Electric Longtail Cargo Bikes: A Guide to Carrying More

Electric Longtail Cargo Bikes: A Guide to Carrying More with an Extended Rear Frame

Electric longtail cargo bikes utilize an elongated rear frame and rack to expand carrying capabilities beyond standard bicycle dimensions. The extended design can transport kids, pets, cargo and more using pedal-assist power. This guide covers the benefits of electric longtail cargo bikes, popular models, key features, and considerations for choosing the right longtail eMTB for your hauling needs.

Key Takeaways on Electric Longtail Cargo Bikes

What are Electric Longtail Cargo Bikes?

Electric longtail cargo bikes utilize an extended rear frame and rack to enable carrying larger loads than possible on a standard bicycle frame. The elongated wheelbase anchors mounting points for cargo seating, boxes, and other attachments.

An electric motor boosts pedaling power to lighten the burden when loaded down with kids or lots of gear. The longtail design balances cargo practicality and accessibility in a relatively maneuverable platform.

Typical longtail features include:

• Extended rear rack and frame section
• 20-26 inch wheels for stability
• Rear cargo capacity up to 400 lb
• Front mounted child seat options
• Powerful electric motor and battery
• Utility focused parts and accessories

Let’s examine why longtail eMTBs make hauling heavy loads easier.

Benefits of Electric Longtail Cargo Bikes

Electric longtail cargo bikes offer unique advantages for transporting children, pets and cargo versus standard bicycles:

Increased Carrying Capacity

The extended frame and rack essentially converts the rear of the bike into a miniature pickup bed. More room means bringing more stuff by bike.

Transport Multiple Kids

Multiple children can fit on rear seats and compatible front mounted child carriers. Bring the whole crew by bike.

Quick Trips and Errands

With kids and essentials aboard, an electric longtail transforms trips to school, the store, gym and more into cycling adventures.

Gear Hauling

Haul work tools, sports equipment, camping supplies and everything in between with the help of electric assist.

Pet Transportation

Smaller dogs or even cats can ride safely aboard specialized rear pet seats on longtail cargo bikes.

The elongated platform offers creative possibilities to transport items that are challenging on a standard bicycle.

Considerations When Evaluating Electric Longtails

While longtail eMTBs enable carrying more, some tradeoffs exist to weigh:

Long Wheelbase Handling

The stretched frame results in a longer wheelbase that handles and turns more slowly than shorter bikes. Stability suffers at lower speeds.

Battery Range Impacts

Hauling heavy cargo reduces range. Plan for up to 50% less mileage compared to unloaded riding with smaller battery systems.

Legal Width Restrictions

Some regions prohibit bicycles exceeding a certain width. Cargo may extend beyond the legal envelope.

Specialized Parts Needs

Finding replacement parts for niche cargo bike components can be difficult. Plan for custom shipments.

Added Costs

Longtail prices scale up with increased payload capacities and battery range demands. Budget more for heavy hauling utility.

While very capable, longtail eMTBs require adapting your handling and riding style. The extended platform provides amazing utility within reason.

Common Types of Electric Longtail Cargo Bikes

Longtail cargo e-bikes come in a variety of configurations optimized for different primary uses:

Utility Longtails

Built to endure heavy daily use for cargo and delivery services. Durable construction, high payload capacity, large batteries and heavy duty parts maximize hauling. Steel frames absorb vibration. 20” wheels provide a low center of gravity for stability when heavily loaded.

Family Transport Longtails

Designed for safely carrying kids with child seats integrated into the frame and cargo deck. Accessible step through frames allow easy mounting. Suspension provides a smoother ride for passengers. Powerful motors and mid-range batteries suit frequent neighborhood rides and errands.

Recreational Longtails

Offer occasional cargo capabilities on outings and adventures. Aluminum frames prioritize affordability and efficiency over maximum capacity. Smaller batteries conserve weight. Paired with a mid-drive motor, recreational longtails strike a nice versatility balance at lower cost.

Match your primary intended longtail usage – utility, family or recreation – to the strength and capabilities needed. Test rides fully loaded help make the right choice.

Electric Longtail Cargo Bike Styles

Beyond usage types, longtail e-bikes come in these common configurations:

Steel Frame Longtails

Steel withstands heavy duty use while absorbing vibration. But the material adds significant weight. Mainly found on utility and cargo focused longtails.

Aluminum Frame Longtails

The most common longtail frame material. Offers good strength to weight ratio. Found across utility, family and recreational longtail categories. Quality but affordable.

Full Suspension Longtails

Dual suspension smooths out the ride for child passengers. Common on family oriented longtails. Adds cost and maintenance over rigid frames.

