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There are several physical, philosophical, environmental, and logistical reasons why it’s better to hop on an electric cargo bike than it is to drive a car. Sitting in traffic is mind-numbing. Earth is on fire. Yet somehow it's easy to ignore all this when you're late to work and have yet to wrestle pants onto your screaming toddler.
If you're trying to reconcile your carefree biking days of yore with your current life as a family chauffeur—or you just want a bike for trips to the supermarket or hardware store—I highly recommend getting an electric cargo bike. Mine has transformed my life, turning my dull, daily errand-running into a multitasking combination of joyride and workout. I ride each bike for around 20 miles, hauling my kids to school or the dog to the vet, toting large zucchinis or who knows what. Our new top pick is the Urban Arrow FamilyNext Pro ($8,999), and my own personal favorite is the Surly Skid Loader ($4,999).
OK, great! Now you have a bike. Now you just need one of the Best Ebike Locks, one of the Best Bike Helmets, and a few of the Best Bike Lights. Don't forget to check out the rest of our outdoor guides and reviews for more.
Updated September 2025: We've overhauled this guide and added the Tern GSD, Urban Arrow FamilyNext Pro, Bike Friday All-Day, and Surly Skid Loader.
The Very Best Family Bike
Photograph: Adrienne So
Photograph: Adrienne So
Photograph: Adrienne So
Photograph: Adrienne So
Urban Arrow
FamilyNext Pro
You know what, just get this bike. Don't even read the rest of this guide. I've tried a few bakfiets (box bikes) over the years, including the R&M Load and the classic version of the Urban Arrow Family. I started testing box bikes when my children were 1 and 3, and they are now 8 and 10, and this bike would've been the most useful for the most years. The newly updated version is the Urban Arrow FamilyNext Pro (9/10, WIRED Recommends), and I wish my children were about five years younger so I could've bought it and used it for the next 10 to 15 years.
The most significant upgrades are suspension on the front fork and a redesigned cargo box that is encased in protective EPP foam and has headlights around the rim. For such a big bike, it's incredibly light and easy to maneuver. The 250-Wh Bosch smart system provides plenty of oomph for me to carry a 160-pound adult in the box, let alone multiple kids' backpacks and bike locks. I boing right out of potholes with the front fork, and it's just a pleasure to ride and use. The ergonomic handles and upright sitting position are comfortable when I'm waiting at a stoplight with half a dozen kids on bikes around me. There's a walk assist function for when I have to push it up my driveway and into my garage. It's easy to lock up by the rear tire, and there's an included Abus wheel lock for extra peace of mind. This is the bike to get when you need a complete car replacement and just want to be able to throw everything from swim gear to giant bags of dog food in the box.
Specs: Motor: Bosch 250-watt mid-drive | Battery: Bosch 545-Wh | Recommended Height: 5' to over 6' | Total Payload: 550 pounds WIRED
- Lovely and easy to ride
- Padded box has lights
- Bosch smart system rules
TIRED
- Hard to store
The Best Mail-Order Bike
Photograph: Michael Venutolo-Mantovani
Photograph: Michael Venutolo-Mantovani
Photograph: Michael Venutolo-Mantovani
Photograph: Michael Venutolo-Mantovani
Rad Power Bikes
RadRunner Max
Rad Power Bikes recently updated its flagship RadRunner lineup in the midst of corporate turmoil, dealing with everything from layoffs and lawsuits to the exit of its new CEO and an onslaught of tariffs. In spite of all this, the newest RadRunner Max (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is quite nice! It's the high-end RadRunner model, and it's now a class 3 ebike, with pedal assist, a throttle, and a top speed of 28 mph.
The bike has a lot of fancy new extras for the price. It works with Apple's Find My and has a new digital key to unlock it as you approach; it now also has a radar taillight to alert you when cars are approaching you from behind. The batteries use Rad Power's Safe Shield technology, which means each cell is encapsulated in resin to reduce the chance of thermal runaway (that is, a fire in your garage). Reviewer Michael Venutolo-Mantovani found it easy to assemble and that it easily powered his 260-pound frame all over the hills of North Carolina. If you want a powerful bike complete with a full bells-and-whistles package to arrive at your door, this is the bike to get.
