The Radwagon addressed my specific requirements, as the direct-to-consumer company allowed me to customize the bike setup during the ordering process. I opted for a front basket, a rear pad seat for my son, and a Thule Yepp 2 Maxi seat for my then-toddler daughter. To round out the build, I added safety lights and a bell from a local shop. Once the bike arrived and was assembled, it became our primary mode of transport. We used it for school runs, daycare, playdates, medical visits, and general shopping around town.
The front basket has proven to be an incredibly versatile space. On a recent trip to a playground, it comfortably held a soccer ball, my wife’s bag, bike locks, two water bottles, three baseball caps, two baseball gloves, a baseball, a tin lunch box, and two binders of Pokémon cards. It has also successfully carried large grocery loads and, on one occasion, a small guitar amp from a thrift store.
As my family has grown, our needs have shifted. My daughter has outgrown her Yepp seat, and my 8-year-old son is now independent enough to ride his own bike. Consequently, I am reimagining my bike as a serious cargo hauler or a Grocery Getter. The ebike market is vast, catering to everyone from mountain bikers to commuters. While there are strategic ways to enhance any ebike, I will focus here on the two configurations I know best: the Family Wagon and the Grocery Getter.
Building the Perfect Family Wagon
If your priority is transporting children, investing in comfortable, safe, and age-appropriate seating is non-negotiable. Most family-oriented ebikes, such as those from Rad, Aventon, and Lectric, are designed with rear seating. While front-loaded models like the Urban Arrow FamilyNext exist, rear-seating configurations remain the industry standard.
Most brands allow you to customize your bike's rear setup. You might combine a long padded seat with an additional child seat, or install two Thule Yepp seats, depending on your needs. For safety, I utilized Rad’s 'Caboose,' a steel cage that wrapped around the seating area. It is also critical to include runner boards to ensure kids’ legs are supported and clear of the rear wheel spokes.
You can further expand storage by adding small panniers underneath these footrests. Some companies, such as Lectric, offer specialized accessories like surfboard add-ons or fishing-rod holders. For those in harsher climates, brands like Rad Power Bikes even offer weatherproof covers to keep children dry. For extra carrying space on a Family Wagon, frame bags and handlebar bags are excellent additions.
The Grocery Getter Setup
The primary distinction between a Family Wagon and a Grocery Getter is cargo space. For grocery runs, high-quality panniers are essential. Aventon offers the Abound Pannier Set, which is remarkably robust, holding up to 90 pounds of cargo. I have witnessed a friend successfully transport a full week’s groceries for a family of four using this setup. When hauling significant weight, it is vital to distribute the load evenly between both sides for stability and safety. Always verify compatibility before purchasing bags; if in doubt, stick to the bike brand’s proprietary accessories. For those living in wet climates, waterproof cargo bags are a recommended upgrade.
Essential Accessories for Every Ebike
Regardless of whether your bike is used for groceries or family transport, there are several universal must-haves. A sturdy front basket is essential, especially when paired with bungee cords to secure bulky or irregular items. Cargo nets, such as the one from Aventon, are also highly effective for keeping items in place. Whenever possible, buy these directly from your bike’s manufacturer.
A handlebar-mounted smartphone holder is another priority, allowing for easy navigation. I personally favor Quad Lock for its secure mounting and ease of use, though note that you must use the brand’s specific phone cases. Proper lighting is also a safety requirement. Specialized Stix lights are inexpensive, visible, and easy to swap between white and red modes. The Garmin Varia is an excellent rear light that syncs with your phone to alert you to approaching traffic.
A well-stocked saddle bag is a smart investment for minor repairs. It should include an extra inner tube, tire levers, a CO2 cartridge, and a multi-tool. Bags like the Silca Mattone and the Arundel Tubi are durable and water-resistant. Finally, a high-quality bell like the Arundel Jezebell is a must for crowded paths. Most importantly, never forget to wear your helmet while hauling your most precious cargo.