Folding Longtails

Designed for space savings and RV living. Folding joints add weight but enable more compact storage. Popular for recreational and light utility use.

Fat Bike Longtails

Fat, semi-fat and plus sized tires provide suspension effect and traction advantages. Reduces need for rear suspension. Mainly found on recreational models.

Mid-Drive vs. Hub Motor Longtails

Mid-drive motors centralize weight and are better for climbing. Rear hub motors simplify design at the cost of traction. Mid-drives dominate utility longtails while recreational models sometimes opt for rear hubs to save cost.

Leading Electric Longtail Cargo Bike Brands

Reputable manufacturers that specialize in purpose-built electric longtail cargo bicycles include:

Yuba

This California company focuses exclusively on sturdy and dependable cargo bikes like the long-running Yuba Mundo and the Supermarché heavy hauling longtail.

Tern

Based in Taiwan, Tern offers versatile transportation bikes including the popular GSD and HSD cargo models with quality engineering and lively ride dynamics.

Xtracycle

Pioneers of the longtail “Side Loader” stretched cargo bike concept. The Xtracycle Edgerunner and Swoop models can carry huge loads.

Rad Power Bikes

Known for value, Rad Power Bikes’ RadWagon 4 and RadWagon 5 longtails deliver utility and gear hauling at affordable prices.

Riese & Müller

Legendary German cargo biker engineering shines through in R&M’s Load series capable of hauling incredible amounts of weight.

Stick to established manufacturers specializing in longtails to ensure reliable construction and components suited to heavier tasks.

Key Specs and Features on Electric Longtails

Critical specs and components that enable electric longtails to tackle bigger loads include:

Motor Power

500W to 750W mid-drive motors provide sufficient torque to haul heavy cargo up hills. Avoid underpowered hub motors.

Battery Capacity

Plan for 400Wh minimum range for daily family usage. 600Wh+ for heavy utility use or longer trips. Removable batteries allow charging indoors.

Brakes

Quality hydraulic disc brakes provide vital stopping power for the weight. 180mm+ rotors are recommended.

Drive System

8-10 speeds with wide gear ranges support heavy pedaling when unassisted. Internally geared hubs require less maintenance.

Frame Construction

Robust frames prevent flexing under load. Steel suits commercial usage. Aluminum balances utility and affordability.

Load Capacity

Utility longtails support 220-400+ lb. Family models handle 100-200 lb typically. Verify your needs.

Tires

Durable puncture resistant tires with some tread pattern prevent flats from heavy loads. 26” or 20” wheel sizes.

Prioritize power, capacity, stability and durability when evaluating electric longtails. Test riding fully loaded verifies the bike feels solid when maxed out.

Electric Longtail Cargo Bike Accessories

Outfitting your longtail e-bike with the right accessories maximizes functionality for your purposes:

Child Seats

Integrated rear seats with safety harnesses keep kids secure. Front mounting options expand capacity.

Cargo Holders

From simple racks to large plastic bins or woven baskets, tailored options abound.

Bags / Panniers

Side bags expand storage for tools, goods, groceries etc. Bungees secure irregular loads.

Pet Carriers

Specialized rear mounted pet seats keep dogs or cats safely confined for transport.

Rain Covers

Hard shells or fabric covers protect kids and cargo from getting soaked.

Mobile Device Mounts

Handy for navigating or entertainment during rides. Ensure solid, vibration resistant mounting.

Safety Gear

Add reflectors, flags and lights to improve visibility and compliance.

Phone / Tablet Chargers

Onboard power banks allow charging devices on the go.

Outfit your longtail purposefully for how it will be used. Family transport needs differ from contracting jobs. Get creative hauling!

Electric Longtail Cargo Bike Pros and Cons

As with any bike choice, longtail eMTBs involve tradeoffs:

Pros of Longtail Cargo E-bikes

• Increased carrying capacity and passenger capabilities
• Transport awkward or bulky items not possible on standard bikes
• Kids and family can come along on more bike trips
• Experience purpose built for gear, pet and cargo hauling
• Still decently maneuverable for urban use despite length

Cons of Longtail Cargo E-bikes

• Extended wheelbase affects handling and parking
• Heavy loads diminish battery range
• Can be challenging to mount and dismount when loaded
• Finding replacement parts tricky compared to normal bikes
• Expensive when building for heavy duty utility use
• Legal width restrictions may impact cargo configurations in some regions

For hauling bigger loads, longtails are hard to beat. But the extra capabilities require adapting your handling technique.

