What do you think is a top cargo ebike that we should review next? lectricebikes.sjv.io/nL1eX9 If you are looking to purchase our top pick, the Lectric XPedition. Please consider using our link. It is a free and easy way to help support us here at Ebike Escape.
I recently got a cargo bike that has a lot of good components for the price. Comes with two 17ah 48v Samsung batteries, Tektro hydraulic brakes, 1000w Bafang GO62 hub, 20x4 Kenda tires, and a suspension fork. Even comes with front and rear baskets. The bike itself is excellent but you can't use the included front basket unless you remove or reposition the front headlight. I lengthened the wire a little and put the headlight on the front of the basket. Good performance. Goes 28mph on throttle straight out of box. Climbs hills very well. The 1632 watt hours of name brand cells equals a lot of range. And the current price is $1620 shipped. The company is called BPM imports and the model of the bike is called F-16. I got no clue why they would name a cargo bike after a fighter plane. Also don't know why they would name their company BPM imports instead of something with a better ring to it. It is a beast of a bike though and costs even less than the Lectric. You should check one out if you get the chance.
I'm very heavy. I weight 375 pounds. I bought the lectric expedition for exercise and it's changed my life. A rider is only supposed to be 330 or less but even so it has plenty of power for me and I've lost ten pounds in thirty days by riding it. I'm going to lose another 100 pounds and the credit goes to my excellent ebike from lectric.
I agree with your top choice among these cargo bikes. Cargo bikes need a lot of range so you don't have to limit your errands or worry about trying to calculate whether you will make it home. I think the new XPedition with 28 amp hours of battery for $1699 is another home run for Lectric.
@sammiller6631 Yes, aerodynamic drag increases with the square of the speed. Increasing speed from 20-25mph raises the aero load about 56%. But I like to go fast, so the easy solution to me is having enough battery to not worry much about either speed or distance on at least one bike.
I purchased the Lectric cargo bike, I really like it, and it has power, I rarely ride my other Lectric bike, I’m thinking of selling my old 1.0 Lectric bike, it served me well for about two years, but this new bike is a BOSS.😂🤣
I just purchased the Aventon Abound today. I walked into the bike shop to look at another bike, but when I test drove the abound, I was sold! Such a smooth, quick, and powerful bike with different settings to choose from for your journey like echo, cruise sport, and turbo. I also installed the kid rail seat in the back and took my some son on a nice long journey, which he loved to death. He didn't want to go home while we were out cruising. Money well spent!
We just purchased the abound and so excited to get it and ride with our kiddos. We were torn between the Tern GSD S10 and Abound but couldn’t beat the value that Aventon offers with the abound, seemed to sacrifice very little for the price point with quality construction and features.
@MarianaVinhas1 I was actually looking to get the Aventon Adventure. To be honest, I didn't know cargo bikes were a thing, and I didn't do much research on Ebikes. My wife and I both bought Abound bikes to enjoy our rides together. Being able to add the kid rail for my son to ride with us was a major plus. When I test drove the Adventure, and compared it to the Abound, the Abound has much more power to it. I live in Utah, so being able to get up mountains/hills with little to no effort is a major plus!
@foxymulatta in my opinion, I feel that the bike is under priced compared to the bike market. Yes, $2700 (the amount I spent on the bike and kid seat/rails + tax. 5K for the pair) is quite a bit, but money well spent!
I went with the Abound for build quality, fit and finish vs miles/charge. Currently the Abound is $1599 (you can find a $75 off coupon as well) with over $600 of free accessories added in. For a non-commuter with shopping 2-3 miles away, it was best for us. We would never go more than 10-15 miles on a single charge. The extra range is nice if that’s what you need.
The Aventon has everything that the Lectric bike was missing, in my opinion. It's unfortunate they decided to not have an extended range battery, otherwise it would be an easy choice.
Even a 2nd battery sale price at time of bike purchase wouldve been nice. I asked them. Its early Blk Fri so no. Didnt stop me from clicking BUY NOW. This is a superb product in quality & parts, & most of design. Say, torque sensor & hydraulic brakes!!!
My local e bike shop is offering the Aventon with an extra battery for $2100 out the door. Would you say that’s a good deal? Also includes 5 accessories.
I currently ride an XP 3.0, but have been eyeballing the Xpedition for the increased range and non proprietary batteries. However one thing that really kills the deal is the PWR system it has. My XP 3.0 is one of the originals without PWR, which keeps the throttle separate from the PAS level. The newer PWR system ties them together and I don't want that. I normally ride in PAS 3 and use the throttle to reach 20 mph for passing or merging with traffic. Having to be in PAS 5 to achieve full throttle speed and then be stuck pedaling at 20 mph as well unless I switch PAS is NOT something I want. It reminds me more of having a manual transmission. I don't want to have to constantly manage PAS level while riding. On my XP 3.0 I can set it and ride, and the bike does what I want it to when I need it. The newer Lectric bikes don't have that function. I really hope Lectric gives us the option to unlink the throttle and PAS speeds on their next bike. Hopefully the Xpedition 2.0 comes out soon and meets my needs, I'll buy one on the spot. Keep the dual batteries, use the new color screen, unlink the PAS and throttle, and maybe a front suspension fork and I'm sold.
I currently drive Aventon Level 2 but next year I'd like to also get a cargo bike. I work as construction manager, hence cargo capacity is important. So far, I am not satisfied with the bikes presented in this video. My complaints: 1) The max speed 28 mph is a must. I will not tolerate slow 20 mph bike that will clog the road, slowing down traffic. 2) The front suspension is a must. Way too many potholes in my city. 3) The rear rack basket is a must, but I'd like to have an option of carrying the passenger. I like the idea presented at 9:22, and more brands should offer something similar. 4) Other requirements: strong motor (at least 750, possibly more), hydraulic brakes are preferred, cargo trailer would be nice, integrated lights.
