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Best Cargo E-Bikes: Rad Power, Velotric, Aventon, Lectric, Tern & More (2026)

We compare 12 cargo and utility e-bikes, from longtails to compact haulers and an electric trike, from Rad Power Bikes, Velotric, Aventon, Lectric, Tern, Jasion and Gotrax. Payload carries the most weight in this ranking. Every figure comes from the maker's product page. A figure the maker doesn't publish shows as "Not listed" and scores as the weakest published value in the category. We don't test bikes or use prices or reviews.

Updated 2026-11-1212 products compared9 scored criteriaHow this ranking works

Affiliate disclosure: We earn a commission if you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. It never affects our rankings, which come from the published scoring formula. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more.

Top pick

Lectric XPedition 2

Score 7.2/10 · Check price

Why it wins: Top payload here (450 lb) with 85 Nm. Top payload capacity in this comparison (450 lb).

Also great: Rad Power Bikes RadRunner Max (7.0) · Rad Power Bikes RadWagon 5 (6.6)

7.2/10
Check price at Amazon See pros, cons & specs

Side-by-side comparison

Swipe sideways on mobile. Green marks the best figure in each column.

Product Score Payload capacityRated motor powerBattery capacityClaimed range Best for Price Buy
1Lectric XPedition 2
7.2/10
450 lb750 W624 Wh60 mi Top payload here (450 lb) with 85 Nm Check price View deal
2Rad Power Bikes RadRunner Max
7.0/10
420 lb750 W672 Wh60 mi 420 lb payload, 90 Nm, Class 1–3 Check price View deal
3Rad Power Bikes RadWagon 5
6.6/10
375 lb750 W720 Wh60 mi Longtail with a 720 Wh battery and 90 Nm Check price View deal
4Velotric Packer 1
6.6/10
440 lb750 W691.2 Wh52 mi 750 W longtail rated for 440 lb Check price View deal
5Jasion Kago
6.5/10
350 lbNot listed2080 Wh120 mi Dual-battery cargo bike with a 120 mi claim Check price View deal
6Lectric XP Trike 2 750
6.3/10
415 lb750 W840 Wh70 mi Folding electric trike rated for 415 lb Check price View deal
7Aventon Abound LR
6.2/10
440 lb750 W733 Wh60 mi Longtail with a 733 Wh battery and 440 lb limit Check price View deal
8Velotric Go 1
6.1/10
440 lb500 W691.2 Wh55 mi Compact cargo bike, 440 lb, 65 lb Check price View deal
9Rad Power Bikes RadRunner Plus
4.7/10
350 lb750 W624 Wh55 mi Class 2 utility bike rated for 350 lb Check price View deal
10Tern HSD P5i
4.0/10
357 lbNot listed545 Wh67 mi Bosch mid-drive with belt drive and 75 Nm Check price View deal
11Tern GSD S10
3.9/10
381.2 lb250 W400 Wh68 mi Bosch mid-drive compact cargo bike, 59.7 lb Check price View deal
12Gotrax eCargo
2.8/10
264 lb500 W499.2 Wh50 mi Budget 500 W cargo bike Check price View deal

"Not listed" means the manufacturer page we used does not publish that figure. Prices show "Check price" until a retailer feed provides a current price.

Every cargo e-bike, ranked

#1 · Top pick

Lectric XPedition 2

Best for: Top payload here (450 lb) with 85 Nm

7.2/10

What we like

  • Top payload capacity in this comparison (450 lb)

Watch out for

  • Water resistance not published by Lectric

Score breakdown

Rated motor power 15%
Battery capacity 15%
Claimed range 15%
Top assisted speed 10%
Payload capacity 25%
Bike weight 5%
Motor torque 10%
Hydraulic disc brakes 3%
Water resistance * 2%

* Not published by the manufacturer; scored at the lowest published value in this category, so an unpublished figure never outranks a published one.

