7 Best Electric Cargo Bikes for Families (2023)

The two electric cargo box bicycles that I've tested, the Urban Arrow Family (8/10, WIRED Recommends) and the R&M Load (8/10, WIRED Recommends), are both top of the line. It just depends on what characteristics you're looking for.

There are three reasons the Family is my favorite. First, the box sits slightly lower, on the bottom of the front chassis instead of the top. A lower center of gravity makes it easier to steer. It also has a continuously variable shifter that lets you downshift from a standstill, so you're not frantically downshifting while trying to muscle uphill with your children shrieking and wobbling in the box.

However, if the roads are rough where you live, you'll probably want the R&M Load's full suspension. R&M makes several different sizes and styles of box bikes; if you want something with a larger capacity, you might want to consider the Packster or the Transporter. However, as a smaller person, I find the Load to be comparatively easier to ride and more maneuverable. 

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's Globe Haul ST. 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 a 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 ($80) for tossing in snacks and water bottles and you're good to go.

★ Alternative: You do have a few direct-to-consumer options. Probably the most popular is the big, powerful, and disturbingly affordable Rad Power RadRunner 2 ($1,249). It's worth noting here that Rad Power has recently undergone a tumultuous series of lawsuits and layoffs; however, we've tested these bikes and know a number of people who have owned and operated theirs responsibly for years with no problems.

Disclosure: At 5'2", I do not fit every cargo bike on the market, and we are slowly adding popular options like the Bullitt bikes and Xtracycle bikes as my taller testers allow. Gear editor Michael Calore recently tried the Xtracycle Stoker, which can accommodate up to two adults and all their gear comfortably. It comes standard with cargo nets and rear foot pedals, while accessories like a front basket or handrails are sold separately. It’s a bigger and more versatile option for people who need to tote gear and other adults around, not just kids. 

You do need to be at least 5'6" to ride the Stoker comfortably, which makes me jealous for one specific reason—the traditional, sturdy Chromoly steel frame and larger 24-inch wheels make it look perfect to for (extremely gentle and short?) bikepacking trips. The Shimano EP8 mid-drive motor and 630-Wh battery lasts about 45 miles on a charge, which is more than enough for a nice weekend away in the woods. 

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 ($63) and a handrail ($123) to the long rear platform. Blissfully child-free? Install front and rear racks ($70, $159) to haul groceries and garden supplies. The easy-riding stepthrough 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.

★ Alternative: The most direct competitor to the Aventon is the Lectric XPedition ($1,399). which is now one of the most affordable ebikes to have hydraulic brakes—a necessity if you're ebiking with your kids. It's the easiest cargo bike to assemble out of the box that I've experienced, fits a wide variety of riders, and also comes with a huge array of proprietary accessories. The only bad part? It's so popular that it constantly goes in and out of stock.