You could add a Grin Tech motor to any cargo bike. Measuring motors in watts is too vague, because two motors can have the same watts but different voltages which makes they act different. Volts determines max speed, not watts. You can take the same motor and use different battery voltages, which will make the same motor faster as you go up in voltage. But the more power you use, the more heat you create, which needs cooling aids like heat sinks or Statorade coolant inside the motor.
Within the price range of the cargo and utility e-bikes mentioned, is the Yuba FastRack. List is $3,999, so towards the middle of the range of those mentioned, but comes from a manufacturer with long experience with longtail cargo bikes. Its neat feature is Yuba’s new transforming rack (thus the bike’s name) which has three hauling configurations and a stow-away one. That said, I just got a Lectric XPedition for shopping and cargo towing capabilities. I wanted a cadence sensor-driven ebike as I find hauling or towing heavy loads with a torque sensor-driven bike is more effort than I can easily do. I’d gotten an Espin Nesta to tow my trailer, but its power management makes it a handful to manage when unladen. The one the XPedition is programmed with is much more manageable and I much prefer it, especially with the speed caps removed from PAS levels 1 and 2. The downsides are the derailleur is a bit unsteady, sometimes dropping or going up a cog without using the shifter, even after I adjusted it, and the thick tubing used on its very robust and a bit wide integrated rack (probably why the rack itself is rated to carry up to 300lbs). Commonly-available panniers or bags will not be able to attach to this rack without some kind of modification or adapter. These are all great options and I am happy to see more coming out, especially at more accessible price points. Each has its charm and advantages and disadvantages. As you say though, “less driving, more e-biking!”
@@jinnd319 Watts are too vague to be much help in a motor. Volts determine how fast the wheel spins and amps affect the torque. You can have different volts but the same watts (volts * amps = watts), so motors with the same watts but different volts will act differently.
Currently hauling my toddler to and from school on a Razor Ecosmart that I customized 😵💫 definitely looking forward to upgrading to one of these awesome e-bikes 🥲
Man, that Lectric Expedition is looking sweet. I have a normal hardtail mountain bike for crusing around for maximum exercise. This would be perfect for replacing the car for errands. I've tried backpacks and panniers and stuff on a rear rack and tied to the handlebars and really want something designed for carrying weight. My bike on one impromptu trip had a disconcerting wobble between the front and back loads and I was also wearing a heavy backpack. Wearing that prevented good body mechanics and hurt my knee. No more heavy backpacks while biking. Thinking a cargo ebike is just the right balance of functions to replace my car for as much as possible. Love the stronger motor and longer range over their XP. Had that for a year, it was fast but bad pedal geometry, terrible when the power ran out.
I’ve tried an e-Citibike and the PAS seemed very smooth. Then I spent an hour on my buddy’s Rambo and it was delayed and violent in comparison. These two experiences scared me away from any of the strictly mail order marques unfortunately. I love seeing all of the reviews, but I need to test ride a $2k bike before I sign on the line. From my own experience of fashioning a quick-release Ridgid crate to my Thule rear rack on my old Cannondale, I understand that when slinging a lot of weight on the back of a bike, you want it low. But a large diameter tire gives the superior ride. So that Flyer setup seems like the winning formula. Pity it doesn’t have the power of the rest of the field.
I got the Aipas A6 its the lectric expedition with upgrades. It has better tires (side part more tread), quieter motor (reported by many users, front suspension, turn signals, frame battery and rear battery like the lectric, I think the frame battery better distributes the weight. Also its alot cheaper!!! I got 2 battey A6 for $1559+30 shipping using a 5% off coupon I found online. Im 390lbs and it works great, even tried throttle only commute 3miles it takes me 10min!! will even climb hills with me throttle only but way faster and easy with pedal assist
DO NOT BUY a RAD ebike, i unboxed my bike 3 weeks ago and it doesnt work , i cant get anyone from RAD to answer my phones calls or my emails, this company is a joke, STAY AWAY FROM RAD
I agree. Previous questions went unanswered. I let them know their website wasn't taking my money. I got a boilerplate resonse like, "thanks for your feedback". Next bike will be Lectric.
I have one of the REI co-op bikes which I got for about $1200 on sale. I weigh over 250 lbs, but it has an 80 newton-meter (nm) torque hub motor which lets me go up 10% grades in my area and still keep my speed over 10 MPH without being exhausted by the time I get up a half mile or more hill at that slope. It’s a class 1, so the motor cuts off above 20 MPH if that matters to you. I don’t want to go 25 or 30, I just want to not be stranded by hills.
I agree with the XPedition being the top pick as it's the best bang for buck. I've had the Flyer L885 since last year and would've taken the Lectric had it existed. The Aventon Abound would be my runner up. Its torque sensor and suspension features are unheard of in this cargo bike grouping. It's also on the more expensive side (and weight too, as I believe it's the heaviest in this comparison) but the features and refinement are worth it in my opinion. I'd say the Blix and Flyer tie for third with the RadWagon being last.
I agree only problem is getting delivery for the ebike. Its been over 3 month since we laid out the money, no problem taking our money. Except charged our card 3 times causing us to contact bank and having the account put on hold for two weeks we while the bank checked things out we could not get to our money so had pay checks deposited to another account so we could operagte from day to day. Then we find out the location the ebike is located at which is only two hours from our house. Its been there for a month. Lectric contacted them on 4 different occasions and they gave delivery dates for which they failed to deliver. Tell Levi that his shipping really sucks. We still have not been delivered the ebike and accessories we bough for roughly $2700. A lot of money for me. Hope i dont have to contact State Attorney Generals office and report ythem. One other person contacted me with similiar problems
I’m currently considering a purchase of a cargo bike. The Lectric Expedition is what impresses me most as an entry level e-bike…where are distributors and maintenance shops? The Rad is also a e-bike cargo that has been around a long time.