Rated motor power750 W
Battery capacity624 Wh
Claimed range60 mi
Top assisted speed28 mph
Payload capacity450 lb
Bike weight73.7 lb
Motor torque85 Nm
Hydraulic disc brakesYes
Water resistanceNot listed
Motor750 W rear hub (1310 W peak), 85 Nm
Battery48 V 13 Ah single (624 Wh, computed); dual battery optional
Weight73.7 lb with one battery
Class1, 2 or 3
Water ratingNot published by the maker
PriceCheck price
Check price at Amazon Full specs
Specs source:
#2

Rad Power Bikes RadRunner Max

Best for: 420 lb payload, 90 Nm, Class 1–3

7.0/10

What we like

  • Top motor torque in this comparison (90 Nm)

Watch out for

    Score breakdown

    Rated motor power 15%
    Battery capacity 15%
    Claimed range 15%
    Top assisted speed 10%
    Payload capacity 25%
    Bike weight 5%
    Motor torque 10%
    Hydraulic disc brakes 3%
    Water resistance 2%
    Rated motor power750 W
    Battery capacity672 Wh
    Claimed range60 mi
    Top assisted speed28 mph
    Payload capacity420 lb
    Bike weight82 lb
    Motor torque90 Nm
    Hydraulic disc brakesYes
    Water resistanceIPX6 class (powerful jets)
    Motor750 W, 90 Nm
    Battery672 Wh
    Range60+ miles
    Class1, 2 or 3
    BrakesGemma hydraulic disc
    Water ratingIPX6
    PriceCheck price
    Check price at Amazon Full specs
    Specs source:
    #3

    Rad Power Bikes RadWagon 5

    Best for: Longtail with a 720 Wh battery and 90 Nm

    6.6/10

    What we like

    • Top motor torque in this comparison (90 Nm)

    Watch out for

      Score breakdown

      Rated motor power 15%
      Battery capacity 15%
      Claimed range 15%
      Top assisted speed 10%
      Payload capacity 25%
      Bike weight 5%
      Motor torque 10%
      Hydraulic disc brakes 3%
      Water resistance 2%
      Rated motor power750 W
      Battery capacity720 Wh
      Claimed range60 mi
      Top assisted speed28 mph
      Payload capacity375 lb
      Bike weight86 lb
      Motor torque90 Nm
      Hydraulic disc brakesYes
      Water resistanceIPX6 class (powerful jets)
      Motor750 W, 90 Nm
      Battery48 V 15 Ah, 720 Wh
      Range60+ miles
      BrakesTektro hydraulic disc
      Water ratingIPX6
      PriceCheck price
      Check price at Amazon Full specs
      Specs source:
      #4

      Velotric Packer 1

      Best for: 750 W longtail rated for 440 lb

      6.6/10

      What we like

        Watch out for

          Score breakdown

          Rated motor power 15%
          Battery capacity 15%
          Claimed range 15%
          Top assisted speed 10%
          Payload capacity 25%
          Bike weight 5%
          Motor torque 10%
          Hydraulic disc brakes 3%
          Water resistance 2%
          Rated motor power750 W
          Battery capacity691.2 Wh
          Claimed range52 mi
          Top assisted speed25 mph
          Payload capacity440 lb
          Bike weight75 lb
          Motor torque75 Nm
          Hydraulic disc brakesYes
          Water resistanceIPX6 class (powerful jets)
          Motor750 W, 75 Nm
          Battery691.2 Wh
          SpeedUp to 25 mph unlocked
          Brakes4-piston hydraulic disc
          Water ratingIPX6
          PriceCheck price
          Check price at Amazon Full specs
          Specs source:
          #5

          Jasion Kago

          Best for: Dual-battery cargo bike with a 120 mi claim

          6.5/10

          What we like

          • Top battery capacity in this comparison (2080 Wh)
          • Top claimed range in this comparison (120 mi)

          Watch out for

          • Rated motor power not published by Jasion
          • Highest bike weight in this comparison (94 lb)
          • Water resistance not published by Jasion

          Score breakdown

          Rated motor power * 15%
          Battery capacity 15%
          Claimed range 15%
          Top assisted speed 10%
          Payload capacity 25%
          Bike weight 5%
          Motor torque 10%
          Hydraulic disc brakes 3%
          Water resistance * 2%

          * Not published by the manufacturer; scored at the lowest published value in this category, so an unpublished figure never outranks a published one.

          Rated motor powerNot listed
          Battery capacity2080 Wh
          Claimed range120 mi
          Top assisted speed28 mph
          Payload capacity350 lb
          Bike weight94 lb
          Motor torque80 Nm
          Hydraulic disc brakesYes
          Water resistanceNot listed
          Motor1500 W peak (rated power not listed), 80 Nm
          Battery52 V 20 Ah x 2 (2080 Wh, computed)
          RangeUp to 120 miles
          Speed28+ mph
          BrakesHydraulic disc
          PriceCheck price
          Check price at Amazon Full specs
          Specs source:
          #6

          Lectric XP Trike 2 750

          Best for: Folding electric trike rated for 415 lb

          6.3/10

          What we like

            Watch out for

            • Lowest top assisted speed in this comparison (17 mph)
            • Bike weight not published by Lectric
            • Water resistance not published by Lectric

            Score breakdown

            Rated motor power 15%
            Battery capacity 15%
            Claimed range 15%
            Top assisted speed 10%
            Payload capacity 25%
            Bike weight * 5%
            Motor torque 10%
            Hydraulic disc brakes * 3%
            Water resistance * 2%

            * Not published by the manufacturer; scored at the lowest published value in this category, so an unpublished figure never outranks a published one.

