Trek Fetch+4 hands-on: What it's like to ride Trek's first electric cargo bike

It's so fetch.

Trek Fetch+4

Early Verdict

The Trek Fetch+4 is the company's first cargo ebike. It's well-designed but goes up against a number of well-established players.

Can carry a lot of cargo

Easy to pedal

Lots of configuration options

No throttle

Cargo area design is a bit bland

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Trek has been a well-known bike brand for decades — I still have my Antelope 830 from 30 years ago (and recently converted it to an electric bike ) — but until now, the company hadn't released an electric cargo bike. 

It seems Trek is making up for lost time with two new models, the Trek Fetch+2 and the Trek Fetch+4, both of which promise enough hauling capacity to replace your car. Both models recently went on sale for $5,999 and $8,499, respectively.

Trek offered me the chance to take one of its cargo bikes for a ride through Central Park in New York to see how it compared to some of the best electric bikes . And, because they're meant to tote tykes, I brought along my daughter to see what she thought of the bikes, too.

Trek Fetch+2 and Fetch+4 pricing and availability

Both the Trek Fetch+2 and Fetch+4 went on sale in May 2023; you can find them on Trek's site and Trek dealers throughout the U.S.

The Fetch+2 costs $5,999, and is available in blue, red, or gray. The Fetch+4 costs $8,499, and comes in red or black. Both come with a 30-day money back guarantee. 

Both bikes come in only one size, but can be customized with a number of seats, panniers, and racks. The options aren't as extensive as what RadPower offers with its electric bikes, but there's plenty of choices. 

Trek Fetch+2 and Fetch+4: Specs

Trek Fetch+2

The Trek Fetch+2 and Fetch+4 have different designs, and different carrying capacities as a result. The Fetch+2 is designed so that you carry the bulk of the load behind the rider, whereas the Fetch+4 has a large cargo area in front of the rider, and can carry more stuff in general.  

The Fetch+2 is the smaller and less expensive of Trek's e-cargo bikes; a rack in the rear of the bike can hold up to two kids, and you can also configure the bike with two rear panniers and two in the front, on either side of the front wheel.

Trek says that the larger Fetch+4 can fit up to four kids (max total weight of 175 pounds) in its front cargo area, but those kids would have to be pretty small; after seeing the bike in person, you could get away with four 3-foot toddlers, but even that would be kind of a tight squeeze. You can outfit the bike with individual seats for each kid, a bench seat, or even an infant-style car seat. The rear rack can hold up to 59 pounds.

Both models use a Bosch Cargo Line 250W hub motor, but the Fetch+2 has a 500Wh battery to the Fetch+4's 750Wh battery. Both batteries are removable, so you can recharge it separate from the bike itself.

The Fetch+4 uses a Enviolo Pro Manual Controller twist shift, while the Fetch+2 has a 10-speed Shimano Deore M4100 for changing gears. Both bikes also have 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes, as well as a dropper seat post. 

The Fetch+4 has a 27.5-inch rear wheel and a 20-inch front wheel, which is turned via cable steering. Trek adjusted it so you don't have to turn the handlebars too far — a 65-degree handlebar turn will rotate the front wheel 85 degrees. Like most cargo bikes of its ilk, it's pretty large, measuring more than seven feet in length.

Trek Fetch+4: Performance

Trek Fetch+4

To test the Fetch+4, I loaded it up with my backpack and my daughter and took it for a spin around the north half of the Central Park loop. As with any cargo bike, getting used to its weight distribution took a few minutes — you want to make sure all your turns are nice and gradual — but once I got going, things felt pretty steady.

The Bosch mid-drive motor was plenty powerful to get me around Central Park — even going up the hill at the north end was no effort at all, and I cruised past others who didn't have the benefit of pedal-assist. While the bike offers five levels of pedal assist, there's no throttle, which is a feature that's useful if you're trying to get a cargo bike moving from a stop while you're on a hill.

On the right handlebar is an Enviolo grip shift, which is used to change gears; I wasn't a huge fan, as it was hard to get a sense of how far I should turn it to change gears.

One welcome feature that I wouldn't have figured on was the bike's dropper seat post. Similar to one of the best office chairs , I pressed a lever on the handlebar to raise the seat height to a comfortable level. That made it so much easier to get on and off the bike.

Compared to some other electric cargo bikes, the cargo area of the Fecth+4 is a bit bland. It's a large, functional piece of plastic that looks like it will hold up to plenty of bumps and knocks, but it lacks the design pizzaz of the bamboo used in the Yuba Supercargo CL or the Bunch Coupe . At least there's plenty of room for stickers. 

Trek Fetch+4: Outlook

Trek Fetch+4

While I haven't ridden the Fetch+4 enough to give it a full review, my test ride gave me the impression that it's a strong first effort by Trek in the electric cargo bike category. However, it faces a lot of stiff competition from well-established rivals. 

For instance, the Yuba Supercargo CL — which is the best cargo bike on our list of the best electric bikes — weighs half as much as the Fetch+4, but can tote up to 220 pounds in its front cargo area, plus another 80 pounds in the rear. And, at $5,999, it costs more than $2,000 less than the Trek. 

Still, the Fetch is a relative bargain compared to the Riese & Mueller Packster 70, which starts at $9,279 ; you'd have to upgrade to a $10,250 model to get a similar belt drive and shifting system as the Fetch+4. 

As for my daughter? She had a blast, but was more excited about all the snacks I put in the seat next to her.

Mike Prospero

Michael A. Prospero is the U.S. Editor-in-Chief for Tom’s Guide. He oversees all evergreen content and oversees the Homes, Smart Home, and Fitness/Wearables categories for the site. In his spare time, he also tests out the latest drones, electric scooters, and smart home gadgets, such as video doorbells. Before his tenure at Tom's Guide, he was the Reviews Editor for Laptop Magazine, a reporter at Fast Company, the Times of Trenton, and, many eons back, an intern at George magazine. He received his undergraduate degree from Boston College, where he worked on the campus newspaper The Heights, and then attended the Columbia University school of Journalism. When he’s not testing out the latest running watch, electric scooter, or skiing or training for a marathon, he’s probably using the latest sous vide machine, smoker, or pizza oven, to the delight — or chagrin — of his family.

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trek electric cargo bike review

  • Electric Bikes /

Trek is trying to make Fetch happen with two new electric cargo bikes for families

The fetch plus 2 is a long-tail cargo bike, while the fetch plus 4 is more of a bakfiets-style box bike. the waterloo, wisconsin-based manufacturer said that ‘kids were the center point’ when it started designing these bikes..

By Andrew J. Hawkins , transportation editor with 10+ years of experience who covers EVs, public transportation, and aviation. His work has appeared in The New York Daily News and City & State.

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Trek Fetch Plus 4 electric cargo bike with kids

Trek announced two new electric cargo bikes — Fetch Plus 2 and Fetch Plus 4 — aimed squarely at the growing number of families who are looking to replace a car with a more sustainable mode of transportation.

The two models are pretty distinct from each other. The Fetch Plus 2 is a long-tail cargo bike with an extended rear rack for carrying children, cargo, or a mix of both. And the Fetch Plus 4 is a box bike, also known as a bakfiets, with a long wheelbase and a generous front cargo area. Whether you prefer to have your kids and cargo in the front or the back, Trek has you covered with these two different styles of e-bike.

trek electric cargo bike review

As e-bike sales continue to grow by leaps and bounds , motorized cargo bikes are becoming especially popular thanks to their unique ability to meet the needs of a wide range of customers. Families with small children, in particular, are turning to e-cargo bikes as a way to replace a second car — or even to go completely car-free . Trek says it saw a unique opportunity to design two new models with those types of customers in mind.

“Kids were the center point of when we first started designing these,” said Eric Bybee, a senior mechanical design engineer at Trek and one of the lead designers on the Fetch Plus models. “We realized that when a family is going out to buy one of these bikes, the kids have to be the focus.”

trek electric cargo bike review

Like with past e-bike models, Trek is continuing to rely on powertrain systems provided by Bosch, a global auto parts supplier and maker of premium e-bike motors and batteries. Both Fetch Plus models will sport Bosch’s BES3 smart systems, which includes the German company’s Cargo Line brand of 250W motor that puts out 80 newton-meters of torque and can hit a top speed of 20mph (25 km/h).

“Cargo Line was specially developed for in e-cargo bikes,” said Sebastian Baumgartner, product manager at Bosch’s e-bike system. “With it, you can transport loads effortlessly and sustainably from A to B.”

Like with past e-bike models, Trek is continuing to rely on powertrain systems provided by Bosch

On batteries, Trek’s new cargo bikes diverge. The long-tail Fetch Plus 2 features a standard 500Wh battery, while the bakfiets-style Fetch Plus 4 carries a heavier 4.3kg 750Wh battery. And while the Fetch Plus 2 has an optional range extender, the Fetch Plus 4 does not.

As it does with other e-bikes, Trek uses removable integrated batteries, which fit inside the frame of the bike. That’s obvious enough with the Fetch Plus 2, where the battery fits snuggly inside the downtube. But on the Fetch Plus 4, it’s a bit more conspicuous, jutting out slightly from its position in the downtube flush against the back of the cargo box.

trek electric cargo bike review

The displays in the cockpit are fairly simple but will be familiar to anyone who’s ever ridden a Bosch-powered e-bike. There are five power settings depending on how much assistance you want while riding. And there’s a smartphone grip if riders want to use Bosch’s app for more details about their ride, including distance, time, and speed.

The Fetch Plus models feature other premium parts aside from the Bosch powertrain. The Fetch Plus 4 sports a Gates CDX carbon belt drive paired with an Enviolo Heavy Duty hub for automatic gearing. The Fetch Plus 2 does not include those more expensive parts, featuring instead a 46-tooth chainring and a 10-speed Shimano Deore drivetrain with a wide-range cassette and four-piston hydraulic brakes for confident stopping power.

As for cargo, both bikes can carry relatively heavy loads. The Fetch Plus 2 is rated for 440lbs (200kg), including both the rider and cargo. The Fetch Plus 4’s front box is designed to handle up to 176lbs (20kg) or 60 gallons (230 liters). Space-wise, it can fit two kids, either riding on a bench with safety harnesses or in compatible child seats for the younger ones.

There’s a host of other desirable features, like integrated Abus locks on the rear tire, integrated lightning for safety, kickstands, fenders, and more. There’s a variety of colors for the frame. And there’s a host of interesting accessories, like hard-shell panniers for the front and rear to increase your cargo-carrying ability. But of course, those will cost you extra. As I said before, Trek is casting a wide net with these two bikes, both in terms of flexibility and approachability.

trek electric cargo bike review

That said, the price may be a limiting factor, but Trek has never squandered on premium parts . When they go on sale in April, the Fetch Plus 2 will retail for $5,999, while the Fetch Plus 4 will sell for a whopping $8,499. That’s significantly more expensive than budget cargo bikes from direct-to-consumer brands like Rad Power Bikes , Aventon, and Lectric . And it’s even pricier than more premium e-bike brands like Tern .

As for cargo, both bikes can carry relatively heavy loads

That may still be too expensive for some customers. But when it comes to cargo bikes, I try not to compare them to other non-electric bikes but, rather, to the car I am trying to replace. Using that rubric, the e-bike is always the cheapest option. And there are fewer recurring costs: no gas, no insurance, and much more affordable maintenance.

On that last point, Trek likes to point out that, unlike the DTC brands, it has a vast network of brick-and-mortar retail shops and licensed repair stores where customers can try before they buy and come in for any tune-ups, flat fixes, and the like. It’s a powerful argument in favor of the legacy manufacturer, especially in light of the number of cheaply made fly-by-night brands that have been flooding the e-bike market in recent years.

Update February 16th 4:44PM ET: Trek’s electric cargo bikes go on sale in April. The company originally said March 3rd but has since pushed that back.

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TREK Fetch+ 4 Review

  • Last updated January 21, 2024

TREK Fetch+ 4

  • All of our bikes are electric, but all of our writers are human.

TREK Fetch+ 4

CHARGE TIME

TREK Fetch+ 4 Review: Takeaway

We really enjoyed our time riding this bike. We completed all our tasks and got home with zero fuss, pulling up directly in front of the locations we needed to get to.

We have tried a few high-end cargo bikes, and the Fetch+ 4 from Trek is one of our favorite solutions. It’s very well made, quiet, and fun. And price wise, considering the amount of materials and design, it is competitive compared to the rest of the bike market.

TREK Fetch+ 4 Review: Overview

TREK offers a full range of electric bikes, and their cargo bike offerings are worth noting.

Transport is slowly changing in cities worldwide, and the cargo box e-bike is becoming increasingly popular. This type of bike has yet to become widespread and known by everyone, mostly because people haven’t had the opportunity to try it. Also, it’s a very new category of e-bike that is not easy to transport around to show everyone as it almost has the presence of a small car.

We headed to a TREK test center in Florence, Italy, to try out and test the TREK Fetch + 4. What we did not tell them was how we would test it. We had a real challenge in our mind to see what was possible with this bike, so we took another test bike we had to give back to another shop across the other side of town. To get there, we were going to use the TREK Fetch+ 4. In total, we needed to carry about 80 lbs with us to the other side of town, pushing the bike’s limit in traffic and pedestrian zones.

The key components of the Fetch+ 4 include its aluminum frame that is bolted together and the large container “box” on the front.

trek electric cargo bike review

This box can be configured in different ways, including with specially designed seats for transporting small children. These seats have a four-point harness that keeps a 55 lb child secure. Children should also wear a cycle helmet when being carried.

A cargo bike‘s handlebars are separated from the front wheel by a precise and progressive cable system that gives very good control at speed and also in tight spaces when moving the bike around. The bars also have comfortable grips to reduce vibration.

trek electric cargo bike review

The gears are hub gears that can be adjusted according to the need to start from a dead stop or ride slowly or faster according to traffic conditions. These are driven by a Carbon Gates belt drive, which is silent and clean in operation. These are known for a long life.

Tektro provides the hydraulic brakes, and they have a slightly thicker rotor fitted to them. They are very powerful and have good modulation for gentle control.

The Suntour front suspension fork and the special Trans-x hydraulic suspension seat post offer comfort for riders and cargo on rough urban surfaces. Even potholes are dealt with well.

trek electric cargo bike review

This e-bike uses a large rear wheel and a smaller front wheel to improve maneuverability. Although it’s not possible to see the front wheel when in motion, the rider can feel where it is through the bar.

trek electric cargo bike review

The bike includes lights and fenders front and rear for extra visibility and damp running. There is also a small wheel lock for immobilizing the bike for short periods when stopping while in use if left unattended.

trek electric cargo bike review

The finish on this e-bike is top quality with good-looking welds, a nice fit of all components, and a silent ride with no rattles, bangs, or creaks.

It’s quite a heavy e-bike, but remember, it can carry 160 lbs of stuff plus a rider. With this in mind, it also has a very strong kickstand mounted underneath the box, which the bike sits on when parked. We found it easy to operate.

Bosch Motor, Battery, and Display

The Bosch Performance Cargoline motor worked efficiently and silently. We never felt it was strained or in difficulty. It has a completely different software tune compared to an offroad motor. It supports up to 460% and can be tuned in the Bosch Flow app.

trek electric cargo bike review

The range also surprised us with the 750Wh battery as it was efficient considering the weight we were carrying. Weight is the most considerable influence on e-bike range, and this bike was excellent considering you are moving up to 450 lbs in weight around, including up gentle hills.

Accelerating away from a stop was easy. It was similar to riding a traditional bike, except it was quieter as the drive system is a carbon belt drive with zero oil and dirt.

The range of this e-bike for us was good, and we think on a gentle up and down, you could have a 15-mile range in each direction with a substantial load. Obviously, the range is greater the lighter the load you carry and the flatter the route you ride.

The motor can be tuned via the smart system app. Your phone holder can charge your phone on the bike when used, and the app also provides mapping and dashboard data, including speed, mode, and range. It was an excellent idea as the phone also acts as a digital lock for the bike. On the left are the power switch and battery levels, which are easy to operate and color-coded according to which mode you are in.

We would class this as more of ride comfort and handling, as the Fetch+ 4 is meant to be ridden by everyone. It has an upright riding position and a long wheelbase. The long wheelbase gives a lot of stability at all speeds and allows cornering just by leaning the bike.

The load is held low to the ground, increasing stability when riding. The suspension is surprising because the bike rolls well through rough ground and does not feel like it is stopping.

Riding In The City

Our test aimed to determine how useful this e-bike could be. We rode about 10 miles across town carrying a bulky load and consumed about 40% of the battery in this distance.

The bike was stable even at low speeds and was very easy to start with the hub gears, which could be changed even when stopped. This is an essential system to have on a heavy cargo bike.

Braking was surprisingly strong with or without a load; we stopped quickly on all surfaces and remained stable. It was easy to keep the bike upright with a heavy load, and with walk mode active, it was effortless to move the bike about. It comes with a small lock that allows us to block the bike, plus the digital lock of the motor. It is hard to steal this bike if you stop for a few minutes outside a shop.

trek electric cargo bike review

We rode the bike through the middle of Florence, where there was lots of traffic of all types and cars and people. We rode on a mix of cycle paths, ordinary roads, and some gravel streets in parks. The bike handled all of these surfaces and locations well. You must pay attention to road position on narrow cycle paths to avoid smaller bikes coming the other way. Cornering, including in alleys, was easy, and riding on rough pavè was comfortable as the seat had suspension, and the front fork provided suspension comfort.

We found ourselves moving at the speed of the city traffic and very safe. We noticed because this e-bike was very large, everyone could see us. Also, drivers gave us space and were considerate, even in a frenetic city like Florence, where drivers can be very aggressive.

We found the gears and motor ideal starting from a dead stop, even up hills. When steep, we recommended pushing the bike using the walk mode, which worked well. Getting the bike on and off the stand was easy, although a smaller individual might struggle with the bigger weights.

We had to follow a diversion at one point for a road closure through the middle of Florence and were in the middle of an area with many people for a short time. We found that experience surprising, with no one being scared of the cargo bike near them and people moving calmly out of the way; it was a more pleasant experience than using a traditional bike. We pushed the bike at certain points at walking pace. Respect is the most crucial factor concerning other road users.

The pedaling experience is smooth, and the motor takes up much of the effort in Turbo mode. The power is also delivered smoothly, with the bike accelerating up to the limit quickly and maintaining speed with minimal effort.

Specs & Components

The specs above come from the manufacturer and may vary from what you’ve experienced. Notice something that needs correcting? Let us know .

The Bosch Cargoline motors are expertly designed for cargo transportation, offering a unique power application setup. They can provide an impressive 460% of the rider’s effort, delivering this power smoothly without any abrupt surges. As a result, starting and accelerating feels gentle on the legs. Additionally, riders have the flexibility to adjust power modes, allowing them to dial back assistance if they’re in the mood for a more intensive workout while riding.

The bike’s range varies depending on the load, making it tricky to state a definitive number. From our experience, a fully loaded ride can cover up to 30 miles, more than ample for city commutes. This ensures you can navigate the city, run errands, and return home without concerns about battery life. For those rare extended journeys beyond 50 miles, the battery can be quickly swapped out in just 10 seconds. Plus, a brief 1-hour charge significantly boosts the battery life.

The bike boasts an ergonomic design that positions the rider upright, ensuring optimum comfort. The highlight is the innovative suspended seat post, which, when paired with the front “comfort” fork, guarantees a buttery-smooth ride for both the rider and any cargo. Every aspect of this bike exudes premium quality, ensuring every ride feels gentle and refined.

These bikes, robustly constructed and backed by Trek’s full warranty, are built to last. The carbon gates drive is a standout feature, which requires no maintenance and promises longevity. With Bosch’s stellar global service for their systems, it’s evident that investing in this bike means investing in quality and durability. However, the bike’s lifespan and maintenance needs will naturally depend on the conditions in which it’s ridden.

Box cargo bikes are garnering attention, even among fellow bike journalists we spot on social media. Giving them a try can be a game-changer, making cars seem cumbersome in comparison. Trek’s design is not only visually striking but also reaffirms its reputation as a top-tier bike manufacturer, extending its excellence to the cargo category.

We personally research and test every e-bike featured in our reviews and guides to provide accurate, data-driven recommendations. Learn how we review.

About Our Editorial Team

Alex Boyce

Meet Our Editorial Team

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DOWNTOWN Magazine

Trek Fetch+ 2 in review – Minimalism vs. Usability

trek electric cargo bike review

Trek is making a debut in the urban bike segment! With the Trek Fetch+ 2, the American brand launch a real eye-catcher on the cargo bike market, attracting attention with its bright colours and naked bike aesthetics. Read on to find out what the longtail ebike with Bosch motor and rather minimalist equipment is hiding behind its striking façade.

