How to choose
March 31, 2025
The question of electric cargo bike vs. regular e-bike is becoming increasingly relevant for delivery riders, as each type of electric bike offers its own advantages in speed, carrying capacity, and delivery convenience.
Electric bicycles are economical, maneuverable in heavy urban traffic, and, importantly, environmentally friendly. At the same time, they have recently gained a worthy competitor – an electric cargo bike.
Cargo e-bikes are specifically designed for transporting large loads. These bikes are equipped with extended frames or built-in luggage containers. These advantages are highly appreciated among delivery riders and companies interested in improving delivery efficiency.
To determine which bike option is preferable and more efficient for you, you need to compare the main characteristics of standard and cargo e-bikes, such as design, load capacity, range, and cost.
An ordinary electric bike looks like a standard bike with a motor and battery. It is lightweight, maneuverable, and convenient for city trips.
The cargo e-bike is a "workhorse", usually heavier and bulkier, equipped with an elongated frame, luggage baskets, and sometimes a front container. Some models are designed as tricycles. They are stable on the road and are ideal for transporting large bulk loads.
Conventional electric bicycles are usually designed to carry cargo with a total weight (driver + cargo) in the range of 250-300 pounds (110-140 kg).
In addition, it is still possible to attach a food bag to such a bike, but it may still be difficult to transport large orders.
E-bike trucks are designed specifically for heavy cargo transportation. These bikes can support 300-550 pounds (140-250 kg).
For example, Domino's Pizza uses electric bicycles that can carry up to 12 large pizzas in insulated bags. Transportation of such cargo will not be possible on a regular e-bike, as there is a risk of loss of balance.
Regular e-bikes are usually equipped with batteries with a capacity that provides a range of 20-40 miles (32-65 km) on a single charge. Certain models can even have a much greater range. This includes Storm-2, which has a range of an incredible 85 miles.
Cargo bikes often have an increased battery capacity or two batteries, which allows you to travel up to 50 miles (80 km).
However, the transportation of heavy cargo with frequent stops reduces the possibility of a longer trip, so in reality, the difference in travel range between conventional and cargo e-bikes may not differ much.
This one is quite simple: Regular e-bikes are much cheaper. You can buy a decent model for $1,000–$2,500.
On the other hand, cargo e-bikes cost from $3,000 to $5,000, and premium models reach $6,000 and above. This is a serious investment that you can recoup if you complete many orders in one trip.
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Now, look at how these two types of bicycles behave in real-world working conditions.
Both regular and cargo e-bikes have a top speed of 20 mph (32 km/h), sometimes reaching 25 mph. However, there are key differences in acceleration. Regular e-bikes accelerate faster and maneuver easier in urban traffic.
Cargo e-bikes take off slowly, especially when fully loaded, but due to the fact that they are equipped with powerful engines, this allows them to confidently climb the mountain even with heavy loads.
Conventional e-bikes are compact and maneuverable, easily passing between cars in urban traffic and on narrow streets. Cargo bikes, on the contrary, require more space for turns and parking. However, they are more stable when transporting heavy loads due to their low center of gravity and their powerful stand.
Regular e-bikes are easy to maintain – most of their parts are standard and available for purchase at any bike store.
The design of cargo e-bikes provides reinforced wheels, brakes and frames, which are designed for increased load, but at the same time require expensive maintenance and replacement of components more often than on conventional e-bikes.
Read also: E-bike vs e-scooter
The choice between a regular e-bike and a cargo e-bike depends directly on your work needs.:
For most food delivery riders, delivering with a regular e-bike will be the best choice, due to its accessibility and maneuverability.
While cargo e-bikes have a greater carrying capacity, food deliveries are not that heavy.
Also, the additional strengh is at the expense of range and speed, something that can greatly affect your earnings.
Not to mention the quite high price difference, which is one of the main factors for someone who is just starting in the food delivery business.
On the other hand, if you plan on delivering extremely heavy objects on short-distance relations, a cargo electric bike can be a good option.