            * Other unpublished figures are scored at the category median so missing data neither helps nor hurts.

            Rated motor power750 W
            Battery capacity840 Wh
            Claimed range70 mi
            Top assisted speed17 mph
            Payload capacity415 lb
            Bike weightNot listed
            Motor torque85 Nm
            Hydraulic disc brakesNot listed
            Water resistanceNot listed
            Motor750 W rear hub (1310 W peak), 85 Nm
            Battery17.5 Ah, 840 Wh
            Top speed17 mph
            WeightNot published by the maker
            Brake typeNot published by the maker
            PriceCheck price
            Check price at Amazon Full specs
            Specs source:
            #7

            Aventon Abound LR

            Best for: Longtail with a 733 Wh battery and 440 lb limit

            6.2/10

            What we like

              Watch out for

              • Top assisted speed not published by Aventon
              • Lowest water resistance in this comparison (IPX5 class (water jets))

              Score breakdown

              Rated motor power 15%
              Battery capacity 15%
              Claimed range 15%
              Top assisted speed * 10%
              Payload capacity 25%
              Bike weight 5%
              Motor torque 10%
              Hydraulic disc brakes 3%
              Water resistance 2%

              * Not published by the manufacturer; scored at the lowest published value in this category, so an unpublished figure never outranks a published one.

              Rated motor power750 W
              Battery capacity733 Wh
              Claimed range60 mi
              Top assisted speedNot listed
              Payload capacity440 lb
              Bike weight88 lb
              Motor torque80 Nm
              Hydraulic disc brakesYes
              Water resistanceIPX5 class (water jets)
              Motor750 W sustained (1188 W peak), 80 Nm
              Battery733 Wh
              ClassClass 2 as listed
              Top speedNot published by the maker
              Water ratingIPX5
              BrakesTektro hydraulic disc
              PriceCheck price
              Check price at Amazon Full specs
              Specs source:
              #8

              Velotric Go 1

              Best for: Compact cargo bike, 440 lb, 65 lb

              6.1/10

              What we like

                Watch out for

                  Score breakdown

                  Rated motor power 15%
                  Battery capacity 15%
                  Claimed range 15%
                  Top assisted speed 10%
                  Payload capacity 25%
                  Bike weight 5%
                  Motor torque 10%
                  Hydraulic disc brakes 3%
                  Water resistance 2%
                  Rated motor power500 W
                  Battery capacity691.2 Wh
                  Claimed range55 mi
                  Top assisted speed25 mph
                  Payload capacity440 lb
                  Bike weight65 lb
                  Motor torque65 Nm
                  Hydraulic disc brakesYes
                  Water resistanceIPX6 class (powerful jets)
                  Motor500 W (900 W peak), 65 Nm
                  Battery691.2 Wh
                  Speed20 mph default, 25 mph unlocked
                  Class2
                  Brakes4-piston hydraulic disc
                  Water ratingIPX6
                  PriceCheck price
                  Check price at Amazon Full specs
                  Specs source:
                  #9

                  Rad Power Bikes RadRunner Plus

                  Best for: Class 2 utility bike rated for 350 lb

                  4.7/10

                  What we like

                    Watch out for

                    • Lowest motor torque in this comparison (60 Nm)

                    Score breakdown

                    Rated motor power 15%
                    Battery capacity 15%
                    Claimed range 15%
                    Top assisted speed 10%
                    Payload capacity 25%
                    Bike weight 5%
                    Motor torque 10%
                    Hydraulic disc brakes 3%
                    Water resistance 2%
                    Rated motor power750 W
                    Battery capacity624 Wh
                    Claimed range55 mi
                    Top assisted speed20 mph
                    Payload capacity350 lb
                    Bike weight75 lb
                    Motor torque60 Nm
                    Hydraulic disc brakesYes
                    Water resistanceIPX6 class (powerful jets)
                    Motor750 W, 60 Nm (spec table)
                    Battery624 Wh
                    Range55+ miles
                    Class2 (20 mph)
                    BrakesGemma hydraulic disc
                    Water ratingIPX6
                    PriceCheck price
                    Check price at Amazon Full specs
                    Specs source:
                    #10

