The 9 best electric longtail bikes

You see them at the entrance of every school, children being dropped off by an electric longtail bike. In this article, we’re exploring the best longtail bikes for every situation and budget.

With more car-free streets, expensive gasoline prices, and environmentally conscious cyclists, these electric longtails have become very popular. They cycle easier than cargo bikes and can still transport two to three children.

In recent years, there were only a few models, but now every bike brand has a longtail variant. There are also many new brands. Therefore, an update of our list to 2024, after visiting Velofollies.

At the bottom of the article, you’ll find more information about these bikes with an extra-long luggage rack. What to look for when comparing and buying, which brands, and the various designs.

Best quality / top segment

Tern GSD S10

About Tern

There’s little negative to say about Tern. Every bike shop is a fan, their bikes are of the highest quality. The biggest drawback is the purchase price. You’ll pay between 5500 and 7500 euros for this bike.

The GSD S10

The GSD S10, except for the R14, is the best longtail bike in their range. The focus is on riding comfort, safety, and ease of use. The design is beautiful, but above all, practical. They’ve thought of almost everything.

With 20-inch tires, you’re close to the ground. A lower center of gravity provides more stability and is therefore safer for transporting children. You can place two child seats on the luggage rack, which can be equipped with a lot of accessories.

The Tern longtail is made for users between 150 and 195 cm. You can easily adjust the saddle and handlebars. Thanks to the suspension at the front and in the saddle, you enjoy high riding comfort for the rider and the children on the back.

With the electric assistance of the powerful Bosch Cargo Line Cruise (85 nm), you can tackle any mountain or hill. The 10-speed derailleur gives you an option for every route. In the future, this will be replaced with a Rohloff or Enviolo hub gear.

Other components such as tires or brakes are also from quality brands. The Magura MT5 brakes are very powerful (4 pistons).

The double stand is very stable and can handle a lot of weight. This is useful when placing the children (or other cargo) on the bike. There is also a wheel lock, a brake light, walk-assist, etc.

Downsides? The bike is expensive and heavier than average. Without e-support, it’s difficult to ride. Fortunately, you can also opt for a double battery to avoid this. Storage is easy because you can lean the bike upright on the luggage rack.

If you can afford the bike, be sure to test it out. If you have enough budget, also be sure to try the Tern GSD R14. With this, you upgrade all components to the highest quality.

Height: 180 cm | Weight: 33 kg | Child seats: two | Motor (nm): 85 | Double battery: Yes, optional

Riese Muller Multitinker

After more than two years, there is finally a worthy competitor for the Tern longtail bikes. Riese Muller, a brand known for bikes of the highest quality, introduces their own longtail bike in 2023: the Multitinker. A longer version of the compact Tinker.

Here too, all attention goes to riding comfort and build quality. The 20-inch wheels provide the low center of gravity. The suspension and smooth electric support refine the riding experience.

Electrically, everything is very good. A high-quality, but especially powerful (85 nm) Bosch Performance Line CX motor and battery (675 wh powertube). We are particularly fans of the Vario version with belt drive. There is also a slightly cheaper Touring version with derailleur.

The frame is very sturdy and safe, but also somewhat heavy and bulky. Due to the adjustable handlebar and seat post, this longtail is also suitable for extra tall or short people. The bike is suitable for cyclists between 140 and 200 cm.

The design is also slightly more hidden. The battery is nicely integrated. This reduces the risk of theft. The rear wheel is nicely shielded (optional) to ensure the safety of children. This prevents a foot from accidentally getting caught between the spokes.

You can transport up to two children or about 65 kg of cargo. The double stand or leg makes the whole process easy. There are also plenty of accessories. The popular safety bars or monkey bars are useful for extra protection.

This electric longtail bike is also connected to your smartphone for collecting bike data, or to serve as anti-theft. The app notifies you when your bike is moving and where it is located.

The Multitinker has a small storage space just below the saddle. Handy for tools or extra clothing against the rain. More about this longtail can be found in our Riese & Müller Multitinker review.

