What is Cargo E-Bike?

An electric cargo bike is designed to carry items or passengers with the help of pedal assist. These long, stable e-Bikes have cargo areas to facilitate transporting all the stuff you need, including groceries, gear, and passengers along for the ride. A powerful motor helps move the bike so you can load up without worrying about excessive pedaling effort.

Cargo e-Bikes come in two types: front-loaders and long-tail. Front-loading cargo bikes— also called bakfiets or box bikes— have a large cargo area at the front to carry items. Riders can also easily install child seats or pet carriers, too. Long-tail bikes feature an extended rear rack to haul cargo, which can be equipped with panniers, child seats, handrails, and other accessories. Compact models are sometimes referred to as short-tail cargo bikes.

How Much Should a Good Electric Cargo Bike Cost?

Electric cargo bikes are larger than your typical e-Bike and are equipped with cargo add-ons and more powerful motors, and all that functionality typically comes at a higher price. The starting point for a quality cargo e-Bike is around $2,000, and it can reach up to $6,000 for the most premium models. But there are sweet deals to be had— Upway has a huge selection of cargo e-Bikes for sale with savings of up to 60% compared to retail!

Top Electric Cargo Bike Brands

Tern Cargo E-Bikes

Tern is known for its fleet of functional bikes, including excellent folding and cargo models. Based in Taipei, Taiwan, Tern specializes in highly practical bikes and e-Bikes. The brand manufactures two cargo e-Bike models: the Tern HSD and Tern GSD. The GSD is a full-fledged long-tail cargo electric bik,e while the HSD is a more compact, short-tail version— both have premium parts and a folding steerer tube.

Yuba Cargo E-Bikes

Yuba is a Franco-American brand of bicycles and electric cargo bikes, specializing in cargo models. The brand was founded in 2007 by Benjamin Sarrazin, a Frenchman living in California, passionate about cycling and sustainability. These long and high-load cargo e-Bikes are built for serious heavy hauling and ultimate practicality.

Specialized Cargo E-Bikes

Specialized is one of the largest bike brands in the world and its dedicated cargo model, the Specialized Globe Haul, is one of the most popular models. Available in both short-tail and long-tail versions, the Globe Haul combines aesthetics with practicality and customizability for a dream ride.

Rad Power Cargo E-Bikes

Rad Power makes affordable cargo e-Bikes that will tempt you to replace all car trips with a two-wheeler. The RadRunner Plus model is a compact design that’s ideal for running errands all around the city. The larger, long-tail RadWagon has ample space for panniers, passengers, and whatever else you need to haul across town.

Why Buy a Used Cargo E-Bike

Cargo e-Bikes take convenience and hauling capabilities to a whole new level, meaning you can replace car trips and do more around the city with ease. The powerful pedal assist makes it simple to load up the bike without worrying about steep climbs or strenuous accelerations. Buying used means you’ll get an even better deal on a high-quality model to transform the way you ride. 

Best Electric Cargo Bikes on Upway

Upway has top models from the best cargo e-Bike brands like Tern, Specialized, Yuba, Rad Power, and more. If you’re looking for specific suggestions, we curated a list of the 5 Best Cargo E-Bikes of 2025.