Cargo Bike Accessories: How to carry kids and cargo

Glow Worm Electric Bikes carries a range of accessories to suit different cargo bikes. Whether you want to carry kids or cargo, we can help you find comaptible accessories. Cargo bike accessories are rarely universal. Each cargo bike brand makes their own accessories, specific to the frame and mounting points of each particular bike. This means that when choosing a cargo bike, it's important to consider how you want to use the bike, and what type of cargo you will be carrying. All accessories can be easily swapped and changed as your cargo-carrying needs grow and evolve.

Kids on the back: Carrying passengers on your longtail cargo bike

A full size longtail cargo bike is usually designed to carry up to two passengers seated on the rear rack. Setting up your cargo bike to carry passengers involves more than just strapping on a seat pad. Your passenger system must include:

  • Something to sit on
  • Something to hold onto
  • Something to rest their feet on (including protection from the spokes/drivetrain)

Something to sit on: Seats & seat pads

For young children aged 9 months - 6 years (up to 22 kg), we recommend a child seat with a seat belt and foot supports, such as the the Thule Yepp Maxi. Some rear racks will be equipped with a quick-release mounting system such as MIK, making it compatible with MIK child seats like the Urban Iki. For children over 22 kg, it’s time for them to move up to a padded seat. Sometimes seat pads will be included with your handlebars, or you may need to buy them separately. You may like to include a back rest for your rear passenger, or a seatbelt for added security. Some brands have alternative options for big kids (or adults!) such as the Tern Captain's Chair.

Benno Rack Pad (single)
Benno Rack Pad (single)

Benno Rack Pad (single)

$85.00
Tern Clubhouse Backrest
Tern Clubhouse Backrest

Tern Clubhouse Backrest

$67.00
Tern Clubhouse MadPad
Tern Clubhouse MadPad

Tern Clubhouse MadPad

$65.00
Tern Clubhouse Seat Pad
Tern Clubhouse Seat Pad

Tern Clubhouse Seat Pad

$59.00
Tern Sidekick Seat Belt
Tern Sidekick Seat Belt

Tern Sidekick Seat Belt

$45.00
Tern Sidekick Seat Pad GSD
Tern Sidekick Seat Pad GSD

Tern Sidekick Seat Pad GSD

$78.00
Urban Iki Rear Child Seat
Urban Iki Rear Child Seat

Urban Iki Rear Child Seat

$189.00
Wombat Wagon Bench Cushions
Wombat Wagon Bench Cushions

Wombat Wagon Bench Cushions

$65.00
Yepp Nexxt 2 Maxi
Yepp Nexxt 2 Maxi

Yepp Nexxt 2 Maxi

$449.00
Yuba Backrest for Crest
Yuba Backrest for Crest

Yuba Backrest for Crest

$55.00
Yuba Soft Spot Waterproof
Yuba Soft Spot Waterproof

Yuba Soft Spot Waterproof

$78.00

Something to hold onto: Handlebars & hold-on bars

The most popular passenger set-up for longtail cargo bikes are full wrap around handlebars. Called Monkey Bars, Clubhouse or Buddy Rails, these handlebars provide a fully enclosed safe space for your passengers. If you want to run two Yepp seats, make sure you check before buying whether they will both fit. An alternative option are hold-on bars. These come in different shapes and sizes, and provide easier access for adults and big kids to climb on and off, while still giving something to hold onto. Common mounting points include bolting or strapping onto the frame, or clamping on the seat post, so it is important to consider how much space you have, and whether the height of your seat will allow space for mounting. 

Benno High Rail PLUS
Benno High Rail PLUS

Benno High Rail PLUS

$225.00
Tern Clubhouse Mini
Tern Clubhouse Mini

Tern Clubhouse Mini

$245.00
Tern Clubhouse Plus
Tern Clubhouse Plus

Tern Clubhouse Plus

$365.00
Tern Sidekick Bars GSD
Tern Sidekick Bars GSD

Tern Sidekick Bars GSD

$106.00
Tern Sidekick Joyride Bars GSD HSD
Tern Sidekick Joyride Bars GSD HSD

Tern Sidekick Joyride Bars GSD HSD

$92.00
Wombat Loop
Wombat Loop

Wombat Loop

$55.00
Wombat Wagon Buddy Rails
Wombat Wagon Buddy Rails

Wombat Wagon Buddy Rails

$175.00
Wombat Wagon Hold-On Bars
Wombat Wagon Hold-On Bars

Wombat Wagon Hold-On Bars

$70.00
Yuba Crest Passenger Handle/Backrest Support
Yuba Crest Passenger Handle/Backrest Support

