Best Cargo E-Bikes for Families: Child Seat-Compatible

Written by: Rémy Rossi | December 21, 2024 Time to read 5 min

Transform your cargo e-Bike into a people-mover by installing a child seat. I’ve hand-picked the best candidates for the perfect family electric bike.

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.

Family and kids riding electric cargo bikes on road
Move along tandems, cargo e-Bikes can carry up to three passengers! There’s nothing cuter than an entire family cruising along on a bike and it’s hard to beat the added convenience, too. The right cargo e-Bike can reinvent those morning school drop-offs and help you enjoy weekend joyrides with your little ones. To assist your search, I’ve selected the best electric bikes to install a child seat.

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Are child seats compatible on cargo e-Bikes?

One of the main advantages of cargo e-Bikes is the ability to install a child seat. There are many other passenger-related e-Bike accessories including seat cushions (also called pads), handrails, footboards, and more. Some of these add-ons go by different names— but they’re all designed to be safe places to grab onto, sit on, or rest your feet.

Most bike manufacturers don’t make their own child seats, so you’ll have to buy one separately. Some of the most popular brands are Thule, Burley, and Hamax. Most cargo e-Bikes are compatible with most child seats designed for bike use, but you’ll want to check the fine print before you buy. Bike brands do offer the proprietary add-ons mentioned above that correctly fit the specific model.

Best Electric Bikes to Install a Child Seat

What is the best electric bike to transport kids? The recommended models below are all compatible with e-Bike child seats and boast tons more features that’ll make you want to swap out your minivan for a fun e-Bike people-mover. For more inspiration, read my recent guide on how to choose the right cargo e-Bike.


Yuba Spicy Curry

Yuba Spicy Curry electric cargo bike

The first cargo bike I ever rode was a Yuba so I couldn’t have had a better introduction to this class of cargo-hauling, people-moving bikes. Yuba specializes in cargo bikes and e-Bikes and that expertise means each model is loaded with well-designed features. The Spicy Curry (great name by the way) is one of the brand’s long-tail cargo e-Bikes and can hold two young passengers on the back— I’ve seen pictures of this bike with three kids, though. It can be outfitted with handrails, running boards, seat cushions, or child seats.

The Spicy Curry is powered by Bosch’s Cargo Line mid-drive motor specifically built for cargo e-Bikes. There are also details to make this model super stable, both while riding and when propped up on the center stand, perfect for transporting wiggly kids. Yuba partners with Thule to sell child seats, but the Spicy Curry is compatible with virtually all cargo-bike child seats.

Tern GSD S10

Tern GSD S10 electric cargo bike
Similar to Yuba, Tern specializes in utility electric bikes and makes some of the best foldable and cargo bikes available. The GSD S10 is a long-tail cargo e-Bike complete with running boards (Tern calls them Lower Decks) and short-travel suspension. The steerer tube even folds down to save a bit of space when storing the elongated bike. And if you needed more convincing, this premium cargo e-Bike even made our recent list of our Head of Mechanic’s favorite new arrivals.

Tern states that the GSD has a maximum payload capacity of 440 lbs. and can carry up to two kids or one adult passenger. The rear platform can hold two compatible child seats. And there’s no need to buy wheel covers since the e-Bike has an integrated wheel guard and chain guard to provide passenger foot and leg protection. For a deeper look into the GSD S10’s capabilities, check out the brand’s detailed guide on how to safely carry passengers on the Tern GSD— it offers some useful insight that’s widely applicable to installing child seats.

Momentum PakYak E+

Momentum PakYak E+ electric cargo bike
The big and burly Momentum PakYak E+ is a great candidate to replace car trips and transport kids! It already comes with a large front basket and rear rack, and riders can install child seats and other passenger accessories like handrails (Momentum calls them passenger bars), footrests, and seat cushions. There’s even a built-in storage box behind the seat tube to carry extra ride essentials.

Everything is a bit bigger on the PakYak E+, including the balloon 24 x 2.40” tires. The cargo e-Bike is also a step up from other models since it has Class 3 status and a top speed of 28 mph. It’s powered by a SyncDrive Pro 250W mid-drive motor and a 465Wh battery. This multi-functional cargo e-Bike is fun for the whole family and works great with compatible child seats.

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Specialized Globe Haul LT

Specialized Globe Haul LT electric cargo bike
​​One of the most popular cargo e-Bikes at the moment is the Specialized Globe Haul LT (meaning long-tail). Its sleek and low-to-the-ground design make it easy on the eyes and even easy to hop on, load up, or do whatever else you need this practical e-Bike to do. There’s a super-long rear rack and pre-installed wheel covers so nothing will get tangled up back there. 

It’s compatible with child seats and can be outfitted with Specialized’s seat cushions and cargo rails. There’s room for two child seats, but three small children can fit back there if you run the seat cushion setup. The Globe Haul LT may appear smaller than the rest of the bunch, but this urban e-Bike packs some serious people-moving superpowers.

Key Takeaways


  1. Top Cargo e-Bikes for Families: Models like the Yuba Spicy Curry, Tern GSD S10, Momentum PakYak E+, and Specialized Globe Haul LT are ideal for carrying kids with child seat compatibility.
  2. Safety First: These e-Bikes work with popular child seats and include safety features like handrails, footrests, and wheel guards.
  3. Family-Friendly Features: With long racks, foldable frames, and high payloads, these bikes are perfect for school runs and weekend rides.




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