Trek are one of the biggest bicycle brands in the world, known especially for their high-performance road bikes and mountain bikes. Previously, the brand has never been associated with urban or cargo bikes, as normally their numerous subsidiaries cover this part of the business. This is also the reason that you have never read about an urban bike from Trek in DOWNTOWN before. Well, the Trek Fetch+2, equipped with a Bosch Performance Cargo Line motor and retailing at € 4,999, is now changing that! We put the Fetch+ 2 to the test to see how much cargo bike know-how the industry giant Trek bring to the table and how the bike performs in everyday use.

trek electric cargo bike review

Naked bike with a generous accessories catalogue – The special features of the Trek Fetch+ 2

When ordering the basic version of the Trek Fetch+ 2, you will probably either have a custom solution in mind or you will have to pay the online shop another visit later on. The standard version of the already minimalist e-cargo bike costing € 4,999 comes virtually naked. No mudguards, bench or panniers. These features can be added, keeping the basic price low, and allowing everyone to assemble the bike according to their specific requirements, or to opt for their own customised solutions.

trek electric cargo bike review

The rest of the configuration follows the minimalist approach: You won’t find a suspension fork or a dropper post, and instead of an automatic hub gear with belt drive you will get a simple 10-speed derailleur. With the Fetch+ 2, Trek dispense with most of the features of modern bikes and thus manage to offer a comparatively light cargo bike that weighs 31.4 kg in the basic configuration. The accessories catalogue, on the other hand, is extensive. Front and rear baskets made of hard plastic are available for € 199.99 each, and the mudguard set for € 59.99. It all comes in four different colours, allowing the Trek Fetch+ 2, which itself is available in three bright colours, to be tailored to your individual taste. The Family Pack Kit includes a bench seat, safety bar, backrest, spoke protector and comes at a price of € 299.99. Child seats can be installed on the long rear carrier, which is compatible with Thule Yepp Nexxt child seats. We reviewed the Trek Fetch+ 2 with the Family Pack Kit and the rear pannier baskets which comes with a price tag of € 5,498.

trek electric cargo bike review

Equipment options on the Trek Fetch+ 2: What do you really need on a cargo bike?

The Trek Fetch+ 2 comes with a relatively small 500 Wh battery. In combination with the 85 Nm Bosch Cargo Line motor, it might be a good idea to plan ahead for longer tours with a heavy load or some vertical metres. However, when using the bike only for short distances, or if you can charge it at your destination, range won’t be a problem. The battery, neatly integrated into the frame, is very easy to remove and charge.Instead of an overly crowded display, Trek have opted for Bosch’s SmartphoneGrip mount.

trek electric cargo bike review

If you connect the Bosch eBike Flow app to the bike, you will have uncluttered access to navigation and the essential riding data. Your smartphone can be easily controlled from the remote on the handlebar, and is charged wirelessly while riding. If you prefer the Bosch Kiox 300 display instead, you can buy it for € 129 and retrofit it with a flick of the wrist.A quick trip to the bakery? No need to attach the smartphone, the Fetch+ 2 also works without it. At least, unless you activate the eBike Lock function of the Bosch Smart System that turns the smartphone into a digital key required to activate all motor functions. Conveniently, this works completely automatically as long as the Bluetooth is activated and as the Fetch+ 2 comes without any physical lock, we highly recommend this feature.

trek electric cargo bike review

Equally straightforward is the 10-speed Shimano DEORE derailleur, which works well with the powerful Bosch Performance Cargo Line motor. The gear range is wide enough for the steepest climbs, while the ability to carry load and the shifting performance are absolutely sufficient for a cargo bike.What goes up must come down! On steep descents, we would have welcomed some more braking power on the Fetch+ 2, which has a maximum permissible weight of 200 kg. An upgrade of the rather small 180 mm brake disc at the front would allow the bike to stop more quickly even when fully loaded.The rather basic suspension relies entirely on the 2.35″ wide tires. They offer little comfort and gave both us and the load a good shaking when riding over kerbs. However, they work on the occasional gravel stretches and on rough asphalt.

Tuning-Tipp: Upgrade to a 200 mm brake disc at the front for more braking power

trek electric cargo bike review

The handling of this bike really surprised us, though. The Trek Fetch+ 2 feels like a much shorter bike when you ride it. The compact cargo bike offers very direct handling thanks to the wide handlebar and steep steering angle. Those who cycle a lot will have great fun on the Fetch+ 2, as it is a playful ride and manoeuvres tight corners precisely. For newbies, however, the handling might be a little too nervous, especially with moving children in the back seat. The lack of a dropper post increases the fear of tipping over, as especially small riders will have a problem getting their feet on the ground quickly. In addition, the Fetch+ 2 will only be available in one size for all heights between 1.60 m and 1.90 m, but switching between riders of different heights is made rather easy by the quick release on the adjustable seat post.

Wow , the Trek Fetch+ 2 feels like a much shorter bike when you ride it!

trek electric cargo bike review

The new Trek Fetch+ 2: Who gets their money’s worth?

The Trek Fetch+ 2 scores points on short-distance rides through the city. For transporting up to two children or a trip to the farmers’ market, the Trek Fetch+ 2 is also ideal. The agile cargo bike can be manoeuvred precisely and offers sufficient motor support for steep climbs. However, fans of suspension, high comfort and a smooth ride will probably be slightly disappointed. On the other hand, if you are looking for a longtail bike with basic features and a high level of riding fun or an inexpensive base for a custom cargo bike setup, you will find it in the Fetch+ 2.

trek electric cargo bike review

Trek Fetch+ 2

Specifications.

Motor Bosch Cargo Line 85 Nm Battery Bosch Powertube 500 Wh Display Bosch SmartphoneGrip Seatpost Bontrager Alu Brakes Tektro HD-T737 180/180 mm Drivetrain Shimano DEORE 1x10 Stem Aluminum verstellbar 90 mm Handlebar Electra Vale Go

Technical Data

Size One Size Weight 31 kg Perm. total weight 200 kg Max. payload (rider/equipment) 169 kg Kickstand mount ja

Specific Features

Fun driving experience eye-catching optics

trek electric cargo bike review

Conclusion for the Trek Fetch+ 2

Bright red, powerful motor, playful handling but otherwise just offering the most basic features. What sounds like a Ferrari Testarossa is Trek’s cargo bike debut: The Fetch+ 2 is a fun and inexpensive longtail ebike with many add-on options. The equipment is rather minimalistic, but overall solid.

trek electric cargo bike review

  • good base with multiple upgrade options
  • eye-catching look

trek electric cargo bike review

  • low battery capacity for a cargo bike with 85 Nm

For more information, visit trekbikes.com

trek electric cargo bike review

Words & Photos: Jan Richter

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.css-1hnz6hu{position:static;}.css-1hnz6hu::before{content:'';cursor:inherit;display:block;position:absolute;top:0px;left:0px;z-index:0;width:100%;height:100%;} Ride Review

Your guide to trek electric bikes.

A comprehensive guide to Trek eBikes that fit your needs on the open road, mountain trails or on the city streets.

your-guide-to-trek-electric-bikes

In This Guide

.css-spn4bz{transition-property:var(--chakra-transition-property-common);transition-duration:var(--chakra-transition-duration-fast);transition-timing-function:var(--chakra-transition-easing-ease-out);cursor:pointer;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;outline:2px solid transparent;outline-offset:2px;color:inherit;}.css-spn4bz:hover,.css-spn4bz[data-hover]{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-spn4bz:focus-visible,.css-spn4bz[data-focus-visible]{box-shadow:var(--chakra-shadows-outline);} what are trek electric bikes, why buy a trek ebike, factors to consider when buying a trek ebike, .css-44x0bk{transition-property:var(--chakra-transition-property-common);transition-duration:var(--chakra-transition-duration-fast);transition-timing-function:var(--chakra-transition-easing-ease-out);cursor:pointer;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;outline:2px solid transparent;outline-offset:2px;color:inherit;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;justify-items:center;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;}.css-44x0bk:hover,.css-44x0bk[data-hover]{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-44x0bk:focus-visible,.css-44x0bk[data-focus-visible]{box-shadow:var(--chakra-shadows-outline);} .css-1p4th1k{border-radius:4px;width:50px;-webkit-flex:0;-ms-flex:0;flex:0;border:3px solid #ff0;margin-right:10px;} trek verve+ 3 lowstep, trek domane+ lt e-bike, what are trek electric bikes.

If you are in the market for a new eBike, you’ve probably heard of Trek bicycles . Founded in 1976, Trek is a leading bicycle manufacturer and distributes bikes in over 90 countries around the globe. Headquartered in Waterloo, Wisconsin, Trek bikes are manufactured in Europe and Asia. 

Through extensive R&D from its world-class professional road and mountain bike teams, Trek designs and builds its consumer eBikes with the most innovative technology available in the industry. Trek’s eBike lineup includes an extensive selection of road, mountain, city, utility, and cruiser bikes that suit anyone who wants to ride recreationally on the road or trail, commute to work or carry groceries and kids around town.

Reputation and Quality - With 50 years of experience, Trek has a solid reputation for building quality, dependable eBikes that are equipped with good componentry. Their batteries, motors, and controllers are certified for safe operation and charging in your home.

Model Variety - Trek offers an extensive selection of performance road and mountain eBikes, city and utility eBikes, and hybrid and recreational bikes in a variety of sizes and colors.

Innovation - Trek strives to be on the leading edge of the bike industry and puts innovative technology into all levels of its bike lineup.

Warranty and Customer Service   - Through dealers and customer service, Trek provides personalized service to ensure that you get the bike that’s correct for you and that it works for years with minimum issues. 

More Expensive - Trek eBikes are not the lowest-priced options on the market. Do you prioritize price over component specs and feature innovation? You may look to other eBike brands that deliver more value.

Dealer Sales Only - New Trek eBikes are only available through authorized dealers with no options of direct-to-consumer. On the plus side, you will receive proper fitting and have the peace of mind that your eBike was assembled by a certified mechanic.

Are you ready to learn more about Trek eBikes? Let’s get started!

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.css-1hnz6hu{position:static;}.css-1hnz6hu::before{content:'';cursor:inherit;display:block;position:absolute;top:0px;left:0px;z-index:0;width:100%;height:100%;} Trek Verve+ 3 Lowstep

The Verve+ 3 Lowstep is Trek’s take on the classic city bike. The lightweight, step-through frame and comprehensive set of accessories make the Verve+ 3 Lowstep a turn-key eBike for your city riding needs.

10 Reasons to Buy the Trek Verve+ 3 Lowstep

The Trek Verve+ 3 Lowstep e-bike comes with powerful disc brakes that provide maximum safety.

This e-bike is equipped with a mid-drive motor to help riders easily ascend any incline without the need for strenuous physical effort.

Its geometry provides great stability and comfort when cycling, allowing riders to remain in an upright position while their body weight is evenly distributed on the bike's frame.

The design of the Trek Verve+ 3 Lowstep e-bike is sleek and modern, adding a stylish touch to your cycling experience.

To ensure a smoother ride, it has a suspension seat post that can absorb shocks from uneven terrain, reducing stress on the joints.

For added protection against punctures, the Trek Verve+ 3 Lowstep e-bike comes with tough, puncture-resistant tires.

Its lightweight aluminum frame makes the bike easy to maneuver.

The price tag of the Trek Verve+ 3 Lowstep e-bike is also very affordable compared to other electric bikes in its class.

With its wide range of sizes and frames tailored specifically for different heights and body types, you’re sure to find the perfect fit for your needs.

This amazing bike also comes with high-quality accessories, including rear lights.

2 Reasons Not to Buy the Trek Verve+ 3 Lowstep

The Verve+ 3 doesn’t include any front suspension, meaning riders won't benefit from the added shock absorption.

The display included with this bike is nothing special, just featuring basic functions such as speed and battery level indicators.

The Bottom Line

The Trek Verve+ 3 Lowstep’s traditional city bike design and geometry make it ideal for city commuting and light utility use. The low step frame makes it easy to get on and off, no matter what you are wearing. It’s generously equipped with all the accessories that you’ll need to tackle your daily errands in all conditions.

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The Trek FX+ 2 eBike is a no-frills upgrade for your city commute or leisure rides when you want an electric boost. The FX+2 is Trek’s more economical eBike offering.

11 Reasons to Buy the Trek FX+ 2 eBike

The Hyena Rider Assistant app optimizes the bike's performance to meet your needs.

The bike's rear hub motor is quiet so you can enjoy a natural ride that feels like a traditional bicycle with an added boost.

The PAS system has three optimized settings that provide noticeable variation in assistance.

The 120-lumen headlamp offers excellent visibility and the fenders help you stay dry in wet conditions.

The kickstand mount keeps the bike upright and accessible, making it easy to grab and go.

The hydraulic disc brakes perform well even in heavy rain, ensuring consistent stopping power in various weather conditions.

The rear rack mount lets you easily transport items while commuting or running errands.

The loud bell ensures you can alert other riders or pedestrians to your presence for added safety.

It’s incredibly lightweight at just 40 lbs for effortless handling and maneuverability.

It comes in four sizes and three color options.

It has a range of 70 miles with the range extender battery system.

2 Reasons Not to Buy the Trek FX+ 2 eBike

The LED display for battery status and pedal assist mode feels outdated compared to modern LCDs.

The lack of quick-release wheels requires tools for their removal.

The Trek FX+2 gives you the essentials for everyday city commuting. Its lightweight,  understated design is excellent for riders who need to carry their bike and don’t want to attract attention. It lacks some features found on more expensive bikes, but the FX+2 provides extra assistance for daily utility and leisure rides.

The Trek Dual Sport+ is a versatile and well-designed electric bike that delivers a comfortable and stable riding experience on both the road and trail. It is lightweight and durable, making it perfect for commuting or light touring.

6 Reasons to Buy the Dual Sport+

Well-designed and versatile electric bike

An affordable and reliable option

Excellent brakes and dependable specification list

Lightweight and durable hybrid bike

Small but effective motor and torque sensor

Stealthy appearance with streamlined design elements

3 Reasons to Buy the Dual Sport+

The absence of an integrated light system

Puncture-resistant tires

Non-replaceable internal battery may limit range without an external range extender battery

The Dual Sport+ electric bike is a well-designed and versatile option that offers great value for its price. With excellent brakes, a dependable specification list, and a small but effective motor, it provides a reliable and enjoyable ride.

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The Trek Domane+ LT is a performance road bike with electric assist that is perfect for long miles on pavement or gravel.

5 Reasons to Buy the Trek Domane+ LT

The Bontrager Arvada Elite saddle promises a comfortable ride

Tubeless tires on quality tubeless-read wheels

Full carbon suspension is extremely durable and stable

Powerful electric drive system with a touch remote

Good performance on steep climbs

3 Reasons Not to Buy the Trek Domane+ LT

The pedal assist will cut off after reaching a speed of 20 mph, which might not give the best experience to riders looking for a fast ride.

The battery life can be a bit short if you want to have a full-day adventure.

Only one frame size is available, but it might not be suitable for all riders.

The Trek Domane+ LT can give you an authentic road bike experience, thanks to the quality carbon frame, tires suitable for road and gravel, and hidden electronic drivetrain system.

The Trek Allant+ is a powerful, versatile, and capable electric bike perfect for speedy commutes, sweat-free errands, and off-road adventures. It offers a hill-flattening boost and a range that shrinks distances, making it suitable for various ride use cases such as neighborhood cruising, urban commuting, and family leisure. 

5 Reasons to Buy the Allant+

It is a high-quality ebike with ample range, a powerful motor, and a comprehensive parts package.

It is a comfortable and capable commuter ebike with reliable handling.

This fast commuter e-bike has sharp and reliable handling and ample speed.

The Allant+ features high-quality components, a powerful motor, and intuitive connectivity.

The Allant+ is a high-quality bike with effective weight distribution, an impressive motor, a smooth ride, and good components.

3 Reasons Not to Buy the Allant+

The Trek Allant+ has an expensive price point that may not provide the best value for every customer.

The charging port could benefit from a more accessible position.

Low-speed steering and suspension could be improved.

The Trek Allant+ line of electric bikes offers top-notch quality, impressive performance, and a comprehensive set of features. While they may have a higher price point, the high-quality components and intuitive connectivity make them a great investment for those seeking an enjoyable commuting or casual riding experience.

The Trek E-Caliber is a lightweight electric mountain bike that combines traditional cycling agility with the benefits of electric assistance. With its nimble and efficient ride, the E-Caliber is accessible to a wide range of riders and offers a versatile design that appeals to both professionals and casual riders. 

7 Reasons to Buy the E-Caliber

The Trek E-Caliber is praised for its integration of the Fazua Evation assist system, which provides electric assistance while maintaining traditional cycling agility.

The bike is optimized for weight and performance, potentially setting a new standard for eMTB design.

It offers a nimble and efficient ride, making it accessible to a wide range of riders.

The E-Caliber features a lightweight carbon frame and quality components.

The bike has a versatile design and appeals to both professional and casual riders.

The iso-strut suspension guarantees a comfortable and adjustable ride.

The E-Caliber is customizable, allowing customers to tailor it to their specific needs.

4 Reasons Not to Buy the E-Caliber

The E-Caliber suspension may not provide enough off-road performance and its aggressive geometry may limit its application.

The high price tag of $11,999 may deter some potential buyers.

There are other e-bikes in the same price range that offer more.

Despite its lightweight and quality components, the E-Caliber may not be suitable for longer rides.

The Trek E-Caliber is a groundbreaking eMTB that offers the perfect blend of electric assistance and traditional cycling agility. With its optimized weight and performance, it sets a new standard for eMTB design. The nimble and efficient ride, along with the Fazua Evation assist system, ensures a superior riding experience with minimal resistance.

The Trek Powerfly FS 4 is a full-suspension electric mountain bike designed for rugged trail adventures. It features a durable Alpha Platinum Aluminum frame and is equipped with a powerful Bosch Performance Line CX drive system. Despite its high performance, the Powerfly FS 4 remains affordable, providing excellent value for money.

9 Reasons to Buy the Powerfly FS 4

The Trek 2022 Powerfly FS 4 features a suspension system, making it suitable for mountain biking and off-road adventures.

The bike utilizes Trek's Alpha Platinum Aluminum frame, ensuring durability and strength.

Equipped with the reliable Performance CX mid-mounted motor by Bosch, providing efficient and powerful assistance while riding.

The integrated battery is removable, allowing for easy charging and replacement.

The bike offers additional features ready for customization, giving users the ability to personalize their riding experience.

The new Trek Powerfly FS is versatile and high-performing, suitable for various terrains and riding styles.

The e-bike is equipped with top-of-the-line hardware, ensuring quality and reliability.

Despite its high quality, the Trek Powerfly FS is considered affordable, offering value for money.

The design of the bike allows for great off-road handling, providing a thrilling and enjoyable riding experience.

1 Reason Not to Buy the Powerfly FS 4

The bike's small display screen might be inconvenient for some users, potentially affecting visibility and ease of navigation.

The Trek Powerfly FS 4 is a top-performing e-bike that offers durability, versatility, and value for money. With its suspension system and strong frame, it's perfect for off-road adventures. The reliable motor and removable battery provide efficient assistance and easy charging. Plus, the customizable features allow users to personalize their riding experience. While the small display screen may be a drawback for some, overall, the Powerfly FS 4 delivers a thrilling and enjoyable ride.

The Trek Rail 9.7 is a long-travel carbon electric mountain bike that offers impressive performance and a solid distance range. With its powerful Bosch motor and 625Wh battery capacity, it provides powerful uphill momentum and inspires confidence on descents.

4 Reasons to Buy the Rail 9.7

Impressive distance range with the powerful Bosch motor and a solid 625Wh battery capacity

Powerful uphill momentum and confident descent

Good geometry and an enjoyable ride

Surprisingly plush and comfortable

4 Reasons Not to Buy the Rail 9.7

Slightly quirky display and controls

Less smooth start-off of the motor

Placement of the water bottle holder

The aesthetic of the remote (not visually appealing)

The Rail 9.7 offers an impressive distance range and powerful performance, making it a great option for those looking for an enjoyable and comfortable ride. While there may be some minor quirks and budget-oriented componentry, overall, this enduro eMTB delivers on its promises and provides a solid choice for riders.

The Fuel EXe 9.8 GX AXS is an evolved e-mountain bike from Trek. Built on a carbon fiber chassis, it offers a light, stiff, and nimble ride.

13 Reasons to Buy the Fuel EXe 9.8 GX AXS

Versatility for different terrains

A great option for both park rides and long trail rides

Impressive build quality

Sleek design for a smooth ride

Sturdy build, high-quality components, and excellent ride quality

Electric-assist has powerful performance

Silent operation and instant drive unit engagement

Reduced fatigue and increased agility compared to full-fat eMTBs

Sturdy frame and supportive suspension for an efficient and confident ride

Efficient climbing performance and powerful brakes

It has a short rear end for a playful ride quality

Impressive natural ride feel and lightweight build

Potential long-term durability and performance

3 Reasons Not to Buy the Fuel EXe 9.8 GX AXS

Somewhat expensive compared to some competitors

It has areas for potential improvement

Heavier and lacking small-bump suppleness

The Fuel EXe 9.8 GX AXS is a versatile and high-quality micromobility vehicle that delivers an exceptional ride experience. With its sleek design, sturdy build, and powerful electric-assist performance, it's a top choice for riders looking to tackle different terrains, from park rides to long trail adventures. The reduced fatigue and increased agility make it a joy to ride, while the supportive suspension and efficient climbing performance ensure a confident journey. Despite the somewhat higher price tag, this micromobility vehicle offers long-term durability and performance, making it a worthwhile investment for those seeking a reliable and enjoyable ride.

