You’ve already made the best decision: replacing car trips (or even your car entirely) with a mighty family eBike. These are the workhorses of the urban jungle, built to carry everything from two kids and the dog to a week’s worth of groceries—all while being incredibly fun to ride.
Here at Lug+Carrie, we curate only the best electric bikes from award-winning Tern and Riese & Müller. With the official release of the highly anticipated Tern GSD Gen 3, our top-notch lineup just got even more exciting.
This guide breaks down the similarities and differences in family eBikes and takes you through our recommendations depending on your lifestyle. From the very accessible Tern Quick Haul Long to the tech titan Tern GSD Gen3 and completely customisable Riese & Müllers. Let’s find your perfect match.
TLDR: Skip to “The Verdict” section for our expert recommendations depending on your priorities.
Hold on, what’s a family eBike?
For those of you new to the cargo eBike world, let’s start with the basics. What do we mean by a family eBike? Essentially, these are electric cargo bikes designed to transport more than just the rider – whether that’s children, pets, or a significant amount of cargo. They come in two main styles:
- Ones that carry passengers and/or cargo at the back: Riding one of these bikes is much like riding a regular bike with your passengers and/or cargo behind you on an extended rear rack. These bikes come in various lengths: Longtails (or sometimes referred to as Midtails) (like the Tern GSD, Orox and Quick Haul Long) carry two kids; and Shorttails (like the Tern HSD) are the most compact, designed specifically to carry one child or substantial cargo.
- Ones that carry passengers and cargo in the front: In comparison, electric cargo bikes that have a box in front large enough to carry passengers and/or cargo are often referred to as a ‘frontloader’. These bikes offer a different riding experience, providing a clear view of your cargo and passengers, and a very stable ride due to their low center of gravity.
If you’re wondering about the main differences between longtails and frontloaders, our blog: Party in the front or the back? Choosing the right cargo bike set up steps you through why you might choose one over the other.
The similarities: The best family eBike for your needs
No matter which Tern or Riese & Müller family eBike you choose from our lineup, you are getting an all-around awesome electric bike that:
- Is roomy enough for (almost) anything: Every Lug+Carrie family eBike is designed to carry at least one adult passenger or two children, featuring robust frames and racks with high-weight limits.
- Will get you up hills (no sweat): All of our family eBikes are equipped with industry-leading Bosch mid-drive motors, giving you the boost you need to get up hills even when fully loaded.
- Is easy and stable to ride: Stability is achieved through a low centre of gravity—via 20-inch wheels on longtails/midtails or the low-slung cargo box on frontloaders—making every ride easy and balanced.
- Is the safest of the safe: Both Tern and Riese & Müller eBikes and their Bosch components are built, tested, and certified to meet the gold standard for electric bike safety, EN15194.
Similarities aside, each family eBike also has its own stand-out features suited to specific needs. Below we run through what makes each of them special and why you might choose one over the other.
The differences: features, tech, and availability
Here’s where you’ll find the crucial differentiators—from cutting-edge safety features and advanced eBike technology, to how you can acquire your new ride.
1. Best all-rounder family eBike: the Tern GSD
The Tern GSD (Get Stuff Done) is the benchmark of family eBikes, built to haul passengers, the weekly shop, or just about anything.
The new Gen 3 models push the boundaries of what a compact electric cargo bike can do. Stronger frame, lower center of gravity, a 210 kg load limit and smart features like ABS brakes and anti-theft protection – it rides just like a regular bike and handles like a dream, even when fully loaded.
Pre-order the Tern GSD Gen3 from Lug+Carrie in October and receive $500 off your purchase price! If you’ve been subscribing for 6 months or more, this is in addition to the 15% discount you get with our subscribe to own program.
The tried and true Tern GSD Gen 2 S10 offers premium GSD functionality and one major benefit: flexibility in ownership. This is the only GSD available for both subscription and outright purchase. You can also buy a meticulously maintained and certified refurbished model for max value.
2. Best off-road family eBike: the Tern Orox
Built for urban family outings and off-road challenges, the Tern Orox takes GSD capacity and raises it with rugged, all-terrain capability. With a massive total cargo capacity of 210kg, the Orox is a true workhorse.
Starting at $9,995, Both our Orox models are purchase-only and feature the Bosch SMART system for locking, features like over-the-air updates, GPS tracking/alarm via the Flow app, and a cleaner cockpit.
3. Best try-before-you-buy frontloader: The Riese & Müller Carrie
If you think you’d prefer a frontloader but want to test it out, the Riese & Müller Carrie on subscription is our ride for you.
Aside from being available on our flexible subscription, the Riese & Müller Carrie has plenty of other selling points. For one, it has the sleek tech and design features you’d expect from a German designed Riese & Müller. It’s also incredibly compact but surprisingly roomy (proof a 6 foot adult can climb in), with a flexbox that folds in or out depending on how much cargo you need to carry. It can even carry up to 3 small kids (2 in the front and one in a child seat on the rear rack). Also, kids (and pets) tend to enjoy the extra adventure of riding up front.
