Some lightweight carbon bikes and full-suspension eMTBs may lack mounting points. Most commuter, hybrid, and trekking e-Bikes are rack-compatible.
Best Cargo Racks for Electric Bikes: Haul With Ease
Written by: Robbie Ferri | May 29, 2026 | Time to read 6 min
One of the best things about electric bikes is suddenly realizing you can carry ridiculous amounts of stuff without completely destroying your legs on the way home.
More about the Author: Robbie Ferri
Robbie is a UK-based ultra cyclist, former bike shop worker, and qualified bike fitter. Deeply passionate about e-Bikes and adventure cycling, he combines hands-on experience with real-world riding to help others go further on two wheels.
Electric bikes are incredibly functional, and it’s not rare for them to turn crazy ideas into amazing ones, such as going to a garden center to buy plants, doing the weekly shop, or even taking the dog out for a ride.
The beauty of electric bikes is that they can carry heavy loads, and they do so fantastically. The only thing you need to achieve this is a rear cargo rack, and this article will tell you why they are just amazing and some of the best available on the market.
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What Is A Cargo Rack?
A cargo rack is a small frame mounted on the back of your bike. It allows you to carry panniers or just, quite simply, strap things to the back. They mount above the rear wheel or, in some cases, above the front wheel, and can carry around 20-40kg.
Bike racks are very useful for turning your bike into a more effective mode of transport for anything from shopping to commuting. Some bikes come with them, and others require you to fit them.
How Do I Know If My Bike Can Take A Cargo Rack?
Not all bikes can have a cargo rack on. Most of them will be able to, but super-sporty carbon fiber models and unique types of bikes, such as full-suspension e-MTBs, often cannot. The easiest way to know if your bike can or not is to check for:
- Threaded eyelets near the rear axle
- Mounting points near the seat stays
- Rack compatibility listed by the manufacturer
- If it will fit over the fat tires
As long as you have the mounts, you are good to go. If not, there are some solutions you can use, such as clip-on racks or bikepacking bags, but they often can’t hold the load or give the same experience.
Best Cargo Racks For Different Riding Styles
Now, for the exciting part, let’s discuss some different racks we recommend you try. Here are my current favorites.
Best For Bikepacking: Old Man Mountain Divide
The Old Man Mountain Divide is one of the best racks that money can buy. It’s not only super light at under 800g but also capable of carrying up to 25kg. It’s got a really simple yet safe mountain system that's adaptable to lots of different bikes, and it's great on all terrains, including off-road. It’s not cheap at around $180, but it’s one of the best.
- Rack Weight: Approx. 790g
- Carry Capacity: Up to 25kg
- Material: Aluminum
- Best For: Bikepacking, gravel, touring, adventure riding
Commuting: Topeak Super Tourist DX
Topeak is a big brand in bike accessories, and they offer excellent value for money. The Topeak Super Tourist DX is a $40 rack and is just excellent for e-Bikes. Not only does it look great with classic rack styling, but it’s got all the standard mounts, and it is very lightweight at 760g, and can carry up to 26kg. Perfect for a lightweight commuter.
- Rack Weight: Approx. 760g
- Carry Capacity: Up to 26kg
- Material: Aluminum
- Best For: Commuting, shopping, hybrid e-Bikes, everyday riding
Heavy Duty: Tubus Cargo Evo
If you need a cargo rack that can carry a heavy load, look no further than the Tubus Cargo Evo. Its 40kg weight limit is impressive, looks really nice with the rounded rear, and comes in a simple steel tubing frame. It’s built to go around the world as well as to the local shops.
- Rack Weight: Approx. 760g
- Carry Capacity: Up to 40kg
- Material: Chromoly steel
- Best For: Heavy touring, cargo carrying, expedition riding, long-distance travel
Why Not Go Cargo?
I have been lucky enough, over the time I have been in the cycling industry, to speak about and recommend many different bikes. An interesting habit I have noticed is that many people come in, buy a commuter or hybrid with a rack, use it for a couple of years, then upgrade to an electric cargo bike.
Cargo bikes have a huge carrying capacity for loads, children, dogs, and more. They are highly sought after and widely used in Europe more than elsewhere. With big batteries and powerful motors, they are much more noble than they might look.
What NOT To Carry On Your Cargo Rack
I have seen some wild people on cargo bikes. They end up carrying some crazy stuff. Here’s what we recommend using the Cargo for.
A Friend “Just Sitting On The Back”
Every cyclist has heard, “Mate, just give me a lift.” Cargo racks are designed for luggage, not your 90kg friend named Simon who is pretending to run with his legs.
Anything Wider Than The Handlebars
Seems like a good idea at the time to take a kitchen cabinet. In reality, it’s not. It’s a really easy way to crash.
Loose Shopping Bags
Panniers exist for a reason. Loose-swinging bags are just not good for your balance or your food. It really doesn’t do anything for balance either.
Your Confidence
Try to avoid pushing the limits too much. It’s easy to get too confident, and before you know it, there’s a 6ft plant, garden ornaments, and a water feature crashing down off the back. Good luck returning that one.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can all e-Bikes take a cargo rack?
Are cargo racks worth it on an e-Bike?
Absolutely. A cargo rack makes an e-Bike much more practical for commuting, shopping, touring, and everyday riding without needing to wear a backpack.
Are aluminum or steel cargo racks better?
Aluminum racks are lighter and ideal for commuting, while steel racks are stronger and better suited to heavy touring or expedition use.
Key Takeaways
- Cargo racks: Massively improve the practicality of an e-Bike for commuting, shopping, touring, and everyday riding.
- Aluminum racks are lightweight and affordable: While steel racks are best for carrying heavy loads long distances.
- Once riders start using cargo racks: Many quickly realize how many short car journeys they can replace with an e-Bike.