The Trek Fetch+ 2 is a compact electric cargo bike designed to haul a lot while being fun and simple to use. With the powerful boost of the Bosch smart system, it can easily carry up to 175 lbs of cargo, making it perfect for families.

5 Reasons to Buy the Fetch+ 2

The Trek Fetch Plus 2 electric bike offers great capacity for carrying children or cargo.

The bikes are highly customizable, allowing for the addition of child seats and various compartments for cargo.

They are equipped with Bosch electric bike motors, known for their quality and reliability.

The removable Bosch batteries can be fully charged in six hours, providing a convenient power source.

The Fetch Plus 2 cargo bike offers a minimalist design with a relatively lightweight, making it suitable for urban riding.

4 Reasons Not to Buy the Fetch+ 2

The Trek Fetch Plus bikes have a hefty price tag, which may not be accessible to all potential buyers.

While the bikes are designed for carrying cargo, they may not be suitable for users who don't have a need for that specific functionality.

The customization options and additional accessories may add to the overall cost of the bike.

The bikes are primarily designed for short city rides, so they may not be the best choice for long-distance or off-road riding.

The Trek Fetch+ electric bikes are an excellent choice for those seeking versatile micromobility options. With their impressive carrying capacity and customizable features, they provide a reliable and convenient solution for transporting children or cargo.

The Trek Fetch+ 4 is an electric cargo box bike that offers a high carrying capacity and the ability to connect with family members while providing a sustainable transportation alternative. With the powerful boost of the Bosch smart system and best-in-class handling and stability, this bike can confidently carry up to five children.

6 Reasons to Buy the Fetch+ 4

Customizable options for the Trek Fetch+ 4 electric cargo bike.

Significant carrying capacity, with the Fetch+ 4 able to carry up to 200kg and carry up to five children.

Priced comparably to leading electric cargo bikes.

High cargo carrying capacity and durable components make the Fetch+4 ideal for families.

Premium Bosch powertrain systems, a trusted brand in electric bike technology, offer high performance power and sustainable transportation alternatives.

Potential savings from eliminating recurring costs related to car ownership.

4 Reasons Not to Buy the Fetch+ 4

The design appeal of the Trek Fetch+ 4 falls short compared to rivals.

The Trek Fetch+ 4 lacks a throttle, which may be a disadvantage for some riders.

Customizable options for the Trek Fetch+ 4 is not as extensive as other brands.

The cost of the bikes is high, which may be a deterrent for some potential buyers.

The Trek Fetch+ series offers customizable options and impressive carrying capacity, making them perfect for families and those in need of a reliable cargo bike. With Bosch electric bike motors and high cargo-carrying capabilities, these bikes provide sustainable transportation alternatives and potential savings from eliminating car ownership costs.

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Trek Verve+ 3 Lowstep

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e cargo

7 Best Electric Cargo Bikes Tested Head-to-Head

An e-bike can change your life by helping you leave the car at home more often.

Why These Bikes?

The tested bikes, which e-cargo bike is best for you, all about the accessories, one size fits most, test before you buy, a note about range.

Cargo bikes benefit immensely from the addition of pedaling assistance, more so than most other styles of bikes in how they transform the platform’s potential. E-bike motors help cargo bikes overcome their added weight, size, and sometimes awkward handling traits compared to traditional bike options—removing most (though not all) barriers to cargo bike use.

Until very recently, electric cargo bikes were very expensive. Advocates often happily point out that even a $5,000 bike (like the Momentum PakYak E+ Cargo ) is still far cheaper than a car— especially after considering the ongoing costs of gas, maintenance, insurance, parking, registration, etc. But while this is true, it also doesn’t make the upfront cost hurdle of an e-cargo bike any easier to clear.

specialized haul st and lectric xpedition ecargo bikes

However, as e-cargo bikes have gained popularity, their prices have started falling. This story features three bikes priced between two and three thousand dollars, and the most affordable bike in this story is priced at $1,400. While I know that affordability is relative, bikes at these lower price points can be great entry points for riders who are cargo bike curious but aren’t quite sold on how life-changing they can be.

The Best Cargo E-Bikes

  • Best Overall Single Passenger: Specialized Haul ST
  • Best Overall Two Passenger: Cannondale Cargowagen Neo
  • Best Cheap Cargo E-Bike: Lectric Xpedition
  • Best E-Cargo Deal: Aventon Abound
  • Best for Small Spaces: Tern HSD P10

Choosing which bikes we test and review for Bicycling is a multifaceted process. My starting point for this story was the Tern HSD P10 ($4,300). Many riders considered Tern (particularly the HSD line) the gold standard in cargo bikes. Tern is often Bicycling’s benchmark for cargo e-bike reviews when comparing prices, features, capacity, serviceability, and performance.

The Aventon Abound and the RadPower RadRunner are consistently popular bikes with readers. The Specialized Haul S/T was our 2023 bike of the year. So, it also made sense to include these in our comparison.

The Lectric Xpedition has been suggested to me numerous times as an affordable e-cargo bike option and alternative to pricier bikes. With a starting price of $1,400, it was important to include it here and find out how it stacks up to pricier bikes.

Cannondale’s Cargowagon Neo ($4,300) is a new entry to the cargo segment. While it might look very similar to the Tern HSD, the Cargowagon presents a compelling alternative in the e-cargo category at the same price point as the Tern.

An earlier version of this story did not include a box bike. These bikes are often called by their Dutch name, the bakfiet. It uses a large cargo platform or box (typically in front of the rider) for carrying cargo or transporting multiple passengers. These bikes can carry the largest and heaviest loads but are, in turn, very big, much more expensive, and suit riders with more particular needs. For example, if you need to transport more than two kids by bike—or a couch or maybe a fridge—a bakfiet is the way to go.

While most riders will be served well by a longtail or mid-tail cargo bike such as the Aventon, Term, Cannondale, or Lectric, we wanted to include a box bike in this comparison to paint a complete picture. Trek’s Fetch+ 4 ($8,500) is on the high end of the price spectrum. It’s also a bakfiet-style bike with a large cargo platform or box for transporting multiple passengers. It even comes with two child seats pre-installed in its box. It’s capable of carrying up to five kid-sized passengers with a few optional accessories.

a couple of bikes parked next to a bench

These seven bikes span a large gamut of features, prices, and e-cargo bike designs. The Haul is the most compact design, with a short tail, while the Xpedition, Abound, Tern, and Cargowagon represent more traditional long-tail bikes. The RadRunner fits in between these two options; it most accurately could be described as a mid-tail bike. While the Fetch+4 is in a class of its own being a box bike.

Best Overall Single Passenger

specialized globe haul st

Specialized Haul ST

Haul ST

The Haul is by far my favorite bike of the seven. Partially, it’s because it’s the cargo bike that works best for me, but also because it’s a bike that gets many of the little things right. While it’s more expensive than the RadRunner 3 and Abound, and $1,100 more than the Xpedition, it still feels well-priced compared to the Tern, Cannondale, and Trek. While I can’t definitively say that the Haul is the best bike in this review, that will depend on your particular cargo needs. But, if your main use case for an e-cargo bike is groceries, commuting, or you only have one kid to cart around, the Haul S/T is probably the right bike to get.

haul st

The Haul is a blast to ride. This might not strike you as earth-shattering, but many e-cargo bikes are not fun to ride. The most important factor for e-cargo bikes is utility, so the intangible of “fun” is often not a consideration in the design process. The Haul simultaneously manages to be incredibly practical and irresistibly fun. A big part of that fun is how maneuverable and simultaneously stable the Haul is while riding loaded or unloaded. It is easily the most natural-feeling bike in this bunch. While I appreciate that because I love bikes that handle well, this also means the Haul is much less intimidating and approachable for less experienced riders.

haul st

The Haul is the smallest bike in this story, but despite its compact frame, it is a fully capable cargo e-bike. With a 419-pound total weight capacity (including the rider), the Haul rides like a zippy class 3 (28mph) commuter e-bike. This is partly due to the 20-inch wheels paired with 3.5-inch-wide tires. The smaller wheel size positions the center of mass low, which makes the Globe feel more stable when fully loaded without overly impacting maneuverability. The pairing of a clever frame design and smaller wheels also gives the Haul ST that small footprint.

The Haul’s size also solves one of the tallest barriers many cargo bike owners face: Where to keep it. You’re in luck if you live somewhere with a garage or large shed. But if you lack such storage space, the sheer size and weight of many e-cargo bikes can be problematic. Fortunately, the Haul ST is wildly compact for how capable it is. Tip to tail, it’s just a bit over five feet long—within an inch or two of most of my road bikes. And it is shorter than my full-suspension mountain bike. If you have room for an extra bicycle, you have the floor space for the Haul ST.

The Haul ST can also transport one small passenger, which rules it out as an option for those who need to transport more than one kid. For children under the age of five, a child seat compatible with the MIK-HD system (“Mounting is Key”) will do. Opt for the $200 ST passenger kit from Specialized for those older than five. Just stay under the rear rack’s 132-pound maximum load limit.

e cargo

Surprisingly for not the most expensive bike in this test, the Haul has by far the best standard accessories. The lights (made by Lezyne) are very powerful. The front light uses a general-purpose flood-beam pattern and sufficiently lights up the area immediately in front of you. On the higher settings, it produced enough light to rival a typical car headlight. The Haul also has some of the best full-coverage fenders I’ve ridden. The front fender goes nearly to the ground and does an excellent job of keeping you dry even when riding through big puddles.

But as good as the Haul is, it’s not perfect. My only knock against the Haul is that you can’t put two kids on it. This will eliminate it as an option for some, but it makes up for that with its compact size. This makes it the best option for riders with limited storage for a cargo bike. It also has a build kit, lights, fenders, and ride quality to rival and exceed the more expensive bikes in this test. I liked the Haul so much that I convinced my colleagues to name it Bicycling ’s Bike of the Year .

Best Overall Two Passenger

a bicycle with a cart attached to it

Cannondale Cargowagen Neo

Cargowagen Neo

At first glance, the Cannondale Cargowagon Neo and the Tern HSD are similar bikes. They both sell for $4,300. Both are long-tail cargo bikes with a Bosch mid-drive motor. And they both roll on 20-inch wheels. But what is interesting is the differences between these two bikes.

The Cannondale is a Class 3 bike with pedal assist up to 28mph and uses the Bosch Performance Speed mid-drive motor. It’s more practically a 21-23 mph bike, as you need to work hard to hit the motor cut-off speed. The extra top speed also came with added acceleration from a stop thanks to the additional 10 Nm of torque the Cannondale (85 Nm) has over the Tern (75 Nm). That torque and speed are appreciated when sharing road space with vehicles.

a man riding a scooter

The Cargowagon Neo has a slight edge over the Tern for total carrying capacity, with the Cannondale rated to a 441 lb. maximum capacity vs the Tern’s 397. Like Tern, Cannondale includes the bike weight in this figure, so you’ll need to subtract the 84 lb. bike weight to derive the 357 lb. total rider plus cargo capacity.

Cannondale did not design the Cargowagen Neo with a folding bar or a telescoping seatpost. Instead, it uses a handlebar-actuated dropper post and an adjustable stem on a conventional steer tube. This design gives the Cannondale a more precise and confidence-inspiring steering feel at the expense of being more compact. The dropper is an incredibly convenient feature, and I wish droppers came standard on more cargo bikes.

a person on a bicycle with a cart full of luggage

But the Cargowagen Neo makes a trade-off for its great steering—as it lacks a folding handlebar, the Cannondale has the largest footprint (save for the Trek). If your bike storage space is tight, it might be a dealbreaker.

The Cargowagen Neo has a central console with an integrated spot for your phone and a beverage. And a helpful bungee cord to keep things secure. The unit is removable—there are standard bosses if you prefer a traditional bottle and cage.

a black and red bicycle

Since it‘s the newest bike of the seven, the Cargowagen Neo (currently) has the fewest accessories. Two front racks, a pannier bag, a seat pad, and surround rails for the rear rack are available (Mark Vanek, an e-bike product manager at Cannondale, said more options are in development). The pannier bag has two perfectly sized shopping bags to use for shopping. This way, you have a handy reminder of how much space you have available as you fill the bags in the store. The surround rail is also perfectly sized to hold a 23.5” x 19.5” x 9.5”-sized Euro crate.

The ride experience of the Cargowagen Neo is as dialed and pleasant as the Tern HSD, which is a big compliment to Cannondale. But the extra speed available from the motor, plus the more direct steering feel of the non-foldable handlebar, put the Cargowagen Neo at the top of the list for me. In this bunch, it was my favorite long-tail bike to ride. The biggest hitch for the Cargowagen Neo is that it's not expected to be available in stores until Spring 2024.

Best Cheap E-Cargo Bike

lectric xpedition e cargo bike

Lectric XPedition

XPedition

If you’re considering the XPedition, it’s likely due to its very appealing price. At only $1,400 for the single-battery version or $1,700 for a dual-battery, it’s the cheapest bike in this bunch by $500-800. The good news is that the XPedition is a good option for folks seeking a deal on an e-cargo bike or are perhaps unsure if one is right for them.

The XPedition’s capability surprised me. It has the highest total weight capacity in this bunch of bikes at 450 lb., and Lectric rates the rack alone for an impressive 300 lb. Combined with the Lectric XL panniers ($150) and the Essentials package ($120), I comfortably carried several days of groceries for a family of three or one adult passenger.

However, the bike has a cheap feeling about it. Most of the XPedition’s parts are bottom-tier—with the notable exception of the brakes. I give Lectric some props for equipping the XPedition with proper hydraulic disc brakes with 180mm rotors front and rear. While not from a big-name brand, they stop well and have a decent lever feel.

e cargo

The Lectric has the most erratic and weakest-feeling motor of the five bikes I tested. While it has a ton of pick-up from a stop, it tends to quickly peter out after hitting its peak output. It has a very jerky start-stop sensation where the assist always feels that it's kicking in too heavily. But when you most need extra help (like going up a hill or with a passenger on the back), the motor struggles. It’s adequate if you live somewhere very flat or don’t need to carry kids or an adult passenger. Though the XPedition’s claimed 450-pound total weight capacity is impressive, I would not recommend maxing it out in a hilly area.

e cargo

My main concern about the XPedition is its long-term durability due to the low-quality components. For example, the shifting on the 7-speed drivetrain was mushy at best and needed adjustment after just a few rides. Additionally, while the lights produce some light output, they are not bright enough for riding on an unlit path. The fenders are better than nothing, but like many stock fenders on bikes, they do not extend far enough to keep you from getting sprayed.

e cargo

Despite these faults, if you’re on a budget and looking to ditch the car for errands and trips around town, the XPedition is the cheapest e-cargo bike I recommend buying. But if you can stretch your budget a little more, the Aventon Abound is a higher-quality option.

Best E-Cargo Bike Deal

aventon abound e cargo bike

Aventon Abound

Abound

The Abound surprised me the most of the seven bikes. In many ways, it felt much more expensive than its $2,200 price. Like the four other bikes in this story, the Abound comes stock with fenders, lights, and a rear rack. But it also includes some cool things that others don’t. A particularly nifty feature is the Abound’s integrated turn signals, operated via the left-side controller. A small frame bag also comes with the bike that can carry items like a lock or the battery’s charger.

e cargo

The bike also comes equipped with a dropper seatpost. Commonly found on mountain bikes, this post allows the saddle to raise or lower when riding the bike (via a switch lever under the nose of the saddle). The dropper enables riders to get on or off the Abound when it has a full cargo load. It’s also incredibly convenient when sharing the Abound with other riders (the same way that folks can share a car by adjusting the driver's seat).

e cargo

The drivetrain on the Abound is a 7-speed Shimano Tourney rear derailleur with a Revo twist shifter. While both performed well during our test period, given the bike’s price and cargo bike use, we would have preferred to see a more robust 8-speed derailleur and trigger shifter.

The Abound’s total 440 lb. weight capacity is second only to the Lectric Xpedition. The Abound’s rear rack is rated for 143 lb. and can accommodate two young kids or one teenager.

e cargo

Handling on the Abound is slightly above mid-pack. It feels nimble and more confidence-inspiring than the Xpedtion. But it’s not as surefooted as either the Cannondale or Tern.

My only real complaint about the Abound is the unexplained creaks and clicks from the bike’s adjustable stem—it never felt unsafe, just annoying. The system made noise even after taking it apart, checking, and re-tightening. Given the robust nature of the rest of the bike, I hope Aventon addresses it in future versions of the Abound.

READ FULL REVIEW

Best For Small Spaces

a bicycle parked in front of a purple building

Tern HSD P10 (Gen 2)

HSD P10 (Gen 2)

Tern is a standard bearer of the e-cargo bike category, launching its original HSD in 2019. That might seem recent, but considering every other bike tested here (except for the RadRunner) is a brand’s first effort, the HSD is the veteran of the bunch.

Tern updated the platform in 2023, adding the latest Bosch mid-drive motors and Smart System to the HSD. Unlike every other bike here, the HSD comes in four different models. The P10 (tested here) is the most affordable HSD at $4,300; the HSD S00 tops the range at $5,500.

weld detail

Along with the new and more powerful motor, the Tern claims it increased the HSD’s frame stiffer by 15% at the headtube and 39% at the bottom bracket. These improvements in rigidity were not to increase power transfer but to allow the compact frame to handle more load. The HSD’s updated rear rack supports an impressive 176 lb, with the bike’s load capacity rated at 397 lb. However, Tern includes the bike’s weight in this number (so the total rider plus cargo weight limit is closer to 335 lb.)

Two things separate the HSD from the other bikes in this review. The first is vertical storage—Fold the handlebar, lower the seatpost, and stand the HSD up on its end. While it can help minimize the needed floor space to store the HSD, it also helps get the bike into unusual places, like a tight elevator.

a person riding a motorcycle

The other unique thing about the HSD is the incredible number of accessories that Tern makes for it. While the other bikes in this story have somewhere between 5 and 12 add-ons each, the HSD has 49. There are the typical cargo bike accessories (like various cargo racks, bags, panniers, and accessories to carry passengers) and unique ones like the Doghouse Mini, which comfortably fits a small-to-mid-sized dog on the rear rack. (And, yes, I deeply regret not requesting this option for our test bike.)

As expected, Tern has the HSD’s handling dialed. Riding the HSD, even fully loaded, feels incredibly intuitive and approachable. In many ways, it just feels like riding a traditional bike. The only exception is when you put an adult on the back of the HSD, and then riding it gets a little more tricky. But that’s simply because full-grown people tend to squirm around a bit, especially if they’re not used to being on the back of a bike. So it’s hard to blame that on Tern.

a close up of a car's speedometer

Still, I do have some minor criticisms. I found the HSD’s 20mph-limited Bosch motor rather underwhelming. 28mph e-bikes have an advantage when taking space for yourself on the road. I felt much safer cruising at the 25mph posted speed limit on city and suburban streets. The HSD’s 20mph maximum assisted speed often made me feel more vulnerable on the road versus faster e-cargo bikes. Tern also offers the HSD S11, a 28mph version of the HSD, for $4,900. This model features upgrades such as a Cane Creek suspension seatpost, Magura brakes, and an 11-speed Shimano Deore drivetrain.

But even at low speeds, I wanted a little more kick from the motor. It was particularly noticeable when getting back up to speed after a stop sign or red light. Even with the HSD’s assistance set to the max (named “Turbo” on the Bosch system), I felt the Tern needed more pedaling work than the others (except for the much larger and heavier Trek).

Still, there is a reason that the Tern HSD is widely considered the gold standard of e-cargo bikes. It packs a wild amount of practicality and customizability into a very compact frame.

Best Cargo Capacity

a bicycle with a cart attached to it

Trek Fetch+ 4

Fetch+ 4

Trek’s Fetch+ 4 is the American brand’s take on a Dutch bikefiet (the bike many riders will recognize as the classic cargo bike). The Fetch+ is Trek’s first bike of this type, and as with many first efforts, there are some quirks.

The front box is the bike's most prominent feature. Riders can load it with almost anything they like—Trek ships the Fetch+ 4 with two child seats pre-installed. There are optional add-ons to mount an infant car seat or a bench that seats two additional passengers. Throw a child seat on the rear rack, and the Fetch+ 4 can carry five (providing they are all the right size to fit the various seating available in this configuration).

a man riding a bike with a cart full of boxes

The Fetch+ 4 includes many of the same features as other cargo bikes: Trek uses a dropper post to help the bike transition between users, and lights and fenders are standard. And the Fetch+ 4 has a few premium touches commensurate with its $8,500 asking price.

