The joy of cargo biking – How electric cargo bikes are transforming family life

For some families across the UK, the electric cargo bike has become more than just a way to get around - it’s a lifestyle shift. Whether it’s for the school run, commuting or weekend adventures, the ability to transport kids, groceries and everything in between without the need for a car is proving to be a game-changer.

The Estarli e-cargo longtail is one such bike making an impact, helping families to ditch the second car and embrace a new, more sustainable way of living. But while this bike is the focus of our riders’ stories, their experiences highlight the life-changing benefits of cargo bikes in general, showing just how much they can enhance everyday life.

If you're thinking about making the switch, check out our guide to the best cargo bikes for families to explore your options.

Affordability and accessibility - Lydia’s cargo bike lifestyle in Exeter

For Lydia, affordability was a key factor when choosing an electric cargo bike. After being made redundant at the end of maternity leave, she returned to university in Exeter and needed a cost-effective way to transport her children. “The Estarli was a really accessible option… I was quite put off by how expensive some electric cargo bikes can be,” she explains.

Now, she rides ‘Margo the Cargo’ every day, tackling Exeter’s hills with ease. For Lydia, a longtail cargo bike isn’t just transport - it’s what makes her family’s daily routine work.

Smooth riding - Simon’s longtail commute in Sheffield

Simon, a long-time cyclist in Sheffield, was one of the first adopters of the Estarli e-cargo and has now clocked over 1,500 miles on it. He uses the bike daily to take his two children (4 and 7 years old) to school before heading to work.

Previously, his school commute was just a short ten-minute ride but, after moving house, he now cycles across the city, a journey that takes 25 minutes instead of over 40 in a car. His route takes him over Sheffield’s notoriously steep hills, but Simon hasn’t found one his bike won’t climb, even with two kids on the back!

Comparing his longtail cargo bike to others on the market, Simon says it is “head and shoulders above the competition.” For him, the mid-drive motor, Carbon Gates belt and Enviolo CVT hub make a huge difference, giving him a smooth, low-maintenance ride.

From zero to cargo hero - Lisa’s electric cargo bike transformation

Lisa, from Walsall, hadn’t been on a bike in 30 years before getting her cargo bike. Wanting to change her family’s lifestyle, she swapped out the second car for an e-cargo bike, using it for school runs and weekend adventures with her daughters (7 and 9 years old).

“I can’t actually remember life without the cargo bike,” she says, reflecting on how much her daily life has changed. Lisa now knows her city better than ever, finding new routes and exploring places she’d never have visited by car.

Tackling tough terrain - Nia’s longtail in Edinburgh

Edinburgh’s steep hills can be daunting for any cyclist, but Nia’s electric cargo bike makes light work of them. The stepless gears have been a game-changer, she says. “You can find yourself stopping and you're in totally the wrong gear and you can change it without worrying about pulling off in a different gear, it's just so easy to use.”

Her children love the interactive Enviolo display, often requesting gear changes just to watch the little cyclist move up and down the hill!

Powering up the hills - Julie’s cargo bike lifestyle in Exeter

Julie’s longtail cargo bike is an essential part of her family’s daily life. With five-year-old twins on board, she uses it for everything from school runs to recycling trips.

“This is where the bike is amazing, up this hill, with traffic coming in the other direction. Once I boost it to turbo, I can get past this, nobody is stuck behind me and everybody is happy.”

For Julie, cargo biking isn’t just about transport - it’s about teaching her children essential road awareness. She often tows her daughter while she rides her own bike, helping her build confidence. “Honestly, it’s a really good lesson for those who follow us… we’re building a generation of cyclists.”

Julie also appreciates the ease of maintenance. Living in a hilly part of Exeter, she wanted a low-maintenance electric cargo bike that could handle daily use. “It’s been really easy cycling for someone who knows nothing about maintaining bikes.” With a belt-drive system and spare parts readily available in the UK, she knows she’s got a reliable and long-lasting setup.

New online masterclass: "Choosing Your Family's Cargo Bike: All You Need To Know"

Looking to use your car less and cycle more with your kids, but not sure where to start with a cargo bike? We’re here to help!

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Learn what to look for: From electric vs. manual to key features, we break it all down in simple terms.
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Fitness, fun and family bonding - Irene & Nigel’s shared cargo bike experience

For Irene and Nigel in Bath, their electric cargo bike is a shared joy. Nigel, who prefers speed and comfort, always rides in power level 5, while Irene enjoys the workout on the uphill ride home. “If I’m taking the girls back from school, I might as well break a little bit of a sweat… I don’t have to and that’s the beauty of it,” she explains.

Their bike, originally bought for school runs, is now used for all sorts of trips and they often argue over who gets to ride it!

A better way to get around with an electric cargo bike

The stories from these families highlight just how transformative electric cargo bikes can be, and in particular the Estarli e-cargo longtail. Whether it’s tackling school runs with ease, saving time on commutes, improving fitness or reducing reliance on a car, the benefits are undeniable.

For those considering a longtail cargo bike, these families’ journeys offer inspiration, showing that once you make the switch, it’s hard to imagine life any other way.

Read our Estarli eCargo longtail review to find out more about what we thought of it after putting it to the test. And if you’d like to see a range of options, why not check out our list of best cargo bikes for families?