I agree with your assessment of which cargo e-bike I would choose. I already have a RW4 and I would love to see Rad offer with a dual battery option and 20" tires. If the price was reasonable I would sell my RW4 and get the newer one.
As a short-legged rider myself (this is JT not Ryan), I agree. However I have not found the Abound or the Lectric with 20" tires hard to manage at my leg height.
My only concern with the Lectric Xpedition is the orbitor. It looks like it'll squish kids' fingers if there was a fall, and the smooth oval rail looks difficult to attach raincovers or the Tern Stormbox. (I live in New England and would like to ride with my child thru the winter). Do you know if rear cages from Yuba, Aventon, or Tern look like they'd fit on the Lectric? Fantastic overview! I just subscribed.
Not that I'm aware of regarding the cages. It's a good point - it seems most just have the single rail but I sure would love a raincover. Thanks for subscribing!
I just got a new ebike and so far I am loving it. I got the RadRunner 2 and I am setting it up for being a cargo bike. I already got the Rad front rack and attached a large basket to that and I am soon going to get folding side baskets for the back rack of the bike. As for power I did test it on some of the bigger hills in my city, some it was able to get me up without help and the worst one if I wanted to go at a good speed I had to help a bit but not really over taxing myself. It is a single speed bike and with the hills near me not being an issue for it I think I won't miss the gears. This is my first ebike and I am having a lot of fun with it. As for the standard light that comes on front of the bike it is more than bright enough for cars to see me but if I am in a really dark area I will want to use my old bike light which is WAY brighter so I can see in that condition. My next concern is security on it. I got a REALLY strong lock but it is not large enough to fit through the back wheel and to the bike rack at the same time so I am in the process of getting a cheaper lock just to lock the back wheel to the frame then I can use my stronger u-lock to lock the frame to the bike rack. If I can get the opportunity to get a litelok x3 I will use that to lock the frame to the bike racks and my old lock for the back wheel.
just bought the same as my first ebike, and i love it. In the UK its restricted to 250W, but i got an eggrider for off road use which pushes close to the US version. That said, for the roads around me the 250W is fine. Large rear platform and front medium basket - couple of pannier bags and i cant imagine what i would need the car for locally anymore. Buying a second 20Ahr battery from UPP which is plug and play fit, so should get 60 mile range just on power.
I like the Blix battery layout. Now they need some suspension and a mid-drive. Also, would be good if we could get bigger batteries, looks like there's space.
Just curious why all the hub motors and not a mid motor set up on these guys just would make more sense? Is there a video to watch? Maybe there is better motors out there that I’m unaware of
I'm seriously considering the Aniioki AQ 177 Pro Max with 60 Ah battery and F/R suspension even though it doesn't have mag rims. I have ridden motorcycles most of my life and like the idea of a heavier bike. What to do... what to do... I would prefer more cushy ride instead of hard tails as I am later in life.
Just wish they had more of a suspension set up, Wich makes me want to look at Mokwheel or something in those lines,. I really like the cargo bikes though..ugh!
Do you think the XPedition would work for a tall rider looking to commute? I’m 6’3 with long legs and am a bit worried that it would be too cramped, or too awkward if I have to raise the seat up high. If you wouldn’t recommend it, which cargo bike would you say is best for tall people?
That's not bad! I'd love to be more familiar with the lineup. Any chance you can connect me with the person who will be filling your role at Tern? Congrats on going FT and the rebrand.
Could you fit a child and a small adult (5’2” 120#) on the back of a Lectric xpedition using the orbiter? Orbiter doesn’t seem as tall as other hand placement options in other cargo bikes.
Thanks so much for this great review. I'm also from Wisconsin and commute during our hellish winters. Does anyone have experience using the lectric expedition during winter and thru snow?
@@justinlichtle8239 - thanks for the heads up. As an update, I ended up going with the Specalized Globe Haul St. Which I believe is also newly introduced in 2023. I'll come back next spring and update the group on how it worked in the winter!
@@EbikeEscape Well, it has a torque cadence sensor, which sets it apart from most ebikes, for starters. The torque seemed pretty exceptional on Tailhappy's review. It was able to make it up a steep incline with two adults on board, with a running start. The specs are all there. The available accessories were impressive and well priced. The bike itself is decently priced at $1,800. Most specs are at least on par with the majority of the competition. Battery could be a little larger is my main peeve.
We agree. For the price and specs it is our top pick. The shortcoming of the XPedition we think has to do with the cockpit size. So we wanted to point out the other options for people to consider.
@@EbikeEscape looking to add a yepp maxi to the back of mine, but i'm cheap so looking at used ones! is there anything needed besides just the yepp seat? is there some kind of adaptor that attaches it to the cargo bike frame on the xpedition? thanks for any help.
Do you find the abound to be better than the about for a $500 difference? Is the torque sensor better? Divided between the xpedition and abound. The lack of foot rest on the xpedition closes the price gap a little
I think it depends on how much value you put on the battery capacity differences. I personally really like the torque sensor on the Aventon and overall it just looks more polished. Plus front suspension is nice. Though if you compare the single battery Abound to the XPedition the savings is even higher. Guess it kind of depends on your use case and budget. They both will accomplish the same goal of cargo hauling.
If you aren't going to use the electric motor then a heavy and expensive ebike seems like a lot of extra work lol. I guess it would get you in great shape though.
@@EbikeEscape All their bikes and trikes are built on industrial platforms. 600 lb capacities for commercial clients and adaptations for personal recreational use. . Caterpillar, Boeing, Mercedes, etc. Made in the USA since 1898. Thank you for the chance to comment, I am not associated with them in any way other than being a satisfied big guy who wanted a high quality vehicle. (Mine are not electrics)
I will NEVER buy a bike (or just about anything) where I have to buy commonly replaced parts, like tires, ONLY from the manufacturer of the bike. I would never want to depend on the whims of a company for the continued usability of my bike.
