Best electric longtail cargo bikes to carry kids

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Thinking of Buying a Longtail Cargo Bike for Your Family? Here’s What You Need to Know!

So, you’re considering taking the plunge and getting a longtail cargo bike for your family? Great choice! Whether it’s for the school or nursery run, or just heading out on family adventures, a longtail cargo bike can transform how you travel with your kids.

But with so many options out there, where do you begin when choosing the best longtail cargo bike to carry your children?

Longtail e-bikes have been gaining popularity in the UK over the past few years, with more brands offering a wider range of models, including some budget-friendly choices.

The good news is that whether you’re after a premium bike or something more affordable, there are now plenty of options to suit different needs and budgets.

At Cycle Sprog, we’re big fans of cargo bikes and have been closely tracking the latest trends and developments. In this article, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to the best electric longtail cargo bikes available right now, covering a range of price points.

Not Sure if a Longtail Cargo Bike is Right for You?

Before diving into our recommendations, if you’re unsure whether a longtail bike is the best option for your family, check out our guide: What type of cargo bike is best for my family?

If you’re still weighing up whether a cargo bike is your best option, fill in our quick quiz "Am I Ready for a Cargo Bike" to find out!

Quick picks: for parents in a hurry

If you’re short on time and don’t have time to scroll through the list, then these are our top three picks, covering different types of cargo bikes and budgets.

Best budget option: Decathlon R500 longtail bike (currently discounted at £2,499) - Longtail bike with rear hub motor which can seat up to two children on the rear rack. Includes metal enclosure and footrests as standard.
Best mid-range option: Estarli eCargo longtail (from £2,995) - Estarli's longtail bike with mid drive motor and belt drive, which is impressive for this price.
Best premium option: Tern GSD S10 LX Gen 2 (from £5,600) - This longtail bike is hard to fault, with a Bosch mid-drive motor, front suspension, adjustable and foldable handlebars and a wide range of accessories available.

Best longtail cargo e-bikes for carrying kids

Finding the right longtail cargo e-bike for your family depends on both your needs and your budget. To help you navigate the options, we’ve grouped our recommendations into three categories:

Budget (under £2,500)
Midrange (£2,500 to £4,000)
Premium (over £4,000)

These price brackets cover everything from entry-level models for those just getting started, to high-performance bikes packed with features. Keep in mind that the prices listed are for the base models only – most bikes require additional investment for accessories like seats, panniers, or rain covers.

For many of these bikes, you can also upgrade key components such as the motor, battery, gears, and brakes, so it’s worth considering your specific needs when making a decision. Be sure to check if warranty upgrades are available too, as these can provide extra peace of mind.

Read our article on E-bike motor and battery options.

New online masterclass: "Choosing Your Family's Cargo Bike: All You Need To Know"

Looking to use your car less and cycle more with your kids, but not sure where to start with a cargo bike? We’re here to help!

Our online masterclass walks you through everything you need to know to confidently choose the right cargo bike for your family – no guesswork, no stress.

Learn what to look for: From electric vs. manual to key features, we break it all down in simple terms.
Get expert tips: Understand the important specs and how they’ll impact your rides.
Take it with you: Use our printable checklist and glossary when you visit the bike shop for your test ride.

Ready to feel confident and make an informed choice?
👉 Sign up now for our Choosing Your Family's Cargo Bike masterclass and become a cargo biking family.

Start your cargo bike journey today

The growing popularity of e-cargo bikes has unfortunately led to a surge in suspiciously cheap longtail bikes, often found on discount websites.

These very cheap longtail family cargo bikes frequently use substandard components, particularly for crucial parts like the battery and motor. Poor-quality batteries can be prone to overheating and, in the worst cases, can catch fire.

When it comes to buying an e-cargo bike, if the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. For your safety and peace of mind, always choose a bike from a reputable brand, that comes with a warranty. It’s worth the extra investment as it's your family’s safety on the line.

In our budget category, you’ll typically find rear-hub motors instead of the more advanced mid-drive motors. While rear-hub motors are effective on flatter routes, you will need to put in more effort on hill starts.

