As e-bikes become more widely available, they are offering options beyond the casual bike ride and training-oriented exercise to be more broadly useful as car replacements. If you’re hauling anything, whether it’s your kids or just the shopping, having that assist may look expensive compared to the same models without the e-assist, but it’s way cheaper, more maneuverable, and easier to park than a car. And you can always turn off the assist if you want a ride under your own power.
Surly, a brand famous for hard-wearing, work-ready bikes has electric cargo bikes. Shown: “The Big Easy.”
Updated January 2025