These are only bikes we've reviewed. Generally I don't recommend the knock offs since there are usually tradeoffs - in this case it's almost certainly customer support.
I guess you didn’t get your freebee from Velotric. I think its a dead heat between The Lectric and the Velotic. And… who wants a mid drive anymore. Duh - dumb and dumber. Name me one major benefit. What if your chain breaks? A rear motor type 2 … no problem. Thise of you who listen to ll this, bear in mind, they rate the freebees!
This was filmed before that bike came out otherwise it would have made the list. But you are right we can only review the bikes we get. And I love our mid drive cargo ebike.
@@EbikeEscape so whats the big deal bout mid drive. How is it better. A friend of mine has a $6000 mid drive Specialized. Id twke mine anyday. However, his ebike is only 36 lbs; but who cares, its an ebike. Seriously, no one has been able to give me a solid (other than theoretical) answer. And thanks for your reply. My note had dome sarcasm to it. You are a classy guy; my apology. Ken
Don't forget that Citizen is in North Carolina. When I lived on the east coast I had to learn some new pronunciations. The local pronunciation of Norfolk, VA sounds kinda obscene.
Yes, you could spend thousands of dollars on an eBike th-cam.com/users/postUgkxUiL0GnyDjP32RJdd660sP8mZk4CRLTCJ and get something much higher quality. However, if you're looking for a basic model to try out eBiking this is a great choice. The assembly is easy as far as bikes go (took about an hour for me to do, I'm not an expert). All tools needed are included. I added the plastic mud guards you see and a more comfortable seat. The other reviews are correct that you're probably going to want a better seat (Giddy Up! Bike Seat is what I got - super comfortable). The battery easily handles a 2-4 hour ride if you add some of your own pedal power. I haven't even gotten it up to top speed yet - it is very fast. Components are not top of the line, but decent for the price and work just fine. It works great on dirt roads and singletrack and pavement although too heavy to do tricks or any serious technical mountain biking. I'm looking forward to using it a lot over the summer. Tons of fun!
Holy shit cargo bikes reviewed which are affordable for working people not just trust fund babies living in gentrified neighborhoods. Thank You very much.
Could you fit a child and a small adult (5’2” 120#) on the back of a Lectric xpedition using the orbiter? Orbiter doesn’t seem as tall as other hand placement options in other cargo bikes.
What do you think is a top cargo ebike that we should review next?
lectricebikes.sjv.io/nL1eX9 If you are looking to purchase our top pick, the Lectric XPedition. Please consider using our link. It is a free and easy way to help support us here at Ebike Escape.
I recently got a cargo bike that has a lot of good components for the price. Comes with two 17ah 48v Samsung batteries, Tektro hydraulic brakes, 1000w Bafang GO62 hub, 20x4 Kenda tires, and a suspension fork. Even comes with front and rear baskets. The bike itself is excellent but you can't use the included front basket unless you remove or reposition the front headlight. I lengthened the wire a little and put the headlight on the front of the basket.
Good performance. Goes 28mph on throttle straight out of box. Climbs hills very well. The 1632 watt hours of name brand cells equals a lot of range. And the current price is $1620 shipped. The company is called BPM imports and the model of the bike is called F-16. I got no clue why they would name a cargo bike after a fighter plane. Also don't know why they would name their company BPM imports instead of something with a better ring to it. It is a beast of a bike though and costs even less than the Lectric. You should check one out if you get the chance.
Perhaps the Eunorau G30-Cargo or Max-Cargo
Specialized Haul ST
Lectric
Dost Crate...once they ship.
I'm very heavy. I weight 375 pounds. I bought the lectric expedition for exercise and it's changed my life. A rider is only supposed to be 330 or less but even so it has plenty of power for me and I've lost ten pounds in thirty days by riding it. I'm going to lose another 100 pounds and the credit goes to my excellent ebike from lectric.
I too am around that weight. Are you using the stock seat or did you replace it with a comfort seat?
@@jweinacs I used the stock seat for a couple weeks before buying a much larger one. I don't know why I waited so long.
If you want to lose weight, don’t get any bike with a motor
@mikehill6589 when it comes to cardio any kind of motion is better than none.
Credit goes to you for taking the steps to make a change, live a healthier life, and be active. The bike is just your method. Keep after it.
I agree with your top choice among these cargo bikes. Cargo bikes need a lot of range so you don't have to limit your errands or worry about trying to calculate whether you will make it home. I think the new XPedition with 28 amp hours of battery for $1699 is another home run for Lectric.
If you want range, keep the speed below 20mph. The wind resistance above 20mph doubles the energy required for the bike, halving your battery.
@sammiller6631 Yes, aerodynamic drag increases with the square of the speed. Increasing speed from 20-25mph raises the aero load about 56%. But I like to go fast, so the easy solution to me is having enough battery to not worry much about either speed or distance on at least one bike.
I purchased the Lectric cargo bike, I really like it, and it has power, I rarely ride my other Lectric bike, I’m thinking of selling my old 1.0 Lectric bike, it served me well for about two years, but this new bike is a BOSS.😂🤣
Looking at Lectric's specs, the XP3.0 could almost be classified as a folding cargo bike in its own right. They're beasts in their price point.
Still positive experience?
I just purchased the Aventon Abound today. I walked into the bike shop to look at another bike, but when I test drove the abound, I was sold! Such a smooth, quick, and powerful bike with different settings to choose from for your journey like echo, cruise sport, and turbo. I also installed the kid rail seat in the back and took my some son on a nice long journey, which he loved to death. He didn't want to go home while we were out cruising.
Money well spent!