Mycle Cargo Electric Bike - £2,499 (currently out of stock)

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to start your cargo bike journey, the Mycle Cargo Electric Bike offers fantastic value. This makes it one of the most affordable longtail electric cargo bikes available in the UK at the moment.

Unfortunately, due to their popularity the Mycle Cargo is currently out of stock, until the end of 2024. On the website, you can sign up to get an email when they are back in stock.

You can purchase a good range of optional accessories with the Mycle Cargo bike including safety bars, weather shield, seat pads, and front and rear baskets. Make sure you order these at the same time as the bike, so you're not left without the essential things you need for your family.

We’ve put the Mycle Cargo to the test with a range of riders. While our Mycle review covers the earlier model, bear in mind recent upgrades have addressed some of the original bike’s limitations. The latest version now includes:

Hydraulic disc brakes for reliable stopping power
An improved digital display with key ride information
An optional weather shield to keep you and your cargo protected

However, it is worth noting that the Mycle Cargo is at the more affordable end of longtail cargo bikes, which means it doesn’t have the power you might need for steep hill starts, as you need to do a pedal rotation before the motor kicks in.

It’s therefore best suited to flatter areas or riders who don’t mind giving a bit of extra pedal power on inclines.

That said, for everyday riding, school runs, and trips to the shops in less hilly areas, it’s a practical and dependable option that won’t break the bank.

If you’re after a good-quality longtail electric bike at a low price, sign up for updates on stock availability.

Price: from £2,499

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In the medium budget range you will usually see some higher specs including hydraulic disc brakes, and mid-drive motors by well-known brands, but usually a smaller gear range than the longtail bikes in the higher budget range.

The electric longtail bikes in this group may offer less powerful mid-drive motors than the bikes in the higher budget range. Some of them also have a larger rear wheel or a heavier frame than more expensive longtail bikes. A small (20 inch) rear wheel is better because it means the centre of gravity is lower, so a more stable ride for you and your cargo.

Another difference with the premium budget range may be the length of the warranty.

Decathlon R500 Electric Longtail Cargo Bike

The Decathlon R500 Electric Longtail Cargo Bike is a solid choice if you’re after a capable longtail cargo bike without breaking the bank. Launched in mainland Europe in 2021 and introduced to the UK market in 2022, this model has quickly gained attention for its value-for-money performance.

Why Consider the Decathlon R500?

The Decathlon R500 sits at the more affordable end of the longtail cargo bike spectrum. While it doesn’t have all the premium features of higher-end models, it still offers plenty of practicality for family cycling.

What you may notice about the Decathlon R500 is its larger front wheel. This can help smooth out bumps in the road even when fully loaded, especially when combined with the front suspension.

The bike’s sturdy rear rack can carry up to 80 kg, comfortably fitting one or two children (unless they’re teenagers), ensuring you can transport your family with ease.

Accessories and Practicality

Decathlon’s range of accessories isn’t as extensive as some premium brands, but they’re budget-friendly and get the job done. The double full-length panniers, in particular, are excellent value for the price. The bike comes fitted with a metal enclosure, so all you need to add are seats or seat pads, and you’re ready to roll.

Is the Decathlon R500 Right for You?

This longtail bike is ideal for families who want a reliable cargo bike at a mid-range price. It offers key features like hill start assistance, decent carrying capacity, and a smooth ride, making it a good option for daily use, especially if you’re sticking to a budget.

Price: from £3,299 (currently on sale for £2,499)

Buy Now

Estarli eCargo

If you’re looking for a mid-priced longtail cargo bike that combines power, style, and practicality, the Estarli eCargo is definitely worth considering. Launched in 2023 by the British brand Estarli, who are well known for their foldable e-bikes, this model strikes a great balance between performance and price.

What Makes the Estarli eCargo Stand Out?

The Estarli eCargo comes equipped with a powerful mid-drive motor that handles hills with ease, making it a great choice if you live in a hilly area or regularly carry heavy loads. The gears are really easy to use and the belt drive removes issues of rusting or greasy chains.

Another standout feature is the range of vibrant, eye-catching colours available. Not only do they add a bit of fun, but they also enhance visibility – a big plus for safety-conscious families.