Yuba Crest Passenger Handle/Backrest Support

$99.00
Yuba Hold-On Bars
Yuba Hold-On Bars

Yuba Hold-On Bars

$89.00

Something to rest their feet on: Sideboards & wheel guards

Sideboards run along the bottom of the rear rack, and give the passengers somewhere to rest their feet. Wheel guards are usually made of either fabric or PVC, and will strap or bolt onto the side of the frame, to protect the passengers' legs from the spokes and drivetrain of the bike. They are crucial component of your passenger system and should not be neglected. Some cargo bikes, such as the Tern GSD, come with these integrated into the frame;  with some other brands they will need to be purchased as an extra accessory. Sideboards are not load bearing, and should only be used for climbing on and off, or for resting feet on. If your child's feet don't reach the sideboards, consider sitting them in a child seat for a little longer. 

Benno Sideloader Set
Benno Sideloader Set

Benno Sideloader Set

$265.00
Benno Wheel Guard Set Boost-E Fabric
Benno Wheel Guard Set Boost-E Fabric

Benno Wheel Guard Set Boost-E Fabric

$95.00
Tern Sidekick Footrest HSD
Tern Sidekick Footrest HSD

Tern Sidekick Footrest HSD

$68.00
Tern Sidekick Stirrups
Tern Sidekick Stirrups

Tern Sidekick Stirrups

$85.00
Tern Sidekick Wide Decks GSDG2
Tern Sidekick Wide Decks GSDG2

Tern Sidekick Wide Decks GSDG2

$190.00
Wombat Wagon Foot Boards
Wombat Wagon Foot Boards

Wombat Wagon Foot Boards

$65.00
Wombat Wagon Wheel Guards
Wombat Wagon Wheel Guards

Wombat Wagon Wheel Guards

$75.00
Yuba Bamboo Side Boards
Yuba Bamboo Side Boards

Yuba Bamboo Side Boards

$199.00

Different passenger and cargo configurations of the Tern GSD

Racks, bags & crates: Carrying cargo on your longtail cargo bike

Most longtail cargo bikes have a maximum gross vehicle capacity of 200kg. This includes rider weight, as well as the weight of any accessories mounted on the bike, but nevertheless leaves lots of space for carrying cargo. When loaded up with bags, crates and cargo racks your electric cargo bike becomes a heavy duty vehicle that really can replace a small car.

Website banner template sq (3).png__PID:f0124505-4dbb-4abc-bfbd-c90b10e014f7
MD203425_websize.jpg__PID:45054dbb-dabc-4fbd-890b-10e014f7fadf

Cargo bike panniers

Many cargo bike brands offer cargo panniers specifically designed for their bikes, that have much more carrying capacity than a regular pannier. Cargo panniers are often mounted semi-permanently (they are not designed to be quickly removed) and are designed to remain on the bike. Cargo panniers are perfect for carrying schoolbags are groceries, and will often be designed to open up into "bucket mode", to allow passengers to put their feet inside, with luggage taking up the remaining space. Cargo panniers can also double as wheel guards, and can often be rolled away or folded flat when not in use. Examples include the Yuba 2-Go Cargo Panniers, thes Benno Utility Panniers, and the Tern Cargo Hold Panniers (available in different sizes).