I wonder which other bike you test drove! I'm also buying a cargo bike and strongly considering the Aventon. Will be biking with my kid as well! :)
We just purchased the abound and so excited to get it and ride with our kiddos. We were torn between the Tern GSD S10 and Abound but couldn’t beat the value that Aventon offers with the abound, seemed to sacrifice very little for the price point with quality construction and features.
@MarianaVinhas1 I was actually looking to get the Aventon Adventure. To be honest, I didn't know cargo bikes were a thing, and I didn't do much research on Ebikes. My wife and I both bought Abound bikes to enjoy our rides together. Being able to add the kid rail for my son to ride with us was a major plus. When I test drove the Adventure, and compared it to the Abound, the Abound has much more power to it. I live in Utah, so being able to get up mountains/hills with little to no effort is a major plus!
@foxymulatta in my opinion, I feel that the bike is under priced compared to the bike market. Yes, $2700 (the amount I spent on the bike and kid seat/rails + tax. 5K for the pair) is quite a bit, but money well spent!
is it easy to switch between the handrail+pad and the cargo box?
I went with the Abound for build quality, fit and finish vs miles/charge. Currently the Abound is $1599 (you can find a $75 off coupon as well) with over $600 of free accessories added in. For a non-commuter with shopping 2-3 miles away, it was best for us. We would never go more than 10-15 miles on a single charge. The extra range is nice if that’s what you need.
FLYER L885 is my pick. I've put nearly 500 miles on mine and love it. Excellent build quality and the kid seat/cargo basket is an excellent design.
The Aventon has everything that the Lectric bike was missing, in my opinion. It's unfortunate they decided to not have an extended range battery, otherwise it would be an easy choice.
Even a 2nd battery sale price at time of bike purchase wouldve been nice. I asked them. Its early Blk Fri so no.
Didnt stop me from clicking BUY NOW. This is a superb product in quality & parts, & most of design. Say, torque sensor & hydraulic brakes!!!
My local e bike shop is offering the Aventon with an extra battery for $2100 out the door. Would you say that’s a good deal? Also includes 5 accessories.
I currently ride an XP 3.0, but have been eyeballing the Xpedition for the increased range and non proprietary batteries. However one thing that really kills the deal is the PWR system it has. My XP 3.0 is one of the originals without PWR, which keeps the throttle separate from the PAS level. The newer PWR system ties them together and I don't want that. I normally ride in PAS 3 and use the throttle to reach 20 mph for passing or merging with traffic. Having to be in PAS 5 to achieve full throttle speed and then be stuck pedaling at 20 mph as well unless I switch PAS is NOT something I want. It reminds me more of having a manual transmission. I don't want to have to constantly manage PAS level while riding. On my XP 3.0 I can set it and ride, and the bike does what I want it to when I need it. The newer Lectric bikes don't have that function. I really hope Lectric gives us the option to unlink the throttle and PAS speeds on their next bike. Hopefully the Xpedition 2.0 comes out soon and meets my needs, I'll buy one on the spot. Keep the dual batteries, use the new color screen, unlink the PAS and throttle, and maybe a front suspension fork and I'm sold.
I currently drive Aventon Level 2 but next year I'd like to also get a cargo bike. I work as construction manager, hence cargo capacity is important. So far, I am not satisfied with the bikes presented in this video. My complaints:
1) The max speed 28 mph is a must. I will not tolerate slow 20 mph bike that will clog the road, slowing down traffic.
2) The front suspension is a must. Way too many potholes in my city.
3) The rear rack basket is a must, but I'd like to have an option of carrying the passenger. I like the idea presented at 9:22, and more brands should offer something similar.
4) Other requirements: strong motor (at least 750, possibly more), hydraulic brakes are preferred, cargo trailer would be nice, integrated lights.
You could add a Grin Tech motor to any cargo bike. Measuring motors in watts is too vague, because two motors can have the same watts but different voltages which makes they act different. Volts determines max speed, not watts. You can take the same motor and use different battery voltages, which will make the same motor faster as you go up in voltage. But the more power you use, the more heat you create, which needs cooling aids like heat sinks or Statorade coolant inside the motor.
It's about the inseam lectic requires you to have a 33" inseam long legs
Rad wagon 5 allows for shorter folks. I'm 5'10", but I have short 30" inseam
Xpedition for the win!!
Within the price range of the cargo and utility e-bikes mentioned, is the Yuba FastRack.
List is $3,999, so towards the middle of the range of those mentioned, but comes from a manufacturer with long experience with longtail cargo bikes. Its neat feature is Yuba’s new transforming rack (thus the bike’s name) which has three hauling configurations and a stow-away one.
That said, I just got a Lectric XPedition for shopping and cargo towing capabilities. I wanted a cadence sensor-driven ebike as I find hauling or towing heavy loads with a torque sensor-driven bike is more effort than I can easily do. I’d gotten an Espin Nesta to tow my trailer, but its power management makes it a handful to manage when unladen. The one the XPedition is programmed with is much more manageable and I much prefer it, especially with the speed caps removed from PAS levels 1 and 2. The downsides are the derailleur is a bit unsteady, sometimes dropping or going up a cog without using the shifter, even after I adjusted it, and the thick tubing used on its very robust and a bit wide integrated rack (probably why the rack itself is rated to carry up to 300lbs). Commonly-available panniers or bags will not be able to attach to this rack without some kind of modification or adapter.
These are all great options and I am happy to see more coming out, especially at more accessible price points. Each has its charm and advantages and disadvantages. As you say though, “less driving, more e-biking!”
over twice the cost of the lectric or rad!
250w motor afair
@@jinnd319 Watts are too vague to be much help in a motor. Volts determine how fast the wheel spins and amps affect the torque. You can have different volts but the same watts (volts * amps = watts), so motors with the same watts but different volts will act differently.
just bought a Radrunner 2 in the UK - best value on the market by far, and lovely solid bike that should last a couple of decades
Currently hauling my toddler to and from school on a Razor Ecosmart that I customized 😵💫 definitely looking forward to upgrading to one of these awesome e-bikes 🥲
I think with a cargo bike I do *not* want a torque sensor, as the bike might be very heavy. The Lectric looks great to me!