Accessories and Customisation

Estarli offers a growing range of accessories designed to meet different family needs. You can choose from various seating options for children of different ages, add a GPS tracker for peace of mind, or fit a front rack with a basket and net for extra cargo space.

The accessory range is still expanding, with a weatherproof cocoon expected in summer 2024 and a rain canopy also in the works.

Tested and Reviewed

We’ve had a range of riders put the Estarli eCargo through its paces – you can check out our detailed Estarli eCargo review to see how it performed.

Price: from £2,995

Buy Now

New online masterclass: "Choosing Your Family's Cargo Bike: All You Need To Know"

Looking to use your car less and cycle more with your kids, but not sure where to start with a cargo bike? We’re here to help!

Our online masterclass walks you through everything you need to know to confidently choose the right cargo bike for your family – no guesswork, no stress.

Learn what to look for: From electric vs. manual to key features, we break it all down in simple terms.
Get expert tips: Understand the important specs and how they’ll impact your rides.
Take it with you: Use our printable checklist and glossary when you visit the bike shop for your test ride.

Ready to feel confident and make an informed choice?
👉 Sign up now for our Choosing Your Family's Cargo Bike masterclass and become a cargo biking family.

Start your cargo bike journey today

Tern Quick Haul Long D9

The Tern Quick Haul Long is a very welcome new addition to the Tern range. It's the no-frill sister of the more expensive Tern GSD, without suspension and folding handlebars, but with all the important basic features like a powerful Bosch mid-drive motor and a wide range of accessories. This bike can also be stored vertically, which can be handy in tight spaces.

Price: from £3,500

Tern accessories

The range of accessories for this longtail e-cargo bike are one of the best with everything you can wish for available including several seating options, a storm box to keep legs and bodies dry and a storm shield to go over your children to keep them completely protected from the elements.

Tern Quick Haul Long specs

Weight of bike: 29.3 kg
Length of bike: not specified
Wheel size: 20" wheels
Tyres: Schwalbe Pick Up
Motor: Bosch Cargo Line
Max torque: 85 Nm
Brakes: Tektro hydraulic disc brakes
Gears: Tektro 9-speed
Height of rider: 150 cm - 185 cm
Max rider weight: 120 kg
Max weight of cargo + rider: 190 kg
Max load front: 20 kg
Max load rear: 90 kg
Warranty: 5 years warranty on frame, handlepost, and fork. 1 year warranty on all Tern or BioLogic branded parts and components, except as noted on website.

Buy Now

Cube Longtail Hybrid 725

Cube is a well known German bike brand for a wide range of bikes, including kids bikes and mountain bikes. The Longtail Hybrid 725 is their first electric longtail bike model and has the backing of a global bike brand, know for it's attention to detail, behind it.

Price: from £3,999

Cube accessories

Accessories by Cube include a top rail (safety bars for older children), a seat pad, a stepping board and front rack. Large pannier bags are also available which can hold 90 litres in total.

The Vello Sub is a recent addition to the French brand Vello which specialises in folding bikes. They are launching their cargo bike in the UK through a crowdfunder on Indiegogo. The current price is therefore lower than what you'd expect to pay for this high-spec bike, but you'll need to wait a while before you'll receive your cargo bike.

Price: from £4,055

Vello accessories

The Indiegogo page mentions it is compatible with a wide range of accessories, including MIK and MIK-HD accessories such as bike seats. At the time of writing (November 2022), we couldn't find out what accessories like footrests and bags will cost.

Veloe Multi Shimano

Another interesting option in the mid budget range by Italian brand Veloe. This longtail bike is considerably lighter than most other longtail cargo bikes, which might be useful if you carry the bike up steps or take it on the train.

Price: from £3,549

Veloe accessories

Various accessories are available including multiple seating options, and like with most other longtail bikes you can add a safety bar to the rear pannier rack. You can add another accessory which will let you fully enclose the rear rack to create a box to carry stuff when you're not carrying children.

Bicicapace E-Justlong

Bicicapace's Italian bikes stand out from the crowd through their clever designs for carrying cargo. The E-Justlong suits the shorter rider and a wide range of well-designed and practical accessories is available.

