At Fully Charged, we believe 2020 to 2030 marks the decade of the cargo bike – a time when these remarkable machines are no longer niche, but fully embedded into the fabric of daily life.
Over the past five years, we’ve seen more and more families choosing to leave the car behind and embrace the freedom of two wheels. And in 2025, the choice of family cargo bikes is better than ever.
Whether you're looking to improve the school run, explore more of your environment, or tackle the everyday logistics of family life, we’ve selected the very best bikes to match a wide range of lifestyles.
To help us put the latest bikes to the test, we called in an old friend – Jim Cregan. Jim was one of our very first cargo bike customers and has been riding his Generation 1 Tern GSD for nearly eight years.
Together, we explore our top picks and take four of the best family cargo bikes out for a spin: front loaders, back loaders, longtails, and low-slung city cruisers – all with the most precious cargo on board.
Rear-loaders: Compact Cargo Bikes
Tern GSD S10 Gen 3
A compact long-tail eBike with Bosch Smart System, modular accessories, and industry-leading urban capability. Suitable for kids from 9 months up to full sized adults on the back, the Tern GSD has been the market-leader since its inception in 2017.
From £5,900
Benno Boost
Designed by the founder of Electra, this bike combines chunky tyres and refined utility. It’s got Defender-like durability, with the flexibility to evolve as your family grows.
From £5,299
Tern Quick Haul Long
The entry point to electric cargo biking, without compromising on reliability – and still packed with practical features. For those new to eCargo or needing a second runaround, the Quick Haul Long can be a game-changer.
From £3,500
Front Loaders: Space, Visibility, and a Smooth Ride
Urban Arrow Family Next
A cult classic. With room for three (or four), this Dutch-designed box bike is ideal for carrying young kids and everything that comes with them. Safe, spacious, and endlessly cool.
From £6,499
Riese & Müller Load4 75
Fully suspended and beautifully built, the Load 75 glides through city streets like a dream. It’s a serious piece of kit – but one that makes daily life feel effortless.
From £7,049
Riese & Müller Packster2 70
A precision-engineered cargo bike built for family life. With seating for up to three kids, full weather protection, and Riese & Müller's class-leading comfort and quality, the Packster2 70 is the German answer to sustainable urban transport.
From £6,309
Real Riders, Real Reviews
We tested these bikes with our own families – kids aged 3 to 11, plus parents who've used cargo bikes daily for over seven years. The feedback? Joy, practicality, and a real sense of freedom. Jim even swapped his 6.2-litre Mercedes for a GSD – and hasn’t looked back.
For over 500 customer reviews on eBikes, check out our reviews page.
You can also book a test ride at Fully Charged London Bridge or one of the Fully Charged regional hubs in Guildford, Silverstone, Cornwall or the New Forest.
Thinking Beyond the Bike
Security and battery safety are often top concerns – especially with bikes this valuable. We recommend top-rated locks, GPS trackers, and robust insurance for peace of mind.
Read our 2025 guide to eBike battery security
Final Thoughts
Choosing a cargo bike isn’t just about specs – it’s about fit, feel, and how it complements your daily routine. That’s why we always recommend trying before you buy. Whether you’re going front or back, lightweight or rugged, there’s a perfect family bike out there for you – and we’d love to help you find it!