Discover These Must-Have 12 Electric Tricycle Cargo Bikes

As people continue to look for ways to lower their gas costs and improve the environment, cargo bikes are becoming more widespread. Of course, the basic two-wheeler is fine if all you have to carry is you. But what if you have a briefcase, groceries, or even children to haul?

According to Global Market Insights, the cargo bike industry was worth 900 million dollars in 2022. They believe it will grow by 9% annually as the need to bring down expenses and find sustainable transportation rises.

Cargo bikes, especially electric cargo tricycles, are an investment, so the more you know about them before you buy, the better. Consider 12 electric tricycle cargo bikes worth checking out.

What Is a Cargo Bike?

As the name suggests, a cargo bike is one that can carry things other than the rider. What you choose to carry on your cargo bike depends on many factors. It also will significantly influence the ride you buy.

Cargo bikes can carry just about anything these days, including:

• Children
• Pets
• Groceries
• Bike bagsThey are also used for business purposes to deliver goods. That might include food from a restaurant, groceries, personal supplies, baked or cooked goods like street food, or even human beings as you move from one place to the next.

Cargo Bike vs. Regular Bike

There are many similarities between your basic bike and one designed for cargo. The primary difference is in the frame.

Generally, a cargo bike has a longer wheelbase than a standard ride. It will also have something that allows you to carry cargo. That might be a:

• Rack
• Box
• Basket
• Flatbed

Some carry cargo in the front, some in the back, and others have space at both ends. Cargo bike frames tend to be more sturdy, as well. Some will allow for higher weight maximums so that you can factor in a payload.

Cargo Bike vs. Bike Trailer

Of course, you have other options if you want to carry cargo on your bike, like a trailer. A bike trailer is something that attaches to the frame. You pull it along as you ride, just like a trailer on a car.

Bike trailers come in many shapes and sizes. The most common ones carry children or pets in an enclosed space. People who only want to use the trailer for that reason will pay less for it than they would a cargo bike. They also have the option to detach the trailer when they don't need it.

The downside to trailers over cargo bikes is they tend to be more vulnerable. They can shift with the wind, for example. Bikes are not designed to pull things, too, so riding can be more difficult. On the other hand, cargo bikes have the infrastructure to make carrying heavier weights easier.

Different Styles of Cargo Bikes

If you shop for a cargo bike, two or three-wheeled, you'll see different terms used to describe their design, such as:

• Utility – A utility cargo bike has a standard bike wheelbase. The frame is typically reinforced to allow it to carry more weight. The cargo space will usually be in a metal basket in front or a short rack in the back built into the frame.
• Cycle Trucks – Cycle trucks also have a frame similar to a standard bike or trike but come with a smaller front wheel to accommodate a rack over it. Cycle trucks are not as common as some of the other styles.
• Longtails – Longtails are by far the most common cargo bike on the market. They have an extra-long wheelbase to accommodate a cargo space in the back. The space might be a deck for a basket or a seat to carry passengers. Some longtails even have trunks to store things in, like a covered truck bed.
• Long – Long cargo bikes are similar to longtails but with cargo space in the front. The space sits between the front wheel and the bike seat. It can accommodate a bin, basket, or passenger seat.
• Rickshaws – Rickshaw cargo bikes have one primary purpose: to carry people or pets. Therefore, they typically come with something that enables that purpose. For example, there may be a seat in the back behind the driver. They may also have a seat in the front.

Besides the style for the cargo bike, you can choose the number of wheels you want. A three-wheel cargo bike is called a trike, similar to what most people rode as children.

Benefits of a Three-Wheel Cargo Bike

A three-wheeled cargo bike typically has a basket or cargo space between two tires. The tires are in the back behind the rider in a basic trike. Some cargo three-wheelers might have two tires in the front, though.

Adding the third wheel means the bike is more stable. That is essential for a number of reasons. People who ride regular three-wheel bikes often do it because they have balance issues, such as seniors. They can climb on and off the bike without having to tip it. They can also ride the trike without worrying about balancing it on two wheels.

There is another reason if you want to carry cargo. Adding something to a bike can shift the balance of it. That's not something you have to worry about if you choose a three-wheel ride. The frame is self-balancing even if you add weight to it.

A three-wheel cargo bike has a more oversized frame, too. That means it will likely hold more. In addition, the cargo baskets between the two back wheels are much larger than you would find on a two-wheel bike.