The Fetch+ 4 uses a Gates belt drive paired with an Enviolo CVP internally geared rear hub. Unlike traditional drivetrains with defined gears, the Enviolo system lets you endlessly adjust the pedaling ease within its gear range. This hub and belt combo results in an almost maintenance-free drivetrain. Plus, it allows riders to change gears while stationary. It’s useful when you forget to shift before stopping at the bottom of a big hill.

a close up of a car's handlebars

The size and weight of the Fetch+ 4 create its main drawbacks. The bare bike is 163 lb. Even empty, this bike is challenging to move over anything larger than a curb. With this also comes the challenge of where to park a bike this size. An enclosed garage space would be ideal, but installing a motorcycle anchor and using a rain cover will also work.

The weight of the Fetch+ 4 most negatively affects it when going up a hill. Even on the highest level of motor assist, I struggled to maintain a reasonable speed going up a quarter-mile-long 8% hill (and that was without passengers in the box). Riding on flatter terrain, the Fetch+ 4 was the least spritely of our test bunch. It’s downright slow—but that is not necessarily bad. After all, if you’re using it for its primary intended purpose of kid hauling, going a little slower can be fine, especially in places with good bike infrastructure.

The Fetch+ 4 is also the bike that is the hardest to master riding. Not because it’s difficult to ride but because you must constantly remind yourself that your front wheel is much further away from you than you are used to. The Trek’s turning radius is much greater than a standard bike, and you can’t simply pick the bike up and turn around if you get into a tight spot. Riding a box bike requires a bit more planning ahead than with a longtail cargo bike.

The trade-off for this learning curve is a massive amount of carrying capacity. If that’s what you need in a bicycle, the Trek Fetch+ 4 is an excellent choice. But for many people, it might be overkill.

Best Updates

radpower radrunner 3 e cargo bike

Rad Power Bikes RadRunner 3 Plus

RadRunner 3 Plus

The RadRunner 3 is a much updated and improved version of the brand’s RadRunner 2. It’s also significantly more expensive at $2,300 (a big bump from the $1,500 RadRunner 2). But the updates were much needed and honestly well worth it. I have zero hesitation in saying that the extra $800 is money well spent.

The most important update is the addition of hydraulic disc brakes. I can not stress this enough—you should not purchase any e-cargo bike without hydraulic brakes. While there is some discrepancy between the various hydraulic brakes used on all four of these bikes. For example, the Haul has the most confidence-inspiring brakes, while the Lectric has the noisiest and slightly less powerful brakes. All of them are miles better than rim or mechanical disc brakes at stopping a very heavy e-bike.

e cargo

Additionally, RadPower added front suspension, a seven-speed drivetrain, improved lights, and a more integrated battery. All nice things and improvements over the previous versions. Rad also improved the RadRunners cargo carrying capacity by making the rear rack slightly larger and integrating it more structurally into the bike’s frame. The extra frame stiffness is particularly noticeable when you put an adult on the back of the bike or if the bike is loaded up to its max 350 lbs carrying capacity.

e cargo

Perhaps the best feature of the RadRunner 3 is how many accessories RadPower has for it. For example, it’s the only bike in this story that can be purchased with a dedicated trailer. This can be an appealing solution for folks who occasionally need the cargo capacity of a platform bike but don’t necessarily want to ride a platform bike around the rest of the time. The locking cargo boxes are a great touch for riders who routinely lock up places where the unattended cargo might be at risk of theft, but constant loading and unloading feels impractical.

e cargo

Unfortunately, what holds the RadRunner 3 back from being truly great is its geometry and handling. While cargo and utility bikes are not usually known for their inspired ride quality, they must be stable and confidence-inspiring. The Specialized Haul has this in spades, but the RadRunner3 does not. Out of the four bikes in this story, it suffers from the worst front-wheel flop. Typically a bike has some degree of self-stabilization, meaning that when you lean into a turn, the bike doesn’t feel like it wants to fall over. The best-designed bikes balance this perfectly to deliver a ride that is stable, self-correcting and has good turn-in.

On the RadRunner 3, the initial turn-in feels slow and cumbersome. But turn the front wheel a bit more, and suddenly, the bike feels like it just wants to flop over. It takes a bit of concentration and adjustment when first getting on the RadRunner 3. Eventually, you get used to it, but it leaves the RadRunner 3 as the most unwieldy of the four bikes in this story (especially at low speed)—even though both the Xpedtion and Abound are technically a bit longer overall.

So which of these bikes should you get? Budget is often people’s number one factor when choosing a bike. It will surprise no one that the $1,400 Lectric XPedition is not as nice of a bike as the $4,300 Cannondale Cargowagon Neo. But both bikes can get you out of your car for functions like grocery shopping, daily errands, and getting the kids to and from their activities in the most fun way possible.

If you can only stretch your budget to afford the XPedition, it is the bike you should get. But there are compelling reasons to spend more, especially if the goal is to go car-lite or even car-free. Chief among them is that the Xpedition will need more frequent service and maintenance. This might be less of an issue if you are a competent home mechanic, but for many riders, it can mean the bike is less useful than it ideally should be.

The $800 upgrade to the Aventon Abound gets you practical features like a dropper post and turn signals. More importantly, the extra money also gets you a better electronic interface, nicer touchpoints, and an upgrade to a torque sensor (versus a cadence sensor on the Lectric). For some riders, that’s worth the added cost, as a torque sensor provides a much smoother and more controlled level of pedal assist.

The Cannondale Cargowagon Neo and the Tern HSD P10 are $4,300, a $2,100 jump from the Aventon Abound. And for this additional spend, you get a high-quality Bosh mid-drive motor, a Shimano Deore 10-speed drivetrain, and improved durability and serviceability.

The reality is that which of these bikes you get should primarily be determined by what you want to do with it. Consider your needs, is it groceries and errands? Is it commuting? Is it transporting kids?

For me, the best bike in this bunch, with the major caveat that you don't need to carry more than one passenger, is the Haul S/T. It's a great blend of compact, fun-to-ride, yet with enough capacity to do a major grocery run for a family of three. The fact that it's priced at $1,500 less than the Tern or Cannondale makes it even more appealing. It means you can get a very nearly fully loaded Haul S/T for about the same price as a bare HSD or Cargowagon Neo.

If the single-passenger occupancy is a deal breaker, then my pick is the Cargowagon Neo. It felt like the right combination of practicality, quality parts, and well-thought-out features for what I want out of a cargo bike. I appreciated things like the center console and Euro crate-sized surround rail (which made it easy to transition the Cargowagon from passenger duty to cargo duty). Plus, its 28mph top speed and powerful motor had me giddy whenever I took it out for a grocery store run.

The Trek Fetch+ 4 is the bike for those shopping on cargo capacity alone and have a lot of space to put the bike. The Tern HSD P10 is the clear winner for riders needing a cargo bike that takes up the least space possible. Its ability to be stored vertically can be the difference between fitting a cargo bike into your life and not.

The RadRunner3 is the only bike in this bunch that I would advise to steer clear of. If this were a stand-alone review of the RadRunner 3, I would say that while the bike’s handling is disappointing, it is manageable. But when compared directly to the other bikes, which are just as capable and handle significantly better, I cannot recommend the latest RadRunner—Even if it is a big improvement over its previous version.

The point of these bikes is transforming everyday tasks—that many of us get in our cars to do—into a ride. After using an e-cargo bike for about ten months, I’ve replaced over 1,100 miles of driving with it. It might not sound like much at first, but considering that these were all short around-town trips that are five miles or less, that is around 220 times that I didn’t get into my car.

Until you’ve tried an e-cargo bike, it’s hard to fully express what it’s like living with one. It’s hard to conceptualize how a simple mode shift from car to bicycle transforms an activity from a chore to something you genuinely look forward to. And the main downside of living with an e-cargo bike is that it’s so convenient that my partner and I want to use it constantly, often simultaneously. It makes me think we might need a second one.

Regarding utility and cargo bikes, distinguishing between standard and optional accessories is important. Typically standard accessories refer to things like lights , fenders, and a front or, more commonly, a rear rack. All seven bikes we compared here come standard with lights, fenders, and a rear rack. This is great, but you'll want to purchase some optional accessories if you want to use them to carry larger loads of groceries or haul kids. These accessories can take these heavy e-bikes and turn them into genuine car replacers for many everyday trips. So it's important to consider your use case and budget accessories into your final purchase price.

The main reason cargo bikes don’t come with more standard accessories is simple: Not every rider wants to set up their bike the same way. Setting up a bike for maximum cargo capacity involves different things than setting one up for maximum passenger capacity.

To maximize cargo capacity, look at accessories like a front rack, panniers, and other styles of bags. Plus, you’ll want some cargo nets or bungees to tie everything down. Even if you don’t plan on hauling much cargo—perhaps using the bike to ferry children around the neighborhood—getting at least a front rack would be my recommendation. It’s great to ride without a backpack while still being able to have all your stuff (plus space to do a spontaneous side errand).

e cargo

Unfortunately, most accessories for these bikes are proprietary to the bike model or brand. So, don’t expect to mix and match from one brand to another. A test ride is crucial before you purchase a bike. Then, invest several hundred more dollars to equip the bike to your needs.

All five bikes use a “one size fits most” approach, meaning the bike will fit well for most rider heights. Brands use features like adjustable stems and telescoping seatposts to accomplish this. We’ve had riders as tall as 6-foot-2 and as short as 5-foot-2 test these bikes with good results. But somebody on the outer edges of the height range might have some fitment issues.

e cargo

This one-size approach is a common issue in the e-cargo bike segment as a whole. Even pricier models like the Tern GSD use a single frame size to accommodate all potential riders. But crucially, bikes like the Tern and the Haul enjoy bike shop support and can be tracked down for test rides. With direct-to-consumer brands like Lectric, RadPower, and Aventon, riders need to order sight unseen or track down a friend or neighbor with one for a test ride.

Taking a test ride is essential when purchasing any bike but is crucial when considering a cargo bike. Ideally, these bikes will replace car trips, so approach a cargo bike purchase like buying a car. Bikes like the Tern, Cannondale, Specialized, and the Trek have a leg up in this area. Each has extensive dealer networks, so arranging a test ride is often as easy as making a phone call.

For the Aventon, RadPower, and Lectric, I recommend checking if anyone in your cycling circle has one you can take for a spin around the block.

There is a notoriously large gap between the maximum advertised range of any e-bike and what riders commonly experience. Typically, brands calculate or estimate the max range based on a rider of average weight, riding a bare and unloaded bike, on a minimum level of assist, over flat terrain. This method combined the criteria that affect range (such as rider weight, load, elevation, and assistance used) in a very unrealistic way to generate the best mileage possible estimate.

e cargo

I rode all seven of these bikes with various-size loads, over plenty of hills, and generally used mid to high levels of assist. And I can confidently assure you that each bike delivers between 25 and 35 miles of real-world riding on a full charge. It’s certainly possible to get more range than that if you closely manage assist levels (such as using lower assist levels on flat terrain and only turning it up for hills) and not using or only sparingly using the throttle (on bikes that have them). The fastest way to drain your battery—using only the throttle or riding on max assist at all times—can result in as little as 10 to 15 miles of range.

Headshot of Dan Chabanov

Test Editor Dan Chabanov got his start in cycling as a New York City bike messenger but quickly found his way into road and cyclocross racing, competing in professional cyclocross races from 2009 to 2019 and winning a Master’s National Championship title in 2018. Prior to joining Bicycling in 2021, Dan worked as part of the race organization for the Red Hook Crit, as a coach with EnduranceWERX, as well as a freelance writer and photographer. 

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Trek Electric Bikes Review

trek electric cargo bike review

eBicycles score

In terms of principles, Trek is firmly grounded in producing bikes with high-quality craftsmanship, aiming to bring the joy of cycling to a broader audience. The fact that the company has four electric bikes speaks for itself. 

Trek started back in 1976 as a subsidiary of Roth Corporation, an appliance distributor based in Milwaukee. The founders, Richard Burke and Bevil Hogg, began to manufacture steel touring frames with the aspiration to rival Japanese and Italian-made bicycles that were dominating the market at that time.

Just as its name suggests, Trek is fully committed to bringing its riders to great adventures and even promises to take them to the edge of the horizon.

It’s also fitting that their place of origin, Waterloo, is home to the Waterloo Driving Park Association, where spirited residents gather for some old-time tough and gritty bicycle racing.

Throughout its long history, Trek has been fueled by its determination to provide the best and the most rugged bicycles for the adventurous spirits that form part of their heritage.

Overview of Trek Electric Bikes

Overview of Trek Electric Bikes

Trek Bikes produce premium quality bikes all around the world.

Trek was founded with an established goal of building high-end bikes for the United States. Back in the day, all the good bikes came from European brands. This inspired Richard Burke and Bevil Hogg to take matters into their own hands. The solution? To make their own brand of bicycles.

Three years after its foundation, Trek sales came close to the $2,000,000-mark.

Now, Trek Bicycle Corporation is one of the world’s biggest bike companies.

The company offers models designed for Road, Mountain, and Urban biking. Trek is also renowned for making the bikes that Lance Armstrong rode to his number of victories in Tour De France.

In terms of their electric bike portfolio, Trek covers a wide range of frames, from amiable town bikes to more powerful road bikes and mountain bikes. Currently, the company sells 24 of these bikes with a price range between $1,500 to $12,000.

What We Like About Trek Electric Bikes

It is a given that Trek is very well-known when it comes to building bikes. However, this doesn’t mean that every giant company doesn’t have kinks in its armor.

This section will talk about the pros and cons of Trek e-bikes. Here to highlight the things we like about them and the points to consider before buying their e-bikes.

Reasons to buy:

  • Trek produces high-quality bikes that can handle any type of weather and terrain .
  • Most models are available in five different sizes for an optimal fit for each rider.
  • Aside from their magnificent designs, Trek bikes boast high-quality frames and components .
  • Massive collection of e-bikes span from hybrids, mountain bikes, and road bikes.
  • The Bosch motor boasts top-notch performance while keeping its size and weight minimum.

Reasons to avoid:

  • Some bicycles are overly expensive for an everyday e-bike.
  • Some key components don’t come with the complete bike and are sold separately .

Popular Trek E-Bike Models

The company has a ton of bicycles underneath its belt and a compelling product line, market value, and spec sheet.

Trek has been in the biking industry for a long time, but it didn’t hold back on innovating the e-bike scene. Here is a brief overview of Trek’s e-bike categories and what you can expect to see in each one.

Hybrid & Commuter Trek E-Bikes

trek city and urban electric bikes

If you’re looking to commute by e-bike, run errands around town, or just go for a leisurely ride with friends and family, Trek’s hybrid and commuter e-bikes are for you.

They’re split into three categories (City & Hybrid, Commuter, Recreational) and consist of multiple model lines:

  • Dual Sport+
  • Electra Go! E-Bikes

FX+ and Dual Sport+ model families are what you would call typical hybrid electric bikes with Class 1 speeds and rear hub motors. They are available with step-over and step-through frames and provide dynamic performance and upright riding positions.

Related post:  Trek Verve+ 2 Review

On the other hand, Verve+ and Allant+ model lines are better-equipped city commuter bikes that cost a bit more but offer more in terms of features and speeds. They consist of Class 1 and Class 3 models powered by mid-drive motors and equipped with lights, fenders, rear racks, and even suspension forks on some ebikes.

Finally, Trek also offers Electra Go! electric bikes (Trek’s sister company), which consist of mid-drive and rear-hub drive e-bikes that fall into cruiser, city, and urban categories.

Shop Trek Hybrid E-Bikes

Trek Mountain E-Bikes

trek mountain electric bike

Trek’s electric mountain bikes provide ‘endless adventure’, as Trek puts it. The category consists of hardtail and full-suspension mountain e-bikes that will fit all different types of riders.

The selection includes XC bikes, trail bikes, and even enduro bikes. There are four model families you can choose from:

All of Trek’s mountain e-bikes are powered by trail-tough Bosch mid-drive motors and integrated batteries with up to 625 Wh of capacity. They have Class 1 capabilities and the batteries typically last up to 5 hours of continuous use.

The only downside of Trek’s e-mountain bikes is the pricing, as they typically cost between $6,000 and $14,000, though the Powerfly models are priced in the $3,000-$4,000 range.

Shop Trek Mountain E-Bikes

Trek Road E-Bikes

trek road electric bikes

Finally, Trek makes some of the best electric road bikes on the market, but also some of the most expensive ones.

They are famous for providing a natural riding experience and only supplementing power instead of taking over. Therefore, you’ll be able to ride further and enjoy road biking just as you would on a traditional road bike.

Domane+ is the only model family in this category, though it comes in around a dozen variations, including road and gravel capable builds.

These are Class 1 and Class 3 capable e-bikes with Fazua Evation or TQ e-bike systems. All models are built around lightweight carbon frames, come with drop bars, 1x and 2x Shimano and SRAM drivetrains, and powerful hydraulic disc brakes.

Therefore, if you want to explore more or keep up on fast group rides, one of Trek’s road e-bikes is for you, if you can afford it.

Shop Trek Road E-Bikes

Trek E-Bike Classes, Motors, and Batteries

Trek Bikes have high quality motors, suspension and steering

These bikes offer a lot of power and range from both their motor and battery.

The principle which the company is built upon is simple. That is to create a bicycle brand that is on par or even more significant than its European and Japanese counterparts back then. Now, they are one of the biggest bike companies in the whole world, so their grit and drive really paid off.

Trek is all about creating reliable bicycles that could take their customers to the next level of fun and enjoyment.

The company’s formula to success lies at their rigid standard of quality when it comes to their bikes. It ranges from steel, alloy, and carbon fiber, ensuring that it can take on any punishment it might receive when riding. They also didn’t hold back in choosing each component, as evidenced by their top-notch Bosch electric motors and Shimano parts.

When it comes to selling, the company won’t have any problems catering to your needs as they distribute their bicycles worldwide. What’s more? They even have 1,700 dealers in the U.S. alone. Their website also allows you to see the store closest to you, where you can view, test, and purchase their bikes.

Reliability and Durability

Trek Bikes Reliability and Durability

Trek Bikes use only the best quality materials so that their products can handle extreme terrains and any kind of weather.

Trek began with a vision from the two founders to build the best bicycles that the world had ever witnessed.

Thus, the company’s strict observance of the highest possible craftsmanship quality was born.

The company’s collection of bicycles typically receive rave reviews for their build quality. This applies to even their entry-level bikes, which at the price tag they’re sold at, isn’t always known to have the most premium components. Even if their price range generally makes their bikes a luxury, everything about it feels premium and durable when you get your hands on it.

As a testament to their bike’s quality, one Quora user shared that he almost managed to travel across Canada by riding an entry-level 1993 Trek 820 Antelope. This devotion to their founder’s vision endeared many cycling enthusiasts to the company and brand.

Frequently Asked Questions

If there’s anything that remained unanswered, here are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding Trek e-Bikes.

  • Are Trek e-Bikes any good? 

Yes, Trek e-bikes follow the standard set by their conventional siblings. The excellent quality is a given. What makes it even better is that Trek is supported by a vast network of dealers to ensure that parts and maintenance are readily available.

  • What happens if Trek e-bikes run out of battery?

If the battery on your Trek e-bike dies, you can no longer use the throttle, nor will you have the benefit of the pedal assist. However, you can still pedal the bike on your own, just like any regular bike.

  • Where are Trek e-bikes manufactured?

Trek’s headquarters itself is located in Waterloo, Wisconsin. Still, the manufacturing happens outside the U.S., in countries such as the Netherlands, Taiwan, Germany, and China.

  • How do I buy my own Trek e-bike?

Buying a Trek bike is an easy process. You can find the dealer or retailer closest to you using Trek’s Store Finder on their website. Alternatively, you can order them online and have the bike delivered to your address.

  • What is the motor used on Trek e-bikes?

All of Trek’s e-bikes use Bosch electric motors . These are mid-drive pedal-assist electric motors meant to mimic a natural, consistent feel while pedaling.

Bottom Point — Who Are Trek E-Bikes For?

Never be late again with Trek Bikes e-bikes!

Trek Bikes provide the best e-bikes out there. Not only do they have sports bikes like mountain bikes, but they also provide high-quality city and hybrid bikes.

Trek creates their bicycles with the sole purpose of providing reliable vehicles for adventurous spirits. However, the company also caters to those who only want to get from point A to point B without hiccups.

The company offers a lineup of electrical bikes consisting of road bikes, commuter bikes, mountain bikes, and hybrid bikes. Sure, the price may prove to be high for some, but it will all pay off as soon as you see and feel the quality of each part of the bike.

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The Best Electric Cargo Bikes of 2024

Tester Chelsey Magness on the Specialized Globe Haul LT electric cargo bike.

For more than a year, GearJunkie cyclists have been testing a multitude of amazing electric cargo bikes. We’ve hauled everything from babies, kids, dogs, wood, tools, all kinds of outdoor gear, and even huge Costco and farmer’s market hauls. We went on e-cargo bikes if our destination was within 15 miles.

Our errand runs shuttled us across smooth tarmac, broken chip seal, and occasional dirt roads. Some bikes in the test fleet have throttles, while other’s electric assist only functioned while pedaling (this is a function of the e-bike class ). The electric cargo bikes ranged from small and nimble bikes to e-bike versions of a freight hauler.

