ELECTRIC CARGO BIKES

An electric cargo bike is a versatile bike that combines the utility of a traditional cargo bike with the ease and power of an electric motor. Designed with a strong, extended frame to handle heavier loads, electric cargo bikes offer a practical and eco-friendly way to transport goods, run errands, or even carry your kids—all while enjoying a smoother ride. If you’re looking to simplify your daily commute or business deliveries, an electric cargo bike gives you the flexibility and convenience to do it all without relying on a car.

These bikes are equipped with an integrated motor that provides pedal assistance, making it much easier to carry heavy cargo, tackle hills, or cover longer distances without exhausting yourself. Most electric cargo bikes feature a pedal-assist system, where the motor kicks in as you pedal, giving you that extra boost exactly when you need it. Some models also offer a throttle-based option, where the motor can power the bike without pedaling. However, in the UK, throttle-only electric bikes do not meet road-legal requirements, so it’s important to choose a pedal-assist model to ride legally on public roads.

An electric cargo bike is perfect for anyone looking to reduce car use, stay active, and make daily transportation both fun and efficient. Whether it’s for personal use or business, these bikes are all about making your life easier while keeping things green.

Electric cargo bikes offer a range of benefits that make them an ideal choice for anyone looking to combine practicality with sustainability. Here are seven key advantages that make electric cargo bikes a fantastic investment for your daily transport needs:

Effortless Transport of Heavy Loads

With a sturdy frame and powerful electric motor, electric cargo bikes make it easy to carry heavy loads without breaking a sweat. Whether it’s groceries, packages, or children, the motor assistance helps you tackle weight with ease, making it perfect for both personal and business use.

Eco-Friendly Alternative to Cars

Electric cargo bikes provide an environmentally friendly way to move around, reducing your carbon footprint by cutting down on car use. They produce zero emissions, making them an excellent choice for eco-conscious riders who want to contribute to a cleaner, greener environment.

Cost-Effective and Economical

Say goodbye to fuel costs, parking fees, and expensive car maintenance! Electric cargo bikes are much more affordable to run and maintain than cars, saving you money in the long term. Charging the bike’s battery is inexpensive, and there’s no need for insurance or road tax.

Bypass Traffic and Save Time

Riding an electric cargo bike means you can avoid traffic jams and take shortcuts that cars can’t. This not only saves time on your daily commute or deliveries but also makes your ride more enjoyable and stress-free. With dedicated bike lanes in many areas, you can zip through your journey with ease.

Promotes a Healthy and Active Lifestyle

While the electric motor provides assistance, you’re still pedalling and staying active, making electric cargo bikes great for your physical health. They encourage regular exercise without exhausting you, particularly when carrying heavy loads or tackling hills, combining convenience with fitness.

Versatile for Different Needs

Electric cargo bikes are incredibly versatile and can be customised with different cargo options like baskets, child seats, or even insulated boxes for food delivery. Whether you need to drop the kids at school, make local deliveries, or run errands, there’s an electric cargo bike setup that suits your needs.

Easy Parking and Storage

Forget about finding parking spaces or paying for them. Electric cargo bikes are much easier to park, and you can usually find a spot right outside your destination. Their compact size compared to cars means they’re also easier to store at home or work, especially with foldable or compact models available.

Electric cargo bikes offer a perfect blend of practicality, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness, making them a smart choice for modern riders who want to move around efficiently and responsibly.

While electric cargo bikes offer many benefits, there are also a few considerations to keep in mind. Here are seven potential disadvantages to consider before making a purchase:

Higher Initial Cost

Electric cargo bikes can be more expensive upfront compared to traditional bikes or even some standard e-bikes. The combination of a sturdy frame, electric motor, and added features for carrying loads can drive up the cost. However, this is often balanced out by the savings on fuel, parking, and car maintenance over time.

Heavier and Bulkier Design

Due to their reinforced frames and larger capacity for carrying cargo, electric cargo bikes tend to be heavier and bulkier than standard bikes. This can make them a bit challenging to manoeuvre, especially in tight spaces or when parking. Riders may need to get used to handling the extra weight.

Limited Range Depending on Load

While the electric motor provides great assistance, the range of the bike’s battery can decrease significantly when carrying heavy loads or tackling steep inclines. This means you may need to charge more frequently or plan your trips carefully to avoid running out of power mid-journey.