Man, that Lectric Expedition is looking sweet. I have a normal hardtail mountain bike for crusing around for maximum exercise. This would be perfect for replacing the car for errands. I've tried backpacks and panniers and stuff on a rear rack and tied to the handlebars and really want something designed for carrying weight. My bike on one impromptu trip had a disconcerting wobble between the front and back loads and I was also wearing a heavy backpack. Wearing that prevented good body mechanics and hurt my knee. No more heavy backpacks while biking. Thinking a cargo ebike is just the right balance of functions to replace my car for as much as possible. Love the stronger motor and longer range over their XP. Had that for a year, it was fast but bad pedal geometry, terrible when the power ran out.
8:36 - THIS IS VERY VERY VERY GOOD!!! 😎
I just test ride the aventon abound at global bikes . Right now it’s being offered to include a second battery. What a bargain !!!!
We agree. Great option!
Did you buy it? I ordered one.
I’ve tried an e-Citibike and the PAS seemed very smooth. Then I spent an hour on my buddy’s Rambo and it was delayed and violent in comparison. These two experiences scared me away from any of the strictly mail order marques unfortunately. I love seeing all of the reviews, but I need to test ride a $2k bike before I sign on the line. From my own experience of fashioning a quick-release Ridgid crate to my Thule rear rack on my old Cannondale, I understand that when slinging a lot of weight on the back of a bike, you want it low. But a large diameter tire gives the superior ride. So that Flyer setup seems like the winning formula. Pity it doesn’t have the power of the rest of the field.
I got the Aipas A6 its the lectric expedition with upgrades. It has better tires (side part more tread), quieter motor (reported by many users, front suspension, turn signals, frame battery and rear battery like the lectric, I think the frame battery better distributes the weight. Also its alot cheaper!!! I got 2 battey A6 for $1559+30 shipping using a 5% off coupon I found online. Im 390lbs and it works great, even tried throttle only commute 3miles it takes me 10min!! will even climb hills with me throttle only but way faster and easy with pedal assist
DO NOT BUY a RAD ebike, i unboxed my bike 3 weeks ago and it doesnt work , i cant get anyone from RAD to answer my phones calls or my emails, this company is a joke, STAY AWAY FROM RAD
I agree. Previous questions went unanswered. I let them know their website wasn't taking my money. I got a boilerplate resonse like, "thanks for your feedback".
Next bike will be Lectric.
I have one of the REI co-op bikes which I got for about $1200 on sale. I weigh over 250 lbs, but it has an 80 newton-meter (nm) torque hub motor which lets me go up 10% grades in my area and still keep my speed over 10 MPH without being exhausted by the time I get up a half mile or more hill at that slope. It’s a class 1, so the motor cuts off above 20 MPH if that matters to you. I don’t want to go 25 or 30, I just want to not be stranded by hills.
Lectric does have good customer service since they are based here in the us.
I hear lots of good things about their customer service
I agree with the XPedition being the top pick as it's the best bang for buck. I've had the Flyer L885 since last year and would've taken the Lectric had it existed. The Aventon Abound would be my runner up. Its torque sensor and suspension features are unheard of in this cargo bike grouping. It's also on the more expensive side (and weight too, as I believe it's the heaviest in this comparison) but the features and refinement are worth it in my opinion. I'd say the Blix and Flyer tie for third with the RadWagon being last.
Aventon makes up for their price with frequent sales. Black Friday is $600 off plus all the racks and haulers are thown in (another $640).
I agree only problem is getting delivery for the ebike. Its been over 3 month since we laid out the money, no problem taking our money. Except charged our card 3 times causing us to contact bank and having the account put on hold for two weeks we while the bank checked things out we could not get to our money so had pay checks deposited to another account so we could operagte from day to day. Then we find out the location the ebike is located at which is only two hours from our house. Its been there for a month. Lectric contacted them on 4 different occasions and they gave delivery dates for which they failed to deliver. Tell Levi that his shipping really sucks. We still have not been delivered the ebike and accessories we bough for roughly $2700. A lot of money for me. Hope i dont have to contact State Attorney Generals office and report ythem. One other person contacted me with similiar problems
Aventon hands down
Agree. The abound is what we ended up buying
I'm actually saving for the lectric. I find myself wanting to do more errands on my aventure than it can handle so a second bike is needed lol.
I’m currently considering a purchase of a cargo bike. The Lectric Expedition is what impresses me most as an entry level e-bike…where are distributors and maintenance shops? The Rad is also a e-bike cargo that has been around a long time.
I agree with your assessment of which cargo e-bike I would choose. I already have a RW4 and I would love to see Rad offer with a dual battery option and 20" tires. If the price was reasonable I would sell my RW4 and get the newer one.
Flyer for the mullet because of my short legs. But, I do love Lectric also.
As a short-legged rider myself (this is JT not Ryan), I agree. However I have not found the Abound or the Lectric with 20" tires hard to manage at my leg height.
Great roundup! Super helpful for anyone looking at the current cargo ebike lineup.
My only concern with the Lectric Xpedition is the orbitor. It looks like it'll squish kids' fingers if there was a fall, and the smooth oval rail looks difficult to attach raincovers or the Tern Stormbox. (I live in New England and would like to ride with my child thru the winter). Do you know if rear cages from Yuba, Aventon, or Tern look like they'd fit on the Lectric? Fantastic overview! I just subscribed.
Not that I'm aware of regarding the cages. It's a good point - it seems most just have the single rail but I sure would love a raincover. Thanks for subscribing!
Lectric is an easy pick!
Great video. What is the lightest? Thanks a lot for the review.