Height: 188 cm | Weight: 35 kg | Child seats: two | Motor (nm): 85 | Double battery: Yes, optional

Best buy / value for money

Veloe Multi

Veloe has also introduced a good longtail bike to the market. It may look slightly less special, but that’s actually its great advantage. This steel frame longtail bike with 24-inch wheels is no longer than a regular city bike. Yet, you can transport just as much cargo or children with it.

The Veloe Multi is available with Bosch or Shimano motor. Opting for Shimano, which is really not inferior, will give you a lower purchase price. Even uphill, this mid-drive motor is more than capable of pulling weight. Coupled with an Enviolo continuously variable transmission, this ensures a smooth riding experience.

The Veloe Multi is relatively light (26 kg) and rides easily, even hybrid. However, there is no suspension, so the riding comfort is somewhat lower; don’t go off-road with it. Veloe is also constantly making changes to improve their design. A new stand, extra accessories, you can customize the bike to your needs.

For a slightly higher budget, you can get the bike with Bosch support. There are still bikes that use a similar model. The Oxford Cargo N5, a cheaper version without the strong steel frame. Or the Douze LT2 and the Longtail from DeGeusfietsen, they are also similar.

Length: 176 cm | Weight: 26 kg | Child seats: two | Motor (nm): 85 | Double battery: No

Best longtail bike for (up to) three children

BIKE43 Alpster

We’ve been following Bike43 for a while. The Belgian brand is innovative and aims to provide parents with an alternative to the car. For men and women, from 1.5m to 2m tall. Quality, family, and ease of use are the pillars on which the brand is built.

Their extra-long longtail bike, the longest longtail on the market, is designed to transport two to three children (and even 4). There are many options, two child seats or three children on the luggage rack with safety bars. You can even mount a maxi-cosi on the bike.

Every year the bike gets better. New accessories, an upgrade to the Bosch motor, improved materials, … They even have their patented footrest to protect the legs and feet.

The sturdy CrMo steel frame is extremely strong and necessary due to the length of the bike. With the 20-inch rear wheel, the center of gravity remains low. This provides more stability, and you fall from a lower height in the event of a possible accident. At the front, you have a 24-inch wheel to better handle curbs and bumps.

Recently, you can choose between Bosch and Shimano motors. The choice depends on your budget and route. Opt for the more expensive Bosch Cargo Line and you’ll have a powerful 85 nm motor. With a battery of 500 wh, you can travel 50 to 80 km. There is no double battery option. However, you still have the choice between a cheaper derailleur or (more expensive) continuously variable Enviolo gears.

We have already tested the Bike43 Alpster, and have also spoken to many bike shops and cyclists. Everyone is a fan of the new model and motor choices. For us, this is the best electric longtail bike for three children.

There are few disadvantages, except that it takes up a lot of space and that they are not cheap (4750-5600 euros). The bike is extra long, which may take some getting used to for some cyclists. Whether you want to have three children on the bike is a personal choice.

The accessories are also important. You can mount a maxi-cosi adapter, a dog basket, a crate for groceries, the safety bars, and the Brompton bags can also be attached.

Length: 197 cm | Weight: 30 kg | Children: Three children | Motor (nm): 85 | Double battery: No

Best longtail with large wheels

Riese Muller Multicharger

As proud owners of the Riese Muller Multicharger, we can easily say that this is a top-notch bike. It’s not a low longtail for transporting children. Instead, it’s more like a sporty electric bike with an extra-long luggage rack.

If you’re interested in these 26-inch tires, also check out our comparison of only 26-inch longtails.

The Multicharger is a long version of the popular Riese Muller Charger. These bikes are of absolute top quality. There’s little bad to say about them, but still, the Multicharger has some disadvantages. The biggest one? The enormous purchase price.

The Magura brakes, suspension seatpost, strong frame, Enviolo hub gear, and Bosch components are of the highest quality. You get 85 nm of power, making the bike effortlessly climb hills. The new 750 wh powertube provides 70-120 km of autonomy.

