If you’re considering a cargo eBike, especially to transport kids or heavy cargo, you might be feeling a bit nervous. Questions like “What if the kids wobble?” or “Will I be able to pedal with all the extra weight?” are totally normal. Many people aren’t sure what to look for when choosing an eBike, with so many styles, lengths, wheels, gears, and more to consider. This guide is designed to help new or returning riders, or those with little passengers, understand the key eBike features that provide the best balance and control, so every ride is stable, easy and, most importantly, fun!
1. Smaller wheels
If you’re new to riding, or a bit nervous about feeling steady, we’d definitely suggest an eBike with smaller, 20 inch, wheels. The lower centre of gravity means you’ll feel incredibly grounded and in control, whether you’re starting from a standstill or navigating around a corner, eliminating the “wobble” fear. Many of our Riese & Mueller and Tern eBikes come with 20 inch wheels.
2. Carry your load at the back (rather than the front)
If you’re concerned about balance, especially at first, you’ll likely feel better on one our eBikes that carries passengers and cargo at the back. These are commonly referred to as mid or long tail eBikes (depending on on their length). Because the load is behind you rather than in front, it feels more like riding a traditional bike. Many riders find this setup makes it much easier to balance and feel confident, particularly as they get used to the extra load. To find out more about what to consider when choosing between a front loader and a long or mid-tail, read our blog “Party in the front or the back? Choosing the right cargo bike set up.”
3. “Step-through” (rather than a “step-over”) frame
With the right eBike, getting on and off is easy, even with kids or groceries loaded up. The beauty of a ‘step-through’ frame is you don’t have to lift your leg high, which is a huge bonus for maintaining your balance when getting on or off. Plus, it contributes to a lower centre of gravity, giving you an even steadier, more secure ride. For those who are smaller or who have mobility issues, an even lower step-through frame, like on the Tern NBD, is good option.
4. Dual kick-stand
You might have seen other eBike riders talking about their kids running and jumping on board and thought “but howwwww?”. That’s the magic of a dual kick stand. Unlike flimsy single stands, this robust, middle-mounted stand keeps your eBike stable while you load and unload without any fear of tipping. It gives you the peace of mind to focus on your little ones or your cargo, not on holding the bike steady. While many cargo eBikes come with a dual kick-stand, they vary in quality and it pays to do some research or speak to an expert.
5. Front suspension (or front and rear)
There’s nothing like unexpected bumps to make you a bit wobbly. That’s where suspension comes in. Suspension acts as a shock absorber, smoothing out bumps and uneven surfaces. This means a much more comfortable and predictable riding, helping you stay balanced and in control even when the path isn’t perfect. Less jarring, less effort, and much more enjoyable for you and your passengers.
6. A motor and battery you can trust
For new or nervous riders, a safe and reliable motor and battery are super important for stress-free riding. You want to know your eBike can handle whatever you throw at it and that it will give you just the right level of assistance as you pedal. Make sure the motor and battery meet Australian safety rules and can easily zip you and your gear along, making hills and longer rides feel easy.
All Lug+Carrie eBikes come with high quality Bosch motors and batteries, so you know they’re built to last and certified safe. With four easy-to-use modes—Eco, Tour, Sport, and Turbo—you’ll get just the right amount of help, making every ride feel fun, no matter how much stuff you’re carrying. Test riding different eBikes is the best way to find the perfect one that will make you feel super confident on the road.
7. Accessories to match your needs
If you’re planning to load your eBike up with kids and/or cargo, having the right accessories is a really important piece of the puzzle. For young children, you’ll need secure child seats. As they get older, a seat pad with safety bars might be the next step. It’s super important to check the weight and height limits on accessories, as these are usually more important than age when choosing. Adding things like panniers (those bags that go on the sides), bigger front racks, or crates for carrying your stuff can help spread the weight out evenly. This makes riding feel more balanced and less like a struggle. And attaching a wing mirror? That means you can keep your eyes on the path ahead without constantly looking over your shoulder – a big win for confidence!
All our weekly eBike subscriptions include accessories or, if you own your eBike, you can purchase accessories in store or online. A great way to get a feel for accessories is to use our online bike builder, we have suggestions based on ‘popular builds’ or you can start from scratch and add your own.
We know that choosing your first eBike, especially if you’re feeling a bit nervous, is a big decision! No matter your riding ability or your cargo carrying needs, we’re passionate about helping riders find the perfect eBike. Lug+Carrie has curated a wide range of high quality, Bosch-powered electric bikes with features to help you feel confident on every ride. Book a test ride or chat with us today to get started.
Never to late to learn: meet Katy from Brisbane
Maybe you’re a little nervous about riding. Or, maybe you’re like Katy, a Good Mover from Brisbane, who’d never ridden a bike before. That’s until she subscribed to Lug+Carrie and now there’s no stopping her. Katy rides a Quick Haul Long with either one of her daughters on the back.
“I didn’t learn to ride as a kid so, when my husband bought a cargo Bike during COVID, I had serious FOMO! I was determined to join in the weekend rides so I subscribed to Lug+Carrie and started learning! Once I’d built up some confidence, I started riding with either of my two daughters on the back. Two years later and I’m still going. The Quick Haul is really easy to ride and I also love the peace of mind that comes with subscribing to Lug+Carrie and having access to things like Rider Rescue in case I ever get stuck.”
Our eBike picks for new or nervous riders
Tern GSD or Riese & Muller MultiTinker: you+2
The ultimate smooth and stable ride for you and up to two small passengers and/or lots of stuff. Carrying your main load at the back (rather than the front) is easier to get used to and balance if you are new to riding. Despite the massive 200kg overall capacity, these eBikes are surprisingly compact and feel more or less like riding a regular bike.
Features:
- 20 inch wheels
- Step through frame
- Dual kick-stand
- Front suspension
The Tern GSD is available on subscription from $69 per week, or to buy new or refurbished. Browse your options. The Riese & Muller MultiTinker is available to purchase.
Tern HSD: you+1
Tern’s most versatile and smooth riding one-kid eBike, the Tern HSD has a number of features that make it perfect if you’re new to cargo eBikes.
Features:
- 20 inch wheels
- Step through frame
- Dual kick-stand
- Front suspension
- Internal gears for changing gears while stationary
The Tern HSD is available on subscription from $59 per week, or to buy new or refurbished. Browse your options.
Tern NBD: you+1
The NBD is Tern’s most accessible eBike for you and up to 1 kid. With the same small wheels and dual kick-stand as other Lug+Carrie eBikes, its even lower step-through frame makes it particularly suited to smaller or older riders or those with mobility constraints. At age 75, Lug+Carrie Good Mover Jenny is loving her Tern NBD. Read her story.
Features:
- 20 inch wheels
- Ultra-low step through frame
- Dual kick stand
- Internal gears (change gears while stationary)
The Tern NBD is available to purchase.
