Canadian family turns a cargo bike into a BBSHD powered ebike commuter

Timpo

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Cool family with a low budget bike... they really should consider some affordable options for the long term. ;)

Best Electric Cargo Bikes of 2020
These picks for the best electric cargo bikes of 2020 have the best combinations of value and features across several styles of cargo bikes on the market today. In addition to these featured picks, you can check out all 60 of our electric cargo bikes reviews listed here. Comparing electric bikes is our specialty, and Electric Bike Review has the most complete and impartial reviews in the industry. Since 2012, we’ve helped millions of people discover electric bikes that fit their lifestyle, needs, and budget. Let’s jump in!

Best Affordable Cargo Electric Bikes for 2020

Okay, if you’re excited about electric cargo bikes but limited on funds, this next ebike is the best choice in my opinion. They don’t have as many dealers as some of the more expensive brandsd, but they do have partnerships with mobile bike shops (as well as some of their own delivery vans) that makes it easier to receive and enjoy. My pick for best affordable e-cargo bike is the Rad Power Bikes RadWagon 4! This is a second-generation product, having been improved from the popular original, with a brand new tire size made especially for the use case of hauling. Rad works closely with many of their suppliers to get co-branded hardware (lights, tires, seats) with special features. In this case, they’ve got smaller 22″ wheels with extra-wide plus sized 3″ wide tires. The result is a wheel that has a medium attack angle, lots of stability side to side, and extra air for cushion comfort. Oh, and the tires have puncture resistant lining to reduce flats :)

Rad has the lower rear rack that’s easier to load up with kids and cargo, but not so low that their derailleur or optional running boards hit the curb if you get too close. I love that the RadWagon 4 comes with fenders, an adjustable angle stem, swept back handlebar, ergonomic grips, integrated lights front and rear (with blinking rear light mode!), and reflective tires. They really went to town here in terms of safety… and the white frame is probably the most visible. Unlike most of the other affordable cargo ebikes I’ve reviewed, this one comes in three colorways! You can get high-visibility orange, black, or the white shown in the photos. The approachable frame is easy to stand over and the telescoping seat tube (with two tube sections) provides lots of options for rider height and leg length. Rad is known for creating bikes that work well for most riders while limiting the number of “trade offs” to keep prices low.

In this case, the mechanical disc brakes are one of those sacrifices. While they do have motor inhibitors and large 180mm rotors, the mechanical line often requires more hand strength to pull than hydraulic and can get gunked up with water and dust over time. The bike itself is also more heavy, and the cadence sensor and throttle design aren’t as dynamic as a multi-sensor mid-drive. Until recently, the original RadWagon (which I reviewed on multiple occasions) was my best affordable pick. If you find that product used, it’s still a great ebike… and it just uses the larger 26″ wheels vs. 20″ here. I appreciate that all of the current-gen Rad ebikes share the same battery design that’s interchangeable, and also use the same racks and accessories… for the most part. Despite being “cheap” this brand has gained widespread brand recognition and should hold its value better than some others at the same price level. Click the image or title below to visit the full review with more details, or add it to your compare list by clicking the box below.


Affordable

Rad Power Bikes RadWagon 4 Review

  • MSRP: $1,499
  • MODEL YEAR: 2020
An affordable but refined electric cargo bike with custom 22" x 3.0" tires that improve stability and comfort while still keeping the cargo holds low and easy to load. The approachable but stiff mid-step frame comes in three beautiful colors. Reflective tires and quality integrated lights help keep you visible and safe. Powerful fat-bike rated 80nm geared hub motor provides excellent power for starting, hauling gear or… Read Review
 
Pretty cool but illegal here, can’t have more than one adult on a bike (as a passenger) unless it’s like a tandem.
 
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