The riding comfort is high due to the extra-wide tires, adjustable front suspension, and suspension seatpost. The bike is designed for all terrains, including off-road. If you live in an area with lots of fields and forests, the Multicharger can handle many shortcuts.

So you can also transport children with it. There is enough space on the luggage rack for two child seats. However, getting on can be a bit difficult. You can’t swing your leg over the bike.

Even the kickstand or stand is a small downside. The side stand is inconvenient when loading cargo or children onto the bike. A double straight stand would be more advantageous here.

From transporting children to mountain biking, you can do a lot with it. The unfortunate thing is that this is not for everyone due to the high purchase price. The latest Multicharger costs around 7500 euros. Fortunately, second-hand is still an option! With one year warranty and 50% discount (via upway.be), this seemed like a bargain.

The Multicharger is cheaper in Touring (derailleur). If you go for Vario, you get a continuously variable Enviolo hub gear and a belt drive.

Length: 186 cm | Weight: 25 kg | Children: Two children | Motor (nm): 85 | Double battery: Yes, optional

Bergamont E-cargoville LT

Also, the Bergamont is a good longtail bike with large wheels. The bike bears a strong resemblance to the Riese Muller Multicharger but is of slightly lower quality. As a result, the bike is also much less expensive. You can buy a new E-Cargoville LT for 4000 euros.

Similar to the RM, it features a Bosch Performance Line (Gen3) motor, providing 75 nm of power. The built-in powertube (500 wh) offers 50 to 80 km of autonomy. The brakes (Magura) and tires are also of high-quality brands.

The bike is somewhat heavier and bulkier. At 37 kg, cycling without assistance is very heavy. There are enough gears available via the derailleur, but currently, there is no belt drive option.

Like any longtail bike, you can mount two child seats. At the front, there is a small loading platform capable of carrying up to 20 kg. At the rear, there is more carrying capacity, up to 70 kg. The aluminum frame can carry a total of max 190 kg (including rider and bike).

The Bergamont seems to be a suitable option for those who want a longtail with large wheels but do not want to or cannot afford a Multicharger. It is a price-quality option. The Bosch components, especially, are a plus, although we would have preferred to see the Gen4 motor instead of Gen3. The new ones are better and more efficient.

Length: 190 cm | Weight: 37 kg | Children: Two children | Motor (nm): 65 | Double battery: No

Best for long distances

Tern GSD R14

For long distances, we primarily consider two things: riding comfort and a double battery. The Tern GSD R14 is a longtail bike of the highest quality. Every component is the best on the market. Of course, this comes with a high purchase price; the R14 is currently the most expensive electric longtail bike on the market.

However, you get a lot in return. It has a load capacity of up to 200 kg, a powerful Bosch motor (85 nm), with a double battery for a maximum range of 206 km. The Rohloff speedhub provides automatic shifting, and the Gates belt drive is of high quality and requires no maintenance.

Riding comfort is ensured by smooth and seamless assistance that perfectly complements your pedaling. Additionally, there is suspension, both in the front and in the saddle, to keep the ride pleasant. Magura brakes ensure that you come to a safe and quick stop.

Another nice feature is the built-in wheel lock, which uses the same key as the battery. The bike is somewhat long and heavy, but it can be stored upright. There are plenty of accessories available, although they may be a bit expensive.

In addition to the Tern GSD R14, there are many other longtail bikes with a double battery option. These are also suitable for long distances, although the riding comfort may be slightly lower.

Length: 180 cm | Weight: 33 kg | Children: Two children | Motor (nm): 85 | Double battery: Yes, optional

Cheap longtail bikes

Oxford cargo N5 (mid-engine)

The Oxford Cargo N5 is the best longtail bike under 3500 euros. It is one of the few longtails with a mid-engine within this price range. The design closely resembles the Veloe Multi, although there are minor differences.

The Oxford Cargo N5 is also a very lightweight longtail. At 24 kg, it is the lightest in this list of the best electric longtail bikes. So, you’ll find it easier to ride without assistance.