Price: from £3,990

Bicicapace accessories

The E-Justlong comes with a very large waterproof front bag and like most other longtail bikes you can add a safety bar, which you can fully enclose like on the Veloe. A rain canopy with or without side shields is available.

Tern GSD S10

The Tern GSD has quickly become the most popular brand of longtail bike in the UK. The GSD is sometimes called 'Getting Stuff Done' and features a suspension fork, which can come in handy when paths or roads you're riding on are not so smooth.

This is the premium longtail cargo bike many families aspire to own one day, if their budget allows!

You can read our article Electric cargo bikes: can the budget Mycle Cargo compete with the high-end Tern GSD longtail? to find out what the difference is between a cheaper and premium bike.

Price: from £4,700

Tern accessories

Tern have a wide range branded accessories available, including several seating options, 100 litres panniers and a weather-resistant canopy that protects your children from rain, snow and wind. Tern accessories are usually more expensive than most other brands.

Tern GSD S10 specs

Weight of bike: 33.58 kg
Length of bike: 180 cm
Wheel size: 20”
Tyres: Schwalbe Big Ben Plus
Motor: Bosch Cargo Line mid-drive motor
Max torque: 85 Nm
Gears: Shimano 10-speed
Brakes: Magura 4 piston hydraulic disc brakes
Height of rider: 150 cm - 195 cm
Max rider weight: 120 kg
Max weight of cargo + rider: 200 kg
Max load front: 20 kg
Max load back: 100 kg
Warranty: 5 years warranty on frame, handlepost, and fork. 1 year warranty on all Tern or BioLogic branded parts and components, except as noted on website.

Buy Now

New online masterclass: "Choosing Your Family's Cargo Bike: All You Need To Know"

Looking to use your car less and cycle more with your kids, but not sure where to start with a cargo bike? We’re here to help!

Our online masterclass walks you through everything you need to know to confidently choose the right cargo bike for your family – no guesswork, no stress.

Learn what to look for: From electric vs. manual to key features, we break it all down in simple terms.
Get expert tips: Understand the important specs and how they’ll impact your rides.
Take it with you: Use our printable checklist and glossary when you visit the bike shop for your test ride.

Ready to feel confident and make an informed choice?
👉 Sign up now for our Choosing Your Family's Cargo Bike masterclass and become a cargo biking family.

Start your cargo bike journey today

Bike43 Performance

The "bike for three" is the only longtail cargo bike that we've found that can seat three children on the rear pannier rack. This beautiful cargo bike is the only bike produced by the small Belgian brand. The bigger front wheel means you'll be less affected by bumps and potholes.

Price: from £4,599

Bike43 accessories

Bike43 offers a range of accessories, including different types of bags and panniers by other brands. It is one of the few longtail cargo bikes that offer a car seat adapter.

Read our full review of the Bike43 Performance. Please note that the specification of the Bike43 has improved since we reviewed the bike - including and option for a premium pack which includes a suspension seat post, fancy lights and wheel lock, plus their accessory range has been extended too.

Riese & Müller Multitinker Touring specs

Weight of bike: 35 kg
Length of bike: 189 cm
Wheel size: 20”
Tyres: Schwalbe Super Moto-X
Motor: Bosch Cargo Line CX mid-drive motor
Max torque: 85 Nm
Gears: Shimano Deore 10-speed
Brakes: Magura 4 piston hydraulic disc brakes
Height of rider: not specified
Max rider weight: 120 kg
Max weight of cargo + rider: 200 kg
Max load front: 15 kg
Max load rear: 65 kg
Warranty: Riese & Müller grants a 5 year warranty for breakage of the frame or rear swing arm. 2 years warranty on the battery: we guarantee that the battery will still have a capacity of 60% after two years or 500 full charge cycles.

Buy Now

Choosing the right longtail cargo bike for your family can feel overwhelming with so many options on the market. Each bike offers different features, price points, and capabilities, making it important to match your family’s specific needs with the right model.

Why a longtail bike?

