Get Hauling: Different Types of Cargo E-Bikes
Written by: Rémy Rossi | January 29, 2025 | Time to read 5 min
Cargo e-Bikes are the secret weapon for picnics, grocery runs, and everyday hauling on two (or three!) wheels. Learn what types of cargo e-Bikes are available below.
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.
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What is a cargo e-Bike?
Who are cargo e-Bikes for?
Cargo e-Bikes can be a huge help for people who frequently lug stuff around town or ride with young kids. They are an eco-friendly and cost-effective way to get across town with all your items in tow, whether it’s for work or recreation. Many families love cargo e-Bikes as a fun form of transportation for kids, to and from school or around their various extracurricular activities. Cargo e-Bikes are also for city-goers who want extra space and pedal assist to carry items on their bike.
What are the different kinds of cargo e-Bikes?
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to cargo e-Bikes, and cyclists are better for it. Riders can pick between a few different types to best match their cargo needs.
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Front-loading cargo e-Bikes
The design makes it super convenient to transport cargo since you can simply throw anything you need into the box, which often has tall sides to prevent spillage. Another advantage is that the cargo is always visible in front of you— that’s especially useful when carrying precious cargo such as small children or pets that may squirm about.
“Long-tail” cargo e-Bikes
Rear-loading cargo bikes are especially appropriate for transporting one or two (sometimes even three!) young passengers. You can outfit the rear rack with seat cushions, handrails, and footboards for comfortable cruising. I recently wrote about the best cargo e-Bikes for families that are child seat-compatible. And unlike front-loaders, when you aren’t riding with any cargo, these cargo bikes have a more similar shape and feel than those of standard bikes.
Compact cargo e-Bikes
Many models can collapse down even further due to foldable handlebars— popular models like the Aventon Abound and Tern HSD have this useful feature. This way, they can fit in tighter spaces for easier parking and storage. Compact cargo e-Bikes are more nimble and maneuverable, making them an ideal choice in crowded urban environments. But it’s worth considering the differences between cargo and city e-Bikes if that’s what you’re looking for.
Electric cargo trikes
Electric cargo tricycles— that’s right, three wheels— are the Wild West of cargo bikes. There are tons of funky and innovative designs, including front-loaders and rear cargo boxes, but the main advantage is the added stability due to the third wheel. There’s a higher maximum payload because the extra wheel can support more weight and the bike is always balanced. Cargo trikes are the least common type of cargo electric bike, but offer some serious hauling capabilities!
What are electric bikes best for? The added motor and pedal assist help riders pull heavy cargo with ease, flattening tough hills and reducing effort. Upway has a wide selection of cargo e-Bikes available at a huge discount so you can find your next affordable electric bike that’ll transform the way you ride around the city.
Key Takeaways
- Types for Every Need: Choose from front-loading, long-tail, compact, or cargo trikes—each designed for different hauling and passenger needs.
- Ideal for Families & Urban Life: Perfect for carrying kids, pets, or errands, cargo e-Bikes offer an eco-friendly alternative to car trips.
- Effortless Hauling: Electric motors and pedal assist make heavy loads and hills easier to handle.
