Review: Tenways Longtail — a fully equipped and affordable cargo bike
Priced at 3,500 euros, this bike breaks down the barriers of the premium segment—which is often out of reach—without sacrificing component quality or technological innovation. It is one of the most feature-rich and affordable electric commuter bikes on the market today. In practice, the Longtail stands out as a serious and comfortable alternative to the family car in urban settings.
Key points
- Tenways has successfully entered the cargo bike market by combining family-friendly functionality with the riding experience of a classic city bike.
- The combination of a Bafang mid-drive motor, belt drive, Enviolo continuously variable hub, and 24-inch wheels delivers a comfortable, stable, and intuitive riding experience.
- The Longtail offers exceptional features and quality for its price, despite a few minor flaws such as its heavy weight and a kickstand that's difficult to maneuver.
The Tenways Brand and Its Entry into the Cargo World
Founded in 2021, Tenways has quickly built a solid reputation in the e-bike industry. The brand started out with sleek, minimalist city bikes like the CGO600 and CGO800S, which stood out for their light weight, quiet rear-wheel motors, and excellent value for the price. It then expanded its lineup into the commuter segment with the AGO series, equipped with more powerful mid-drive motors.
The launch of the Tenways Longtail marks a strategic milestone: our entry into the rapidly expanding market for compact cargo bikes. While traditional cargo bikes are often bulky and difficult to park, the “longtail”—a bike with an extended and reinforced rear rack—is becoming increasingly popular with young families. To learn all about this design, check out our guide to electric longtail bikes.
Within the Tenways lineup, the Longtail serves as the ultimate workhorse: it combines the maneuverability and riding experience of a standard city bike with the cargo capacity of a family cargo bike.
Technical Specifications Under the Microscope
The Longtail stands out thanks to a carefully selected array of components from leading brands, which work together in perfect harmony.
Engine and Transmission
At the heart of the system is the Bafang M410 mid-drive motor, which delivers a generous 80 Nm of torque. It drives the rear wheel not via a traditional chain, but through a Gates CDX Carbon Belt. This system is paired with a continuously variable Enviolo hub, which allows for seamless gear shifting via a twist grip on the handlebars—even when the bike is completely stopped at a red light.
Battery and autonomy
The frame features a removable 720 Wh battery. Tenways claims a maximum range of up to 100 kilometers under ideal conditions. If you're looking for bikes designed for heavy loads, check out our selection of the best e-bikes for heavy-duty transport.
Frame, Wheels, and Brakes
The sturdy aluminum frame offers a low step-through and rides on 24-inch wheels with tires , sturdy tires by Tenways. A suspension fork absorbs road vibrations. To bring the bike to a safe stop, it is equipped with Tektro 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes.
Payload Capacity and Cargo Options
The maximum allowable weight (including the bike, rider, and cargo) is 220 kg. The extended rear rack uses the MIK HD platform and can carry up to 50 kg of cargo—enough for two child seats or large panniers. A front rack can hold up to 18 kg of additional luggage.
Connected Technology
Hidden under the seat is the built-in Smart Connect module, which features a GPS tracker and motion sensors. When paired with the Tenways app, it offers anti-theft alerts and geofencing features. This data connection is completely free for the first three years.
Standing the Test of Everyday Life
On a longtail bike, it all comes down to how the bike's technical features perform when it's loaded with kids and the week's groceries.
Comfortable design and one-size-fits-all
From the very first pedal strokes, you’re struck by the relaxed, upright riding position. The handlebars are slightly angled toward the rider. Thanks to the adjustable stem and the unique dropper post—a hydraulic system that lets you adjust the saddle height with a simple push of a button on the handlebars—the bike accommodates riders between 160 and 195 cm tall. This makes it an ideal family bike to share. The dropper post offers another practical advantage for everyday use: when stopped at a red light, simply press the button to instantly lower the saddle and place both feet flat on the ground to maintain balance on this heavy bike.
Smooth handling and stable road holding
Tenways’ choice of 24-inch wheels is a particularly wise decision. Many competitors opt for 20-inch wheels—which make the bike feel twitchy—or 26-inch wheels—where the center of gravity becomes too high when carrying children in the back. The 24-inch wheels offer the perfect balance. The bike takes corners in a stable and predictable manner and proves surprisingly nimble in tight turns despite its overall length. The suspension fork and Selle Royal gel saddle effectively absorb the impact of cobblestones, tree roots, and speed bumps, significantly improving ride comfort for both the rider and passengers.