Storage Space Requirements

The size of electric cargo bikes means they require more storage space than standard bikes. If you don’t have a spacious garage or secure outdoor storage, finding a convenient place to keep the bike can be challenging, especially in urban settings.

Not Ideal for All Terrain Types

Electric cargo bikes are excellent for urban environments, bike paths, and relatively smooth roads. However, they may not perform as well on very rough, narrow, or uneven terrains. The larger frame and weight can make off-road or rugged trail riding more difficult.

Potential for More Maintenance

With additional components like the electric motor, battery, and cargo-carrying features, electric cargo bikes may require more maintenance than standard bikes. Regular upkeep is important to keep the bike in good working order, especially if used frequently for heavy loads or longer distances.

Learning Curve for New Riders

If you’re new to electric cargo bikes, there can be a learning curve when it comes to balancing and handling, especially when the bike is fully loaded. It takes time to get comfortable with the weight distribution and braking, particularly if you’re navigating busy streets or steep hills.

While electric cargo bikes have some drawbacks, they are generally outweighed by the benefits of convenience, sustainability, and cost savings, making them a valuable investment for those looking to change how they move around daily.

Riding an electric cargo bike feels empowering, practical, and surprisingly effortless. Imagine gliding through city streets with all your groceries, kids, or work supplies securely loaded, without the strain of a heavy pedalling effort. Thanks to the integrated electric motor, you get a smooth and powerful boost whenever you need it, whether you’re tackling a steep hill, setting off from a stop, or cruising on flat roads. It’s a game-changer for anyone who needs to transport heavy loads but doesn’t want to deal with the physical exhaustion that comes with it.

Effortless Power and Control

The electric assist makes riding a cargo bike feel almost weightless, even when it’s fully loaded. As you pedal, the motor kicks in seamlessly, matching your effort and making each push feel lighter. It’s perfect for navigating busy streets or winding through narrow alleys. The sturdy frame and lower centre of gravity provide excellent stability, so you’ll feel secure and in control, even with a substantial load. The bike's design ensures you stay upright and balanced, making it easy to manoeuvre through traffic or around sharp corners.

Comfortable and Convenient for Everyday Use

Electric cargo bikes are built for comfort, with wide tyres to absorb bumps and shocks, a relaxed riding position, and ergonomic grips and seats. The electric motor takes the sweat out of cycling, allowing you to arrive at your destination fresh and ready to go. You can easily adjust the level of assistance, so whether you want a light workout or a completely leisurely ride, you have the flexibility to choose. It’s all about making your daily rides enjoyable, practical, and perfectly suited to your needs.

Overall, riding an electric cargo bike feels like unlocking a new level of freedom—no more parking hassles, traffic delays, or endless petrol costs. Just you, your cargo, and a whole lot of fun on two wheels.

Absolutely! Electric cargo bikes are road legal in the UK, as long as they meet the same requirements as other electric bikes under the EAPC (Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycles) Regulations. To be considered road legal, the electric motor on your cargo bike must not exceed a power output of 250W, and it should only provide assistance while you are pedalling (pedal-assist system). The motor must also cut off once the bike reaches a speed of 15.5 mph (25 km/h).

If these conditions are met, you can ride your electric cargo bike on public roads, cycle paths, and most places where conventional bicycles are allowed without needing a licence, insurance, or road tax. However, throttle-based electric bikes, which can operate without pedalling, do not meet these criteria and would require type approval, insurance, and other legal documentation to be road-legal.

For those looking to use their electric cargo bike for family outings, commuting, or delivery purposes, complying with these regulations ensures a hassle-free experience. To ensure your bike meets all the necessary standards, you can check the full guidelines on the UK government website.

Alternatively, refer to our handy legal guide that we've put together for you. It includes everything you need to know about UK's laws on electric bikes.

An electric cargo bike can reach speeds of up to 15.5 mph (25 km/h) when using electric assistance, as per UK regulations for Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycles (EAPCs). The motor provides a powerful boost to help you maintain this speed comfortably, especially when carrying heavy loads or riding uphill. Beyond this speed, the motor will cut out, and you’ll rely on your pedalling power to go faster, just like a regular bike. This limit is designed to ensure safety and road legality while still giving you a swift and efficient way to get around.

