The 10 best electric cargo bikes of 2023 on the market

The electric cargo bike is a very popular solution for transporting children to school, shopping or parcels. Triporteur, biporteur, long-tail... This type of electric bike can take many forms. However, the principle is always the same: the front or rear wheel is further away than on a conventional bike, to make way for a cargo box or XXL luggage rack.

What's the difference between a two-wheeler and a three-wheeler? Which cargo bike for 2, 3 or 4 children? What's the best electric cargo bike?

In this article, we explain everything you need to know about these urban bikes , so popular with families.

The electrically-assisted two-wheeled cargo bike rides on two wheels, just like a conventional bicycle. The difference is that the front wheel is particularly far forward in relation to the rider. This creates space for a cargo box between the front wheel and the rider.

Two-carriers are ideal for families, as they can accommodate up to 3 or 4 children (depending on the model).

It's also a popular version for delivery drivers, as the two-wheeler isn't much wider than a conventional bike. So it's easy to maneuver around town on bike paths.

This is all the more true given its low center of gravity. This is due in part to the different wheel sizes. The front wheel is in fact smaller, to "seat" the weight of the body closer to the ground.

Another advantage of the two-wheeled electric cargo bike is that it's not very wide (around 65 cm with the box, and not much wider than a traditional bike without): it's easy to store. Once the cargo box is removed, it slides easily along the wall of the garage or cellar.

The downside is that it's a bit tricky to handle when stationary. You need to keep your balance when waiting for the light to turn green or at a stop sign, for example.

As you may have guessed, the major difference with the two-wheeler is that it has not 2 but 3 wheels. This feature obviously makes it much more stable and easier to handle at standstill or at low speeds.

In this configuration, the cargo box is positioned between the 2 front wheels. More balanced, it can be much larger, which multiplies its capacity. A scooter can carry up to 4 or even 6 children! A real school bus, perfect for large families.

Obviously, all this translates into a much wider electric cargo bike, on the order of 75 to 90 cm. A scooter is therefore harder to park, and won't fit through conventional doors.

Another point to bear in mind: adapting to a 3-wheel electric bike requires a bit of practice, especially when tackling bends. However, you should be aware that some so-called " pendular " models are equipped with front wheels that bend in corners to make the operation easier.

And in any case, don't worry: the powerful hydraulic brakes will stop you in all circumstances.

We're turning things upside down with long-tail cargo bikes.

On these models, the front wheel is in its usual position. On the other hand, the rear wheel is further back than on a conventional bike. The load is carried on an extended rack above the wheel.

The behavior of this transport bike is really very similar to that of a conventional bike, since all you have to do is adjust the wheelbase (the distance between the two axles). With the weight above the wheel, the center of gravity is much less altered than on a two- or three-wheeled cargo bike.

This type of bike is ideal for carrying heavy loads or 1 or 2 children.

Small downside: While parents may have good reason to choose an electric cargo bike for transporting children, they won't be able to keep a constant eye on them with this model, and the children are less comfortable. What's more, they're not protected from the elements as they would be in a two-wheeler or three-wheeler.

Quite simply, this is the most affordable model from the famous Dutch electric cargo bike brand Babboe.

The Mini-E is primarily designed for families with one or two children. Beyond that, they'll feel cramped, and in any case the body isn't designed for larger numbers.

Unlike most electric-assist cargo bikes, which have a pedal-mounted motor, here the motor is placed on the rear wheel. Its torque is a little light (40 Nm) and thebattery range is limited: around 40-50 km. That's enough to drop off the kids, get to work and pick them up at the end of the day, but not much more. You'll need to recharge in the evening.

This is all the more important as this electric bike weighs around 50 kg. Difficult to carry by thigh power...

A bike with its faults, but with the merit of being a small price!

➕ A very affordable price for this type of bike.

➖ The performance of electrical components.

This electric cargo bike is robust and equipped with all the essential safety features.

There's plenty of space for cargo and children, and it can be covered in case of rain.

With a motor that delivers 60 Nm of torque and a weight of 40 kg, this cargo bike is ideal for journeys that include steep inclines. It also features powerful disc brakes.

➕ Great value for money, especially in the refurbished version we're offering. 

➖ With two children, there's no space for another load.

The Triobike Cargo electric cargo bike is really very elegant, and more suited to professionals and delivery drivers.

Triobike specializes in lightweight electric cargo bikes, and this model is no exception: just 35 kg. That puts it squarely in the lower mid-range of the electric cargo bike category!