Specs: Motor: 750-watt rear hub | Battery: Safe Shield 672 Wh | Recommended Height: 25.75" to 37" inseam | Total Payload: 420 pounds
My Favorite Bike
Photograph: Adrienne So
Photograph: Adrienne So
On a sunny summer day, I decided to circumnavigate Washington's Whidbey Island on the coast by bike. This is not quite possible, and my helter-skelter route took me on paved, dirt, and gravel roads, as well as through a few construction sites. But I felt totally fine and fast on it because I was riding the Skid Loader, which has Surly's trademark 100 percent chromoly steel frame and Natch tubing that can handle pretty much anything forever. (Extras like tubeless-ready
Surly ExtraTerrestrial tires and a Tranz-X YSP15 dropper post with 120 millimeters of travel didn't hurt, either.)The Bosch smart system that Surly chose has more kick than the Urban Arrow, and the bigger tires help it cover more ground. Because it's a Surly that's intended to be used for bikepacking, it has a ton of mounting points for fenders, front racks, and water bottle cages, as well as the included rear rack that has a 100-pound payload, which is plenty big for a large-sized kid (or a giant bag of dog food, or potatoes). It has integrated front and rear lights, a sturdy double kickstand, and room for a double battery, although, because this bike is considerably lighter than the Urban Arrow, I got way more range out of it (30 to 40 miles on one charge). I also particularly love Surly's signature janky colors. I don't know why Illegal Smile Green is perfect; it just is.
Specs: Motor: Bosch 600-watt mid-drive | Battery: Bosch 545 Wh | Recommended Height: 5' to over 6' | Total Payload: 400 pounds WIRED
- Fun colors
- Big wheels
- Will never break
TIRED
- Hard to put together
My Own Bike
Photograph: Adrienne So
Photograph: Adrienne So
Photograph: Adrienne So
Photograph: Adrienne So
The Tern GSD S10 (9/10, WIRED Recommends) is the most popular electric cargo bike for families in my hometown of Portland, Oregon. It's probably the safest small bike for families, especially short moms (a demographic to which I belong), because it has ABS brakes, which are necessary if you bike up and down hills or in the rain. Also, every component, including the frame, kickstand, and brakes, is third-party tested to meet the DIN 79010, the German safety standard that's the only cargo bike standard that exists.
Personally, I think the Urban Arrow is more useful, and the Skid Loader is faster and sexier. Still, this is the bike that I purchased myself when my kids were small because it's light, maneuverable, easy to store (it can stand on its end), and it's about the same length as an analog bike. There is no situation where you could not take a Tern GSD. The accessories are also unmatched (I own a Storm Box, which protects my kids while riding in the rain, but you can also put on a Sun Shield to protect your kids from the sun, or an integrated TowBar to add a trailer.)
Specs: Motor: Bosch Cargo Line mid-drive | Battery: Bosch 545 Wh | Recommended Height: 4'11" to over 6'7" | Total Payload: 463 pounds WIRED
- ABS brakes
- Meets the DIN 79010, the only existing cargo bike safety standard
- As small as a regular bike
TIRED
- Tiny
- My husband refuses to ride it
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The Most Versatile Ebike
Photograph: Specialized
I have been waiting for a major bike manufacturer to release an affordable, reliable daily driver that can be a car substitute. That, my friends, is the Specialized Globe Haul ST (9/10, WIRED Recommends). This sleek, black daily driver fits a wide variety of heights; my 5'10" husband and my 5'2" self can switch it in the same day. The powerful 700-watt motor relies on an IPX7-rated battery that has a remarkable range of well over the stated 60 miles. The display is intuitive, and the pedaling feels natural. The compact 20-inch multi-terrain wheels are maneuverable and feel stable on roads, dirt, and gravel.
I just have two small qualms: There's no suspension, which can make a difference if you're carrying a lot of things and people, and there's no belt drive. However, Specialized uses quality components and has a large network of affiliated shops to get routine maintenance. This is the bike that everyone in my family—me, my husband, and my two kids—asks to ride whenever we leave the house. Just attach two front panniers ($90) for tossing in snacks and water bottles, and you're good to go.
Specs: Motor: Specialized Globe 700-watt rear hub | Battery: Globe 772 Wh | Recommended Height: 4'5" to 6'4" | Total Payload: 419 pounds WIRED
- Euro-inspired elegance
- Incredible range
- Powerful motor and big battery
TIRED
- Not quite big enough to take an adult passenger
- No suspension
- No belt drive
Most Affordable Bike
Photograph: Michael Calore
WIRED Gear editor Michael Calore is a fan of the first cargo bike from Aventon, one of the leaders in competitively priced, direct-to-consumer ebikes. It's incredibly flexible. Carting the kiddo to school? Add a back seat ($73) and a handrail ($122) to the long rear platform. Blissfully child-free? Install rear racks ($169) to haul groceries and garden supplies. The easy-riding step-through frame fits pilots up to 6'3".