Three-wheel cargo bikes come in the same styles as the two-wheelers, So you might have a seat in the back or front or a rack to put a basket on.

When shopping for a cargo bike, one more choice is whether you want a motor. Adding a motor to your cargo tricycle will make it even better.

Why Buy Electric?

Adding a motor and a rechargeable battery to your three-wheel cargo bike means you can go farther with less effort. It is the bike riding equivalent of working smarter, not harder. The motor allows you to:

• Build physical strength – Carrying things on a bike takes energy and stamina. Your legs have to pedal harder to go the same distance and speed. Electric cargo bikes have pedal assist modes, which means you still pedal, but the motor helps you. That allows you to get exercise and build muscles in your legs.
• Ride uphill with ease – Riding uphill just gets more burdensome on a cargo three-wheel bike. However, the motor can kick in with an electric bike to help get you up those hills.
• Perfect for windy days - Riding against the wind is equally challenging. The motor makes that more accessible, as well.
• Ride further – You usually don't have to worry about how far you are on an electric trike. You can get to the store without stressing about whether you can get back with the groceries. The motor allows you to go farther and carry more without wondering how you'll get home.

Buying electric when you get a cargo tricycle just makes it that much easier and fun.

What to Look For When Buying an Electric Cargo Tricycle

Buying an electric cargo tricycle is a significant investment, so you want to know what to shop for and why. Here are some tips for buying your next three-wheel electric cargo trike.

What Carries the Cargo?

If you opt for a cargo bike, this needs to be a priority. Consider what you plan to use it for first. You'll need more than a wire basket if you want something to take kids out on. Look for a rickshaw design to make sure it is safe for passengers.

If you want a cargo bike that can carry a laptop or briefcase to work, a longtail three-wheeler is an option. You could use bungee cords to secure your cargo if it has a rack in the back or a wire basket.

If you want to ride the bike to the store, baskets make more sense. In addition, some cargo e-trikes have baskets in the front and back for more storage space.

How Stable Is It?

Stability is less of a factor with a three-wheel bike until it comes time to turn a corner. Some of the cargo electric trikes have two wheels and carrying space in front. That can make turning the corner harder. If you feel like stability is an issue, look to carry most of the weight in the back.

What Is the Maximum Speed and Distance?

Again, you want to buy something that fits your needs. If you plan on using the cargo e-trike to deliver food or groceries, you'll want a battery that can go far on a single charge. Distance isn't a big deal if you just plan to ride casually with the kids.

If you know you will be carrying heavy cargo, then motor size might matter, as well. The larger the motor, the better if you need lots of weight.

Accessories

Buying accessories is the fun part. So figure out what accessories come with the e-trikes on your shortlist. Do you want a toddler seat, for example? How about extra baskets or covers?

Top 12 Electric Cargo Tricycles

The nice thing about shopping for an electric cargo tricycle is there is something out there for everyone. Here are the 12 we like best.

3. Ferla Cargo Bike – Royce

The Ferla Cargo e-trike takes a little different approach from other bikes on the market. The cargo hold and the two wheels are in front of the rider. That is an excellent option if your passenger is a human or a pet.

The solid cargo basket that sits in front of the rider comes with seatbelts and a passenger bench. You can buy accessories like a toddler seat that fits the design of the cargo hold. It is also big enough to hold one adult or plenty of non-human cargo, such as a pet carrier, grocery basket, or cooler.

Most of the customer reviews for the Ferla Cargo e-bike talked about the comfort of the ride. The driver’s seat is wide, and the frame is low enough to the ground to make pedaling easy. The battery controls sit on the handlebars, and the throttle for speed management sits close to the handle.

One significant downside to the Ferla Cargo Bike is the same thing that makes it unique – the front cargo hold. Three-wheel bikes are notoriously difficult to turn. As a result, there is a learning curve to the design. The problem is that two widely spaced wheels tend to want to go in one direction -- forward.

That problem becomes even more of an issue when those two wheels are in front. Add to this the difficulty of seeing directly in front of the bike, making turns hard to judge.

Noteworthy Features:

• 350w High-torque motor
• 36V. 16 AH lithium-ion battery
• It goes up to 45 miles per hour
• Handles a 350 lb. payload
• The cargo basket comes in three colors
• Some decked-out accessories, like a cover and toddler seats

4. Maxfoot MF-30

If you want a rugged electric cargo e-trike that can handle even the roughest terrain, then the Maxfoot MF-30 is a workable option. While a lot of cargo tricycles have fat tires, this one takes it to the next level with 4 inches of tread on each one.