Longtail bikes are a fantastic choice for families who need extra space and versatility to carry their children by bike. Unlike standard bikes, longtail bikes feature an extended rear rack, allowing you to comfortably seat two, and sometimes even three, children. Whether using bike seats for toddlers or seat pads for older kids, this extended rack provides ample room for a growing family.

If storage space is a concern, longtail bikes offer a practical solution compared to box cargo bikes.

While they’re slightly longer than standard bikes—ranging from 180 cm to over 200 cm compared to the average 175 cm of a regular adult bike—they are designed to fit within a manageable width. Some premium models can be stored upright or feature handlebars that fold or swivel to reduce width, making them easier to store in tighter spaces.

While non-electric longtail bikes are available, we focus exclusively on e-bikes here due to their increasing popularity and convenience. Electric longtail bikes provide that extra boost, making it easier to handle the added weight of your growing family and tackle hilly terrain.

What to look out for when purchasing an electric longtail bike

A big purchase like an electric cargo bike needs to be right for your family, so think about your family’s specific needs.

What will you be using the cargo e-bike for and how will this change in the future? Where you ride is also very important, is it urban and mostly flat, or hilly and sometimes off-road?

The age of your children is also very important, as well as the size of your family. Do you think your family will be welcoming another baby at some point?

Look for versatility in a cargo bike so you can get the most use out of it. Once you have a cargo bike you will be surprised how much stuff you can carry on a bike, from Christmas trees to weekly shops.

Read our Top things to look out for when buying an electric cargo bike.

How much does an electric longtail bike cost?

As with most other things in life, you pay for what you get. A cheaper bike usually comes with cheaper components, and in the case of an electric cargo bike, it might come with a less powerful motor and brakes.

The cheapest reputable electric longtail bikes start from around £2,500 and the top of the range starts at around £4,500.

Accessories will come on top of the costs listed here, so keep this in mind because you will probably need a few accessories such as seating for your children.

You may be able to get help with paying for a longtail cargo bike through your employer’s cycle to work scheme.

Some bike shops and online retailers offer 0% interest rate financing too.

Read our article How much does an electric family cargo bike cost?

Laura 8th January 2024 at 04:40pm

I have many times had 3 kids on the back of my bicicapace justlong! Three average 6yos works just fine!

Mary Rock 29th October 2023 at 07:53am

Where can I buy child safety straps for rear loader- Tern

Saskia Heijltjes 1st November 2023 at 10:48am

Hi Mary, could you please tell us what straps you are referring to? If you install a child seat they usually come with safety straps. The seatpads on the Tern GSD don’t come with safety straps. Hope this helps, Saskia

Best electric longtail cargo bikes to carry kids

Contents

Quick picks: for parents in a hurry

Best longtail cargo e-bikes for carrying kids

New online masterclass: "Choosing Your Family's Cargo Bike: All You Need To Know"

Low-Budget Electric Longtail Cargo Bikes (Under £2,500)

Medium budget electric longtail cargo bikes (£2,500 - £4,000)

Decathlon Elops R500 specs

Estarli eCargo Longtail specs

New online masterclass: "Choosing Your Family's Cargo Bike: All You Need To Know"

Tern accessories

Tern Quick Haul Long specs

Cube accessories

Cube Longtail Sport Hybrid 725 specs

Yuba accessories

Yuba Kombi E5 specs

Vello Sub

Vello accessories

Vello Sub specs

Veloe Multi Shimano

Veloe accessories

Veloe Multi Shimano specs

Bicicapace E-Justlong

Bicicapace accessories

Bicicapace E-Justlong specs

High budget electric longtail cargo bikes (Over £4,000)

Tern accessories

Tern GSD S10 specs

New online masterclass: "Choosing Your Family's Cargo Bike: All You Need To Know"

Bike43 Performance

Bike43 accessories

Bike43 Performance specs

Yuba Spicy Curry

Yuba accessories

yuba Spicy Curry specs

R&M accessories

Riese & Müller Multitinker Touring specs

How to choose from the best longtail bikes?

Why a longtail bike?

What to look out for when purchasing an electric longtail bike

How much does an electric longtail bike cost?

Other options to consider

Cargo bikes

Riding in autumn; don’t let the rain or cold stop you!

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