The e-bike market has drastically expanded over the last few years, with brands popping up out of nowhere. We sifted through clunky, unwieldy, and wholly unreliable makes and models alongside bikes from established bike and e-bike brands. We noted any assembly woes or anything that compromised safety or long-term reliability. E-bikes are a significant investment, and we approached our testing and editorial angle with this in mind.

Below, we highlight, categorize, and review the best electric cargo bikes we tested. They were all standouts in their own unique way. Mom and endurance athlete Chelsey Magnus and Gearjunkie Cycling Editior Seiji Ishii have pedaled, throttled, and weighed in on each model, assessing day-to-day usability and extolling the best uses for each model. If you’re new to Electric cargo bikes, check out the lingo in our buying guide below , which helps explain the different styles of e-cargo bikes on the market today. For a side-by-side rundown of price and specs, check our comparison chart .

Editor’s note: For our October 27, 2023, update, we’ve added the Specialized Globe Haul LT, Velotric Packer 1 and the Tern HSD P9 to round out our lineup.

  • Best Overall Electric Cargo Bike: Specialized Globe Haul LT
  • Budget Electric Cargo Bike: Rad Power Bikes RadWagon 4
  • Best Compact / Daily Commuter Electric Cargo Bike: Tern HSD P5i
  • Best Kid-Hauler Electric Cargo Bike: Bunch Original Family Cargo Bike
  • Lightest Weight Electric Cargo Bike: Tern HSD P9
  • An Awesome Value Electric Cargo Bike: Velotric Packer 1

Specialized Globe Haul LT

  • Weight 88 pounds, 3 ounces
  • Length 53.4 inches, wheelbase
  • Carrying capacity 441 pounds
  • Range 60 miles

Product Badge

  • Large carrying capacity
  • Can haul three kids comfortably
  • Has throttle for easier stop and go riding
  • Fits multiple sized riders
  • Long for even a longtail cargo bike
  • No integrated lock

The Specialized Globe Haul LT’s ($3,500) versatility instantly enamored our tester’s family. It comfortably transports three passengers alongside cargo with a 441-pound total. During a delightful trip to the local river beach, the LT Global Specialized E-Cargo bike accommodated a full set of towels, sand toys, and a picnic dinner, all while ensuring a safe and enjoyable ride.

Safety is paramount, especially during late rides with precious cargo. Our tester often rode in the dark with her kids, especially during the fall months. The bike’s 1,500-lumen light with three different modes provided excellent visibility, ensuring a well-lit journey.

Even with a full passenger load and gear, the bike handles well, making it a reliable choice for daily use. The Globe Haul LT offers a remarkably smooth ride. The user-friendly experience extended to its adjustability, accommodating riders of different heights. Whether a 4′ 10″ or 6′ 4″ rider, the easy-to-adjust telescoping seatpost and quill stem make this bike accessible and enjoyable for people of varying heights.

While the Specialized Globe Haul LT occupies a slightly larger garage space than traditional e-bikes, its unparalleled carrying capacity and robust 700W rear hub motor with throttle made up for it. With a top speed of 28 miles per hour, reaching destinations quickly was no problem. The throttle added extra safety and confidence, especially when tackling hills or navigating stop-and-go riding environments.

Our lead tester is usually not a huge fan of the apps that come with e-bikes, but she found the Globe app extremely helpful and easy to set up. After a quick 2-minute setup, she was able to adjust the light setting and “locked” the bike outside the grocery store.

The bike can be sent to a dealer for assembly and delivery or directly to the buyer and built by a Specialized mechanic at no extra cost. Additionally, when the battery reaches the end of its life, for $15, you can drop it off at a Specialized dealer, and they will make sure it gets recycled in an environmentally friendly way.

At a price tag of $3,500, the Globe Haul LT comes with a rear rack, a durable and easy-to-use double kickstand, and integrated lights. The options our tester enjoyed on our test model were the passenger seat ($60), the rear wheel cover ($40), the adjustable cargo rail ($275), and the Cool Cave Pannier ($60). She feels these are all worthy additions to help carry everyone and everything for a full day of family adventure.

Rad Power Bikes RadWagon 4

  • Weight 76.7 pounds
  • Length 78.7 inches
  • Carrying capacity 350 pounds
  • Range 45 miles

The Best Electric Cargo Bikes of 2024

  • Value pricing
  • Lower carrying capacity than other electric cargo bikes

While this cargo e-bike ($1,999) is still an investment, it’s one of the most affordable options we’ve found. Although it may lack some of the capacity and extras of other higher-end bikes on this list, it’s a solid contender and a great ride for most people.

The 750W geared-hub motor provides plenty of power, even when loaded up to the max 350-pound payload. It has five pedal assist levels, and we found it very easy to change between modes.

Weighing in at nearly 77 pounds, our smaller testers were worried it would feel unmanageable. For riders of all sizes, however, it rode smoothly and never felt overly heavy.

The 22 x 3-inch custom tires feel super smooth while keeping the ride low and stable. It’s worth noting that these unusual tire sizes can be hard to find in local bike shops. It’s not a bad idea to have a spare on hand, just in case.

Like other electric cargo bikes, the Rad Power Bikes RadWagon 4 has integrated lights, so you won’t have to worry about forgetting your bike light at home. And the double-leg kickstand provided enough stability to load and unload wiggly children.

The battery for this bike charged quickly, and we easily got 30-45 miles of travel, even when loaded down and traveling across hilly terrain. The RadWagon 4 proves to be a quality electric cargo bike at an excellent price.

Tern HSD P5i

  • Weight 61.5 lbs.
  • Length 65 inches
  • Carrying capacity 397 lbs.
  • Range 76 miles

The Best Electric Cargo Bikes of 2024

  • Breaks down and folds quickly
  • Fits into small spaces
  • Has in integrated lock
  • Cannot carry passenger

When it comes to commuter and mini e-cargo bikes, the new HSD P5i ($4,599) stands out as a mighty and compact marvel. It’s designed to fit into smaller spaces effortlessly and easily navigate office hallways, subways, buses, and apartment elevators. Our tester was particularly impressed by its ability to discreetly blend into her gear-filled garage while boasting an impressive carrying capacity of 397 pounds, accommodating both her and significant loads for her business ventures.

Throughout a rigorous 5-week test, our tester rode the HSD P5i daily, averaging 15 miles daily. This included play date drops and pick-ups, grocery runs, product deliveries, and more. She immediately noticed the near-silent and smooth operation of the maintenance-free Gates CDX belt drive and equally noiseless Shimano Nexus INTER-5E internally geared hub. The class 1 Bosch performance line motor amplified the quiet efficiency, providing up to a 340% increase in pedaling power with its impressive 75Nm of torque.

The riding experience on the HSD P5i resembles gliding on a nimble, sleek commuter bike, owing to its shorter size and resultant low center of gravity. A front suspension fork and an elongated wheelbase smoothed out what could have been a rough ride due to the smaller wheel size.

Storage and size adjustments are a breeze, taking just 2 minutes to fold down the handlebar and stem for effortless stowing in a car, garage, or apartment. Similarly, adjusting the seat post was quick and easy, accommodating a wide range of rider sizes.

With an exceptional range of 76 miles, our tester logged 4-5 before needing a charge. A favorite feature is the well-placed charging port on the top tube — exceptionally convenient and straightforward. Many bikes have awkwardly located ports near the chain and cranks that can soil hands.

This is a good example of precision and attention to detail embedded in Tern’s German engineering.

The HSD P5i also boasts an intuitive eBike Flow App and an integrated lock, adding layers of convenience. The app allows for virtual bike locking and offers various useful functions, from system updates to customizable riding modes.

While the HSD P5i comes with a relatively high price tag at $4599, its ability to carry a staggering 397 pounds of cargo with such a small frame sets it apart. The HSD P5i isn’t just a bike—it’s a multifaceted transport solution and more.

Bunch Original 3.0

  • Weight 152 pounds
  • Length 83 inches
  • Range 20-30 miles

The Best Electric Cargo Bikes of 2024

  • Comes fully assembled
  • Has a secure lockbox
  • Durable, flat-resistant tires
  • Can haul up to 5 kids
  • Hard to back up
  • Takes up a lot of storage space
  • Not an electric cargo bike for quick trips

This crowd-stopping, front-loading trike ($4,965) gets high points for its lower price range (compared to other large electric cargo bikes) and ease of assembly. It arrived at our tester’s house fully assembled. All she had to do was remove the packaging, adjust the seat, and it was ready to go.

The big cargo box fits up to four kids and comes with comfortable cushions and easy-to-use shoulder retention straps. In the span of a few weeks, our tester took it out with all combinations of cargo: a dog and two kids, three kids and a cooler full of snacks, and even a week’s worth of groceries. The 2-year-old loved it because he was up high and could chat with his friend across from him.

The bike had additional add-ons like a rain cover and a sunshade, which the kiddos and dog appreciated when the weather turned ugly. Unlike other cargo bikes where securing cargo is difficult, the Bunch front box has a lockable under-storage box that easily fits a purse, computer, and other smaller valuables.

The components aren’t of the highest quality possible, but the combination of the Shimano Tourney 7-speed drivetrain and the 500W geared Dapu Hub motor created a smooth shifting and pedaling experience. And the easy-to-charge battery kept the electric cargo bike motoring around town for almost 25 miles before needing a recharge.

The standover design and easy-to-adjust seat fit a wide range of sizes. Our tester is barely 5’1″, and she rode it as comfortably as her 6′ stepdad. The control panel was also very intuitive, making it easy to turn the headlight on and view speed and battery life.

For a family who wants something to replace their car for short, local trips, this bike is the perfect ride . However, it’s not for the person who wants to get to where they’re going quickly. While the motor will assist up to 20 mph, it comes with a factory set max of 15 mph (this is easily changed via the settings).

And because it’s a trike, the handling is a bit unstable at higher speeds, especially in corners, as the rider cannot lean the bike. So we’d recommend keeping that 15mph limit for a while until you learn the limitations. Think of this bike as more of a “take it easy and enjoy the sights” rig. It is a super fun experience to share with kids.

Tern HSD PS9

  • Weight 57 pounds
  • Length 67 inches
  • Carrying capacity 375 pounds
  • Range 69 miles

The Best Electric Cargo Bikes of 2024

  • Lightweight
  • Carries large load while being small
  • Folds to fit into small areas
  • Pricey for what it is
  • Can only haul one child

The Tern P9 HSD ($3,699) is the younger sibling to the dual-battery GSD model. Where the GSD is longer and heavier, the HSD is more compact, much lighter, and has less carrying capacity. The P9 HSD fits into many different e-bike categories.

With one wheel in the commuting realm and one in the cargo category, this bike can wear many hats, depending on the rider. We turned it into a kid, gear, and grocery hauler. However, Tern has many different configuration options on its site for carrying cargo. With a 45-inch wheelbase, 67-inch length, and coming in at just under 57 pounds, this bike is the lightest and most compact e-cargo bike we have tested yet.

Tern is known for its easily storable bikes that fit many different riders on a single frame. The HSD fit both our 5′ 1″ tester and her 6′ 1″ stepfather, thanks to an easy-to-adjust cockpit.

Unlike some other larger electric cargo bikes, this bike is nimble and easy to maneuver. With a custom Suntour suspension fork, it made the bumpy roads a bit more enjoyable for both the tester and the passenger.

The Bosch Powerpack 400 battery and Bosch Active Line Plus motor helped our tester, her five-year-old son, get a ton of farmer’s market goodies around town. And thanks to its 375-pound carrying capacity, there was no shortage of hauling ability. With a range of 69 miles, she never had to worry about running out of battery, even after a full day of back-and-forth commuting.

The Tern P9 HSD features integrated lights and a double-sided kickstand for easy on and off for cargo and passengers.

Overall, this little bike packs a powerful punch, albeit it sits on the pricey side for what it is. It is easy to store (as with all Terns, it can be stored vertically), hauls everything from gear to dogs to one kid, and is surprisingly light when compared to other e-cargo bikes. It’s also fun to ride!

Velotric Packer 1

  • Weight 75 pounds
  • Length 82 inches
  • Carrying capacity 440 pounds
  • Range 52 miles pedal-assist, 45 miles throttle-only

The Best Electric Cargo Bikes of 2024

  • Good carrying capacity
  • Easy assembly
  • Stable ride when loaded
  • Extremely versatile rear cargo area
  • Bars felt narrow for how long and heavy the bike is
  • Power cuts in abruptly
  • Tires only good for paved surfaces

Our cycling editor used the Velotric Packer 1 ($1,999) for chores around his rural home in Central Texas. From getting the mail 2+ miles down a dirt road to hauling tools and supplies all over his property, the Packer 1 was a workhorse. The large rear and smaller front basket held plenty of items for his purposes, and the 750W (1,200W peak) motor provided plenty of oomph, even up steep hills.

The 80mm travel front suspension fork damps smaller bumps adequately, but the bars felt too narrow on unpaved surfaces for how heavy, long, and loaded down this bike could be. The total weight capacity of 440 pounds (176 pounds on the back) is more than enough, and the bike actually feels more stable with a load in the rear basket on dirt roads.

The only real nitpick is that the power cuts abruptly when pedaling, regardless of which of the five assist levels is selected. It isn’t dangerous, just noticeable compared to other e-bikes.

Velotric offers a wide variety of rear seating accessories, accommodating one or two children, with options to be in or out of a safety cage. Although we didn’t test these items, we felt these options would make the bike extremely versatile, especially in urban environments. The large hauling capacity only adds to this versatility. The Velotric Packer 1 also works with Apple Find My, a potentially useful feature in the city.

Notably, Velotric did an excellent job packing this bike for shipment. It was well-protected on all surfaces. And assembly was quick and easy, with clearly marked parts and easily understood instructions. But the real standout attribute is the MSRP of $1999. This represents an incredible value for such a versatile cargo e-bike.

  • Weight 73 pounds
  • Length 83.8 inches
  • Carrying capacity 400 pounds
  • Range 50 miles

The Best Electric Cargo Bikes of 2024

  • Great price
  • Easy to maneuver
  • Visually attractive
  • Baskets are a little small for groceries
  • One size doesn't fit all riders

While the Flyer L885 cargo e-bike ($1,999) is still an investment, it’s one of the more affordable options. Although it does not have the longer range like some of the other electric cargo bikes listed here, we’ve found it a very solid choice for many families.

The 500W brushless hub motor, five pedal assist levels, and a half-twist throttle provided plenty of power to ride up any hill or pick up speed to cross an intersection.  We found that even when loaded down at its full capacity of 400 pounds, we could get 40 to 45 miles out of it before charging. And if more range is needed, there is an option to buy another battery for $499. For daily use, however, we have yet to feel like we need it.

The bike weighs in at 73 pounds but felt surprisingly light and nimble, especially compared to this guide’s larger electric cargo bikes. The 26-inch front and 20-inch back wheels are standard tire sizes, making replacing tubes and tires easy. So far, after about 200 miles of riding — some on dirt and sharp rocks as well as over some glass (by accident), our tester has yet to have a flat thanks to their 3″ wide puncture-resistant liner.

The Flyer L885 has integrated lights and a dual-leg kickstand, which stabilizes the bike while unloading wiggly kids. Finally, this bike drew comments on its good looks. This electric cargo bike is a solid choice at an exceptional price.

Yuba Spicy Curry

  • Weight 60 lbs. (without any of the add-ons)
  • Carrying capacity 300 lbs.
  • Range 25-55 miles depending on mode and capacity
  • Best for Around town errands, kid pickups and dropoffs, dogs, big grocery or hardware store buys

The Best Electric Cargo Bikes of 2024

  • Rides like a normal bike
  • Can fit a wide range of people
  • Can be hard to store
  • On the pricey side

Yuba’s mission is to make bikes that can easily haul kids, gear, and groceries, all while putting a big smile on everyone’s face (bystanders included). Other than its awesome name, we love the  Spicy Curry  ($5,199) for its sturdy, tank-like feel. Even when it’s loaded down and our son is waving side to side on the back, we barely notice.

or some extra money, you can choose different add-ons for the bike depending on your lifestyle. We wanted to make this bike our main one for taking our son to preschool, so we opted to get the adjustable  Monkey Bars  ($200) as well as a  Yepp Maxi Easy Fit kid seat  ($259).

Our son loves the combination of the seat and the Monkey Bars. He gets to ride up high so he can see Mom or Dad and can hold on whenever he feels like it. Later, we added the  2-Go Cargo Bags  ($199) and  the Bread Basket  ($200). This more than doubled our carrying capacity.

The frame looked big at first sight. But after adjusting the cockpit and seat to my 5’1″ height, I was pleasantly surprised at how natural and comfortable it felt. It has easily been the neighborhood’s most widely used bike. It’s simple to adjust the size of the bike, and it fits a wide variety of heights.

The components consist of a Shimano Deore 10-speed adjuster and Shimano Disc Brakes. And although I was wary at first of the non-internal hub, I grew to really like how much it felt like all my other bikes. The large front wheel helps smooth out bumps; it’s smooth enough that my son regularly falls asleep on the way home from school.

The motor is a very powerful and smooth Bosch Performance CX mid-drive with a 36V 500Wh battery. It has four levels of assist: Eco, Tour, eMTB, and Turbo. All of these are easy to click through on the control panel, which also displays the mileage, range, and speed.

On a single charge, I can get up to 55 miles on Eco mode or about 25 on full Turbo mode. The eMTB setting switches between all the modes depending on how it senses I’m riding, and I average between 30 and 40 miles.

Again,  this bike  has been the most used in our neighborhood of four families. It is easy to adjust, feels most like a regular bike, and can haul up to 300 pounds. At 60 pounds and 6 feet in length, it’s not the easiest of the bunch to store. But for carrying capacity, length, and price, this is easily one of the best electric cargo bikes money can buy.

Tern GSD S00 Folding Bike

  • Weight 70 lbs. (with one battery)
  • Carrying capacity 440 lbs.
  • Range 62 mi.

The Best Electric Cargo Bikes of 2024

  • Stem/handlebars/seatpost can fold down in 5 seconds, allowing it to fit in many vehicles
  • Can carry a ton of gear and people
  • Compact for e-bikes
  • 20″ wheels can be a little harsh on bumpy ground

Tern Bikes is known for its ingenuity in creating folding bikes. So when the brand came out with a cargo bike that was the length of a regular commuter bike and could fold down to fit easily in most midsize SUVs or minivans, many bike commuters (including us) took notice.

The bike is even made to stand vertically on its back rack so that it takes up minimal space when stored inside. For the urban family who lives in an apartment building, people with limited garage space, or anyone who just doesn’t want to deal with a big classic cargo bike, the Tern is the answer.

Other specs that set the GSD apart are its carrying capacity of 440 pounds and the ability to fit two high-powered Bosch batteries on it. This gives it an impressive range of up to 155 miles. From the Green Guard non-puncture tires to the infinite-adjust internal geared hub, this bike is clearly made to last.

Like the other bikes, you can customize it however you like. We opted to try the  Clubhouse basket  ($200), the  Cargo Hold Panniers  ($175), and a  Thule Yepp Maxi child’s seat  ($220). We were pleased to find out that the Cargo panniers were still usable with the Yepp Maxi seat over top of them. And with the batteries, panniers, and rack all sitting lower than your average bike, the handling and riding experience for both the driver and passenger is very smooth and comfortable.

Like all the other cargo bikes on this list, it fits a range of riders from 5′ to 6’5″. The unique handlebar, seatpost, and stem adjustment make it even quicker and easier to truly find a perfect cockpit for riders of various sizes. We used this bike exclusively for an entire week to see how quickly we would need to charge it. It lasted the entire week. We clocked 90 miles, using a mix of tour and eMTB mods, and it still showed two of five battery bars.

At $4,999 with a single battery and $5,799 with a dual battery, this one comes in at the middle of the pack price-wise, and has one of the smoothest rides of any model we tested.

Electric Cargo Bike Comparison Chart

Testing the Bunch Original Family Electric Cargo Bike

How We Tested Electric Cargo Bikes

Chelsey Magness and Seiji Ishii did the bulk of our electric cargo bike testing. Magness is an adventure racing world champion and mother of two. She lives a two-wheeled life at home, both training and running family and business errands via pedal power. She is a long-time contributor to GearJunkie in the cycling category and draws from an extensive and deep well of experience and knowledge in both the competitive and lifestyle branches of cycling.

Ishii has been involved with cycling for nearly four decades, starting with road racing in the 1980s. He watched mountain biking explode, road racing implode, and witnessed the emergence of both gravel bikes and e-bikes. And through it all, he has been a cycling dork through and through. He started as a freelance cycling and climbing contributor to GearJunkie and now resides as the cycling and climbing editor.

Both Magness and Ishii have tested and continue to test countless bicycles and all related gear at GearJunkie, including e-bikes. For this buyer’s guide, our experienced cyclists ran personal, business, and family errands aboard as many electric cargo bikes as they could get their legs over.