What's more, it boasts an excellent power-to-weight ratio, as its motor develops 90 Nm of torque! A figure achieved by very few electric bikes.

➕ Unbeatable looks.

➖ To transport children, we'll need to change the body.

It's hard to find fault with the Riese & Müller Packster 70... except for its price, which is almost justifiable given everything this bike has to offer.

This two-wheeled electric bike offers a very pleasant riding position and unrivalled maneuverability for this type of model. The design is as elegant, sober and classy as a German sedan.

In terms of equipment, Riese & Müller has pulled out all the stops: powerful lighting, integrated anti-theft device, sturdy center stand...

And toddlers won't be outdone by the comfortable bench seat. A real minister's vehicle... in herbs!

➕ Arguably the best cargo bike.

➖ A high price.

The flagship model of the Dutch company's three-wheeler range, the Babboe Go Mountain is more substantial than the Mini-E we presented earlier.

And not just in appearance! The difference is also evident in the performance of the electric assistance. This time, it's a pedal motor with 70 Nm of torque: enough to tackle the slightest hill on the way to school with peace of mind.

Talking of schoolchildren, they'll be lucky enough to benefit from small non-slip steps to get on and off their carriage.

Note that the weight is also high: 75 kg... You'd better not run out of battery!

➕ A high-performance bike favored by many families.

➖ High weight, beware of breakdowns!

The Cargobike Long Steps model features an extra-large loading box!

This bike is simply the ideal means of transport for deliveries, or for those who are used to carrying heavy loads. One thing's for sure: you won't find a bike that can hold more than this!

In terms of aesthetics, the design of this Dutch cargo bike is basic, but very pleasing.

➕ Very large loading capacity.

➖ Getting used to it takes longer due to its size.

Of course, as you get closer, you can make out a longer-than-average luggage rack... but at first glance, it's not easy to classify this Yuba Fastrack as an electric cargo bike.

A world away from the imposing three-wheelers we've just been talking about, this model is what we call compact. In other words, it has the carrying capacity of a VAE cargo bike, while retaining a measured structure. This makes it particularly easy to handle.

This ride comfort makes it a great bike for urban users who want to take their kids to school or carry shopping bags. We also appreciate its quality disc brakes, always reassuring when riding in town.

➕ A super-handy cargo bike.

➖ More limited transport capacity.

The name says it all: with this Familiano L-N, the Kettler brand is giving a big nod to families with children.

Its extra-large luggage rack can easily accommodate 2 children, and even schoolbags!

But its main asset is its incredibly low weight of 31 kg! A real featherweight in the electric cargo bike category, powered by a Bosch motor that pumps out 85 Nm of torque... A racing car!

What's more, with its two 500 Wh batteries, the Familiano L-N is indefatigable!

➕ Impressive autonomy coupled with light weight.

➖ A driving position close to the front wheel that you have to learn to manage.

Kiffy was a very promising French brand that unfortunately had to close down.

Nonetheless, the electric bikes sold by the French start-up are among the best on the market, like this Capsule MT.

100% made in France (a rare feat), this electric cargo bike boasts an original design with an astonishing mono-tubular frame! A skeleton that may look thin, but is in fact particularly solid, thanks to the hard work and passion of our engineers. And what's more, it's really easy to ride!

The riding position is similar to that of Dutch bikes, with handlebars higher than the saddle.

Finally, on the scales, this Kiffy Capsule MT has nothing to be ashamed of, weighing in at just 29 kg!

➕ A top-quality tricolor bike.

➖ Hard-to-find spare parts.

It's not for nothing that it looks like a letter carrier's bike. The Yuba Mundo is completely designed for carrying bulky parcels, overloaded bags...

It's simple: on this model, you can put it everywhere: in front of the saddle, on the luggage rack, and even on both sides of the rear wheel. What's more, thanks to a top tube that runs from the handlebars to the rear wheel axle, it's easy to handle on any occasion.

And to get to school? No problem, we can easily fit one or two child seats behind the cyclist.

A cool, original design!

➕ Foolproof load capacity.

➖ Not everyone likes the shape of the handlebars.

In addition to being an ecological and economical means of transport, electric cargo bikes have the added advantage of familiarizing children with the use of two wheels from an early age. They adopt reflexes that are essential to tomorrow's world, such as using a bike rather than a car whenever possible.

As you can see, at Upway we're all for electric cargo bikes!