The Abound’s pedal assistance system uses a rear hub motor with a torque sensor, a design that adds a smooth and even boost based on how hard you’re cranking. In the lowest of the four assistance levels—the power-sipping yet capable Eco mode—you can eke out 50 miles on a charge. Your mileage drops if you load the bike up to its 440-pound capacity, liberally thumb the bar-mounted throttle, or blast around town in Turbo mode at the max speed of 20 mph. Even then, you’ll still get nearly 20 miles out of the 720-watt-hour battery.
Specs: Motor: Aventon 750-watt rear hub | Battery: Samsung 678 Wh | Recommended Height: 4'11" to 6'3" | Total Payload: 440 pounds WIRED
- Convenient delivery
- Lots of accessories
- Affordable
TIRED
- Rear hub is a little less natural-feeling than mid-drive motor
An Ebike With a Sidecar
-Reviewer-Photo-SOURCE-Adrienne-So.jpg)
Photograph: Adrienne So
This bike comes with a few major caveats. It's a direct-to-customer bike, and we contracted with a local service to assemble it at my house. However, several parts were missing or unusable, and we had to wait a day for replacements. This is an issue if you're assembling it yourself. Also, the company claims that the minimum height for it is 5'2", but I am 5'2" and can't fit on it. The seat post tapers, so it can't be cut. I had to sub my own seat in, so I didn't get to use the comfy, beautiful saddle with suspension that comes with this bike. I find the laid-back, Harley-style seating difficult to maneuver while riding, which is probably related to the fact that overall, I'm just a little too short to ride this.
However, my family and I really like this sidecar style, and it's worth including because of that. The sidecar can carry up to 150 pounds, so anyone in my family can ride it, with a special shout-out to my dog, who loves it. I also love that you can quickly detach the sidecar, so it's versatile and easy to store in my crowded garage. It has everything you need—a 750-watt hub motor with a throttle, a big, easy-to-read color display, and hydraulic disc brakes. If you want to cosplay as Indiana Jones and Dad Jones in The Last Crusade, this is the bike to get.
Specs: Motor: Mod Drive 750-watt rear hub | Battery: Mod Samsung 720 Wh | Recommended Height: 5'4" to 6'7" | Total Payload: 400 pounds WIRED
- Sidecar is easily detachable
- Looks incredibly cool
TIRED
- Not for smaller riders
- Takes a little practice to maneuver
A Big-Box Bike
Photograph: Bunch Bikes
Bunch Bikes
Original Electric Cargo Bike
When you ride family bikes, everyone gets to weigh in. My husband loved the Bunch's large capacity, powerful motor, and tricycle configuration. He never had to worry about keeping the bike balanced while my kids climbed in. It's also the only box with walls high enough to hold my dog, and I can carry up to four kids while riding.
I did not like the Bunch Bike (5/10, WIRED Review); I found it slow, awkward, uncomfortable, and a little overpriced. I also got tired of my neighbors asking if I was starting a hot dog truck. It doesn't have any shocks, and its weight means you inevitably start to drift toward the curb on any cambered street—even with Bunch's anti-tip technology. But if you live in a place with plenty of storage space and flat roads, this might just be the right bike for you.
Specs: Motor: 500-watt rear hub motor | Battery: 614 Wh | Recommended Height: 4'11" to 6'6" | Total Payload: 350 pounds WIRED
- Big, protected riding box
- Can't tip over
TIRED
- Awkward to maneuver
- Your neighbors will ask if you're starting a hot dog truck
The Tiniest Electric Cargo Bike
Photograph: Adrienne So
Photograph: Adrienne So
Photograph: Adrienne So
Photograph: Adrienne So
Bike Friday, the Oregon-based manufacturer of specialty handmade bikes, recently released the All-Day (7/10, WIRED Recommends), which Bike Friday touts as the lightest Bosch-powered electric bike. It is, in fact, tiny and light; it's smaller than my children's own mountain bikes. Bike Friday will work with you to customize pretty much anything you want about it, from the color to the frame style (you can get an even lighter frame), to gearing, to handlebars. (Be wary, as adding a Rohloff gear hub can add a few grand to the initial price.) I found it OK to assemble, but it's a little more complicated than a DTC bike, and you do have to be semi-familiar with bike assembly, as the instructions are not as clear as they might be.