Costs: Entry-Level vs Premium Electric Longtails

Electric longtail cargo bikes span a wide range of price points:

Entry-Level Electric Longtails

• $1500 – $3000
• Mid-drive motors around 500W
• Battery capacity 300Wh to 500Wh
• Mechanical disc brakes
• Cadence sensor motors
• Payload capacity up to 220 lb

Mid-Range Electric Longtails

• $3000 – $5000
• 500W – 750W Mid-drive motors
• 400Wh – 600Wh batteries
• Hydraulic brakes
• Torque sensing motors
• Up to 300 lb capacity

Premium Electric Longtails

• $5000 – $8000+
• 750W+ Cargo rated mid-drives
• Dual 500+ Wh batteries
• High-end parts like gearing and suspension
• 400+ lb load capacity
• Optimized for heavy utility use

Realistic budgeting gets you the cargo capabilities truly needed for your family or business use case.

DIY Electric Longtail Cargo Bike Conversion

Want to build your own electric longtail? A DIY approach provides the ultimate flexibility for customization and potentially lower costs.

DIY Longtail Considerations:

• Requires technical skill for electrical and fabrication
• Tricky to integrate motor and battery neatly
• Achieving a balanced ride feel takes planning
• Component compatibility challenges
• Voids manufacturer frame warranties
• DIY bikes legally more ambiguous

Where to start:

• Donor bike – Consider a used longtail frame to modify
• Motor system – Mid-drive kits better suit the long wheelbase
• Battery – Opt for high capacity and voltage
• Rear rack – Extend and reinforce to increase rigidity and capacity

Take your time planning the layout and component integration. Carefully fabricated, a custom e-longtail allows hauling exactly what you need!

Choosing an Electric Longtail Cargo Bike

Keep these tips in mind when selecting the right electric longtail cargo bike for your needs:

• Carefully estimate required payload capacity and get accurate weights
• Analyze required battery range under heavy loads
• Test ride models fully loaded to evaluate handling traits
• Scrutinize motor power and frame stiffness – aim high
• Maximize component durability for daily heavy use
• Don’t underestimate need for quality brakes
• Consider maneuverability around town and parking
• Budget for accessories that maximize usefulness
• Plan for theft deterrence – use multiple locks

Take time researching and test riding longtail eMTBs thoroughly before purchase. A properly spec’d electric longtail matched to your cargo needs makes going car-free possible!

Key Takeaways on Electric Longtail Cargo Bikes

• Extended rear frame and rack enables carrying larger and multiple items
• Capacity to transport kids, pets, and adventure gear expands family cycling opportunities
• Look for 500W+ mid-drive motor power and 400Wh+ battery range
• Test ride handling fully loaded before committing to a purchase
• Robust construction and durable parts suit intensive daily use
• Accessorize your longtail eMTB purposefully for the intended cargo
• Folding and full suspension longtails provide added versatility
• Calculate required cargo and battery capacities accurately
• Engage insurance needs for carrying expensive commercial goods

Find the electric longtail e-bike optimized for your needs, then say goodbye to congestion and parking woes!

FAQs on Electric Longtail Cargo Bikes

How much weight can electric longtail cargo bikes carry?

Capacity typically ranges from 220 lb for affordable family models up to 400+ lb for heavy duty commercial longtails. Verify your specific needs.

What is the typical range of an electric longtail cargo bike?

Basic models with smaller batteries might do 20-30 miles. But 600Wh+ batteries can achieve 50-100 mile real world range depending on conditions.

Are longtail cargo bikes harder to ride than standard e-bikes?

The longer frame requires more forethought navigating tight spaces. Take your time learning to handle the weight and length. Test ride first.

What motor power should I look for in a longtail eMTB?

Look for 750W minimum if hauling major weight daily or tackling hilly terrain. 500W mid-drives work for lighter family usage with mostly flat commutes.

Can you add a longtail extension to a normal electric bike?

It’s possible but challenging to neatly execute. Welding, electrical mods and altering frame geometry is best left to experts. DIY longtail kits are available.

Are electric longtail cargo bikes expensive?

They range from just under $2000 for minimalist setups up to $8000+ for full suspension high capacity utility models. But they enable ditching car costs!

Conclusion

Electric longtail cargo bikes provide amazing utility transforming how you transport kids, pets and cargo around town emissions-free. When matched well to your hauling requirements, longtails enable ditching congestion and parking headaches in favor of pedal power. Test ride a variety of models fully loaded to evaluate stability and handling. Consult reviews, but also speak to owners with real-world experience using longtails for daily tasks. Then prepare for the smiled per mile adventures ahead!