They ran short errands across smooth pavement in urban areas to longer missions in remote areas (Ishii had to ride over 2 miles on dirt to get his mail and five times further to get groceries). Magness often carried multiple children and pets, while Ishii hauled tools all over his property while maintaining wells, fences, and outbuildings. The electric cargo bikes proved to be insanely useful and appreciated.

Some bikes operated flawlessly and smoothly for the test duration, while others fell apart or failed within the first few miles. This curated list represents thousands of miles of cumulative riding, hundreds of hours of assembly and maintenance, and equal amounts of frustration and joy. We did the hard work for you, suffered the disappointments, and reported the good finds so you can spend your hard-earned money wisely. We realize any bike on this list is a significant investment.

Looking for a sleeker e-bike for commuting, or maybe something with more off-road capabilities? Check out our guides to the Best E-Bikes and the Best E-Bikes for Hunting.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose an Electric Cargo Bike

Before delving into our buyer’s guide, it’s wise to discern how you will really use a cargo bike. The type, size, and weight of your intended cargo will help determine the style of electric cargo bike that will suit you best. The terrain, road or off-road surface, time of riding, urban versus rural, and weather also impact significant choices like wheel size, tire type, lighting needs, seating, and security. Storage space is also a concern, especially in urban environments.

The first thing to consider, though, is the style of electric cargo bike you need.

Electric Cargo Bike Styles

Example of a long-john electric cargo bike

Long-john bike:  These have the cargo box up front with the front wheel stretched out in front of you. Some also have the capacity for another passenger to ride on the back. This style takes some practice when you first get on, as it handles a little differently than a traditional bike.

An example of a longtail electric cargo bike

Longtail bike:  These ride more like traditional bikes and can fit up to three small passengers (kids) riding on the tail. Most can also fit a clip-on seat for younger kids (9 months and up).

Front-load trike : These have two wheels and the cargo box in front. This stable style can fit as many as four kids in the box and sometimes an extra kid or panniers on the back. We tested the Bunch Original Family Cargo Bike and really appreciate the utility, though the three-wheel design limits its maneuverability.

What Are You Hauling?

Before starting your search, ask yourself what you will use the bike for most. Grocery shopping? Kid pickups and dropoffs? Delivering pizzas? Taking your dog to the dog park? Hauling the boards to the local surf wave? All of the above? When you narrow your search down in this way before you start looking at the options, it makes it less overwhelming.

The size of what you are hauling can determine the type of e-cargo bike, while the total weight of passengers and items plays into the carrying capacity. You will need both the ability to hold the sheer volume of your items and the weight of intended cargo plus passengers.

Price Range

New electric cargo bikes can range from as low as $1,800 to as high as $8,000.

Cargo boxes, panniers, front boxes, kickstands, and kid seats can cost extra and add to the total cost quickly. However, after doing a quick search of our local Craigslist and Facebook online market groups, we found accessory options being sold at significant savings over new.

Identifying your longest average commute will give you a good idea of what kind of range you will require to avoid running out of battery life before the next planned charge. Endless combinations of battery capacity and motor current draw produce the stated range. It’s best to err on the conservative side when calculating the range, as load, wind, and other factors can all have an effect.

More electric cargo bikes are coming out with the option of either attaching or hot-swapping an additional battery to extend the range between charges.

Storage Space

An often overlooked factor is the storage space an electric cargo bike will require, which can be more than a standard e-bike. Outside of folding cargo bikes, many electric cargo bikes occupy a lot of space. Some, like longtail versions, require substantial length, and front load trikes are much wider.

Some electric cargo bike brands like Bunch understand that their models demand significant storage space and offer an outdoor cover to protect them while being stored outside.

Security Concerns

Security of both the bike and cargo can be an issue, especially in urban centers. Many electric cargo bikes can be virtually locked via the app; this means the bike is electrically actuated to prevent someone from either riding it or rolling it away. Some bikes include a built-in security cable and lock for physically and visually protecting the bike from theft. Of course, you can always use a standard bike lock and cable .

Electric cargo bikes can also have locking cargo areas.

Commuting in Adverse Weather

Die-hard cyclists and dedicated commuters know that the weather makes no guarantees. What starts as a dry ride can quickly turn into a downpour. There are a couple of accessories and features you should consider if you plan to roll, regardless of whether the sun shows or not.

Regardless of the electric cargo bike type, you will undoubtedly, at some point, need to protect whatever it is that you are hauling from precipitation. Some brands offer dedicated and fitted covers for the storage area of their bikes. If not, the bike will need a way to attach some type of cover or secure a dry bag, etc.

Some brands have accessories that can help protect passengers from the elements as well, such as canopies. It’s worth noting that such accessories can create a lot of drag, reducing both speed and battery life.

Electric cargo bikes can carry more volume and weight than a standard e-bike. They have baskets, platforms, and other means to accommodate cargo. The frames, motors, wheels, and other components must be able to handle the added stresses from carrying potentially hundreds of pounds more than a single passenger e-bike.

The assistance provided by the electric motor of an electric cargo bike makes riding with heavy loads much easier and feasible, especially over longer distances. The baskets, platforms, seating arrangements, and the large carrying capacity of electric cargo bikes truly open up possibilities that cannot exist on a standard bicycle or e-bike. Many electric cargo bikes can replace cars for daily errands, especially in urban environments. There are more electric cargo bike options than there are standard cargo bikes for these reasons.

The additional and higher quality chassis and wheel materials, larger battery and motor capacity, and extra features and accessories to handle the higher load ratings and passengers greatly add to the costs of electric cargo bikes.

Most e-bikes can go 20 mph, but some can go as fast as 28 mph. Some brands limit the speed of cargo bikes for safety reasons beyond what the class rating demands. For instance, the Bunch Original 3.0 is limited to 15 mph by the factory but can be changed by the user.

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Chelsey Magness

Chelsey Magness is a contributor for GearJunkie.

She has been writing about adventure racing, mountain biking, trail running, and being a mother for 15 years.

Born and raised in Alaska, Chelsey has always been in love with the outdoors. She was always either covered in dirt or high up in a tree. Nothing much has changed, except now she calls Bend, Oregon her home and instead of being high up in trees, you can find her climbing up giant cliff faces, adventure racing on Team BendRacing, putting on races with her husband at  www.bendracing.com   or playing in the dirt with her two little boys. For a look into her other more “mother/athlete” focused writings, check out  www.endurancemama.com

Seiji Ishii user profile headshot

Seiji Ishii is Editor at Large at the AllGear network and the Climbing and Cycling editor at GearJunkie.

He has been writing about cycling, climbing, outdoor endeavors, motorsports, and the gear and training for those pursuits for 20+ years.

Before AllGear, Ishii was a freelance contributor to print and web publications related to his interests and professional experiences. He continues to pursue climbing and cycling objectives seriously.

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trek electric cargo bike review

trek electric cargo bike review

Trek Verve+ 3 Review

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Trek Verve Plus 3 Electric Bike Review

  • Trek Reviews
  • City Electric Bike Reviews
  • Commuting Electric Bike Reviews
  • Hybrid Electric Bike Reviews
  • Mid-Drive Electric Bike Reviews
  • Womens Electric Bike Reviews
  • The 3rd generation of Trek's popular Verve+ ebike maintains the excellent quality of previous models while providing more power and range, supported by a large network of dealers and available in a wide range of size and frame options
  • Excellent craftsmanship and tuning showcase Trek's prowess in bicycle manufacturing, accessories are seamlessly integrated and easy to operate thanks to always-on lights and the simplicity of the Bosch Purion display, ready for commuting with a MIK-compatible rack, full length fenders, and a suspension seatpost
  • The electrical system has upgraded to the Bosch Active Line Plus motor along with a seamlessly integrated PowerTube 500 battery, with excellent range and responsive performance and the option to add an additional 500wh of battery capacity with the Bosch Range Boost system
  • No way to use walk mode or turn off the lights due to safety concerns, bottle cage bosses are nice to have but utilizing them may prevent removing the battery, charging port is positioned near the left crank and thus more vulnerable to accidental damage

Video Review

Introduction

Body position:, suggested use:, electric bike class:, learn more about ebike classes, availability:, model year:, bicycle details, total weight:, battery weight:, motor weight:, frame material:, frame sizes:, geometry measurements:, frame types:, frame colors:, frame fork details:, frame rear details:, attachment points:, gearing details:, shifter details:, brake details:, seat post length:, seat post diameter:, tire brand:, wheel sizes:, tire details:, tube details:, accessories:, electronic details, motor brand:, motor type:, learn more about ebike motors, motor nominal output:, motor peak output:, motor torque:, battery brand:, battery voltage:, battery amp hours:, battery watt hours:, battery chemistry:, charge time:, estimated min range:, estimated max range:, display type:, display accessories:, drive mode:, written review.

This in-depth review was not sponsored by Trek or any other third party. It was funded by the display ads and placements on this website and YouTube. I cover as many products as I can, based on what I feel is relevant, interesting, and available. My goal is to be transparent and unbiased with you, this video and writeup are not meant to be an endorsement. I welcome your corrections, additions, and feedback in the comment section below, and the Trek electric bike forums .

Observations:

  • Trek is one of the largest bicycle manufacturers in the world, considered one of the “Big Three” along with Giant and Specialized. They have hundreds of dealers just in the United States, which gives them a compelling advantage in terms of support, as well as color and size choices… although you pay a premium in price! Trek has come a long ways from their beginning in 1975 when they only manufactured hand-brazed steel frames
  • The Verve+ 3 is no longer the most affordable electric bike in the Trek lineup, as the price has gone up by $500 USD. Technically it would be their most affordable electric bike, but Trek is still selling both the Verve+ 2 and the original Verve+ (both for $2,499 USD). It’s worth noting that Trek does offer a line of more affordable ebikes sold under the Electra brand which Trek acquired in 2014
  • Some units of the Verve+ 2 had an issue with the chain derailling frequently, which was fixed by replacing the standard chainring with one that had narrow-wide teeth. This replacement was made at no cost to owners but was still inconvenient to deal with, fortunately the Verve+ 3 comes standard with a narrow-wide chainring so there should be no derailling issues
  • The puncture protection is listed as “Hard-Case Lite” compared to the “Hard-Case Ultimate” that was equipped on the previous generation of the Verve+ 3. This appears to be a downgrade, but from what I’ve been able to find it seems the Hard-Case Lite still performs quite well while being more lightweight
  • The Verve+ 3 has simplified colors with only two options (Teal or Matte Black), but still has a fantastic selection of five sizes and two frame types. If you opt for the step-thru frame (which Trek calls “Lowstep”) you can choose between extra-small, small, medium, and large sizes. For the high-step frame your options are medium, large, and extra-large! This wide selection along with numerous dealers makes it easy for you to get professionally fitted for the ideal ride experience. Add to this the excellent warranty with two years of comprehensive coverage, and lifetime coverage for the frame and fork, and you can see why many riders have a lot of trust in the Trek brand
  • Whether you prefer an upright seating position or one leaning forward, it’s easy to dial in the comfort thanks to the wide range of sizes and frames, as well as the adjustability of the quill stem. The step-thru frames provide the most upright seating position as well as easy mounts and dismounts, while the high-step frame is better suited for a more forward aggressive seating position, providing more stability at high speeds. Contact points from Bontrager are well designed, the Satellite Elite ergonomic grips are grippy and locking so that they don’t rotate, and the Boulevard saddle is fairly wide with a full cutout for maximum comfort
  • The suspension seatpost is also made by Trek and provides 40mm of travel, a significant improvement over the the 30mm of many competing products. The 31.6mm diameter makes it a bit more sturdy and when fully removed you can adjust suspension pre-load with an Allen wrench, helpful for dialing in the performance for your size
  • The quill stem, in addition to being highly adjustable, is also Blendr-compatible! Blendr is a mounting platform that makes it easy to mount all manner of accessories to the top of the stem, with common accessories being cycle computers, phone mounts, and additional lights. Check out the resources section at the bottom of this review to see all the Blendr-compatible accessories offered by Trek
  • Feature-complete and fully loaded for commuting with high-quality accessories, this makes the Verve+ 3 an excellent choice for commuting to work and running errands
  • The rear rack supports the same standard weight limit of 25kg/50lb, but it has received a nice upgrade in the form of being MIK-ready! The MIK platform makes it easy to quickly attach and detach luggage containers such as baskets or pannier bags by simply clicking them into place and then removing with a small key tool. This eliminates the time and frustration of having to unfasten and/or untie the more common luggage containers, and if you already have a bag or other carrier that you like, you can add on a MIK adapter plate to make it compatible with this rack
  • The full-length plastic fenders are sturdy, resilient, and very well mounted! Plastic fenders can be prone to rattling loudly especially on bumpy roads, but I didn’t notice any while test riding, I also appreciate that the front fender has a toe-strike guard which provides some extra coverage and mitigates any impacts from your foot if you bonk it while turning. The front light provides 120 lumens with excellent side cutouts which further increase visibility when riding at night, the rear light is also highly visible with three LEDs
  • Bontrager E6 tires measure 700x50c, which puts them at 5c wider than the H5s on the Verve+ 2. This extra width translates to a more comfortable ride since there is more volume of air, and you also get Hard-Case Lite puncture protection for more peace of mind while commuting. These tires have bright sidewall striping for excellent side visibility, a great safety feature and welcome upgrade from the all-black tires of the previous generation
  • The kickstand is rear-mounted and thus won’t get tangled up with the cranks when moving the bike backwards, this also makes chain maintenance much easier by not requiring you to mount the bike on a stand or flip it upside down
  • The motor has been upgraded to the Bosch Active Line Plus MY20, compared to the standard Active Line MY19 on the Verve+ 2. This motor provides a small increase in power and performance, with higher peak wattage, more torque, higher max assist, and higher maximum cadence! If you test both motors back-to-back you’ll be able to tell the difference, although they are still quite similar and most riders will be fine on either model. This is an incredibly sensitive torque-based motor which fits best for more active riders who enjoy cycling and getting some exercise, and just want an electric motor to help out occasionally and balance out some steep inclines on their commute
  • Shimano’s Alivio groupset feels smooth and performs excellently as usual, with a wide range of 11-36 teeth on the nine-speed cassette that is more than sufficient for all types of city riding. The Alivio trigger shifters are quite clicky and satisfying to use, and the up-shifting paddle is a two-way which means you can operate both using only your thumbs, which makes it easier to shift while keeping your fingers on or near the brakes
  • Shimano’s MT200 hydraulic disc brakes are back again and they still work great, providing smooth and quiet stopping power and easy actuation compared to mechanical disc brakes. Hydraulic brakes also don’t require tightening and thus require less frequent maintenance than their mechanical counterparts
  • The battery is the biggest area of improvement on the Verve+ 3, the Bosch PowerTube 500 has an extra 100 watt-hours of capacity and now seamlessly integrates into the towntube, compared to the Bosch PowerPack 400 which was mounted on top of the downtube on the Verve+ 2. This clean integration looks much nicer and keeps the battery better protected, and also helps the bike to appear more “stealth” which can help to reduce theft risk. The battery can be charged on or off the bike and features a flip-up handle for easy carrying when removed
  • The key for removing the battery is manufactured by ABUS and is keyed alike ready, which means you can order locks and other accessories from ABUS that will work with your keys. Keep your key identification card somewhere safe as you can also use it to order replacement keys if you lose both of yours
  • The battery configuration is also Range-boost compatible! This is a feature offered by Bosch, the three bottle cage bosses on the top of the downtube are used to mount a PowerPack 500 battery which will effectively double your maximum range. This allows you to charge both batteries at the same time while mounted on the bike and is much more convenient than simply buying a separate battery that must be carried with you and swapped out
  • The responsiveness and ride feel are top notch. Trek has been making acoustic bicycles for many years and it really shows in the level of craftsmanship and perfect tuning of the Verve+ 3, it is incredibly smooth and satisfying to ride even while the motor is turned off. Powering on the motor you can feel similar expertise from Bosch’s electrical system, with instant responsiveness to changes in pressure on the pedals, reading torque, cadence, and rear wheel speed at over 1,000 readings per second!
  • The Purion display is the smallest offered by Bosch, it is unobtrusive and out of the way while still providing clear and easy-to-read information thanks to the excellent contrast ratio of the grayscale LCD display. I’m a fan of this display as it covers the basics and is very intuitive to use, making it easy to focus on riding without needing to fiddle with settings
  • There is no front suspension which may not be a problem for many riders, but if you live in an area with rough roads and lots of potholes you may not enjoy riding there with this setup. Riders with hand and/or wrist sensitivity will probably also find the ride too rough, you could swap out the stem for a suspension stem (although you would lose the high adjustability of the Blendr quill stem)
  • The Bosch Purion display is pretty minimalist and may leave you wanting more if you prefer to have more statistics, configurable settings, and perhaps a USB port for powering small electronics while riding. The Purion is also not removable which can leave it vulnerable to damage from weather or bumps at the bike rack, although it is quite durable and should be able to survive anything outside of a severe direct impact. Bosch displays are interchangeable, so if you would prefer a more feature-rich display such as the Kiox, Nyon, or Smartphone Hub, your Trek dealer can make this upgrade (just expect to pay at least $200 for it)
  • Typically Bosch displays allow you to disable the lights and also to use Walk Mode, but both of these functions are disabled on Trek ebikes. The lights are always on as long as the display is powered on, and the dedicated WALK button on the bottom of the display does nothing when pressed. This configuration is set in the interest of maximizing safety, it is my understanding that Trek dealers can modify both settings on request
  • As mentioned, this torque-sensing setup is very responsive an excellent choice for more active riders. However, if you have sensitive knees or anything else that prevents you from being able to put a lot of force onto the pedals, this ebike may not be a great fit. This is in comparison to cadence-sensing systems which only require that you cycle the cranks around with minimal pressure
  • At first I was excited to see three bottle cage bosses on the downtube, normally these are awesome for securely mounting all manner of accessories. However, on the Verve+ 3 mounting any accessories that wrap around the downtube will make it impossible to remove the PowerTube battery from the frame (unless you first remove your accessories, which would be inconvenient and time-consuming). Of course, you can charge the battery while it’s mounted on the bike, but it’s generally not a good idea to leave the battery in the frame all the time unless you always keep the bike inside. Batteries don’t do well when exposed to extreme temperatures for long periods of time, and as the most expensive component on an ebike they increase the theft risk when left mounted. Where these mounting bosses really shine is if you opt for the RangeBoost upgrade, as they are used to secure the mounting hardware for the additional battery
  • You can charge the battery while it is secured in the downtube, but the charge port is positioned very low and right next to the cranks on the left side. This is a risky position as the charging cord and cranks could become tangled if the bike gets moved or knocked over while charging, so be sure to position it well out of the way to minimize this risk

Useful Resources:

  • Local Trek dealers near you
  • Blendr-compatible accessories that can be mounted on the stem
  • More information on the Bosch Range Boost system
  • Bosch Ebike Systems Motor Comparison on the EBR Forums
  • Head to Head Comparison of all three generations of the Verve+ ebike

Review Updated On

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Comments (46) YouTube Comments

Trek does allow “Walk mode” on some of their Ebikes. i have a 2020 Powerfly 5 Ebike and it is available to use. Maybe for 2021 models they are inactivating it. Ask Court to get you a device so you don’t have to ride one handed all the time with your arm extended. It looks pretty dangerous with cars whizzing by you.

Tyson Roehrkasse

Good to know about the walk mode, I’ve heard from some Verve+ 3 owners in Canada that walk mode works there as well, so it seems to vary by region. The Verve+ 2 I reviewed last year had the same restriction as well.

I do have a chest mount that I use sometimes depending on where I am and the type of riding, but I do feel pretty safe in Fort Collins. I’ve been cycling there for almost 20 years now and the city is very bike friendly :)

David Bannister

This is an excellent and accurate review based on my experience as an owner for 2750 kilometres. I am in Canada, where the price is $3999, and the lights on/off and walk features are enabled. The bike is very smooth to operate but does have a stiff/sometimes jarring ride. I have added both a Redshift ShockStop stem and seat post, and the ride is now wonderfully smooth by comparison- especially since I ride the Verve at least as much off-road on gravel and grassy trails as I do on pavement. It does provide lots of exercise compared to a bike with a more powerful motor… I like this; looking to get in better shape at 65. I am very happy with this bike, it has been trouble-free for me and my local Trek shop has been great to deal with. One other change I have just made is to remove the long chain guard. I prefer to have better access to the chain for service. I am looking into getting the chainring guard for an Allant to replace it, or just go without a guard. Thanks for the great review Court, there aren’t many out there for this bike.

Hi David, thanks for commenting! I’m glad to hear you’ve been enjoying your Verve+ 3, adding the extra suspension sounds like a nice upgrade – especially if it can handle off-roading now! I’ve heard from a few other owners that they removed the chain guard as well.

John Charles

This bike has gone from 45lb to 55lbs over 2 years! Is this because of the bigger motor or is the extra weight the reasoning for the extra boost? What gives? I rode the first generation and thought it seemed quite light and nimble. Has it lost some of that ‘regular’ bike feel?