I just got a new ebike and so far I am loving it. I got the RadRunner 2 and I am setting it up for being a cargo bike. I already got the Rad front rack and attached a large basket to that and I am soon going to get folding side baskets for the back rack of the bike. As for power I did test it on some of the bigger hills in my city, some it was able to get me up without help and the worst one if I wanted to go at a good speed I had to help a bit but not really over taxing myself. It is a single speed bike and with the hills near me not being an issue for it I think I won't miss the gears. This is my first ebike and I am having a lot of fun with it. As for the standard light that comes on front of the bike it is more than bright enough for cars to see me but if I am in a really dark area I will want to use my old bike light which is WAY brighter so I can see in that condition.
My next concern is security on it. I got a REALLY strong lock but it is not large enough to fit through the back wheel and to the bike rack at the same time so I am in the process of getting a cheaper lock just to lock the back wheel to the frame then I can use my stronger u-lock to lock the frame to the bike rack. If I can get the opportunity to get a litelok x3 I will use that to lock the frame to the bike racks and my old lock for the back wheel.
just bought the same as my first ebike, and i love it. In the UK its restricted to 250W, but i got an eggrider for off road use which pushes close to the US version. That said, for the roads around me the 250W is fine. Large rear platform and front medium basket - couple of pannier bags and i cant imagine what i would need the car for locally anymore. Buying a second 20Ahr battery from UPP which is plug and play fit, so should get 60 mile range just on power.
My next ebike would be a cargo bike but there just too dam long to deliver with. Front suspension is a must!
I like the Blix battery layout. Now they need some suspension and a mid-drive. Also, would be good if we could get bigger batteries, looks like there's space.
Lectric Expedition has $100 off and free accessories right now.
I purchased the Letric Cargo. 2,075 with a child seat...the xpedition package was free.
Just curious why all the hub motors and not a mid motor set up on these guys just would make more sense? Is there a video to watch? Maybe there is better motors out there that I’m unaware of
My avantrek macrover 100 is the best ebike for under $2000 and it does 28mph easy!!!
I'm seriously considering the Aniioki AQ 177 Pro Max with 60 Ah battery and F/R suspension even though it doesn't have mag rims. I have ridden motorcycles most of my life and like the idea of a heavier bike. What to do... what to do... I would prefer more cushy ride instead of hard tails as I am later in life.
dang, you've got a lot more budget friendly option in the states, compared to the EU. especially the XPedition checks all the boxes.
We wish we had some more unique options like the EU, but we will take the affordability of the US ebikes.
Just wish they had more of a suspension set up, Wich makes me want to look at Mokwheel or something in those lines,. I really like the cargo bikes though..ugh!
Do you think the XPedition would work for a tall rider looking to commute? I’m 6’3 with long legs and am a bit worried that it would be too cramped, or too awkward if I have to raise the seat up high. If you wouldn’t recommend it, which cargo bike would you say is best for tall people?
I'm 6ft 3.5 tall, 225lbs. I have an Xpedition. I highly recommend it.
You don’t feel like your sitting too forward? 5:55
Velotric Packer 1? Kinda hard to do a 2023 video in March?
These videos are great and very helpful, but would also like to know about their customer service as well. 😊
Awesome video! Curious if you know if the Lectric panier can be used while a kiddo is on the back. Can they just put their feet in there?
On the XPedition?
If so, they actually fold up. So you could fold them out of the way when a kiddo is riding on the back.
@@EbikeEscape Thanks so much!
Sorry, I bought an Aventon this morning and would have used your link if I would have known a couple hours earlier.
No worries!
143 on the included rear rack? Does this mean my passenger has to weigh 143 or less?
The Quick Haul shown from Tern is only $2500 :)
That's not bad! I'd love to be more familiar with the lineup. Any chance you can connect me with the person who will be filling your role at Tern? Congrats on going FT and the rebrand.
Could you fit a child and a small adult (5’2” 120#) on the back of a Lectric xpedition using the orbiter? Orbiter doesn’t seem as tall as other hand placement options in other cargo bikes.
Yes. We could fit both.
How tall are you? I'm 6'1" 145 soaking wet, and looking at the expedition but I like the rad wagon also. Does the rad wagon have metal nylon motor?
6' not sure about the motor sorry
Velotric 'Packer' or 'Go1' didn't make the list? Release post production?
Correct. We are just wrapping up our reviews on the Velotric bikes now. Hope to have them out in the coming weeks.
Hi, what’s the fastest cargo e-bike?
Thanks so much for this great review. I'm also from Wisconsin and commute during our hellish winters. Does anyone have experience using the lectric expedition during winter and thru snow?
FWIW, the xpedition just came out this spring so there’s no way anyone could have done any winter riding on it yet.
@@justinlichtle8239 - thanks for the heads up. As an update, I ended up going with the Specalized Globe Haul St. Which I believe is also newly introduced in 2023. I'll come back next spring and update the group on how it worked in the winter!
I'm kind of surprised you didn't have the Himiway Big Dog on this list?
Man, I kinda forgot about the Big Dog too.
I was hoping the Hovsco brand would have a review as that is what I am looking at buying.
Heard of them, id personally want to know more about their customer service. Is there anything you feel that sets it apart from these?
@@EbikeEscape Well, it has a torque cadence sensor, which sets it apart from most ebikes, for starters. The torque seemed pretty exceptional on Tailhappy's review. It was able to make it up a steep incline with two adults on board, with a running start. The specs are all there. The available accessories were impressive and well priced. The bike itself is decently priced at $1,800. Most specs are at least on par with the majority of the competition. Battery could be a little larger is my main peeve.
I just can't get on board with those itty-bitty wheels.
Did I miss all the weight capacities?
I think you forgot Riese and Muller as the best of all super premium front cargo
4:20 Where did you buy the passenger seat back add-ons you have on the back of the Radwagon?
