Why Cargo E-Bikes Are Game-Changers for Small Business Owners
Written by: Rémy Rossi | March 15, 2025 | Time to read 4 min
From coffee carts to flower delivery and beyond, cargo e-Bikes are the secret weapon in the day-to-day operations of many small businesses!
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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Tasks all around the city
I remember frequently using an electric cargo bike when I worked for bicycle nonprofits in Boston and Chicago years ago. We traveled around those cities often, setting up bike repair at farmer’s markets, hauling cargo to events, and picking up the occasional delivery. Beyond the regular tasks that were ideal for the cargo bike, simply having a cargo bike at our disposal helped out a lot since they are so customizable and can carry a lot of weight.
The cargo bikes— one was a cargo trike— I rode didn’t have a motor which made uphill slogs a bit harder, but electrified versions these days are much more comfortable. It was fun to ride such a large bike that caught the attention of many passersby and acted as good marketing for us, too. If you search hard enough online, you can probably find a picture of me riding a cargo trike through a Chicago farmer’s market!
Cargo e-Bikes for small businesses
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Traverse the city & replace van trips
Here’s what the popular brand Urban Arrow has to say about the advantages of using cargo e-Bikes:
“Our cargo bikes can carry up to 300 kg whilst having just a fraction of the size and footprint of an (electric) van. Electric cargo bikes can access ultra-low emission zones and take shorter routes, enabling faster drop-offs. And anyone can ride a bike. When time is of the essence the cargo bike has your business covered.”
Long-tail vs. bakfiets
I used a long-tail cargo e-Bike from the Yuba brand in Boston, but front-loading cargo bikes are probably more popular among small businesses in the city. These front-loaders are often referred to as bakfiets, meaning box bikes in Dutch. The large cargo area is easy to load and some designs include a lockable box for secure storage that’s protected from the elements. You can even customize the large box with your logo and enjoy free marketing whenever you go for a ride in the busiest parts of the city!
Upway is here for your small business
Need some help on how to choose an electric bike for cargo hauling? Upway has a huge selection of cargo e-Bikes so you can find the flavor that suits your small business! Browse our new and used electric bike models from cargo brands like Tern, Yuba, and Specialized, including our top 5 favorite cargo bikes of 2025. I recently reviewed one of the most popular models out there, the Specialized Globe Haul ST!
Key Takeaways
- Cargo e-Bikes Boost Efficiency: They offer a cost-effective, flexible, and eco-friendly way to transport goods, make deliveries, and handle daily tasks.
- Customizable for Any Business Need: Whether it’s coffee carts, flower deliveries, or last-mile shipping, cargo e-Bikes can be tailored with storage, branding, and secure compartments.
- A Smart Alternative to Vans: With the ability to navigate city streets faster, access low-emission zones, and reduce operating costs, cargo e-Bikes are a game-changer for urban businesses.
