Is a Cargo E-Bike Good For Transporting Kids?
Written by: Rémy Rossi | February 6, 2025 | Time to read 5 min
Carrying kids with a cargo electric bike is fun for the whole family and super practical, too. Find out how best to transport your little ones with an electric cargo 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.
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What is a cargo bike?
A cargo bike is built for transporting hauling cargo or young passengers with ease. These utility-oriented bikes have an extended wheelbase for enhanced stability and a low-step frame for easier mounting. Key components typically include a sturdy center stand, compact wheels for better maneuverability, and integrated cargo racks. The best cargo e-Bikes out there offer a practical and eco-friendly substitute for short car trips and daily errands.
Types of cargo bikes
There are a million possible reasons to use a cargo bike and there are different designs to help you haul your stuff. Below are the most common types of cargo bikes:
- Front-loading cargo bikes
- Long-tail cargo bikes
- Compact (or short-tail) cargo bikes
- Cargo trikes
- Electric cargo bikes
How to transport kids on a cargo e-Bike
On front-loading cargo bikes, kids (or dogs!) can sit inside the large cargo box— there are often specific child seats that are positioned securely inside the box. This way, you’ll always have eyes on your child and they have an unobstructed view of the route ahead.
For rear-loading cargo bikes (long- or short-tail), kids will be positioned behind you. You can attach child seats to the large rack or install a seat pad for kids to sit freely on. The seat pad option typically partners with handrails and footboards for increased safety. Some bikes, such as the ubiquitous mamachari e-Bike in Japan, carry child seats on both the front and rear of the bike.
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Reasons why you should transport your kids by cargo bike
1. Skip traffic on the way to school
The dreaded pick-up and drop-off line in front of the school (which often wraps around the block). If you arrive by bike, you can skip the queue and be on your way! By cycling with kids, you can also take advantage of your local network of bike paths to get to school, soccer practice, the grocery store, or wherever else you’re headed.
2. Two-wheeled fun for the whole family
3. It sets a great, sustainable example
4. Save money by replacing car trips
Using a cargo bike is not only good for the planet, it can help your wallet, too. Money can add up from gas and car repair bills, but per-mile cargo bikes cost a fraction of what it costs to drive a car. Even compared to using public transit, buses, and trains, using a standard bike or electric bike wins out.
Cargo e-Bikes can be more expensive than other styles of electric bikes like hybrids or folding e-Bikes because of their larger size and cargo add-ons. But your initial investment doesn’t have to break the bank— Upway provides huge discounts of up to 60% so you can stay on budget! Grab an affordable electric bike and enjoy big savings in the long run compared to expensive and less eco-friendly car trips.
5. Boost mental and physical health
We could all use a bit more time out in nature breathing in the fresh air. Pedaling a cargo bike is a great form of exercise that you can build into your daily routine and physical activity helps regulate mental health, too. You can enjoy the time with your kids commenting on the scenic route and everything around you as you ride!
Key Takeaways
- Cargo e-Bikes Are Practical and Fun: Cargo e-Bikes offer safe and enjoyable ways to carry children while skipping traffic and making everyday trips more convenient.
- Cost-Effective and Sustainable Alternative to Driving: Replacing short car trips with a cargo e-Bike saves money while promoting an eco-friendly and active lifestyle.
- Family Bonding and Well-Being: Riding together is an exciting adventure for kids and parents alike, fostering quality time and encouraging outdoor activity.