Great question! The original did have a lighter motor and battery (combined 11.8 pounds) vs the newest model (combined 14.6 pounds). So there’s roughly 3 pounds of weight difference to start with.

Some other factors that would affect weight: – The original did not include a rack or a chain guard – The original had a narrower kickstand – The original had a smaller directional headlight integrated into the frame (vs a separately mounted light on the Verve+ 3) – The tires on the original are 700x45c (vs 700x50c on the Verve+ 3, slightly wider diameter)

Another possible factor is that the original model we reviewed was a high-step frame, and for the Verve+ 3 I had a low-step frame. Also, since the newest version of the bike is Bosch Range Boost compatible, it presumably has some extra electronics hardware inside the frame for making that magic happen.

Oh, and the original seatpost was 27.2mm in diameter, vs 31.6mm on the Verve+ 3!

I think that’s about all the contributing factors I can think of :)

I noticed a bell on the Verve +3, what is the brand and where can I get one? I have a Verve +2 and need a bell. Thanks!

The bell doesn’t have a brand on it that I remember… I actually completely forgot to mention it in my review! It’s a standard flick bell, so any bike shop should have one like it. If you want the exact same one you’d probably have to get it from a Trek shop :)

paul clifford

Looking at the Trek website, the spec of the bike is different to the review. I can spot 3, the motor, the battery where Trek say 400w and the review says 500 and the saddle.

Can you clarify?

Thanks. Paul

Hi Paul, we try to measure everything by hand and blend what the bike brand lists or says on their official websites with what we hear from manufacturers (like Bosch). The official listings are that the motor is 250 watts (they don’t estimate a peak) but we think it’s above 400 watts… and we know that the torque is listed at 50 newton meters. The saddle and other accessories might change over the course of a year, believe it or not. There have been some supply chain issues this year that have caused delays and other times companies will just upgrade things based on designer input. I hope this helps, and I appreciate your comment :)

Thanks for the reply. I can see the difference is down to the US and EU specs are different.

The US bike has an upgraded battery and motor compared to the EU one. The EU one is more expensive which I find a little odd.

Great review, Tyson. Thanks!

Both this review and the earlier review of the Trek Verve + 2 mention that the Bosch Active Line motors are torque-sensing motors which work best for more active riders. I’m in reasonably good physical shape but I’m also 72 years old and I haven’t ridden in years. I want to get back into cycling for exercise but its going to take me a while to get back into good cycling condition. Do you think the more demanding Bosch torque-sensing system work for me? Or would it be better to start with an e-bike with a cadence-sensing system?

Hi Brendan! Bosch uses an advanced multi sensor that measures cadence, rear wheel speed, and torque. It’s one of the most natural and reliable systems around. If you click up to the highest levels of assist, this should be satisfying and not create too much strain for you. I think it’s actually a really good fit in terms of power, efficiency, and lower noise if you are just riding around town. Bosch makes higher powered products for mountain biking, such as the Performance Line CX motor, which can be found on some of the other products we’ve covered here :)

Thanks Court,

I’ll be doing most of my riding on the American River Bike Trail here in the Sacramento area, and that trail only drops 500 feet of elevation over 20+ miles. So it sounds like the Bosch would give me all the boost I need until I get my cycling legs back.

I test rode the Verve+3 and loved it. Will wait for the 2021. Do you think there is any differences with the standard frame 2021? And, a big bummer was the seat would ROCK back and forth. In fact, all the Trek electric bikes had this problem which actually stopped me from buying it in the shop that day. Is this a known issue and should it be something to be concerned about?? Thanks.

Huh, that’s interesting. I’m really surprised to hear about the saddle rocking… almost makes me wonder if they are using a system that intentionally does that for ergonomics or comfort? Do you think it has more to do with cheap hardware or not being tightened or something? Weird. Anyway, I have seen one 2021 Trek model, and you can check the review here , but that’s a super high-end model and might not reflect everything in the lineup. It really seems like they are getting better about standardizing parts and working the little kinks out of each model.

Robert Balch

I just picked up a brand new from the factory verve+ 3. The walk feature works, BUT you need to:1 have a mode selected (eco, turbo, etc); 2. push the Walk button and then 3. push and hold the + button. the manual also talks about turning the lights off with some combination of button pushing.

Interesting, thanks so much for this feedback Robert! I’m glad to hear that it’s working. I have noticed that some companies change their settings mid-season (or depending on the location). I’ve also heard that some shops can help adjust settings for major drive systems and displays (like Bosch here). Hope you enjoy the bike! It’s great to know that it can indeed work with walk assist!

Pia Martinus

I live in Uk and wondering about buying either this bike, the Verve 3+ , or the Verve 4+. Do you have any thoughts on this?

Hi! That’s a great question. While I’m not super familiar with the UK ebike market, I am a fan of Trek products in general. I own a non-electric Trek that has worked well, and I love their shops and customer service. Honestly, I feel like this brand has done an excellent job with their products in North America, offering reliable electronics from Bosch and a good range of frame sizes and colors. Depending on your budget and style preferences, I feel like either the Verve 3+ or 4+ would be a great choice. For comparison, you could explore CUBE and BULLS .

David Barbour

Love this bike. The pedal assist is barely noticeable in its operation it just works and riding up hills is effortless but it still feels like you are pedaling a bike instead of being pushed up hill like other bikes feel. Beautiful bike overall. My one gripe has to do with fit and finish. My Trek looks nice, however my wife has the exact same bike but hers has very noticeable, messy welds and her battery is crooked which not only looks bad but also may make it vulnerable to rain and dirt as the gasket does not fit properly. We’re taking it back to the shop to see how well Trek stands behind their bikes. Hard to imagine such sloppy work on such an expensive bike.

Hi David, thanks for sharing this info! Trek has a good reputation for taking care of things like that, I hope they make it right for your wife’s bike. Do let us know afterwards :)

Jason Morris

Greetings. I am a fit 48 year old and I have a Trek Verve +3 on order. I plan to use the bike for a short commute to work and fun rides. I have recently read some excellent reviews on the Specialized Turbo Vado 4.0 (including this site) and I am re thinking my choice. I really do like to ride in a more upright, non aggressive position. Any thoughts on bike choice between these 2?

Hi Jason! Trek and Specialized are the two leaders in the industry right now, in my opinion, based on the quality of their bikes and wide network of dealers to provide fitting and support. My personal favorite is the Specialized Vado SL (super light, smaller motor) models. I don’t love their standard Vado with the Brose motor… but it is more powerful (much like the Trek Bosch powered models). Now keep in mind that I’m only 135lbs and an active cyclist. If you want a bit more power and range, I’d go with the Trek. The Verve+ 3 is an awesome ebike and I think Trek has the upper hand with dealer experience because they own many of their stores and are super professional. I also just feel that Bosch is more proven that Brose and I prefer their displays and apps, there are way more options, they really do a great job. If you want light, efficient, and a bit more sporty (which it sounds like you may not, considering the upright relaxed comment) then the SL is worth considering but may be out of stock. I hope this helps! It sounds like you’re on the right track ;)

Jackie Gamache

OMG… what a bike, the Verve+3 low step. So so happy smooth shifting eco turbo sport comfortable! Life is GOOD, you did a nice job building this Bike. Thank you, happy peddling stay safe

Jackie, from the Villages in Florida

Thanks for such a friendly and positive comment Jackie! Life must be good for you down at the Villages in Florida, I’ve never been before but will definitely put it on my list of happy places to visit someday :D

Hi Court and Tyson!

Really good review, Tyson! Have owned the Verve+ 3 for a year now and while pondering the advantage of a front suspension (i.e. Allant+ 7) I ultimately decided not to upgrade. There must be a reason that the more expensive models do not feature front suspension. I’m 6’5″ @ 255 lbs and the bike does everything extremely well. It doesn’t pretend to be something it isn’t (e.g. speed bike, off-roader, etc.) and even at my weight plus some luggage, I get over 80 miles range in ECO mode. For anyone who wants to be active and not just push a throttle, I think the Active Line Plus motor is a superb choice and great match for this versatile bicycle. I would love to get ride of that giant chain guard myself but haven’t found a suitable alternative; perhaps another viewer can chime in.

Love all your reviews for their clarity, details and honesty – great work, guys, keep it up :)

Hey Carsten, glad you’re enjoying your Verve+ 3! Suspension is nice but for city riding it can be a bit overkill. I have seen some discussion about replacing the chain guard on our forums, here is a relevant thread with some helpful info :)

John dougherty

Best review I have ever seen.

Thanks John! I’m glad you found us and that this review was helpful :)

John Dougherty

Tyson, I have been a fan of Trek for some time and now ride a Domane HP+7; it took five months to get the bike, but worth the wait. My LBS actually has two Verve +3 bikes in stock and based on your excellent review and Trek’s reputation, I am buying one tomorrow for our daughter. Everything you mentioned about the torque sensing on the Bosch system and Trek’s standard of quality matches my experience. Quite frankly, I am a little surprised that they can sell this bike at this price considering the components. I recently emailed John Burke and said I was impressed by the fact that Trek didn’t raise prices due to demand. As far as I know, other manufacturers have been fair as well.

Lars Andersen

Does the low step version provide a more upright seating position than the high step version of the same same bike?

Hi Lars! You could ask the dealer and study their geometry charts to see how reach, head tube angle, and stem + handlebar might be setup slightly differently between the high-step and step-thru, but my guess is that they are very similar or the same. I think the idea is to preserve the geometry while providing a more approachable frame with the step-thru or mid-step models. This often reduces frame stiffness and adds weight, but those are the two main trade-offs that I’m usually seeing.

Several issues in first year of ownership (not even one year yet).. -Battery compartment was not setup properly, required call to Trek from bike mechanic to fix. -Cheap plastic mud flap brace broke with tiny accidental kick by foot – bike almost unusable, required overnight stay in bike hospital. -Chain began to jump, again bike unusable (still no answer on what that is).

I have a bike that cost less than a third of this that is 20 years old and has been in the shop 3 times lifetime with zero emergency mechanical issues. I have less confidence in Trek than ever before.

Hi JB, sorry to hear that you’ve been having some issues with your Verve+ 3. I can’t comment on the first two, but for the last one (the chain jumping off), I have a recommendation. I’ve heard of this happening for a lot of Verve owners, it’s a known issue with the chainring. If you take it in to a Trek dealer they should swap it out for an appropriate narrow-wide chainring for free, and that should fix the issue.

here’s a discussion on our forums about it: https://electricbikereview.website/forums/threads/trek-verve-2-chain-is-constantly-slipping.35298/

I just bought the Trek Verve+ 3 less than a week ago and have ridden it several days since then. I have noticed progressively loud rattling, I thought it was the chain guard, and I was going to ask if it could be removed. Today I rode the bike about 15 miles and the rattling was terrible, I thought the whole bike was going to break. I put my hand on the battery and it was shifting around a lot. I removed the battery and replaced it a couple of times, but it did not help. When I got home I removed the battery and tried to put it back in place several more times. When I would put it in place it would not snap in place like it had before, I had to turn the key to hold it in place. When I did that the whole battery shifted to the left, and left a gap at the top between the battery and the frame. I rode the bike down the street, and the rattling was greatly improved, but now I can’t get the battery out of the bike. When I look inside the keyhole I see that it is not lined up. I remember in the store, my sales person (who seemed to have minimal knowledge about the bike, he would evade questions and a couple times another salesperson overheard and stepped in with the answers) had trouble turning the key to remove the battery. So far, I am very displeased with my experience in regards to the bike.

Hey Liz, thanks for sharing your experience! I can understand your displeasure :( have you taken it back in to the dealer yet? I imagine this will be covered under warranty, hopefully Trek makes it right for you.

Marjorie Doherty

Hi. Thanks for the review. I currently have a 2019 Specialized Como 3 that I’m considering replacing with this Trek. It appears to me that the specs are fairly similar. The reason for the change would be the fit of the bike – the XS Trek seems to fit my 5′ tall body a bit better and feels a quite bit more agile. My question pertains to the motors. I live on a VERY long hill and my Como does fine getting me to the top. Will the motor in this Trek have similar power to help me climb the hill home? Thanks for your help!

Hi Marjorie! There are a lot of factors to consider, but on average I would say that most current-gen mid-drives can climb effectively if you shift to lower gears when climbing a steep hill. Bosch has some of the best motors, which Trek uses, and your older Specialized Como probably used a Brose (which is also a leader). I saw that you’re also looking at Gazelle ebikes, which come in many sizes. I hope you find something you like and welcome any other questions :)

Thanks Court. It seems that most of the LBS’s in my area are getting bikes with the Active Line Plus motor, so I’m glad to know that it’s likely adequate. Always appreciate your knowledge!

Bernadette S.

I have a Verve+ 3, and the walk function does work. First press the top button to turn on the unit. Press the bottom button and you’ll see WALK. You have to press (and keep pressing) the + button to start the walk function. If you let go, the walk function stops.

Thanks for this clarification Bernadette! Perhaps I got mixed up, your instructions are great :)

Oh no problem! Glad I could help!

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Out of your car, into your world The Fetch+ 2 is a longtail electric cargo bike that’s sleek and compact enough for easy storage, but big enough to fit everything you need for your daily commute, grocery run, ride to school and more. With room to fit two kids plus plenty of cargo, the Fetch+ 2 is the fun, fast and friendly way to get from A to B.

trek electric cargo bike review

Assist up to 15.5mph

Range up to 105 km per charge, battery 500 wh, total weight capacity up to 200 kg., carry two kids in child seats + cargo, carry two kids with one in a child seat + cargo, carry two kids + cargo.

Designed to grow with your family You can customise the Fetch+ 2 with additional seating options and accessories to best fit your family’s needs, including front and rear panniers, mudguards and more. Plus, the mudguards and panniers come in four unique colours to best fit your personal style.

The Family Kit

Safari bar, two seat pads, backrest pad, foot guards

Front and Rear Mudguard Set

Available in four colours

Front Pannier Baskets and Rack Set

Rear pannier baskets.

Powerful drive system

A powerful and reliable Bosch Cargo drive unit provides max support up to 20 mph, and the Bosch smart system lets you easily connect your smartphone to use as your display, controller and information hub.

Integrated lights

Just get on and go with integrated lights that turn on automatically and help you see and be seen when you’re on the road or path.

Sturdy kickstand

The Fetch+ 2 has a solid, easy-to-use kickstand that keep things upright when loading or unloading.

Want to learn more?

Dive into the details and learn how to customise the Fetch+ for your family with our walk-through video.

Let your car go, opt for cargo The Fetch+ 4 is the ultimate car-replacement e-bike, designed with a front-loading bucket that can carry up to five kids and cargo. It comes with two comfortable and supportive child seats already installed in the bucket with the option to further customise your configuration with a rainfly, additional rear rack and more.

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In the market for an electric bike built by people who know bikes better than pretty much anyone else? electricbikereport.com’s Trek e-bike reviews will give you the inside scoop on this storied manufacturer’s extensive lineup.

One of the largest and oldest bike brands in the United States, Trek made its name making world class racing and recreational bikes from its home in Wisconsin. Now, they’re one of the leading major manufacturers in the e-bike world. Trek wholly embraced the explosion of e-bikes over the past several years and now has a full line of pedal-assist carbon fiber racers to retro e-cruisers, and everything in between.

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Trek was an early adopter of e-bike technology after motors and batteries became small enough to reasonably fit on a bicycle, and the company hasn’t looked back since. Their lineup includes the “Townie” and “Electra” brands of e-bikes. Trek’s brand is global, and the company takes pride in its extensive track record and longevity in the industry. It’s e-bikes typically sport premium integrated drive systems from Bosch and Fauza, and the brand is heralded as having one of the best manufacturer warranties in the world.

If you’re looking to join the Trek’s family of racers, enthusiasts and casual riders, electricbikereport.com’s reviews of Trek e-bikes will help you make the right decision. We keep tabs on industry developments and test bikes on our home roads, trails and paths in southwest Utah so you can be informed before making a purchase. Scroll down to find our latest on Trek’s lineup of e-bikes.

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family fun —

The maven: a user-friendly, $2k cargo e-bike perfect for families on the go, the $2k bike is aimed at smaller riders who want a manageable cargo e-bike. it delivers..

Beth Mole - Apr 5, 2024 11:30 am UTC

The Maven.

The first thing I should say in this bike review is that I am not a bike enthusiast.

My preferred form of exercise is running, where no mechanical components are necessary. But I'm acting as reviewer here because what I lack in longstanding opinions on brand-name bike gearing and motor hubs, I make up for by being the exact target audience for the bike under review: the Maven Cargo E-bike by Integral Electrics . This is a cargo bike designed not for hardcore cyclists but for smaller riders, women specifically, who would happily swap out their family's second car for a simpler e-bike—as long as it can handle the needs of family life: toting children, running errands, and making short commutes.

This is exactly what Integral CEO and co-founder Laura Belmar and her family were looking for amid the pandemic, she told me in an interview. But while her husband picked out e-bikes that were comfortably designed for him, who is taller than her, she consistently found herself top-heavy and struggling as soon as her two kids were loaded onto the bikes. "They were scared to ride with me," she said of her kids. "One time, we were literally going down in the park and a jogger came by and grabbed the rack and pulled us back up."

Belmar said she knew other families in the same situation. So she set out to design a bike that would essentially be a family station wagon on two wheels, one that would be easy to maneuver and control by smaller riders but still adjustable for taller cyclists—the Maven claims a size range of 5 feet, 0 inches to 6-foot-7. And, aside from ease of use, she sought ideal family-car features: comfort, safety, and affordability.

As a 5-foot-4 person with a 5-year-old, a taller husband, a need to run occasional errands, and an interest in ditching a second car, I'm the best person on Ars' staff to see if the Maven lives up to its lofty goals. With the help of the cycling enthusiasts and experts on Ars' staff, I'll make sure this review hits all of the technical details cycling nerds will be looking for. But this will be an accessible review for families interested in an alternative to a second car and who, like me, may be cargo e-bike newbies. I'll start with my general impressions and then dive into specifics.

The Maven at a glance

trek electric cargo bike review

General impressions

As mentioned above, this is a cargo e-bike designed to never feel unwieldy to smaller riders while they're hauling precious cargo. On this count, the Maven hits the mark. Straight out of the box, before I even dove into the manual, I easily rode around without even turning on the motor. It's certainly a hefty bike, weighing in at 85 pounds on its own. But I never felt top-heavy on it or struggled to maneuver it. Integral boasts that it accomplishes this with a low center of gravity and fat, stable tires. Its two batteries sit low on the bike, and its 20-inch wheels allow the rear rack to sit just 24 inches off the ground. The tires are also 3 inches wide, giving them extra stability.

The Maven.

The Maven isn't the only cargo e-bike on the market with these features; 20-inch tires are on several other bikes, including Aventon's Abound and some others previously reviewed by Ars, like the Trek Fetch+2 and the RadWagon . So, whether the Maven is the best bike for your situation may depend on its other features.

The bike provides a fun, effortless ride—with and without groceries or my kid on the back. My review bike came with a rear railing/handlebar (a $99 add-on) and a seat pad ($69) that allowed my kid to help me test out the bike. He was not afraid to ride with me. In fact, he loved it. And in our many miles together, I found myself periodically forgetting he was back there. Going up hills and accelerating was effortless when the 750-watt motor kicked in. The adjustable front suspension was generously cushiony as we took the bike over gravel, dirt, asphalt, and sidewalks in various states of repair.

On a few occasions, my kid reminded me of his presence by shaking the bike from side to side, pretending we were sliding on ice. (He was having fun imagining us re-creating one of his favorite scenes from the animated movie Polar Express , when the train derails on a frozen lake.) But even with his best efforts to destabilize the bike, I never felt at risk of losing control or going down.

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trek electric cargo bike review

Flyer L885 Electric Bike Review

Electric Bikes are here to stay . They make life easier. They’re increasing in reliability, and continue to drop in price. Nowadays, you can find an ebike for any use under the sun, especially when you get an electric bike with a fat tire to take you through varied terrain. But as innovative as electric bikes are, they are still limited by their size in what they can carry. Nowadays, there are a good selection of cargo bikes to choose from that add a bit of extra space, enough for groceries, gear, or even to wrangle some youngsters along for the ride.

I had a chance to test out the new L885 cargo ebike from Flyer, a rebrand of Radio Flyer, the same company who makes those little red wagons that have been a part of American childhood for over 100 years. Although seemingly disparate, the wagon and a cargo ebike have more in common than we might consider at first glance: they are useful ways to haul gear and kids around with minimal effort.

The L885 is a well-built, solid electric bike that will make life easier for those with kids or those without a car who need to haul extra gear, groceries, and more. In short, it’s a great bike for those who need it, and probably too much metal for those who don’t. But let’s look further into it, below:

Flyer L885 Electric Cargo Bike

First impressions.

There’s no denying it – this bike is big. The box is a bit much to carry solo, and coming in at 100 lbs, it’s wise to enlist help from a friend to get it through the front door. Once you unpack everything, the assembly is fairly straightforward and you’ll likely be up and riding in under a half hour.