                    Tern HSD P5i

                    Best for: Bosch mid-drive with belt drive and 75 Nm

                    4.0/10

                    What we like

                      Watch out for

                      • Rated motor power not published by Tern
                      • Water resistance not published by Tern

                      Score breakdown

                      Rated motor power * 15%
                      Battery capacity 15%
                      Claimed range 15%
                      Top assisted speed 10%
                      Payload capacity 25%
                      Bike weight 5%
                      Motor torque 10%
                      Hydraulic disc brakes 3%
                      Water resistance * 2%

                      * Not published by the manufacturer; scored at the lowest published value in this category, so an unpublished figure never outranks a published one.

                      Rated motor powerNot listed
                      Battery capacity545 Wh
                      Claimed range67 mi
                      Top assisted speed20 mph
                      Payload capacity357 lb
                      Bike weight61.9 lb
                      Motor torque75 Nm
                      Hydraulic disc brakesYes
                      Water resistanceNot listed
                      MotorBosch Performance Line, 75 Nm (rated watts not listed)
                      BatteryBosch PowerPack 545 Wh
                      Range35–67 mi
                      Payload357 lb computed: 418.9 lb gross vehicle weight minus 61.9 lb bike; max rider 286.6 lb
                      DriveGates belt, Shimano Nexus 5
                      Water ratingNot published by the maker
                      PriceCheck price
                      Check price at Amazon Full specs
                      Specs source:
                      #11

                      Tern GSD S10

                      Best for: Bosch mid-drive compact cargo bike, 59.7 lb

                      3.9/10

                      What we like

                      • Lowest bike weight in this comparison (59.7 lb)

                      Watch out for

                      • Lowest rated motor power in this comparison (250 W)
                      • Lowest battery capacity in this comparison (400 Wh)
                      • Water resistance not published by Tern

                      Score breakdown

                      Rated motor power 15%
                      Battery capacity 15%
                      Claimed range 15%
                      Top assisted speed 10%
                      Payload capacity 25%
                      Bike weight 5%
                      Motor torque 10%
                      Hydraulic disc brakes 3%
                      Water resistance * 2%

                      * Not published by the manufacturer; scored at the lowest published value in this category, so an unpublished figure never outranks a published one.

                      Rated motor power250 W
                      Battery capacity400 Wh
                      Claimed range68 mi
                      Top assisted speed20 mph
                      Payload capacity381.2 lb
                      Bike weight59.7 lb
                      Motor torque63 Nm
                      Hydraulic disc brakesYes
                      Water resistanceNot listed
                      MotorBosch Performance, 36 V / 250 W, 63 Nm
                      Battery400 Wh single (500 Wh or 900 Wh dual optional)
                      Range31–68 mi (400 Wh), up to 250 km with 900 Wh
                      Payload381.2 lb computed: 440.9 lb gross vehicle weight minus 59.7 lb bike; max rider 264.6 lb
                      BrakesMagura MT5 4-piston hydraulic
                      Water ratingNot published by the maker
                      PriceCheck price
                      Check price at Amazon Full specs
                      Specs source:
                      #12

                      Gotrax eCargo

                      Best for: Budget 500 W cargo bike

                      2.8/10

                      What we like

                        Watch out for

                        • Lowest claimed range in this comparison (50 mi)
                        • Lowest payload capacity in this comparison (264 lb)
                        • Motor torque not published by Gotrax
                        • Water resistance not published by Gotrax

                        Score breakdown

                        Rated motor power 15%
                        Battery capacity 15%
                        Claimed range 15%
                        Top assisted speed 10%
                        Payload capacity 25%
                        Bike weight 5%
                        Motor torque * 10%
                        Hydraulic disc brakes * 3%
                        Water resistance * 2%

                        * Not published by the manufacturer; scored at the lowest published value in this category, so an unpublished figure never outranks a published one.

                        * Other unpublished figures are scored at the category median so missing data neither helps nor hurts.

                        Rated motor power500 W
                        Battery capacity499.2 Wh
                        Claimed range50 mi
                        Top assisted speed20 mph
                        Payload capacity264 lb
                        Bike weight61 lb
                        Motor torqueNot listed
                        Hydraulic disc brakesNot listed
                        Water resistanceNot listed
                        Motor500 W
                        Battery48 V 10.4 Ah (499.2 Wh, computed)
                        TorqueNot published by the maker
                        Brake typeNot published by the maker
                        Water ratingNot published by the maker
                        PriceCheck price
                        Check price at Amazon Full specs
                        Specs source:

                        Buying guide: how to choose the right cargo e-bike

                        Payload vs gross vehicle weight

                        Most makers here publish a payload (rider plus cargo). Tern publishes a gross vehicle weight (bike plus rider plus cargo) and a separate max rider weight. To compare fairly, we subtract the bike's weight from Tern's gross figure.

