Specialized Globe Haul ST: Fan-Favorite Cargo E-Bike

Remember that children’s book, “The Little Engine That Could”? Mighty machines can come in compact packages. The Specialized Globe Haul ST has become a fan-favorite electric bike among city riders, errand runners, and cargo haulers. In this blog, I’ll walk you through this short-tail cargo bike that delivers big performance despite its small size.

The Specialized Globe Haul ST is a compact electric cargo bike— “ST” stands for short-tail, referring to the rear platform that’s smaller than a full-size cargo e-Bike. The practical e-Bike splits the difference between a purebred cargo bike and a hybrid e-Bike that is more nimble in the city and takes up less space. For riders looking for a larger long-tail cargo e-Bike, the Specialized Globe Haul LT is also available on Upway!

There are tons of features packed into the Globe Haul ST’s compact frame. The step-thru frame makes it easy to mount the bike and keeps it stable when packed with a heavy load. The unique rear end of the frame supports the heavy-duty cargo rear racks. The rear cargo platform is not as long as that of a full-sized cargo bike and there are braze-on on the head tube for additional front rack mounts.

The shorter wheelbase helps the ST model handle more similarly to the regular bike we are used to and feel more nimble, especially when there’s no cargo onboard. The overall look is impressively clean with an aesthetic frame shape and external battery placement that makes sense. Both the seat post and stem are highly adjustable (with helpful markings) to achieve the ideal fit.

Specialized produces its own electric bike motors (often collaborating with German brand Brose) and has a custom-tuned motor for e-cargo bikes. The rear hub motor provides 50 Nm of torque and 750W of power.

The Globe Haul is a Class 3 e-Bike so you can reach a top speed of 28 mph. The natural-feeling boost works effortlessly with your own pedal power to flatten hills thanks to the responsive torque sensor. The high-capacity 772Wh battery is mounted externally on the frame for easy removal and off-bike charging— there’s an estimated 60 miles of range.

There are powerful 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes and a Microshift 9-speed drivetrain for reliable performance all across the city. The bike also comes with full-coverage fenders, front and rear lights, and a center kickstand that’s a must for a cargo model.

The 20-inch wheels with 3.5” wide Specialized Carless Whisper tires deserve a shout-out— not only for their punny name— but for their well-thought-out design. There’s a slick center strip for quieter and smoother ride quality on paved roads and heavier side tread for better traction on turns. I have a similar tread pattern on my gravel bike, providing speed on smooth surfaces and grip on rougher terrain. I love that Specialized decided to do this on the Globe Haul instead of just throwing on a pair of knobby fat tires that don’t make sense for urban riding (but somehow are still present on many e-Bikes today). Plus, the tanwall color choice is always a good idea.

This point and the numerous quality parts on the Globe Haul drive home an opinion that I’ve heard a lot regarding this perfect bike. The Globe Haul ST sits in a highly competitive field of electric bikes with many models costing less than the Specialized— but the Globe Haul performs miles better. Smart touches like the tires, powerful motor, and elegant frame set this compact bike apart from the rest of the pack.