The frame is solid, and you can tell by the materials, components, and welds that this bike was not built in haste. Everything looks like it was properly built and won’t fall apart after you put a few hundred miles on it. Being a long bike, the frame in the back is reinforced between the pedals and the wheel with an extra support column.

Once the bike was ready to go, one of the main things I noticed was how smooth the acceleration is. Many ebikes, especially the lower-priced ones, have a very zippy acceleration that, while fun, can be a bit jarring. The smoothness of this one is especially important if carting little ones around.

Speaking of little ones, I had my one year old join me for this product test, something that I don’t get to do every day. The bike comes with a host of add-on options, one being the “Kid and Cargo carrier” which was pretty straightforward to mount. It extends the rear rack on either side with supports to keep the little ones inside. There is also a fabric to place inside the rails which can drop down for the kids to extend outward. My kid isn’t big enough yet, so it doesn’t work with a car seat, but for those who don’t need a car seat it’s a nice bonus.

The fabric also allows you to place gear inside without needing an extra storage container, and it’s aesthetically pleasing. However, it also fits the classic 100-liter black and yellow storage tote perfectly, so that’s what I used for extra space when in cargo mode.

See the Flyer L885 on Amazon

Notable Features

It may sound a bit silly, but one of the features I most enjoyed was the classic old-school bell as opposed to the electric horns other ebikes have. It’s a small difference but it’s just oh-so-satisfying ringing an analog bell. Sure, you can buy an aftermarket one for 10 bucks, but it’s often the little things that set a product apart and this speaks to Flyer’s old-school roots.

I’m also a big fan of the different wheel sizes: 26″ in front, and 20″ in the back. This allows for a better center of gravity when hauling gear or people so that it’s not so top heavy. When taking my kid around it never felt unstable, even at a cruising speed. The longer frame does make the turning radius a bit wider, but when safety and stability are top-concern, this isn’t much of an issue. Remember that this is a utility bike – you’re not trying to win any street races.

Another great feature is the dual kickstand that keeps the bike upright instead of leaning to one side. It helps when loading and unloading, and is sturdy enough to not tip over. In testing, one of the rubber feet did come detached, but this was easily fixed with a spot of glue. It also takes a bit of space (at least 6 inches) forward and backwards to get the kickstand activated, so make sure you have enough space around your bike before setting up shop.

As mentioned earlier, this is a big bike. It weighs 100 lbs, and is significantly longer than a standard bike, or even most ebikes. This makes storing and transporting the bike on/in a car a bit of a hurdle. So for city people in apartments, or anyone who is planning on transporting the bike often, if you’re not married to the extra cargo space this bike provides, you might want to consider one of the folding ebikes we’ve reviewed.

Another drawback is the tires – while puncture-resistant, they don’t have much burly tread on them. This is probably not an issue for most of the population as it’s a utility bike and not technically an off-roader. I never felt unsafe on it, but it’s worth noting that the tread seems more suited for streets than dirt or mud, despite this being a fat-tire ebike.

And while the bike does have a display, it’s fairly small in comparison to what some other bikes offer. That said, it gives you what you need in an odometer, speedometer, and displays the pedal assist mode. So it’s up to you whether a big screen is necessary or not.

Final Thoughts

The Flyer L885 is fantastic for its intended use, which is hauling around extra gear or some little ones. You can even fit an adult on the back if you’d like. And thanks to some of the bonus accessories, you can customize it to further suit your needs. If you want something sporty and for off road, there are better bikes out there. But if a safe, reliable, and fun way to transport your kids and/or gear is the top priority, you can’t go wrong with this bike.

Plus, Flyer offers a 30-day trial period where you can return the bike, no questions asked (with a few stipulations, of course) so as long as you have some space on your credit card, you can check the bike out and return it if it turns out not to be what you’re after. All in all, It’s a solid bike from a company that has been around well before electric bikes, so you can feel confident knowing this is a solid piece of equipment that’s built to last.

Buy Flyer L885 on Amazon

Editor’s Note: For more gear reviews and features on The Inertia, click here .

The Best Fat Tire Electric Bikes of 2023

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Flyer L885 Electric Bike Review

Green Deals

Save $600 on vanpowers e-bikes from $999, greenworks electric riding mower $1,000 off, and more.

Avatar for Reinette LeJeune

Today’s green deals are coming in hot – with all of them seeing new or return all-time lows to help you shake off the winter cobwebs and jump full-force into the warmth of spring. Headlining today’s offers is Vanpowers’ Earth Day sale that is taking up to $600 off a selection of e-bikes starting from $999 . It is joined by the Greenworks 60V 42-inch Cordless Electric CrossoverZ Zero-Turn Riding Mower with four 8.0Ah batteries hitting a new $3,797 low , as well as a 1-day sale on the GoTrax XR PRO Commuting Electric Scooter for $350 . Plus, you’ll find all of the other day’s other best Green Deals below.

Head below for other New Green Deals we’ve found today and, of course,  Electrek ’s best EV buying  and  leasing deals . Also, check out the new  Electrek Tesla Shop for the best deals on Tesla accessories .

Earth Day sale takes up to $600 off Vanpowers UrbanGlide e-bikes starting from $999

Following on the heels of its Easter sale, Vanpowers has launched an  Earth Day sale  that is taking  up to $600 off  a selection of its UrbanGlide e-bike models alongside the leftover Easter sale models through April 28. Out of these e-bikes, the most affordable is the  UrbanGlide-Standard e-bike for  $999 shipped . Normally $1,299, we’ve seen this particular model drop down to this price during most of the past holiday sales, with a few from 2023 that only saw a drop to $1,099 or $1,199. Today’s deal comes in as a 23% markdown off the going rate that matches our previous mention from last month and lands as a return to the all-time lowest price we can find. We also reviewed the  UrbanGlide-Ultra model  back in November, which you can learn about  in our hands-on review .

The  UrbanGlide-Standard e-bike  comes equipped with a 500W high-speed brushless hub motor as well as a 690Wh battery that works alongside its five levels of pedal assistance to propel it up to speeds of 20 MPH for up to 65+ miles on a single charge. Its sleek, step-through aluminum alloy frame both compliments and accentuates its minimalist design, with features like its battery being seamlessly integrated into the main bar, both hiding and protecting it from sight or harm. It also has mechanical disc brakes, fenders over both tires, a bright headlight, a taillight with braking functionality, an integrated rear cargo rack, and an LCD display that gives you real-time statistics like battery levels, speed, distance travelled, and pedal assistance settings.

Greenworks 60V 42-inch CrossoverZ Zero-Turn Riding Mower hits new $3,797 low

Amazon is offering the  Greenworks 60V 42-inch Cordless Electric CrossoverZ Zero Turn Riding Mower with four 8.0Ah Batteries for  $3,797 shipped . Down from a $4,800 price tag, this particular combo for this mower has seen relatively few discounts in comparison to some of its counterparts. We’ve seen the 80V model with a combination of six 4.0Ah batteries, repeating discounts since the start of the new year over at Best Buy. The above 60V combo didn’t fall from its list price until just last month when it sat at $3,800 for a short period. Today’s deal comes in to take things further as a 21% markdown off the going rate and marks a new all-time low.

The  CrossoverZ riding mower  is the most comprehensive mowing solution from Greenworks to date, and was designed to handle up to 1.5-acres of land on a single charge with the four included 8.0Ah batteries. Sitting atop a 42-inch reinforced 12-gauge steel cutting deck, this mower comes equipped with a 60V TRUBRUSHLESS motor, the equivalent of a 24 horse-power gas motor, that can handle hills and inclines up to a 15-degree slope at a maximum speed of 8 MPH. You’ll be able to sit comfortable in the high-back padded seat with back support, able to adjust the cutting height between a minimum of 1-1/2 inches to a maximum of 4-1/2 inches. This deal includes two dual-port turbo chargers which can have batteries refilled and ready to go in just 90 minutes. A quick tip – you can use two batteries to run the mower while charging the other two simultaneously, and switching them out when needed for more continuous mowing.

GoTrax XR PRO Commuting Electric Scooter now $350 in 1-day sale

Best Buy is offering the  GoTrax XR PRO Commuting Electric Scooter for  $349.99 shipped  through the end of the day. Normally fetching $500, this particular model saw relatively few discounts over the last year unlike some of its counterparts. The lowest we saw the price drop was during Labor Day sales when it hit the $350 low before steadily rising back to its MSRP. While it saw price cuts during Black Friday and Christmas sales, the discounts were overwhelmingly minor in comparison with models like the Xr Ultra. Today’s deal comes in as a 30% markdown off the going rate that lands as a return to the all-time low.

The  XR PRO electric scooter  comes equipped with a 300W motor (400W peak) and a 36V battery that pushes the scooter up to a max speed of 15.5 MPH for up to 19 miles on a single charge. It has an integrated digital display that gives you control over the scooter’s settings, a bright LED headlight for those late-night commutes and joyrides, with 8.5-inch pneumatic, pre-slimed tires that help you to avoid flats, pops, and tears. It also features a one touch folding function with a simple hook-n-latch system for easy transport and storage when you’ve arrived at your destination.

Spring e-bike deals!

  • Super73 RX Electric Motorbike: $2,999 (Reg. $3,695)
  • Lynx All-Terrain e-bike: $2,999 (Reg. $3,999)
  • Juiced’s HyperScrambler 2: $1,999 (Reg. $3,499)
  • Aventon Aventure.2 All-Terrain e-bike with free extra battery: $1,799 ($2,499 value)
  • Aventon Abound Cargo e-bike with $372 in free accessories: $1,799 (Reg. $2,199)
  • Heybike Brawn Fat-Tire e-bike: $1,449 (Reg. $1,800)
  • Electric Bike Co. Model J e-bike: $1,299 (Reg. $1,499)
  • Velotric Discover 1 e-bike: $1,099 (Reg. $1,599)

Greenworks 3-tool combo within the post for Vanpowers Earth Day e-bike sale

Other new Green Deals landing this week

The savings this week are also continuing to a collection of other markdowns. To the same tune as the offers above, these all help you take a more energy-conscious approach to your routine. Winter means you can lock in even better off-season price cuts on electric tools for the lawn while saving on EVs and tons of other gear.

  • This Greenworks electric 3-tool bundle starts from $600 (Save $400+) for three more days
  • Anker’s 256Wh portable power station has nine ports for $170 low (Reg. $220), more from $299
  • Rad Power’s RadExpand 5 folding e-bike comes with free extra battery for $1,299 ($2,098 value)
  • Electric Bike Co. e-bike bundles now up to $200 off with free anti-theft alarm starting from $1,899
  • Lectric’s XPedition dual-battery cargo e-bike hits $1,599 with extra $306 in free gear ($2,311 value)
  • EcoSmart’s 3.5kW electric tankless under-sink water heater falls to $161 (Reg. $200)

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Green Deals

IMAGES

  1. Trek launches electric cargo bike for the family. 25 kmph top speed

    trek electric cargo bike review

  2. Trek Fetch+ 2 Electric cargo Bike 2023 Lava

    trek electric cargo bike review

  3. Trek releases Fetch Plus series of heavy duty cargo electric bikes

    trek electric cargo bike review

  4. Trek Unveils a Pair of Family-Friendly Cargo E-Bikes That Can Carry Up

    trek electric cargo bike review

  5. Trek Unveils a Pair of Family-Friendly Cargo E-Bikes That Can Carry Up

    trek electric cargo bike review

  6. Trek Unveils a Pair of Family-Friendly Cargo E-Bikes That Can Carry Up

    trek electric cargo bike review

VIDEO

  1. Specialized Globe Haul LT Electric Cargo Bike

  2. Trek Fetch+ 2

  3. The 2023 Trek Fetch+ 4 Electric Cargo Bike!! #shorts #cargobike #ebike

  4. Urban Arrow Cargo Cargoroo Electric Bike (2023) Exterior and Interior

  5. Before you buy a Trek E Bike watch this! #TREKBIKES

  6. 2023 Trek Fetch+ 2 Electric Cargo Bike! #shorts #cargobike #ebike

COMMENTS

  1. Trek Fetch+4 hands-on: What it's like to ride Trek's first electric

    For instance, the Yuba Supercargo CL — which is the best cargo bike on our list of the best electric bikes — weighs half as much as the Fetch+4, but can tote up to 220 pounds in its front ...

  2. Trek Fetch+ 2 Electric Cargo Bike Review

    With the e-cargo category one of the most popular in the electric bike market, the Trek Fetch+ 2 stands out as a masterpiece, akin to the heart in the human body. The beating core of this electric steed is the Bosch Performance Line Cargo smart system — a 500Wh battery coupled with a robust 250 Watt/85Nm motor.

  3. Trek's new Fetch electric cargo bikes are aimed squarely at

    The review details two new electric cargo bike models from Trek, Fetch Plus 2 and Fetch Plus 4, which are distinct in design but similar in function. These models notably cater to families, with durable components and high cargo carrying capacity being their unique selling points. Both use premium Bosch powertrain systems and offer sustainable transportation alternatives. The cost of bikes is ...

  4. Trek's new Fetch electric cargo bikes are aimed squarely at families

    Trek introduced two new electric cargo bikes: the long-tail Fetch Plus 2 and the bakfiets-style Fetch Plus 4. Both bikes are aimed at families, but the high price may limit their reach.

  5. TREK Fetch+ 4 E-Bike Review

    TREK Fetch+ 4 Review: Overview. TREK offers a full range of electric bikes, and their cargo bike offerings are worth noting. Transport is slowly changing in cities worldwide, and the cargo box e-bike is becoming increasingly popular. This type of bike has yet to become widespread and known by everyone, mostly because people haven't had the ...

  6. Trek Bike Fetch+ 4 eBike Review

    Trek's Fetch+ 2 and Fetch+ 4 electric cargo bikes are customisable and have a significant carrying capacity. The compact Fetch+ 2 has a total capacity of 200kg, while the larger Fetch+ 4 can carry up to five children. Both bikes are equipped with Bosch electric bike motors, and are priced comparably to leading electric cargo bikes.

  7. A partial car substitute? Trek's new cargo bike, reviewed

    Trek's new cargo bike, reviewed ... While we've looked at a very competent electric cargo bike before, that review was focused on the bike itself; it didn't say much about the cargo bike ...

  8. Trek Fetch+ 2 in review

    With the Fetch+ 2, Trek dispense with most of the features of modern bikes and thus manage to offer a comparatively light cargo bike that weighs 31.4 kg in the basic configuration. The accessories catalogue, on the other hand, is extensive. Front and rear baskets made of hard plastic are available for € 199.99 each, and the mudguard set for ...

  9. Trek FX+ 2 Stagger Review

    Trek Reviews; Electric Cargo Bike Reviews; One of the earliest mass produced electric cargo bikes in the US (available in 2011) offered a purpose built frame with lots of attachment points (front basket, rear rack, running boards and included cargo bag). High-end drive system from BionX, rebranded as "Electric Propulsion Systems" EPS by Trek ...

  10. Fetch+

    Fetch+ electric cargo bikes make it easy to ride more, drive less, and tread more lightly on the planet. All Fetch+ models feature a natural-feeling boost, easy-to-use Bosch smart system, stable kickstand, and customizable accessories to carry kids, pets, cargo, and more. Whether you choose the longtail e-cargo option or the front-loader with ...

  11. Fetch+ 4

    The final word. Fetch+ 4 is a powerful e-cargo box bike with thoughtful design features that make for confident rides and easy handling. With kids in front, every ride is an opportunity to connect with your family and your city. Smart customizable cargo configurations plus a powerful Bosch drive system let you carry it all everywhere you go.

  12. Trek releases Fetch Plus series of heavy duty cargo electric bikes

    The bike is rated for a combined operator-and-passenger payload capacity of 200 kg (440 lb). That puts it in competition with other heavy-hauling electric cargo bikes like the Tern GSD, though it ...

  13. Your Guide to Trek Electric Bikes

    The Trek Fetch+ 4 is an electric cargo box bike that offers a high carrying capacity and the ability to connect with family members while providing a sustainable transportation alternative. With the powerful boost of the Bosch smart system and best-in-class handling and stability, this bike can confidently carry up to five children.

  14. Best Electric Cargo Bikes Tested

    The Haul is the smallest bike in this story, but despite its compact frame, it is a fully capable cargo e-bike. With a 419-pound total weight capacity (including the rider), the Haul rides like a ...

  15. Trek Electric Bikes Overview: The 2024 Model Lineup Reviewed

    eBicycles score. 9.5/10. In terms of principles, Trek is firmly grounded in producing bikes with high-quality craftsmanship, aiming to bring the joy of cycling to a broader audience. The fact that the company has four electric bikes speaks for itself. Trek started back in 1976 as a subsidiary of Roth Corporation, an appliance distributor based ...

  16. Best Electric Cargo Bikes of 2024

    Best Overall Electric Cargo Bike: Specialized Globe Haul LT. Budget Electric Cargo Bike: Rad Power Bikes RadWagon 4. Best Compact / Daily Commuter Electric Cargo Bike: Tern HSD P5i. Best Kid ...

  17. Trek Verve+ 3 Review

    Trek Reviews; Electric Cargo Bike Reviews; One of the earliest mass produced electric cargo bikes in the US (available in 2011) offered a purpose built frame with lots of attachment points (front basket, rear rack, running boards and included cargo bag). High-end drive system from BionX, rebranded as "Electric Propulsion Systems" EPS by Trek ...

  18. Fetch+ 2

    Out of your car, into your world. The Fetch+ 2 is a longtail electric cargo bike that's sleek and compact enough for easy storage, but big enough to fit everything you need for your daily commute, grocery run, ride to school and more. With room to fit two kids plus plenty of cargo, the Fetch+ 2 is the fun, fast and friendly way to get from A ...

  19. Trek Electric Bike Reviews

    Best Overall Electric Bikes; Best Cruiser Electric Bikes; Best Cheap (Budget) Electric Bikes; Best Electric Bikes Under $1,000 - 2024; Best Electric Cargo Bikes

  20. The best electric bikes you can buy at every price level in Apr 2024

    Cargo electric bikes are the workhorses of the e-bike world. ... Check out my full review of the Electric Bike Company Model Y ... Serial 1 scored top e-bike designers from companies like Trek, so ...

  21. The 20 Best Electric Bikes You Can Buy Right Now

    N o segment of bicycles is growing faster than electric bikes—and that demand is good for you, the e-bike shopper. Newer brands like Aventon, Rad Power Bikes, and Ride1Up have sprung up ...

  22. The Maven: A user-friendly, $2K Cargo e-bike perfect for families on

    The Maven isn't the only cargo e-bike on the market with these features; 20-inch tires are on several other bikes, including Aventon's Abound and some others previously reviewed by Ars, like the ...

  23. Lectric XPedition dual-battery e-bike with free gear for $1,599, more

    Lectric XPedition Dual-Battery Cargo e-bike hits $1,599 low with extra $306 in free gear. ... Electric Bike Co. Model J e-bike ... Check out our YouTube channel for the latest reviews. Featured ...

  24. CAFE KRASNODAR

    Cafe Krasnodar. Claimed. Review. Save. Share. 213 reviews #45 of 1,081 Restaurants in Krasnodar $$$$ European. Razvedchika Leonova, 4 Park Krasnodar, Krasnodar 350059 Russia +7 989 120-00-19 Website Menu. Open now : 09:00 AM - 12:00 AM.

  25. Radio flyer e-bike review

    In 2021, they launched a line of e-bikes for adults, including retro cruisers and modern cargo bikes. We tried out the Radio Flyer 851 Cruiser Step-Thru. We tried out the Radio Flyer 851 Cruiser ...

  26. Heybike HERO review: Fat tire full-suspension carbon fiber e-bike!

    The e-bikes that make up Micah's current daily drivers are the $999 Lectric XP 2.0, the $1,095 Ride1Up Roadster V2, the $1,199 Rad Power Bikes RadMission, and the $3,299 Priority Current. But it ...

  27. BUMBARASH, Krasnodar

    BumBarash. Claimed. Review. Save. Share. 550 reviews #22 of 1,082 Restaurants in Krasnodar $$ - $$$ European Georgian Vegetarian Friendly. Krasnaya St, 143/3, Krasnodar Russia +7 918 033-79-99 Website. Open now : 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM.

  28. Flyer L885 Electric Bike Review

    Radio Flyer now makes electric bikes. And their Flyer L885 electric cargo bike has proven to be a great way to haul kids, extra gear, and groceries. ... The post Flyer L885 Electric Bike Review ...

  29. Bike Shop VeloDrug

    bike shop VeloDrug is a Bicycle repair shop located at улица Чехова, 2 корпус 7, Ulitsa Solnechnaya, 57, Krasnodar, Krasnodar Krai 350001, RU. The establishment is listed under bicycle repair shop category. It has received 29 reviews with an average rating of 4.9 stars.

  30. Vanpowers e-bikes from $999, Greenworks riding mower, more

    Lectric's XPedition dual-battery cargo e-bike hits $1,599 with extra $306 in free gear ($2,311 value) EcoSmart's 3.5kW electric tankless under-sink water heater falls to $161 (Reg. $200) Add ...