Cargo e-bike formats: longtail, front-loader, cargo trike
Fleet buyers usually start with one question: what does the route actually require? The answer determines the format, and the format determines payload, footprint, and cost.
Longtail. A stretched rear rack carries 100–200 kg of cargo over the rear wheel, with panniers or a flat deck. It handles like a normal bike, fits standard bike lanes, and is the cheapest format to buy and service. The trade-off is a high center of gravity when loaded, and awkward handling at low speed.
Cargo trike. Our D-04 cargo trike uses a 500W Bafang mid-drive, a 48V 13Ah battery, and mechanical disc brakes, with a listed range of 25–40 miles.
A fourth option sits between e-bike and scooter: the two-person delivery moped. The Alibaba listing for the two-person delivery moped is $639–699.
Payload, frame strength and brake requirements
Three specification numbers deserve your review:
- Rated payload vs. tested payload. Ask for both rider-plus-cargo and cargo-only figures and the test method behind them.
- Frame construction. Look for reinforced head tubes, gusseted joints, and through-axles rather than quick-release skewers on the rear. Our frames go through internal and external galvanizing plus a special anti-rust coating, and every bike and accessory is tested by the QC team.
- Brakes. The D-04 has mechanical disc brakes. Request the brake specification and relevant test information for the intended load and route.
- Motor and drivetrain. The D-04 uses a 500W Bafang mid-drive. Ranger is a low-step model with a 1000W Bafang G510 mid-drive.
Battery swappability for fleet uptime
Two specification points decide whether swappability actually works in the field:
- 1. Pack standardization. Every vehicle in the fleet should accept the same pack format and connector. The D-04 trike, the FT-09, the M-08 mid-drive, and the AWD dual-motor use 48V batteries.
- 2. Mount security and connector durability. Ask for the latch cycle rating and whether the connector is keyed against reverse insertion.
Monster has two 52V 20Ah batteries and a 100+ mile range class. The Alibaba-listed 52V 1200W full-suspension fat-tire model is priced at $1,069–1,249.
Total cost per delivery km: what fleet buyers calculate
Alibaba lists a mid-drive tricycle at $1,399–1,599 and a two-person delivery moped at $639–699.
The D-04's 48V 13Ah battery has calculated nominal energy of 624 Wh.
The FT-020 uses a maintenance-free Gates belt drive. Warranty terms are one year on electrical components and two years on mechanical parts.
If you are comparing formats across a mixed fleet, the same calculation applies to every platform we build — from cargo trikes to mopeds. Our [wholesale program](/wholesale/) covers both categories.
Specifying a cargo build with an OEM factory (MOQ 10)
Custom manufacturing at low volume is the practical path for distributors and brand owners who want a differentiated cargo line without committing to container-scale inventory. Our MOQ is 10 units, which is low enough to test a market before scaling.
Twelve elements are customizable across our platforms: frame, motor, battery, tires, display, lights, fork, saddle, brakes, gearing, color, and logo. Ask about battery swappability for your build.
On process: typical sample lead time runs 7–15 days, with bulk production at 30–45 days — standard industry figures that we confirm against your final specification and order volume. Trade terms are EXW, FOB, CIF, or DDP, and we ship by sea, air, or express. Certifications held include CE, EN15194, RoHS, CPSC, and EEC; certificates are available upon request. We serve 50+ countries, including markets in North America and Europe.
Monthly capacity is 3,000 units, and our team has been in the e-bike industry since 2007. If you are specifying a cargo platform for a delivery fleet, send us your route profile and payload target and we will tell you which format fits — and which one does not.
FAQ
What is the minimum order for a custom cargo e-bike build?
MOQ is 10 units. That applies across our platforms, including cargo trikes and delivery mopeds.
Can I swap batteries between different models in my fleet?
Confirm battery compatibility for the exact models before ordering.
What brakes should I specify for a loaded cargo bike?
The D-04 has mechanical disc brakes. Confirm the appropriate brake configuration for the intended load and route.
How long does production take?
Industry-typical lead times are 7–15 days for samples and 30–45 days for bulk production. Confirm Lantu's actual schedule before ordering.
Do you provide certification documents for customs and market entry?
CE, EN15194, RoHS, CPSC, and EEC certifications are held. Certificates available upon request.
Ready to move from spreadsheet to sample? [Request a quote](/contact/) and include your route profile, payload target, and target market — we will respond within 24 hours.