Like all our Riese & Müllers, if you’re keen to purchase one outright, we can help you place a custom order and build it to perfection when it arrives.
4. Best for single-passenger comfort: The Tern HSD
The Tern HSD (Haul Stuff Daily) is the definitive shorttail cargo eBike. It’s built for riders who only need to carry one kid (or appropriately sized adult) or need to commute with heavy bags, but still want a premium, stable ride. It’s shorter and lighter than a Tern GSD, yet still carries an impressive 80kg on the rear rack. .
Unlike the Quick Haul Long, the HSD features a suspension fork for a smoother ride. It also comes with a low maintenance belt drive and internal hub, as well as folding handlebars (for easier storage).
You can buy one outright in some delightful colourways like Dragonfruit, as well as get your hands on a top notch Lug+Carrie refurbished option. It’s also available on our flexible subscription plan, making it a great alternative to the GSD for those who know they only need a single passenger setup.
5. Best budget family eBike: the Tern Quick Haul Long
At $5,995 to buy new, The Tern Quick Haul Long is the entry point to family eBike versatility. With many of the standout features of the Tern GSD for stability and comfort, the Quick Haul Long is lighter and more agile than other similarly priced longtail eBikes which makes it easier to manoeuvre and store.
Also available on our no-commitment weekly subscription, the Quick Haul Long is an affordable, commitment-free way for families to replace the car for urban missions.
6. Best classic-style family eBike: The Riese & Müller Multicharger
If you’re after an electric bike for urban adventures but aren’t convinced of the small-wheel look, the Riese & Müller Multicharger is the way to go. This longtail eBike looks much like a traditional bike with two regular sized bike wheels but, like our other longtails, it can carry up to two passengers and a serious amount of cargo.
Like all our Riese & Müllers, we can help you to customise your eBike, from gears to electric motor to colour. Then, when it arrives from Germany, we’ll custom build it for you to make sure everything is set up to perfection. The Multicharger is available to purchase from $8809.
7. Best super smooth family eBike: The Riese & Müller Load4 60
If you’re after absolute riding comfort, The Riese & Müller Load4 60 is the creme de la creme. She’s sleek, she’s got serious capacity (2 kids, big loads) and, with front and rear suspension, she is smoooooth.
This eBike comes standard with the Bosch Smart System and ability to upgrade to a dual battery for longer rides or heavier loads. Like all our Riese & Müllers, if you’re after specific options, we’ll help you make a custom order and build your eBike for you when it arrives.
The Verdict: Which family eBike should you choose?
After all of that, if you’re still having a hard time deciding, here’s our recommendation based on your priorities for ownership, maintenance, and capability.
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Best for: New riders or experimenters
Our recommendation: Tern GSD Gen2 S10, Tern Quick Haul Long, Tern HSD, or Riese & Müller Carrie
Why: These family eBike options are available on our popular, commitment-free subscription plan.
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Best for: Tech enthusiasts and safety-conscious riders
Our recommendation: Tern GSD Gen3 S10
Why: Purchase-only, but the inclusion of Bosch ABS braking system and Smart System makes this the safest and smartest longtail on the market. Pre-order in October for $500 off.
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Best for: Off-road explorers
Our recommendation: Tern Orox
Why: Built for extremes with a massive 210kg weight limit and off-road capability.
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Best for: No fuss riders
Our recommendation: Tern GSD Gen3 P00, Tern HSD P5i
Why: A Belt drive and internal hub gears on these eBikes mean less time cleaning chains and more time riding. Whether you go with the GSD or HSD will depend on your cargo carrying needs.
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Best for: Riders wanting a classic bike look
Our recommendation: Riese & Müller Multicharger
Why: A longtail electric bike with regular sized bike wheels.
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Best for: Ultimate cargo and child carrying
Our recommendation: Riese & Müller Load4 60
Why: Unparalleled front-loading capacity, exceptional stability, and optional full suspension for a comfortable ride with heavy loads.
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Best for: Buying on a budget
Our recommendation: Tern GSD Gen2 S10 refurbished, Tern HSD refurbished, or a new Tern Quick Haul Long
Why: The best option for getting premium quality at the most budget-friendly price point. Our refurbished models are meticulously inspected, repaired, and certified by our expert mechanics, offering reassurance around quality. If you’re set on buying new, the Quick Haul Long is great value for a premium electric bike.
Ready to roll?
The best way to choose our family eBikes is to ride them all.
1. Explore Our Subscription Plans
If flexibility and a low monthly cost are your priorities, start by customising a Tern GSD Gen2, Quick Haul Long or HSD or a Riese & Müller Carrie on our online bike builder. Choose your specific eBike and mix and match hauling accessories, then request a quote, book a test ride or book your delivery right then and there.
2. Book a Test Ride
If you’re ready to pedal and want to compare the cutting-edge GSD Gen 3, the rugged Orox, the comfortable Multicharger, or the spacious Riese & Müller Load60 against our subscription and refurbed options, book a test ride or wander into your local store today. You’ll find us in Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney.
