Best Cargo Bikes of 2024: Unpacking the Top Picks

The Tern GSD S10 is an electric cargo bike designed not only to carry heavy loads, but also to provide a realistic alternative means of transportation to a car.

Featuring a Bosch dual-battery system that provides a whopping range of up to 195 km, you won’t suffer from the range anxiety that you’ll find in lower tier electric bikes.

It comes integrated with a heavy-duty frame-integrated rear rack and lower decks, making it optimal for carrying. And, thanks to it’s lower center of gravity, carry it does well. Even with passengers, it maintains its composure, balance and control.

It’s a cargo bike with versatility and utility in mind, and as such is customisable to meet various transportation needs. It also features an Atlas Lockstand that auto-locks when engaged, and users can unlock it by pressing a button on the handlebars, which is a really handle little touch.

It certainly isn’t the cheapest on this list, but for those looking for a car-killing cargo bike, the GSD S10 should be at the top of the list.

If you’ve been to some of the major cities in Europe, particularly in Scandinavia, you’ve probably seen one, and if you’re honest, you’ve probably wanted one.

The Cargo V3 from Omnium is a versatile, lightweight, and nifty cargo bike that’s designed to feel like a normal bike whilst carrying like a cargo one. This means it avoids one of the barriers of cargo bikes entirely in that the riding experience is a familiar one.

Thanks to its exceptionally long wheelbase, it’s really sturdy, sturdy enough that Omnium says you’ll have no problem cycling with some new living room furniture on the front.

And speaking of loading, there’s a great variety of add-ons for the flat-bed frame, such as webbing, boxes, or even an extra seat with a backrest.

Omnium certainly isn’t producing the cheapest cargo bikes, but nor do they try to. The Cargo V3 is made of some excellent components, is designed very thoughtfully, and, quite frankly, is pretty cool.

For a family looking to replace at least some trips made with a car, there’s no better cargo bike than the Family from Urban Arrow. The entry-level model, the Active Plus, is actually astonishingly good value for money, even if at first glance it does seem a little expensive.

Firstly, it’s just so useful. The front-loading box can fit all of the stuff you could possibly need to take with you on any day trip, and that’s without any of the additional add-ons (which are also well worth considering).

The front compartment is secure, sturdy, and ultimately comfortable, be it for luggage or for kids. Whilst it’s a little on the heavier side, the Bosch active line motor has more than enough power to carry the bike and all of it’s luggage without any issues.

It’s also really stable. Thanks to it’s long wheelbase (nearly twice that of a normal bike) and very low centre of gravity, the bike feels comfortable to ride even when it’s at full capacity.

For anyone looking to replace a car, who doesn’t mind spending a little more for a premium product, this cargo bike might just be the model for you.

The Abound from Aventon is a competitively priced electric cargo bike that’s one of the most popular in its class worldwide and for good reason.

With a modest top speed of 20 MPH and a powerful 750W motor, this e-bike enables efficient and swift transportation. It boasts a range of up to 50 miles on a single charge, providing ample distance for various delivery or cargo-hauling needs. It also has a payload capacity of 440 lbs (around 200 kg), making it capable of carrying heavy and bulky loads.

With integrated turn signals and lights, the Abound prioritises safety on the road while ensuring visibility for both the rider and other traffic. It also features an LCD smart display that provides really easy-to-read information about speed, battery level, and other important information.

Don’t expect to find the most premium components here, but at the price, you’ll be more than pleasantly surprised at the quality, versatility, and capability that you’ll be rewarded with.

The Quick Haul is the entry-level cargo bike from industry giants Tern.

Whilst cargo bikes often suffer from storage and portability issues, the Quick Haul is a much more compact model that can actually be parked vertically to minimise its footprint.

Sitting somewhere between a cargo and hybrid, it’s got a wheelbase that’s slightly longer than a regular bike, allowing for an extended rear rack for optimum storage. Whilst it doesn’t have the storage capacities of other cargo bikes on this list, it more than makes up for it in agility and maneuverability, making it a great choice for the average city rider.

Even though it’s the entry level model, you’ll still get some great features, such as the Bosch motor system that’ll provide great additional support if you’re pedalling.

It’s a great all round bike that’s got cargo sensibilities whilst maintaining the ridability of a regular step-through bike.

The Haul ST is a customisable electric bike with cargo sensibilities. With a range of nearly 100 km and a weight capacity of nearly 200 kg, it’s up there with the most capable cargo bikes.

With its premium aluminium frame and steel forks, it’s built to last. However, whilst it’s durable, this bike really shines regarding its accessory options.

One of the best is the school bus kit, which aims to optimise the bike for the carrying of a small passenger as well as all their school stuff.

Another favourite is the station wagon. With front and rear pannier adapters to add up to 4 different storage containers, it’s great for carrying loads of shopping while distributing the weight well.

If what you value in a bike is versatility and customisability, there are probably no better choices than the Haul ST.

Producing since the 1980s, Danish bike brand Christiania is legendary when it comes to cargo bikes. And if there’s a bike that demonstrates this, it’s surely the Classic.

Sometimes what you want in a cargo bike is an enormous box that can fit everything you need. In this regard, perhaps it’s best to keep things simple. In fact, it’s a design so popular that it’s barely changed in 30 years.

The model comes in 4 different sizes, from a stubby short option to a long one which can accommodate up to 4 children! This is probably why they continue to be a family favourite that you’ll regularly see on the streets of major cities in Europe. And, thanks to its tight turning circle and excellent maneuverability, it’s a bike that excels in urban environments.

Sustainably produced in Denmark using excellent components, such as the iconic timber used for the box compartment, as well as sturdy steel, the Classic is a tried and tested cargo bike that frankly does its job extremely well.

The Fiido T1 is a cross between a cargo bike and a utility bike, marrying the two concepts with some style.

It’s a high power bike, equipped with a powerful motor and large capacity battery, meaning you’ve got plenty of torque and a long range ahead of you. This really makes it perfect for long trips, which is just as well because there’s room to pack a lot of things.

Whilst you can take a passenger on the back, this bike really shines when it comes to off-road trips, such as with bike packing. The fat tyres really have some impressive grip, and thanks to the large motor it’s pretty capable of tackling some hills.

Having said that, it’s still an excellent bike for city dwellers. The rear rack has a weight capacity of 80 kg, meaning it’s comfortable carrying a passenger and some bags.

All things considered, it’s an affordable e-bike that’s a great option for those looking for the sensibilities of a cargo bike and who don’t want to suffer from the dead range anxiety.