Benno City Pannier Bag (single)
Benno City Pannier Bag (single)

Benno City Pannier Bag (single)

$135.00
Benno Utility Pannier (single)
Benno Utility Pannier (single)

Benno Utility Pannier (single)

$155.00
Tern Cargo Hold 37 Panniers
Tern Cargo Hold 37 Panniers

Tern Cargo Hold 37 Panniers

$304.00
Tern Cargo Hold 52 Panniers
Tern Cargo Hold 52 Panniers

Tern Cargo Hold 52 Panniers

$385.00
Tern Cargo Hold 72 Panniers
Tern Cargo Hold 72 Panniers

Tern Cargo Hold 72 Panniers

$475.00
Yuba 2-Go Cargo Panniers Pair
Yuba 2-Go Cargo Panniers Pair

Yuba 2-Go Cargo Panniers Pair

$299.00

Front racks & baskets

Most cargo bikes will have a compatible front rack or basket option. Frame-mounted front racks such as these can be a game changer, allowing you to carry up to 20kg on the front of your ebike. Many cargo bike front racks will fit a standard 400 x 300 Eurocrate, or may come with a liner or optional bag. You can even fit a dog carrier to the front of your cargo bike. Nifty features like a quick release mount allows you to quickly remove or change your front rack. Please note, front racks will be brand-specific, and will not be interchangeable between brands.

Benno Utility Front Tray
Benno Utility Front Tray

Benno Utility Front Tray

$300.00
Benno Utility Front Tray Bag
Benno Utility Front Tray Bag

Benno Utility Front Tray Bag

$225.00
Tern Hauler Rack
Tern Hauler Rack

Tern Hauler Rack

$218.00
Tern Quick Release CMT
Tern Quick Release CMT

Tern Quick Release CMT

$28.00
Tern Transporteur Rack
Tern Transporteur Rack

Tern Transporteur Rack

$239.00
Tern WeatherTop Bag
Tern WeatherTop Bag

Tern WeatherTop Bag

$195.00
Wombat Wagon Front Carrier
Wombat Wagon Front Carrier

Wombat Wagon Front Carrier

$175.00
Yuba Bread Basket Cover Kit
Yuba Bread Basket Cover Kit

Yuba Bread Basket Cover Kit

$50.00
Yuba Bread Basket with Liner
Yuba Bread Basket with Liner

Yuba Bread Basket with Liner

$249.00
Yuba Grab & Go Bag
Yuba Grab & Go Bag

Yuba Grab & Go Bag

$265.00

Cargo crates & trays

Mounting a cargo tray on the back of your cargo bike will maximise your carrying capacity. If you prefer to swap and change, your Monkey Bars can become a cargo cage in a matter of seconds, just strap in a large box or crate. If you really want to load up, make sure your cargo bike comes equipped with a dual kickstand for extra stability. Strap your cargo down securely with a cargo net, elastic straps or Grunt straps, and make sure all straps stay well clear of the wheels and drivetrain!

Basil Bicycle Crate
Basil Bicycle Crate

Basil Bicycle Crate

$59.95
Benno Dual Kickstand for Boost-E
Benno Dual Kickstand for Boost-E

Benno Dual Kickstand for Boost-E

$205.00
Benno XXL Trunk Bag
Benno XXL Trunk Bag

Benno XXL Trunk Bag

$335.00
Eurocrate
Eurocrate

Eurocrate

$75.00
Oxford Cargo Net
Oxford Cargo Net

Oxford Cargo Net

$15.99
Tern Cargo Lid Lock
Tern Cargo Lid Lock

Tern Cargo Lid Lock

$40.00
Tern Cargo Tray
Tern Cargo Tray

Tern Cargo Tray

$120.00
Tern DuoStand Gen 3
Tern DuoStand Gen 3

Tern DuoStand Gen 3

$195.00
Tern Shortbed Tray
Tern Shortbed Tray

Tern Shortbed Tray

$235.00
Tern Sidekick Doublewide Decks
Tern Sidekick Doublewide Decks

Tern Sidekick Doublewide Decks

$325.00
Tern Soft Crate Mini
Tern Soft Crate Mini

Tern Soft Crate Mini

$148.00
Tern Storm Box GSD G2
Tern Storm Box GSD G2

Tern Storm Box GSD G2

$340.00
Tern Storm Box Mini
Tern Storm Box Mini

Tern Storm Box Mini

$343.00
Yuba Carry-On Truck Bed for Spicy Curry
Yuba Carry-On Truck Bed for Spicy Curry

Yuba Carry-On Truck Bed for Spicy Curry

$149.00
IMG_8055.jpg__PID:a6e645ce-e14c-480b-99da-f54b162db51e

85 Products