Specialized Globe Haul E-Bike Review

ST stands for short tail. Where most cargo bikes extend the rear to carry more, the Globe Haul looks more like a regular e-Bike while still able to carry stuff. Its aluminum step-through frame fits most body types with an adjustable stem and seatpost. Specialized says it works for 96% of the population, though riders at the extremes of the height range may need a bit more fiddling before it feels right.

Right out of the box, you get a MIK-compatible rear rack, full-coverage fenders, integrated front and rear lights, a center stand, and a 772Wh battery. A thumb throttle is included, too, which bumps it to Class 2 in throttle mode and Class 3 in pedal-assist mode. Specialized has built a wide range of accessories for it, too. The Turbo Basket, Cool Cave panniers, and a passenger kit for carrying kids are the most popular add-ons.

For anyone who needs more cargo capacity or a proper way to carry children, you'll want the Haul LT, the longtail version. It has an extended rear deck, higher total capacity, and the same motor and battery underneath. The trade-off is size, as the LT is considerably longer and is challenging to fit in a tight garage or hallway. If storage space is limited, the ST is the better choice.

Seventy-two pounds sounds like a lot, and it is. First time out, the Globe Haul feels like a different category of vehicle. Then you load it up, and it really comes into its own. The low center of gravity keeps things stable even with a full rack and panniers. Within a few rides, you'll stop noticing the weight and ride it normally.

On flat ground, the 700W rear hub motor pulls cleanly from junctions, handles traffic well, and the throttle takes the work out of getting up to speed from a standing start. Plenty of reviewers have called out the motor performance as a highlight, which is what you want in everyday urban use.

Hills are a different story. Load the bike up and point it at anything steep, and you'll feel the hub motor working hard. Unlike a mid-drive system, which works through the gears, a hub motor drives directly from the wheel, and on a loaded e-Cargo bike, you'll notice it struggling on anything more than a gentle gradient. It's manageable on moderate hills, but riders with steep routes should test ride it loaded before buying.

The microSHIFT Advent 9-speed does its job well. Tektro hydraulic disc brakes stop the bike reliably, though a few owners have found that pad wear comes faster than expected when riding heavily, which is to be expected.

• Seatpost recall. In June 2025, Specialized issued a CPSC recall on the telescopic seatpost fitted to all Globe Haul ST and LT bikes sold between January 2023 and March 2025. When fully extended, the lower portion can break, causing a fall. Around 11,100 bikes are affected. Free repair is available at any authorized Specialized dealer, but if you're buying pre-owned, confirm it's been done.
• Early production electronics. The 2023 and early 2024 bikes experienced widespread controller-to-battery communication failures, resulting in B032 and C032 error codes. Excess dielectric grease on the battery connector was the culprit, but plenty of owners went through multiple controller replacements before getting a resolution. Specialized addressed it through firmware updates and hardware changes, and later production bikes are more reliable. Ask specifically about the controller history on any pre-owned model.
• Parts wait times. When something electronic goes wrong, parts can take two to three weeks to show up. On a bike people depend on for daily errands, that's a long time to be without it. It's important to check that there's an authorized dealer nearby before you buy.
• Hub motor on hills. If your route has regular steep sections, test ride it with a load first. The motor handles moderate gradients well, but it struggles with heavy cargo on steep climbs.
• Weight. Getting a 72 lb bike upstairs or onto a car rack is a two-person job. Worth thinking through before you buy.
• Battery replacement. At $1,050 for a new proprietary battery, it's worth checking the battery condition on any older pre-owned model before you agree on a price.

• People who live in cities who want to run errands, do school pickups, or cut out a second car, and whose routes are mostly flat or gently rolling.
• Families who want to carry kids or cargo without going full longtail. With the right accessories, the Haul ST can carry more than you'd expect.
• Anyone who wants commuter practicality with a lot of carrying capacity and the backing of a major brand's dealer network.
• If your routes are steep, your loads are heavy, or you regularly carry two children, the Haul LT or a mid-drive cargo bike will serve you better.

Given the reliability history of early production models, buying a pre-owned Globe Haul that's already been inspected and had any issues resolved makes a lot of sense. This versatile and stylish model is one of the most popular electric cargo bikes on Upway!

Every bike listed on Upway goes through a 50-point mechanical inspection before it goes up for sale. Batteries with a capacity below 80% are replaced before listing. You're also covered with a one-year warranty on the frame, motor, and electrical system, a 14-day return window, and delivery that arrives mostly assembled.

For a bike with this kind of history, that peace of mind is worth something. You can browse the current Specialized selection on Upway.