Able to manage a payload of up to 450 pounds, the MF-30 comes with a front basket for smaller items and a spacious rack in the rear. You can put things directly in the metal rack or cover it with a fabric basket for smaller cargo.

In addition, the MF-30 features a 750 nominal-watt hub motor in the front. The motor gives the cargo e-trike up to 20 mph of speed. You can use throttle only, so there is no pedaling or cadence-sensing pedal assist.

The combination of the stable design and fat tires gives this e-trike an easy-to-manage turning radius at a reasonable speed. If you try turning too fast, it will tip, though. Even at a speed of 12 mph, you might end up on two wheels instead of three.

It comes with a silverfish-style battery that sits directly under the seat post. The battery itself is not removable. You can take the entire assembly out, however.

Along with some other nifty features, the MF-30 has a backrest, giving the driver more support.

Noteworthy Features:

• Fat 4-inch tires
• 750 W motor front hub motor
• 48-V 17.5 Ah battery
• 350 lbs. Payload
• Wide seat with backrest for the driver
• Waterproof rear basket bag

5. Venture Electric Cargo Tricycle

The Venture Eclectic Cargo Tricycle by Coaster Cycles is more of a professional ride. It is an awesome option for someone wanting to take on delivery gig work without the expensive gas bill.

The downside to third-party delivery service jobs is that you are responsible for transportation. For many drivers, this means a gas-guzzling car. San Francisco manufacturer Coater Cycles thinks there should be a better option. That is where the idea for the Venture e-trike came from.

The Venture is a light and easily manageable electric trike with 13.45 cubic feet of cargo space in a top-loading box that sits on the back. It comes with a Bosch Cargo line motor, a large battery, and a unique control center that allows you to keep track of your power to ensure you have enough to complete your deliveries.

The Bosch rechargeable battery is made for extended riding. It comes with a smart management system that is able to detect problems and protect the battery from overheating. In addition, the motor supports low-cadence pedalling, which gives the driver an extra boost when taking off or accelerating.

Noteworthy Features:

• Bosch Cargo Line 85 Nm motor
• Bosch e-bike rechargeable battery with smart system
• Bosch e-bike ct controller
• 400 lbs payload for cargo
• 264 lbs. Rider maximum weight

6. Electric Fat Trike

Like the MF-30, the Electric Fat Trike by ElectricTrike.com is designed for backroad travel. It features a fat-tire front hub motor and a large cargo rack. Depending on your needs, the Bafang motor is available from 750 W to 1,000 W.

In addition, the Electric Fat Trike has a Shimano 7-speed shifter and a high-capacity battery. It has a large 24-inch tire in the front and two 20-inch tires in the back for better handling. All the tires are 4 inches thick. The low-profile thread means you can ride this e-trike on or off the road. The tires can handle inflation pressure up to 30 psi, so if you are riding rough terrain, you can let some of the air out or pump them up for a hard surface.

7. R-750Z

The R-750Z by Velofix is a rickshaw, fat tire electric trike. Because it is a rickshaw design, it has a passenger seat in the back. The fat tires mean it is suitable for different terrains, including rough ones.

It comes with a 750 nominal watts Bafang hub motor that delivers 85 Newton meters of torque. That makes the R-750Z great for climbing hills and working in mud. That motor also gives it up to 20 mph on either pedal assist or full throttle.

The 48 V 21 Ah battery allows for a maximum range of 50 miles between charges. The battery sits behind the seat post and is removable for security, charging, or storage.

The pedal assist mode on this cargo e-trike has a cadence sensor. It measures the rotation of the pedal cranks, so it starts and stops with you.

Noteworthy Features:

• 750 W motor
• 48 V 21 Ah removable battery
• 24 “ front tire
• 20” rear tire
• Integrated brake and headlights

8. Triketan M-350

Triketan M-350 by Addmotor is a go-anywhere electric cargo bike. It comes with fat 4-inch tires, making it suitable for rough terrains. The front tire is 24”, and the back two are 20”. The covered large-capacity cargo basket sits in the back between the wheels.

This e-trike sports a 750 W motor that sits in the front wheel hub. It can take the bike up to a speed of 20 mph and includes cadence-sensing pedal assist mode as well as a half-grip twist throttle.

The Samsung cell battery promises up to 10 hours between charges. It also allows for distances of up to 85 or more miles.

