this post was submitted on 23 Aug 2026
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traingang

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I've been looking at getting a cargo e-bike for shopping trips and carrying kids to school/leisure centres/libraries, and have basically settled on getting one of the longtail bikes like the Tern GSD (but not that because it's mad expensive and I'm too tall for it).

I've settled on a few budget friendly options like the Decathlon BTWIN 3 e500, one of the Cube longtail models, or one of the new Estarli longtail models. The last two are available at my most local e-bike shop so I presume it'll be easier to get them serviced when needed and to buy the various accessories they need like storm covers for the back rack etc. The decathlon one is the cheapest, but also the heaviest and the decathlon near me isn't a standalone big box store, it's bolted onto a tesco in a built-for-cars only retail park, so I think getting it serviced is going to be a nightmare.

Does anyone have any experience with longtail cargo bikes? Am I barking up the right tree by looking at what's available locally for servicing/accessories? Are there any good cheaper chinese options that are just as good as the three options I've narrowed down to? (I've seen Fiido longtails but not many reviews for them)

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[–] Chana@hexbear.net 2 points 1 day ago

The biggest thing with ebikes is always repairability. Prioritize what local shops are willing to repair or that you can repair yourself. Ebikes are very heavy and the electronics and motors are the hard part. If going inexpensive / not very serviceable, see if you can get one where you can swap the entire battery section yourself, swap out the motor, etc.