In the grape color, this bike was so profoundly irresistible that nearly all my friends asked if I could pop off for a sec so they could take a spin. The 600-watt motor had enough kick to take me and my groceries about town, and it was tiny enough to fit on the smallest bike rack. I would be remiss, however, to not point out that it's easier (and cheaper) to get the Brompton electric G-Line, which works with a broader system of retailers and distributors. Brompton is famous for the ease and convenience of its fold; however, I tend to prefer the reliability of the Bosch system.
Specs: Motor: 600-watt Bosch mid-drive motor | Battery: 400 or 545 Wh | Recommended Height: 4'6" to 6'2" | Total Payload: Up to 200 pounds, but bigger riders should consult Bike Friday WIRED
- Customizable, portable and foldable
- Battery is removable for travel
- Adorable!
TIRED
- Brompton's bike is more readily available and cheaper
- Fold is a little awkward
Compare Top 5 Electric Cargo Bikes
Other Bikes We Like
Photograph: Tern Bicycles
Tern HSD for $4,299: This is the Tern model that's between the GSD and the Quick Haul; smaller than the GSD but with the folding fork and carbon belt drive. If I had only one kid, I would have bought this bike.
Bike Friday Haul-A-Day for $2,600: This is one of the smallest, lightest electric cargo bikes that's capable of carrying two kids. However, I would issue a caveat for any smaller parents whose cargo might outweigh them; I almost fell with my kids on it because the balance was so heavily weighted toward the back of the bike. My much-heavier husband did not have a problem.
Which Bike Type Is Best for You?
Electric cargo bicycles come in two configurations. The first are front-loader bikes, also known as bakfiets or Long Johns, which suspend a cargo box between the rider and the front wheel. The other layout is a midtail or longtail, which extends the rear end of the bicycle to accommodate more bodies and gear.
Both shapes have pros and cons. I've found that the bigger the rider, the more likely they want a front-loader bike, which in addition to hauling kids can be used as a big bin for yard equipment, tools, and more. However, you will need a garage or storage space and a very good and reliable lock system; they're harder to maneuver and much heavier if you have to go over curbs or rough terrain; and they don't feel particularly stable at slower speeds.
If you're a smaller or lighter person, you may prefer a midtail or a longtail, which maneuver more like a regular bicycle. However, the weight is suspended on the back end and higher up, which makes some people nervous about dropping it. I own a longtail; I prefer the maneuverability, but it can be annoying making sure that everything is strapped down on a rack or in a pannier. If possible, I recommend making an appointment at your local bike shop to try several models before committing.
If you're planning on riding the cargo bike with your children, you need a bike with disc brakes, and preferably hydraulic disc brakes. These specialized brakes slow you down by pinching calipers on a steel disc, which stops the axle shaft from rotating. Cheaper rim brakes simply squeeze the rim and stop with friction. You do not want to be coasting downhill toward an intersection with your child on the back, unable to stop.
If you get a longtail ebike, don't forget to factor in the price of accessories. Right now, my children are 8 and 10. If they're on a longtail, I usually use a version of monkey bars with foot pegs for the 6-year-old and a Thule Yepp seat for the 4-year-old to keep them both safely aboard, and a front basket is necessary for backpacks and groceries. Be sure to get a sturdy double kickstand, which will keep your kids safe while loading and unloading. I like this one.
You should also check if you have a local family cargo bike group in your neighborhood or at your local bike shop. It's a great way to test rides, find other families to ride with, and even pick up used bicycles if a new one seems out of your price range.
Each tester rides the bike for a minimum of 20 miles. We have testers from coast to coast, from Brooklyn, New York, to Portland, Oregon, and a few cities in between. Each tester rides on a variety of surfaces to test the bike's handling—not just roads but also gravel, dirt, and potholed streets—while carrying cargo. This will vary from tester to tester; for example, editor Julian Chokkattu is 6'4" and weighs more than me and my entire family when riding on one bike.
Other factors we look at are:
- Does the bike meet safety specifications so it won't blow up in your garage?
- Can the battery be taken off?
- Are the parts proprietary to the bike?
- Can you see the display well outdoors and is operation intuitive?
For more tips, check out our complete guide to How to Buy an Ebike.
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