The Triketan M-350 also has a padded seat with a backrest for extra riding comfort. The powerful motor, fat tires, and seat combination make this a cargo trike you could use for almost anything.

Noteworthy Features:

• 750 W front hub motor
• Samsung cell battery
• Large-capacity rear cargo basket
• Padded seat with backrest

9. Caddy Pro

The Caddy Pro by EMOJO is a heavy-duty electric cargo bike with a steel basket in front and a rack in the back. This trike is designed for someone who needs something reliable to travel just about anywhere.

It features fat tires for a comfortable ride. The Caddy Pro also has a front suspension fork and suspension seat post for added safety and ease when riding.

The motor is a Bafang 750 W front hub made specifically for fat tire bikes. The battery that powers the motor is 48V 15 Ah, able to supply 720 watt-hours of power. It also comes with a USB charging port, so you can charge your phone as you ride.

This ride is single-speed but comes with nine levels of pedal assist. In addition, it can go up to 20 mph and has cadence sensors for pedaling.

Noteworthy Features:

• 750 W front hub motor
• 18V 15 Ah battery with USB charging port
• Single speed
• Front suspension fork
• Fat tires

10. Bunch Bikes

Bunch Bikes offers three distinctive electric cargo trikes designed for a specific purpose. The Original 3.0 is a multipurpose ride. Preschool 3.0 has passenger seating and a roof and is able to carry more kids. Finally, the K9 3.0 is the perfect ride for your pet.

All three electric cargo tricycles have similar characteristics; only the cargo space and minor accessories differ. You’ll find them with 500 W brushless Geared hub motors and 48V 13.6 Ah Samsung batteries.

They also share one characteristic – the cargo space and two wheels in the front. That cargo space is typically made of wood. They also have added features for carrying regular two-wheel bikes for young passengers, safety seats and belts, and seven-speed shifters.

Noteworthy Features:

• Ample wood cargo space in front
• 500 W hub motor
• 48V 13.6 Ah Samsung battery
• Added features for transporting passengers

11. Steady Eddie Electric Tricycle

The Steady Eddie electric tricycle by Revolve is a work in progress. Once COVID hit, the manufacturer decided to do a refit for their model but promised to release the new specs soon. The latest version of the Steady Eddie features a 500 W motor and a 48 V 21 Ah removable battery. They also promise it will have fat tires for more comfortable travel just about anywhere.

This cargo tricycle is a utility model with basket cargo space. You’ll find two metal baskets—a small one in front and a larger one in back, between the tires.

The handlebars and seat are easy to adjust, so this might be a suitable trike for multiple riders. It also has a low step-through frame for easy mounts and dismounts.

Noteworthy Features:

• 500 W motor
• 48 V battery
• Two metal baskets
• Adjustable seat and handlebars
• The low, step-through frame

12. Pedego Electric Trike

This Electric Cargo trike by Pedego is small but powerful. It comes custom-designed to fit the needs and size of the rider. While a bit heavier than the traditional e-trike, it tends to be more stable and easy to manage.

It is a nice ride for seniors when combined with the smaller wheels and frame and cushioned seat with a backrest. The extended wheelbase provides a low center of gravity, too. The plastic cargo bin in the back is just the right size for groceries.

It comes with a 500 W motor and 36 V 11 Ah battery. The battery has an integrated folding handle for easy removal. The 3.5” backlit LCD screen offers a USB charging port and custom PedalSense software.

This electric tricycle can run on two levels of pedal assist with throttle override. It also offers a throttle-only mode. With the throttle, you’ll only go up to 7 mph on pedal assist or ten mph.

Noteworthy Features:

• 500 W motor
• 36V 11Ah removable battery
• PedalSense software
• Large LCD display
• Large plastic cargo bin

When shopping for your next electric cargo tricycle, brand matters. Look for a manufacturer that offers complete customer service and easy ordering. At six-three-zero, we make both standard and electric bikes made in California. Our online ordering system helps fit you into the perfect bike and is able to meet all your needs. Our bikes come with free shipping and a 30-day test ride. If you don’t like the bike, we’ll pay for you to send it back right from your door.

We also have an extensive library of bike resources and advice available to you at no charge. We can help you decide if an electric cargo tricycle is suitable for your lifestyle. Find out more about six-three-zero bikes and our brand by visiting our website today. While you are there, look at our newest editions – the electric cargo tricycles, the Rickshaw, and Easy Transit 750 W.