When I started When we reviewed electric cargo bikes a few years ago, they were an expensive, niche vehicle for a certain kind of oddball. Today, e-bikes are everywhere. But there’s one demographic that they’re especially useful for: parents.
Parents, especially mothers, travel a lotI work full-time remotely and I have two kids, ages 7 and 9. Every day I take them to school, then bike home to use the computer. On the way to playdates and volunteering at events, I stop at the store to buy bananas. If my bike didn’t have a motor, I wouldn’t have the muscle power to carry my kids and gear. I’d need a car.
E-bikes have changed everything for me. They have transformed boring errands into opportunities to take the kids for drives in the never-ending wind, get some exercise, and stop and chat with neighbors. I love e-cargo bikes, maybe a little too much. If you’re thinking of taking the plunge, here are some tips and tricks I’ve learned so far:
Can’t find what you need here? Check out our guides to the best bike accessories and how to layer clothes.
Updated September 2024: We’ve added a new section on whether an e-bike is right for you and how to keep your child safe. We’ve also updated our gear recommendations and verified links and pricing.
table of contents
- Is an electric bike right for you?
- Keeping your children safe
- Choose a ride
- Straps and accessories
- Plan your route
Is an electric bike right for you?
Photo: Urban Arrow
“Go green!” you think. “Get some exercise! I’m in!” But before you invest in any expensive equipment, consider the following: Do you live in a climate where you expect to spend a lot of time outdoors, or do you live in an area that suffers from snow, rain, or dangerous heat? Some friends who have bought e-bikes in places like Texas find that the temperatures are too hot to cycle their kids to and from daycare.
