Electric cargo bikes

Benefits of switching to an electric cargo bike

An e-cargo bike can be a practical alternative to a car for many everyday trips. For households that can replace some car journeys with bike trips, the benefits include:

• lower transport costs
• reduced transport emissions
• increased physical activity
• less reliance on a car for local trips.

Understanding electric cargo bikes

An electric cargo bike (e-cargo bike) is designed to carry heavier or bulkier loads than a standard e-bike. Unlike a standard e-bike, an e-cargo bike includes integrated cargo-carrying or passenger-carrying features as part of its design. E-cargo bikes can be used to carry:

• children and other passengers
• groceries and household goods
• sporting equipment
• pets
• work equipment
• other everyday cargo.

What makes an e-cargo bike different?

A standard e-bike is designed primarily to transport the rider. An e-cargo bike is designed to carry passengers, cargo, or both as part of its intended use.

Why should I purchase an electric cargo bike?

An e-cargo bike can provide a convenient transport option for many households without relying on a car for trips such as:

• school drop-offs
• shopping and errands
• commuting
• transporting sporting equipment
• carrying work tools and equipment
• transporting pets or other everyday cargo.

Things to consider when purchasing

Before purchasing, consider:

• what you intend to carry
• passenger and cargo requirements
• payload and carrying capacity to ensure the bike can safely carry your intended passengers and cargo
• battery range and whether it is suitable for your typical trips, considering cargo loads, terrain and riding conditions
• storage requirements
• rider comfort and fit
• available accessories.

Tip: Test ride more than one model before making a purchase decision.

E-cargo bike requirements for the SHS

To be eligible for support under the Sustainable Household Scheme, an e-cargo bike must:

• be designed and marketed as a cargo bike
• include dedicated passenger-carrying or cargo-carrying features
• have a payload capacity of at least 45 kg (excluding the rider)
• have a carrying capacity of at least 150 kg, including the bicycle, rider, passengers and cargo
• comply with Australian requirements for power-assisted pedal cycles
• meet applicable e-bike safety standards, including EN15194:2017 (Electrically Power Assisted Cycles), an internationally recognised safety standard for power-assisted cycles commonly accepted in Australia.

Eligible accessories

The loan may also include manufacturer-approved accessories purchased with the bike that support its cargo-carrying or passenger-carrying function. Examples include:

• passenger seats
• passenger footrests
• passenger rails or handholds
• cargo boxes
• cargo platforms
• other manufacturer-approved passenger-carrying or cargo-carrying accessories.

Accessories that are not eligible

The following accessories cannot be included in the loan:

• helmets
• bike locks
• pumps
• repair kits
• phone mounts
• mirrors
• cycling clothing and safety apparel
• other accessories that do not directly support the passenger-carrying or cargo-carrying function of the bike.

Products not eligible under the SHS

The following products are not eligible under the scheme:

• standard commuter e-bikes
• electric mountain bikes
• electric road bikes
• standard bicycles or e-bikes fitted with cargo accessories
• electric motorcycles and mopeds
• products modified to exceed legal power or speed limits.

Other things to note

Not all bikes marketed as "cargo", "family" or "utility" bikes will meet the scheme’s eligibility requirements.

Before purchasing, check the Sustainable Household Scheme Guidelines for participants or speak with an approved supplier to confirm eligibility.

The Canberra Electric Bike Library allows eligible Canberrans to try a range of electric bikes, including cargo bikes, before purchasing.

ACT Government financial support

You may be eligible for financial assistance to purchase an e-cargo bike through the Sustainable Household Scheme , which offers low‑interest loans for eligible products.

Financial support is only available for e-cargo bikes that meet the scheme's eligibility requirements. Approved suppliers can help confirm whether a particular bike model is eligible before you purchase.

Visit the Sustainable Household Scheme website or speak with an approved supplier for eligibility and application information.

Need free advice?

Phone: 1300 141 777
Email: SustainableHomeAdviceProgram@act.gov.au