While 15.5 mph may not seem very fast, electric cargo bikes are built for stability and control, not racing. The focus is on providing a smooth, manageable ride that allows you to transport kids, groceries, or deliveries without feeling rushed or unsafe. Some riders can pedal beyond the motor-assisted speed on downhill sections or flat roads, but the bike’s primary strength lies in effortlessly handling heavy loads and navigating urban environments.

If you’re looking for a reliable and eco-friendly way to move around the city while carrying more, an electric cargo bike offers the perfect balance of speed, safety, and practicality.

No, you don’t need a licence to ride an electric cargo bike in the UK, as long as it meets the requirements set out by the Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycles (EAPC) regulations. To qualify, the bike’s motor must not exceed 250W of power, and it should only provide assistance while you are pedalling, cutting off at a maximum speed of 15.5 mph (25 km/h). If your electric cargo bike fits these criteria, it’s considered a regular bicycle under UK law, meaning you can ride it without a licence, insurance, or road tax.

However, if the electric cargo bike has a throttle that can operate without pedalling or exceeds the power or speed limits set by the EAPC, it would be classified as a motor vehicle. In such cases, you’d need to get a licence, insurance, and potentially register the bike, along with displaying a number plate and passing an MOT.

For most riders looking to use an electric cargo bike for daily commutes, family outings, or deliveries, sticking to an EAPC-compliant model means you can enjoy all the benefits without the extra hassle of licensing and registration.

Choosing the right electric cargo bike depends on your specific needs, lifestyle, and how you plan to use it. With various models available, it’s important to consider a few key factors to find the perfect fit for you. Here’s a guide to help you make the best choice:

Consider Your Cargo Needs

Think about what you’ll be carrying most often. Will it be groceries, children, work equipment, or maybe even pets? Different electric cargo bikes come with different load capacities and cargo setups—like front-loading (AMCargobikes) or rear-loading (Revom) styles. If you’re planning to transport kids, look for models with built-in child seats or accessories for extra safety and comfort.

Assess Battery Life and Motor Power

If you’re planning longer journeys or live in a hilly area, consider an electric cargo bike with a powerful motor and a long-lasting battery. A mid-drive motor often provides better balance and power for hills, while hub motors can be more cost-effective and require less maintenance. Check the battery range to ensure it meets your daily needs, so you’re not left stranded mid-ride.

Evaluate Size, Weight, and Storage

Electric cargo bikes come in various sizes, so you’ll want to choose one that fits your height and comfort. Think about where you’ll store the bike when not in use—some models are bulky and may require a larger space. If storage is limited, look for more compact designs or models with foldable features.

Check for Comfort and Safety Features

Comfort is key, especially if you plan to use your electric cargo bike frequently. Look for features like adjustable seats, ergonomic handlebars, and wide tyres for better shock absorption. Safety is equally important, so consider bikes with quality brakes, built-in lights, and sturdy frames for stability and control.

Think About Additional Accessories

To customise your ride, think about any additional accessories you may need, like panniers, baskets, or weatherproof covers. Some models come with a range of add-ons that can enhance functionality, like child seats, cargo boxes, or even solar panels for charging on the go.

Set Your Budget

Electric cargo bikes can vary significantly in price, depending on their features, motor power, and build quality. Setting a budget will help you narrow down your choices. Remember, investing in a quality bike can save you money in the long run by reducing maintenance costs and improving durability.

By considering these factors, you can find the electric cargo bike that perfectly fits your needs, making your daily commutes, family outings, or business deliveries easier, greener, and a lot more fun!

Yes, we stand behind our products. All products sold by us come with a minimum of 6 months manufacturer's warranty.

For specific warranty details, please check the product pages.

Note that warranties do not cover damage from negligence, non-original parts, or modifications. They also do not cover normal wear and tear.

Glide & Gear supports healthy and eco-friendly commuting by partnering with several Cycle to Work schemes, allowing you to spread the cost of an electric bike over 12 months, with potential savings of up to 49%!

For more details, visit our Cycle to Work information page.

Currently, we don't have a student discount program in place. However, we frequently run fantastic discounts and promotions that you might be eligible for.

Yes! At Glide & Gear we are committed to providing the best buying experience for our customers which includes ensuring the best price.

We offer a price match guarantee on all our e-bikes and e-scooters so you can shop with confidence that you are getting the best price possible.