Not at all. Most cargo e-Bikes are designed with a low center of gravity and powerful motors, making them surprisingly stable and easy to handle, even when carrying kids, groceries, or gear.
Best Cargo Bike Accessories: Racks, Seats, Bags, and More
Written by: Rémy Rossi | July 21, 2025 | Time to read 5 min
Cargo bike accessories unlock a whole new level of comfort, safety, and utility. Go wild and accessories!
More about the Author: Remy Rossi
Rémy Rossi is a bike writer, mechanic, and educator who got his start in community-based bike shops and co-ops. With a decade in the industry, he still wrenches on bikes when he can and plays bike polo on a fixie.
Wiser words have never been spoken than Clairee’s quote in the film Steel Magnolias: “The only thing that separates us from the animals is our ability to accessorize.”. It’s no surprise that a movie that starred style icon Dolly Parton would show its affinity for accessories, but you may not have expected how this relates to cargo bikes.
The magic of riding a cargo bike lies in the accessories and add-ons you choose to customize it exactly to your needs— child seats, cargo boxes, bottomless panniers, and so much more. Here are the most useful accoutrements to get the most out of your electric cargo bike!
The magic of riding a cargo bike lies in the accessories and add-ons you choose to customize it exactly to your needs— child seats, cargo boxes, bottomless panniers, and so much more. Here are the most useful accoutrements to get the most out of your electric cargo bike!
👋 Say hi to Upway
Upway is the top online marketplace for buying and selling e-Bikes. Find your next e-Bike at up to 60% off retail prices, available in new or like-new condition!
Table of Contents
Cargo bikes are crazily customizable
Cargo bicycles have enough space to accommodate tons of accessories and include the necessary mounting points to securely attach these add-ons. I could say that cargo e-Bikes are a blank canvas for your cargo needs, but they don’t actually come as a tabula rasa— they typically come already equipped with things like racks, baskets, and storage boxes. Then riders can build their dream setup from there.
But the reason to install certain accessories doesn’t always have to do with increasing cargo space. Child seats and seat pads allow you to transport young kids comfortably, while things like waterproof panniers and weather-resistant canopies enable you to ride all year round. Compatible child seats, handrails, wheel guards, and a sturdy kickstand keep everything secure and everyone as safe as possible during the ride, too.
My favorite cargo bike accessories & add-ons
Child seats & seat pads
Putting a child seat on your electric cargo bike transforms it into a people-mover that’s tons more fun and sustainable than a car. All cargo bikes are child-seat compatible, and there are plenty of options for the setup. You can put a child seat in the cargo box of a front-loading cargo bike or install a child seat on the rear rack of a long-tail cargo bike. And if your child has grown out of child seats, passenger seat pads on top of the rear rack are the perfect choice. Heck, even adults can sit on rear seat pads for some double riding in a pinch.
I recommend getting a high-quality child seat from the likes of Thule, Bobike, Burley, and Hamax that are super-safe and secure. Do your research to find out which models are compatible with your electric bike for a proper fit. Or you may want a trailer instead of a cargo bike with a child seat— there are pros and cons to both.
Passenger bars (handrails)
Passenger bars— or handrails— around the rear rack and seat pad receive rave reviews from cargo bike riders carrying kids. The large rectangle made of rails secures to the rear rack and offers kids a sturdy place to hang onto and limits squirming around back there. It provides extra safety, peace of mind, and children enjoy the comfy grip. And when you’re not transporting human cargo, you can easily drop a plastic box inside the structure and load it up with stuff.
Panniers & cargo bags
Nearly all city e-Bikes are built to carry panniers, but cargo bikes can accommodate huge bags to significantly increase your cargo-carrying capacity. Consider adding long panniers to fill with groceries, picnic supplies, kids’ items, or whatever else you may need on a day out.
Many cargo panniers are made of a soft fabric that takes up less space when empty, though there are bucket-style panniers— Specialized makes these for its popular Globe Haul electric cargo bike. You can also place big bags inside the baskets on your bike if you have them.
Wheel guards
Some long-tail cargo bikes come with wheel guards that cover the rear wheel to prevent anything from getting caught up in the spokes. Dangling feet, shoelaces, or cargo straps can be quite close to the rear wheel, so these guards keep everything safe. If your cargo bike doesn’t come with wheel guards, I recommend installing them— your passengers will thank you.
💸 Want to sell your electric bike?
- In case you didn't know yet, you can sell your e-Bike to Upway and get your cash in 3 simple steps.
- Want an estimation -> It takes only 2 minutes to complete this form.
Footrests (running boards)
Another passenger-focused accessory is footrests or so-called “running boards” on either side of the rear wheel. If you’ve ever double-ridden on the back of a bike with someone else pedaling standing up (and you on the seat), you’ll know that not having a place to rest your feet is exhausting. It’s a core and leg workout to stay balanced on the rear of the bike without a firm landing spot for your feet. Plus, it can encourage kids to stay put and limit the squirm factor.
Basket nets (& tons of straps!)
An underrated accessory with massive usefulness, a net for the basket on your cargo bike is a must-have. Using a net with little clips is much easier than a series of straps and allows you to simply fill the basket without worrying about individual things spilling out (as long as they’re larger than the holes in the basket, of course).
I’m a big fan of these nets, but nothing beats the simplistic utility of straps on a cargo bike. They are affordable, portable, and can easily solve tricky cargo situations, so I recommend having a couple of straps at your disposal while riding. Bungee cords are nice, but I love the more durable Voile-style ski straps.
Phone holder
While not technically a cargo accessory per se, a phone holder can elevate your ride. I have a bad habit of sometimes using my phone while riding (without a phone holder), which is an unsafe way to check Google Maps or toggle through songs. Consider putting a phone holder on your bike to reduce the temptation to take your hands off the handlebars to use your phone— you can see the screen to receive navigation directions or quickly use apps without too much distraction. Safety first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are cargo e-Bikes hard to ride, especially when fully loaded?
What’s the difference between a cargo e-Bike and a regular e-Bike?
Cargo e-Bikes are built to carry extra weight and volume, featuring reinforced frames, extended racks, and space for child seats or large baskets. Regular e-Bikes are typically designed for commuting or personal transport with less cargo capacity.
Can I use a cargo e-Bike year-round?
Yes! With proper accessories like rain covers, all-weather tires, and lights, cargo e-Bikes can be reliable in all seasons. Many riders use them year-round for school drop-offs, errands, and commuting.
Key Takeaways
- Accessorizing enhances safety and comfort: From child seats to handrails and wheel guards, the right gear makes every ride smoother and safer.
- Cargo capacity is highly customizable: With panniers, baskets, nets, and straps, you can carry everything from groceries to gear with ease.
- Passenger accessories matter: Footrests, seat pads, and handrails aren’t luxuries— they make riding enjoyable and safer for kids.
