The Pedego Cargo e-bike is a true head-turner. Its sleek black finish, accented with wood trim, makes an immediate visual impact, drawing smiles and curious glances from onlookers. This large, heavy e-bike, reminiscent of a Chevy Suburban in the world of bicycles, is designed to confidently carry both passengers and cargo. While not the best choice for quick errands or zipping around town, the Pedego Cargo excels as a robust workhorse for frequent people hauling.
The Pedego Cargo’s name clearly reflects its purpose: it’s built for hauling. With a carrying capacity of 400 pounds, it can comfortably handle a variety of loads. Its impressive length of 79.2 inches, almost matching a standard twin bed mattress, provides ample space for passengers and cargo. The e-bike itself weighs a substantial 106 pounds, but with the addition of the 9.8-pound battery, rugged front rack, and passenger kit, the total weight climbs to over 130 pounds. Despite its weight, the Cargo rides surprisingly smoothly thanks to its sturdy aluminum frame, single-coil front fork suspension, and 20 x 4-inch CST moped-style tires.
The standard configuration includes a front rack and a passenger kit with fold-down footboards. While the front rack can obstruct the view of the road surface, the Cargo remains a strong and supportive hauler regardless of configuration. However, its size and weight make it less maneuverable in tight spaces compared to other e-bikes. This makes it less ideal for quick errands or off-road adventures.
The Pedego Cargo could be a viable commuting option if you regularly transport children. Its seat adapter accommodates compatible child seats, making it a convenient choice for families. However, its bulkiness and weight may pose challenges if your commute involves navigating curbs or stairs. In such cases, Pedego’s city and commuter bikes are better suited.
One notable omission is the lack of standard mirrors, a crucial safety feature for any bike sharing the road with motor vehicles. While Pedego offers accessory mirrors, their inclusion should be standard, especially for a bike like the Cargo.
The Pedego Cargo packs a powerful punch with its rear hub electric motor, delivering 750 watts of continuous power and 1,500 watts peak power. This easily propels the e-bike to its Class 2 maximum speed of 20 mph using pedal assist or the half-twist throttle. The generous torque of 85 Newton meters ensures smooth acceleration, even on steep inclines.
Pedego dealers can configure the Cargo as a Class 3 e-bike, allowing for a top speed of 28 mph. However, for passenger safety, especially with children, it’s recommended to stick with the Class 2 configuration. The 20 mph maximum speed is sufficient, especially with the bike’s strong torque.
The Cargo offers a choice between a 9.6Ah or 14Ah 48V battery. The test bike equipped with the 14Ah battery provided 672 watt-hours of power, estimated to deliver a range of 28 to 56 miles per charge. However, range varies significantly based on factors such as rider weight, cargo, speed, incline, and road surface. For extended trips, a second battery can be added, fitting neatly under the rear rack or passenger seat.
The Pedego Cargo incorporates thoughtful design features for added comfort and convenience. A handy water-resistant storage compartment located between the saddle and the rear wheel provides ample space for essentials like a helmet, rain gear, water bottle, snacks, and locks. This unique feature is surprisingly practical and easy to access.
The horizontal wooden slats on the rear rack serve a dual purpose: they enhance aesthetics and prevent passenger feet or clothing from getting caught in the chain or rear wheel. The fold-down footboards offer passengers added support and freedom for their feet.
The Cargo is equipped with both a center stand and a kickstand, a rare and convenient feature. The center stand provides stability when loading cargo or children, while the kickstand offers a simpler alternative for everyday use. It’s important to note that when using the kickstand, passengers should avoid stepping on the right-side floorboard to prevent the bike from tipping over.
The handlebars and grips are comfortable, and the control layout is intuitive, with clearly labeled buttons, levers, and displays. While the inclusion of two mirrors is recommended for enhanced safety, the turn signals, headlight/high beam controls, and display are well-organized and easy to use.
Pedego offers a range of Cargo-specific accessories, including a Yepp child seat adapter, a flatbed tray for replacing the passenger kit, a stretch cargo bag, and more. Additionally, the Pedego website features a wide selection of bags, racks, locks, safety gear, and other e-bike accessories. Pedego Electric Bikes stores across the U.S. provide local support for sales, service, and finding additional options and upgrades.
Overall, the Pedego Cargo e-bike is an excellent choice for individuals who regularly transport passengers or cargo and desire a reliable, stylish, and powerful e-bike. It offers an impressive combination of strength, visual appeal, and thoughtful design features. The Pedego Cargo, with its 14Ah battery, starts at $4,245. While other electric cargo bikes like the Rad Power Bikes RadWagon 5 or the Aventon Abound offer competitive prices and widespread distribution, the Pedego Cargo stands out with its unique visual impact, powerful performance, smooth ride, and exceptional build quality.