Check the post here: ebikeescape.com/radwagon-4-accessories/
The Abound has a weak rear axle.
What are those seats on the back of the Rad? I haven’t seen them before.
The Thule Yepp Maxi seats amzn.to/43FaGbg (affiliate link). There are quite a few of the cargo ebikes on this list that can also use those seats.
I like how indirectly between the lines he told us to ignore radwagon at any cost.
There are still some nice things about it but it needs a refresh for sure!
I wanted to see you try to maneuver a little going downhill
The eventin cargo E bike is my favorite bike
The event in abound cargo bike is the next bike. I’m looking for.
It is a great Cargo ebike choice.
lectric Xpedition is the best 🤷♂
We agree. For the price and specs it is our top pick. The shortcoming of the XPedition we think has to do with the cockpit size. So we wanted to point out the other options for people to consider.
@@EbikeEscape looking to add a yepp maxi to the back of mine, but i'm cheap so looking at used ones! is there anything needed besides just the yepp seat? is there some kind of adaptor that attaches it to the cargo bike frame on the xpedition? thanks for any help.
Do you find the abound to be better than the about for a $500 difference? Is the torque sensor better? Divided between the xpedition and abound. The lack of foot rest on the xpedition closes the price gap a little
I think it depends on how much value you put on the battery capacity differences. I personally really like the torque sensor on the Aventon and overall it just looks more polished. Plus front suspension is nice. Though if you compare the single battery Abound to the XPedition the savings is even higher. Guess it kind of depends on your use case and budget. They both will accomplish the same goal of cargo hauling.
Why is fiido t1 not on the list??
We have not tested the T1. So it didn't make the list for that reason.
Is that pacific beach!?
That sounds about right where we were filming the Aventon - nice area!
2.5k US dollars … in the uk a basic Tern GSD is minimum of 5 thousand uk 🇬🇧 pounds! By feck we are getting ripped off!
Mid drives are nice but yes Terns are pricey!
Thanks!
No problem!
I'm done with fat tire e bikes. I want a cargo e bike that I can pedal easily without the electric motor.
If you aren't going to use the electric motor then a heavy and expensive ebike seems like a lot of extra work lol. I guess it would get you in great shape though.
M81 cargo bike from Addmotor \m/
An incomplete test without Worksman Cycles included.
I see they make trikes, but do they make cargo bikes?
@@EbikeEscape All their bikes and trikes are built on industrial platforms. 600 lb capacities for commercial clients and adaptations for personal recreational use. . Caterpillar, Boeing, Mercedes, etc. Made in the USA since 1898. Thank you for the chance to comment, I am not associated with them in any way other than being a satisfied big guy who wanted a high quality vehicle. (Mine are not electrics)
I will NEVER buy a bike (or just about anything) where I have to buy commonly replaced parts, like tires, ONLY from the manufacturer of the bike. I would never want to depend on the whims of a company for the continued usability of my bike.
im suprised the aipas a6 wasn't mentioned, its basically the lectric xpedition 2.0.
These are only bikes we've reviewed. Generally I don't recommend the knock offs since there are usually tradeoffs - in this case it's almost certainly customer support.
@@EbikeEscape I mean knockoff or not they seem to have added some features that improve on what the xpedition lacked.
Aventon hands down and I don’t own one
Its rad wagon not rad waygon
Nobody has yet designed a cargo bike which can be used by a wheelchair user with a foldout market stall and craft work desk.
If it's cargo, needs a mid-drive motor.
: )
I guess you didn’t get your freebee from Velotric. I think its a dead heat between The Lectric and the Velotic. And… who wants a mid drive anymore. Duh - dumb and dumber. Name me one major benefit. What if your chain breaks? A rear motor type 2 … no problem.
Thise of you who listen to ll this, bear in mind, they rate the freebees!
This was filmed before that bike came out otherwise it would have made the list. But you are right we can only review the bikes we get. And I love our mid drive cargo ebike.
@@EbikeEscape so whats the big deal bout mid drive. How is it better. A friend of mine has a $6000 mid drive Specialized. Id twke mine anyday. However, his ebike is only 36 lbs; but who cares, its an ebike.
Seriously, no one has been able to give me a solid (other than theoretical) answer.
And thanks for your reply. My note had dome sarcasm to it. You are a classy guy; my apology.
Ken
Dude it's pronounced " wag" un,. not " way" gun.
Don't forget that Citizen is in North Carolina. When I lived on the east coast I had to learn some new pronunciations. The local pronunciation of Norfolk, VA sounds kinda obscene.
@@jimmyjames8736 been to no f__k. I'm in Florida now from Mass, but wagon is wagon no matter where I've lived, thanks.
Ever lived in the midwest?
Yes, you could spend thousands of dollars on an eBike th-cam.com/users/postUgkxUiL0GnyDjP32RJdd660sP8mZk4CRLTCJ and get something much higher quality. However, if you're looking for a basic model to try out eBiking this is a great choice. The assembly is easy as far as bikes go (took about an hour for me to do, I'm not an expert). All tools needed are included. I added the plastic mud guards you see and a more comfortable seat. The other reviews are correct that you're probably going to want a better seat (Giddy Up! Bike Seat is what I got - super comfortable). The battery easily handles a 2-4 hour ride if you add some of your own pedal power. I haven't even gotten it up to top speed yet - it is very fast. Components are not top of the line, but decent for the price and work just fine. It works great on dirt roads and singletrack and pavement although too heavy to do tricks or any serious technical mountain biking. I'm looking forward to using it a lot over the summer. Tons of fun!
Holy shit cargo bikes reviewed which are affordable for working people not just trust fund babies living in gentrified neighborhoods. Thank You very much.
You're clearly fragile
Could you fit a child and a small adult (5’2” 120#) on the back of a Lectric xpedition using the orbiter? Orbiter doesn’t seem as tall as other hand placement options in other cargo bikes.