However, this isn’t always an advantage as it also means less stability. With two children on the back, a lightweight bike can quickly tip over. Especially when parked (on its stand) or uphill, you need to be careful.

The Shimano Steps E6100 provides 60 nm of power, and the 504 wh battery offers around 60-80 km of autonomy. Much depends on your pedaling and the route.

The biggest advantage of this Oxford cargo E-bike is its price. It’s an affordable but good electric longtail bike with sufficient options and basic quality. Note that the carrying capacity (170 kg) is also lower. This weight includes the bike, rider, and luggage.

Length: 178 cm | Weight: 25 kg | Children: two children | Motor (nm): 60 | Double battery: No

Decathlon longtail Elops (rear-wheel drive)

Due to the high price of electric longtail bikes, this Elops R500 is very popular. This longtail bike costs under 3000 euros. Note that they use rear-wheel drive, which makes it easier to lower the price.

With no real competition in this price range, this is the best cheap longtail bike of the moment. The online reviews are also very positive, although we often see common complaints. The stand is not very user-friendly, and the bike can tip over. Also, the step-up is higher than you might think.

The design, with a small rear wheel and a large front wheel, is reminiscent of the O2 Feel bikes. This gives the rider the feeling of riding a normal bike while the children enjoy sitting lower (and safer). The bike is agile and rides smoothly.

Without Bosch or Shimano, the Elops uses their own rear-wheel motor and delivers 58 nm of torque. This is sufficient for most routes, although you’ll need to pedal a bit harder on steep hills. The built-in battery (672 wh) provides 40-90 km of autonomy.

Recommended for individuals between 155 and 195 cm tall. You can mount up to two child seats on the luggage rack, and there are also many B’TWIN accessories available. With two different wheel sizes, you’ll also need two spare tires. Not a real disadvantage, but still worth noting.

Length: 218 cm | Weight: 38 kg | Children: two children | Motor (nm): 58 | Double battery: No

That’s it for our comprehensive comparison of the best electric longtail bikes available online. A longtail is a cargo bike. If you’re open to transporting your cargo in front, also consider checking out the comparison of e-cargo bikes or e-longtail bikes.

What is an electric longtail bike

A longtail bike, nowadays very popular with electric assistance, is a bicycle designed to carry extra loads over long distances. They are characterized by an extra-long cargo rack.

Cargo bike

They typically have a longer wheelbase and a sturdier frame than a regular electric bike. This makes them better suited for transporting cargo. These bikes fall under the term ‘cargo bike’.
They can also have additional features such as a low center of gravity (smaller wheels), a comfortable riding position, and strong brakes to help bring the extra weight to a halt.

Children

Longtail bikes are often used for transporting children and groceries, or for carrying groceries or other cargo. Some people also use them for touring or camping trips because they can carry all the equipment and supplies needed.

One, two, or even three children

Electric longtail bikes can be a great option for transporting children. They offer the same benefits as cargo bikes but are designed differently. You can usually take two to a maximum of three children on the longtail bike.
Some longtail bikes are specifically designed to transport children and have extra space or accessories for this purpose. For example, the extra-long longtails from Bike43 have room for three children.

It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations, not only for the number of children but also for the maximum weight the bike can carry. So, pay close attention to this before purchasing an electric longtail bike.

Just like with any bike, it’s important to ensure that the children are well protected. This includes wearing a good bike helmet, a fluorescent vest, and warm clothing for colder days.

What to consider when buying an electric longtail

Just like any electric bike, there are several things to consider. The motor, battery, brakes, build quality, etc. For a longtail bike, there are a few additional points to consider.

Motor, power, and battery

The motor and battery are often from the same brand. They work together to support the bike as efficiently as possible. There are some quality brands that you immediately know are reliable. Additionally, a manufacturer may use their own brand, which you should test before buying.
The power of the motor is also important for an electric longtail bike. You’ll be carrying more weight than a regular e-bike, so you’ll need more power. For a longtail bike, we recommend a motor power of 75 nm. More is possible but not necessary. Less can certainly suffice if you have a route without steep hills.

