal an electric bike just like a conventional bicycle - the only difference is that there's electric pedal assist and, on some models, full electric mode that riders can activate if they need a break, are going uphill or are hauling a lot of cargo. Aside from that, riding a bike is a key, low-impact cardio exercise that comes with both physical and mental health benefits. Aside from working out the body, exercise is associated with improved mood, better sleep and more mental health benefits.
• It's estimated that electric bikes can help reduce carbon emissions up to 80 percent compared to vehicles or vans, which makes them key in helping to usher in the green, sustainable city of the future. Similar to electric vehicles, e-bikes don't have a zero carbon footprint, as battery recharge relies on the power grid. However, both are a far more sustainable option compared to internal combustion vehicles.
• The cost of ownership of an electric cargo bike is significantly less than a car, another important factor that makes it a viable option for families or those living in crowded cities. After the upfront investment of purchasing a bike, the only thing you'll have to finance is routine maintenance and the cost of recharging the battery. Both are minimal compared to a conventional car, which needs fuel, insurance, annual registration renewals, more intensive maintenance, parking fees and other costs throughout your ownership. Noting these cost savings advantages, they've become a particularly ideal option for delivery drivers in downtown areas as they can reduce their expenditures and increase their profits.

Factors to Consider When Shopping for Electric Cargo Bikes

Before we get into some of the best electric cargo bikes on the market today, let's take a look at some of the factors that you should be weighing when it comes to selecting an e-bike:

Size of Cargo Space

This is perhaps the most important consideration, that is, determining how much space you truly need - especially when your needs may change over time. There are two main types of configurations for e-bike: front loaders and longtails. The former tend to have the cargo area in the front of the bike, usually between the rider and the front-most wheel. Longtails are the opposite, where the cargo area is at the rear of the bike. The style isn't as important as the size of the cargo space, however. Most cargo bikes can adequately carry about 200 pounds of items, though space and weight limits should be considered based on your intended riding use. In some cases, goods or items aren't the only type of cargo that these bikes can transport. Some are even designed to transport people.

Electric Range

This is perhaps the biggest consideration next to overall cargo space. E-bikes are usually measured in two ways related to their electric range. One measure is how fast they can go and how long the battery lasts in pedal assist mode. The other is in full electric mode. Generally, using pedal assist mode will result in higher speeds and greater battery longevity simply because the battery complements your pedaling. Full electric mode tends to offer lower speeds and less battery life because the bike relies solely on the battery. When selecting a bike, make sure that the electric modes are able to meet your expectations based on your intended end use. You don't want a depleted battery in the middle of the day when you still have more riding to do. On a similar note, it's good to know how fast the battery charges. In most cases, it's only a few hours.

Design

As we mentioned above, cargo e-bikes are available in two models: front-loaders and longtails. As you might imagine, there are pros and cons associated with each style. Front-loaders tend to be able to carry more cargo overall, while longtails tend to be easier to drive and maneuver through crowded spaces. Some bike-makers have even electrified the cargo tricycle bike, which features a cargo space in the back behind the two rear-most wheels. These types of bikes tend to have better overall stability and can support a greater weight limit with the three-wheel design compared to what a two-wheeler would be able to support. Make sure that you select the design that you like better overall and that would best meet your electric cargo bike needs.

Intended Cargo

Are you just looking to run errands and transport items? Or do you envision yourself taking the kids to school on a cargo bike? Let your intended end use dictate the purchase you make. While most cargo bikes are great for making local deliveries or the weekly trip to the market, if you envision the bike replacing your minivan, you'll likely need to consider a model that can haul more than just goods - but children or other passengers as well.

Best Electric Cargo Bikes of 2022

Now that we've covered the benefits of cargo e-bikes and some of the considerations to weigh when making a selection, it's time to focus on some of the best models on the market today. Here are five electric cargo bikes that we like that you can buy right now:

RadWagon 4 (RadPower)

RadPower is a popular brand in the electric bike space and its RadWagon 4 is a budget-friendly electric cargo option. Priced at under $2,000, the RadWagon 4 is sturdy with a sleek design, and it offers great handling. It comes equipped with a 750-watt motor and 48-volt battery that can get nearly 30 miles on pedal assist. It also packs about 80 Nm of torque, giving it enough oomph to get up hills and transport heavier cargo while not sacrificing speed.

EVRYjourney 250W Tricycle (SixThreeZero)

The EVRYjourney from SixThreeZero is one of the tricycle-style cargo bikes that we mentioned above. The 59 x 48.5-centimeter cargo basket rests in the back located between the two rear wheels and is great for groceries, packing a picnic or even your small dog. It features a step-through frame, which makes it easy to mount and dismount, and the 250-watt motor offers both pedal assistance and full throttle electric modes. A built in handlebar display will help inform riders of how fast they're going and what electric mode they're riding in. What's more is that EVRYjourney puts a big emphasis on ergonomics. With a foam engineered seat that's designed for comfort and a riding position that's designed to keep the back straight and upright, you can't go wrong with the EVRYjourney.

Xtracycle RFA Utility

If you're looking to haul some serious cargo, then the Xtracycle RFA cargo bike is probably one option that you'll want to consider. With a durable frame, thick tires and an adjustable wheelbase, this e-bike can haul a load and not miss a beat. What's more is that it's designed for space to mount an additional battery in case you want to be certain that you don't run out of juice while you're out and about. The one major setback to the Xtracycle, however, is its price. It checks in at around $5,000 - several thousand more than most of the other options on this list.

Surly Big Easy

Surly is a brand that's known for its durability, and the Big Easy was designed and built with that in mind. Unlike some of the other options on this list, the Big Easy is a bit more of a rugged e-bike, equipped to handle the pavement just as well as the off-road trails. And being that its motor produces up to 85 Nm of torque, you can rest assured that you'll have the juice to handle any type of terrain with whatever it is that you're transporting. Another thing we like about the Big Easy - it's one of the cooler looking cargo e-bikes that you'll find on the market.

Blix Packa Genie

With a 400-pound payload and a battery capable of powering it up to 80 miles on a dual battery system before recharge is necessary, the Packa Genie is one of the best options if you're looking for reliability. While some might say it's a tad overbuilt, you could argue that it's overbuilt in all the right ways. What's more is that it can be yours for just $1,600, making it one of the more affordable cargo e-bike options to boot.

Our Pick: EVRYjourney 250W Tricycle

When it comes to factors such as cost, versatility, durability and stability, you can't beat the EVRYjourney 250W Tricycle for your cargo e-bike needs. It's as comfortable as it is reliable, making it the perfect complement to your motor vehicle or even replacing it altogether. For more information on the EVRYjourney 250W tricycle from SixThreeZero, contact the company today.

Contact SixThreeZero Today

For more information on the benefits of electric bikes and what you need to know about electric cargo bikes contact SixThreeZero today. As makers of the EVRYjourney 250W tricycle and various other electric bicycle models, we'll find the right model for all of your riding needs. In addition to a bevy of electric models, we also offer a wide range of conventional bicycle models. Contact us today or log on to our website to take an online fit test and start on the right path to acquiring the new bicycle that's best for you.