Powerful and harmonious support
The Bafang M410 mid-drive motor delivers its 80 Nm of torque naturally and progressively. Unlike some cheaper systems that kick in abruptly, this one responds gradually to the force applied to the pedals. With two older children in the back, the bike accelerates confidently and smoothly. The combination of the Enviolo continuously variable hub and the Gates belt is a pure delight for everyday use: no more unpleasant jolts from shifting gears—simply turn the grip to increase or decrease resistance. And since the system is fully enclosed, say goodbye to greasy chains and rust. On very steep hills or challenging overpasses, you can feel that the Bafang motor works a little harder than the more expensive Bosch Cargo Line motors, but for virtually all urban trips in Belgium, the power is more than sufficient. The Tektro 4-piston brakes are excellent: even during emergency braking while fully loaded, the calipers bite instantly and with controllable force, without any sign of skidding or instability.
Ease of Use and a Few Areas for Improvement
Everyday riding with the Longtail is largely worry-free, thanks to numerous well-thought-out details. The bike comes with practical accessories: fold-out footrests, a clothing guard, and a spoke guard around the rear wheel (to prevent children’s feet from slipping between the spokes), as well as a storage bag built into the frame. The lighting system includes a real brake light, which significantly improves safety when riding in a group. The 720 Wh battery proves reliable in use: when riding continuously at full power with a heavy load, you can expect a real-world range of about 50 to 60 kilometers. With moderate use, the advertised 80 to 100 kilometers is entirely achievable.
There are, however, a few areas for improvement. With a curb weight of about 32 kg—and up to 40 kg with all the cargo accessories—the bike is heavy. The included dual center kickstand requires a fair amount of skill and strength to park the bike, especially if children are already on board. Furthermore, while the color TFT display on the handlebars is easy to read, its graphical interface seems a bit dated and basic compared to the rest of this decidedly modern bike.
Dieter's Tip
Before buying an electric longtail bike, always take it for a test ride under real-world conditions—ideally with a load similar to what you’ll be carrying on a daily basis. You’ll notice the difference right away, and it will help you make the right choice. Find out why parents choose electric cargo bikes, too.
Conclusion
With the Longtail , Tenways proves that a technologically advanced, safe, and very comfortable family bike doesn’t have to be prohibitively expensive. For 3,500 euros, the brand delivers a bike equipped with components—Enviolo, Gates CDX, 4-piston hydraulic brakes—that are typically found in price ranges well above 4,500 euros. The stable handling provided by the 24-inch wheels, the smooth operation of the Bafang motor, and the GPS safety features via the app make school runs, errands, and commutes to work truly enjoyable. The kickstand, which is a bit cumbersome to operate, and the motor, which reaches its limits on very steep hills, are minor drawbacks compared to the overall package. Want to explore other electric cargo bikes on the market? Our comprehensive guide is waiting for you.
FAQ
Who is the Tenways Longtail designed for?
The Tenways Longtail is designed primarily for young families and everyday riders who want to transport children, groceries, or luggage without the bulk of a traditional cargo bike with a front basket. For more information on the different types of cargo bikes, check out our guide to electric bikes with trailers.
What is the actual range of the Tenways Longtail ?
The removable 720 Wh battery offers a range of up to 100 km under ideal conditions. In practice, with a heavy load and in maximum assist mode, you should expect a range of 50 to 60 km. With moderate use, the advertised range of 80 to 100 km is realistic.
How does the Tenways Longtail stand out from other cargo bikes?
The combination of 24-inch wheels, a Bafang mid-drive motor, a Gates belt drive, and an Enviolo continuously variable hub provides a stable, comfortable, and virtually maintenance-free riding experience. You can find a refurbished Tenways Longtail refurbished Upway.
Written by: Dieter Devriendt | Published on: June 26, 2026 | 6-minute read
About the Author: Dieter Devriendt
A passionate journalist, Dieter writes about cycling with expertise and enthusiasm. Under the motto “we write—we ride,” he gladly shares his experience to help cyclists get the most out of their lives both on and off the bike.