The battery determines how many kilometers you can travel. Consider the round trip. If your route is 20 km, you’ll be cycling 40 km round trip. A battery of 500 wh is usually good for about 80 km, although this depends on usage.

If you like to pedal yourself with little electric assistance, you can cover up to 100 km on one charge. If you hardly pedal and let the electric longtail do the work, this is 30 to 40 km. The age of the battery also plays a role.

Design, weight, and size

When buying an electric longtail bike, design often plays a big role. Liking the bike contributes to your decision. Longtail bikes are usually smaller and lower to the ground. Fortunately, there are also other options.
Start by thinking about weight and size. The bike should fit your height. If you’re 150 to 190 cm tall, almost any bike will fit. If you’re taller, look for electric longtail bikes with large 26 or 27-inch tires. These are designed like a normal bike.

The weight of the bike can also be important. If you want to pedal a lot yourself, choose a lighter bike. The motor also plays a role. The weaker the motor, the lighter the bike should be. Otherwise, you won’t be able to climb steep hills.

Price

Electric longtail bikes have a high purchase price. The cheap longtails still cost 2500 to 3500 euros. If we look at the most expensive price segment, we see prices of 6000 to 7000 euros. If you buy the longtail bike second hand, the price will drop by about 20%-30%.
Usually, you have a budget in mind before you start searching. The choice of electric longtail will be limited to two or three models that fit within the budget. Also consider refurbished and second-hand options, which can lower the price.

Load capacity

What will you be carrying? How much does it weigh? Load capacity is the total weight the bike can carry, including the weight of the bike itself. If a bike weighs 30 kg with a load capacity of 200 kg, the bike can carry an extra 170 kg. If you weigh 70 kg, you can carry a maximum of 100 kg in the front and back.

Accessories and ease of use

An electric longtail is a form of transportation. It’s not a mountain bike or racing bike, but rather an alternative to the car for short distances. A car is large, you can fit a lot in it. This is different on a bike, so you need to be well prepared. Accessories that make your route easier are therefore recommended.
You’ll also be carrying cargo. Freight, groceries, or children. It’s very convenient if your bike remains upright. A double stand or foot is highly recommended.

With two child seats on the back, you can’t swing your leg over the bike. Getting on becomes a bit more difficult. Consider a step-through model, where you can easily step through.

Which brands make the best longtail bikes?

The electric longtail bike is so popular that almost every bicycle brand brings out its own variant. Of course, there are brands known for their quality, and this is also evident in their longtail bikes.

Tern Bicycles

Tern makes the best longtail bikes. They were the first to do so and focus their design on versatile use, comfort, and quality. Tern bikes are recommended by (almost) all bike shops as their favorite longtail.
They are compact and offer a very high level of riding comfort. Every part of the bike is of high quality, from the brakes to the electric components. The brand targets parents and cyclists looking for a convenient and efficient alternative to the car.

Bike43

A Belgian company that recognized the usefulness of the electric longtail bike long ago. Their bikes are very popular in Belgium and are now also sold abroad. Bike43 has a special design suitable for transporting three to even four children. Due to the various choices in motor and battery, they are also slightly cheaper than others.

Yuba

A brand you don’t often encounter in Belgium or the Netherlands, although they are very popular abroad. Yuba made longtails before they were electric. They have a lot of experience, and their bikes look great.

Kettler

A well-known bicycle brand that keeps up with the new longtail brands in time. Kettler brings their knowledge and experience to the longtail and cargo bike market. Their designs are innovative and unique, and their quality is top-notch.

Douze

The French brand made its name with their cargo bikes. Now that the market for electric longtails is booming, Douze is launching a range of affordable longtail bikes. The LT range will hit the market in 2023. The bikes look light and agile, with various motor options to keep the price down.

That’s it for the article ‘The 10 best longtail bikes of 2024’.

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