Electric Cargo Bikes - Everything you need to know

Electric cargo bikes are the perfect solution for those looking for a durable and efficient means of transport. Whether you need to transport children, run errands or move business loads, a cargo bike offers exactly what you need - space, stability and a pedal assist system. Wondering what types of cargo bikes there are? And which one suits your circumstances and preferences best? In this blog, we will share all the information you need to help you make the right choice!

What is an electric cargo bike?

An electric cargo bike is an e-bike designed to carry a lot of luggage. With its electric pedal assist system it lets you cover long distances effortlessly, even with a large or heavy load. This type of bike is gaining popularity both for personal and business use. Whether you are taking children to school, transporting large bags of groceries or delivering parcels, all of it is much easier with an electric cargo bike.

Advantages of an electric cargo bike

What are the advantages of an electric cargo bike? First of all, it is better for the environment than using the car for the same trips. Plus, when using a cargo bike instead of a car you don't have to deal with traffic jams and/or high parking costs. Secondly, an electric cargo bike has a pedal assist system, allowing you to cycle smoothly and arrive well-rested at your destination. It doesn't matter if you're riding in the hills or over steep city bridges; with a cargo e-bike every climb is effortless. Another big advantage over regular e-bikes is that cargo bikes offer a huge amount of space to use for easy transport of children, groceries, parcels and other types of luggage.

The best cargo bike brands

Within the full range of cargo bikes available in the Netherlands, Cube, Gazelle and Urban Arrow are the best-known brands. For Gazelle and Urban Arrow, the main focus is on electric cargo bikes; each of these brands offers a wide range, so there is a perfect model for everyone. Cube's range also includes, besides standard cargo bike models, several choices in the other two related categories, compact and longtail cargo bikes. View our full range, or select a specific brand, on our electric cargo bike pages.

The various types of cargo bikes

1. Electric cargo bikes: the ultimate family bikes

2. Electric longtail bikes: practical and versatile

3. Electric compact bikes: flexible and agile

4. Cargo Bike of the Year 2025

Electric cargo bikes: the ultimate family bikes

Our bicycle range includes several cargo bike options. Most typical of these, of course, is the spacious box at the front of the bike. This box makes it easy to transport all sorts of things, such as parcels and groceries, and/or children. If you are looking for the ideal bike to take your children from A to B, look no further. With a cargo bike, you will have no more hassle with seats to mount but, rather, a bench that comes with seatbelts. Because the box is in front of you, you have a good view of your children or cargo. Rain is no problem either - most cargo bikes can be fitted with a rain cover so your children stay dry during the ride. Besides a rain cover, there are several other accessories to make every ride as comfortable as possible. So, the electric cargo bike is a great alternative to the car to transport your children, groceries or other things safely and dry.

Mantel offers cargo e-bikes of the well-known brands Urban Arrow, Gazelle, Cube and more:

Urban Arrow Family Performance Essential Smart Connected+

RRP 5.599,-

5.039,-

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Gazelle Makki Load

RRP 5.699,-

From 4.499,-

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Electric longtail bikes: practical and versatile

In addition to the regular cargo bike there is also the longtail cargo bike which, as the name suggests, has an extended rear carrier rather than a box at the front. On this rear carrier it is possible to fit one ore more child seats, panniers, a basket or other accessories. Compared to a cargo bike, a longtail bike has some pros and cons. A disadvantage is that a longtail bike offers less cargo space than a cargo bike. Advantages include its handling and more convenient size - a longtail bike rides more like a regular bike and is easier to manoeuvre and store than a cargo bike. If you have children who are bigger and whom you transport occasionally, this is also an ideal solution.

The longtail models in our range are high-quality bikes that use the same motor; they differ mainly in the choice of components.

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Electric compact bikes: flexible and agile

Besides large cargo bikes and longtail bikes, we also offer compact bikes, which have smaller wheels and a shorter wheelbase and, therefore, take up little space. So, this type of bike is ideal if the storage space you have is limited or if you want to take it on public transport with you or on a car bike rack. Despite being compact, the bike offers plenty of space to carry belongings and to accommodate a child bike seat; you can also mount a front rack to add a crate or bag. With this bike too, a powerful motor and large battery ensure an easy ride.

In our range of compact cargo bikes you will find the brands Cube and QiO. The Cube models are great value for money, and QiO offers high quality and a wide range of accessories to make the bikes even more practical. 

Cube Compact Hybrid 500

RRP 2.599,-

2.339,-

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Cube Compact Hybrid Comfort 500

RRP 2.599,-

2.209,-

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QiO EINS AP-8

From 3.299,-

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QiO EINS AP-8R

From 3.499,-

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Cargo Bike of the Year 2025

Of course, the Gazelle Cabby longtail cargo bike must be discussed here and deserves its own paragraph, as it was voted Cargo Bike of the Year 2025 during the annual Dutch Bike Awards 2025 event! It absolutely deserves the award; this innovative and versatile cargo bike is the ideal choice for families looking for a safe, practical and agile means of transport.

Thanks to the smart MIK system, changing accessories is a breeze, and the spacious cargo section can be split up easily to transport children as well as groceries safely and conveniently. With an impressive load capacity of up to 200 kg, the Cabby offers plenty of options to transport everything you need. And with disc brakes, a suspension fork, a two-leg stand and a protective monkey bar (optional), it is all about safety and comfort. The intuitive handling makes cycling and parking easy, and thanks to the GPS theft protection system - connected with the Gazelle Connect app - your bike can be tracked at all times, so you can park it and leave with peace of mind.

Gazelle Cabby C380

RRP 5.699,-

From 5.199,-

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Cargo bike accessories to tick all your boxes

For the best use of your cargo bike, the various brands offer a wide range of accessories, such as rain covers to keep your children or cargo dry, cushion sets for extra comfort for children, and safety straps for optimal safety. The range also includes bags, crates and baskets to transport your belongings properly. If you want to add more storage space, there are luggage racks to choose from.

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What cargo bike suits your circumstances best?

Which cargo bike suits you depends on your circumstances and preferences. For young families who want to go out with the kids and transport groceries, a large cargo e-bike is the ideal choice. If you are looking for a bike that is easier to manoeuvre than a standard cargo bike while still offering a lot of space, a longtail model is a great choice. If you are looking for a bike that offers plenty of storage options but does not take up much space itself, a compact cargo e-bike is an excellent choice. If you're not sure, visit one of our bike stores in Arnhem, Den Bosch, Rotterdam and Utrecht to see the various models and try them on our test tracks. Our expert staff will be happy to give you advice and to help you make the right choice!

Click on the blue button to check out our full range and discover what type of electric cargo bike suits your circumstances best!

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