Urban transport Holy Grail: A family friendly electric cargo bike for less than £1,000

How close are we to a sub-£1,000 family friendly electric cargo bike?

Closer than you might think. One reason is e-bike makers like Hong Kong-based Fiido cut out the middle men by shipping bikes direct to the customer.

As a result, their T2 longtail electric cargo bike will set you back a tad over £1,300. Unfortunately its 750W motor means it's considered a moped in law, but how long can it be before a 250W eversion, which conforms to UK law on e-bikes, drops below the £1,000 mark?

In the meantime, Danish company Amcargobikes will sell you a sturdy three-wheel cargo trike equipped with disc brakes, canopy, benches and seat belts for only £925. Unfortunately, Brexit means UK customers have to pay around £100 extra to cover import tax. So it's very nearly a sub-£1,000 cargo bike.

{{cta-cycling}}

You can add the electric motor option for £510 and there is host of other cargo bike designs from Amcargobikes to choose from.

Nearer to home, the British-built mycycle cargo bike starts at £2,499. To the basic specification you can add an impressive array of optional accessories as well as a battery upgrade that doubles the distance you can travel with power assist. The similarly specced Decathlon R500 is currently reduced in price to £2,800.

Cargo bike insurance

Cargo bikes offer a clean, quiet and cost-effective way to carry stuff that's too bulky for a conventional bicycle. However, the fact they're bigger and heavier can make a breakdown troublesome. Even the shortest journey comes to an abrupt halt in the event of a flat tyre, broken chain or buckled wheel. Carrying kids or cargo adds an unwelcome dimension to being stuck.

Insure your cargo bike with the ETA and on top of other great benefits, you'll get Cycle Rescue - the first breakdown cover policy for bicycles and one that covers cargo bikes recumbents and tandems.

If you suffer a breakdown (including punctures) while out cycling, or are unable to continue due to an injury, our 24-hour Cycle Rescue team is on hand to arrange transport for you and your cycle to a safe location.

Every insurance policy includes the following as standard:

• Theft, accidental damage & vandalism
• Cycle Rescue
• No devaluation of your bike over time
• £2m third party PLUS £20,000 personal accident cover
• Shed and garage storage
• Low standard excess of 5% (£50 minimum)
• You and your family on your bike

Read a full list of everything we include.

The ethical choice

The ETA was established in 1990 as an ethical provider of green, reliable travel services. Over 30 years on, we continue to offer cycle insurance , breakdown cover and mobility scooter insurance while putting concern for the environment at the heart of all we do.

The Good Shopping Guide judges us to be the UK's most ethical provider.

{{cta-cycling}}