                        Longtail, compact or trike

                        Longtails (RadWagon 5, Abound LR, Packer 1, XPedition 2) carry passengers and bags on a long rear rack. Compact haulers (Tern GSD, Velotric Go 1, RadRunner) fit smaller spaces. A trike (Lectric XP Trike 2) stands up on its own and tops out at 17 mph.

                        Carrying kids

                        Check that the maker sells passenger accessories for the bike, and follow its age and weight limits for passengers. Rules on carrying children on bikes vary by state.

                        E-bike classes in the US

                        Most US states use a three-class system. Class 1: pedal assist only, assistance stops at 20 mph. Class 2: has a throttle, and motor assistance stops at 20 mph. Class 3: pedal assist that stops at 28 mph, often with a speedometer requirement. Many bikes here ship in one class and can be switched to another in an app or display, which can change where you're allowed to ride. A bike set to go faster than 28 mph on motor power, or with a motor above 750 W, may not count as an e-bike under your state's law at all.

                        Safety and local rules (not legal advice)

                        Rules differ by state, county and city. They can cover age limits, helmet requirements, whether Class 2 or 3 bikes may use bike paths and trails, and speed limits on shared paths. Check your state's vehicle code and your city or park district's rules before you ride. This is general information, not legal advice. Wear a helmet. Use lights at night. Charge with the maker's charger. Look for batteries and systems certified to UL 2849 (the whole e-bike electrical system) or UL 2271 (the battery), which several makers here list.

                        How this ranking is calculated

                        Score = weighted average of normalised specs, out of 10. Full method

                        Rated motor powerThe motor's nominal (rated, sustained) output as the maker states it, not the higher peak figure. Peak figures appear in each bike's notes. A bike whose maker publishes only a peak figure scores as the lowest rated figure in the category. Scale: 250 → 1000 W.
                        15%
                        Battery capacityBattery capacity in watt-hours. Where the maker lists only volts and amp-hours, we multiply them (for example 48 V x 15 Ah = 720 Wh) and say so in the product's notes. Larger batteries generally go farther under the same conditions. Scale: 350 → 1000 Wh.
                        15%
                        Claimed rangeThe maker's own maximum range claim, usually in the lowest assist level. Real range depends on rider weight, hills, wind, temperature and assist level, so treat it as a comparison figure, not a promise. Where a maker gives a span, we use the top of it. Scale: 25 → 100 mi.
                        15%
                        Top assisted speedThe highest assisted speed the maker lists, including settings unlocked in the app or display. 28 mph is the Class 3 ceiling, so anything above it scores the same as 28 mph. Scale: 20 → 28 mph.
                        10%
                        Payload capacityThe maker's maximum load for rider plus cargo. Where the maker gives a gross vehicle weight instead, we subtract the bike's weight and say so in the notes. Scale: 230 → 450 lb.
                        25%
                        Bike weightLighter bikes are easier to lift, carry upstairs and ride with the motor off. A weight published without the battery is not comparable, so it shows as Not listed. Scale: 100 → 35 lb.
                        5%
                        Motor torquePeak torque in newton-metres as the maker states it. More torque helps on hills and when starting with a load. Scale: 28 → 100 Nm.
                        10%
                        Hydraulic disc brakesYes when the maker lists hydraulic disc brakes. They generally need less hand force than mechanical (cable) discs.
                        3%
                        Water resistanceThe water digit of the IP rating the maker lists for the bike (the second digit, so IPX5 and IP65 both count as 5). Where only the battery or motor carries a rating, we say so in the notes and leave the bike rating blank. Scale: 4 → 7.
                        2%

                        Frequently asked questions

                        Why does Tern score low on rated power?

                        Bosch mid-drives are rated at 250 W, and the HSD page doesn't list watts at all. Rated watts don't capture how a mid-drive uses the gears, so check torque (63–75 Nm) too.

                        Is the Jasion Kago's 2080 Wh battery standard?

                        That's the 52 V dual-battery configuration Jasion lists. Other configurations use smaller packs.

                        Top pick · 7.2/10Lectric XPedition 2
                        Check price