The two-seater electric bike is becoming increasingly popular, and it’s easy to see why. Riding a two-seater electric bike is cool, promising great rides and double the fun! Below, you’ll discover the top two-seater electric bikes approved for road use.
Ranking of the Two-Seater Electric Bikes
Additionally, there’s the Fat Bike Garrett Miller X, available at an attractive price for a two-seater electric bike. It features an American chopper-style design with seating for two.
250 high-speed brushless gear engine. 36V 10Ah removable waterproof battery. Front drum brake and rear disc brake. 250 lbs load capacity. 3 pedal assist modes. 1 year warranty.
Budget: $ | Speed: 22 mph | Range: 35 miles
For electric cargo bikes, we recommend the longtail Elops R500 from Decathlon, offering a maximum load volume of 375 lbs, all at an unbeatable price/quality ratio. Ample space to accommodate one or even two children on the provided luggage rack.
Road-approved. Large front rack. Rear rack for 1 child. Shimano Roller Brake. Low frame. 2-year warranty.
Budget: $| Speed: 15 mph | Range: 43 miles
Another option is the Familéö cargo bike from Oklö, featuring a unique large front rack independent from the steering.
Payload up to 396 lbs. Hydraulic disc brakes for enhanced safety. 5-year warranty included for peace of mind.
Budget : $ | Speed : 15 mph | Range : 40 miles
The U-Cargo Family from Addbike features a design with a steel cabin at the back covered by a textile frame.
Regarding 2-seater electric tandems, there are limited options available. However, the French brand Moustache, renowned for its electric mountain bikes, offers a model available in two versions (Trekking and MTB): the Samedi 27 X2.
Whether you’re riding as a couple, with friends, or with family, this state-of-the-art bike is suitable for all terrains. Equipped with two batteries boasting a total capacity of 1000 Wh and a range of over 90 miles, this bike is extremely versatile, catering to both recreational and practical needs. However, these bikes are relatively expensive, priced between $7300 and $7600.
Featuring a two-seater saddle, the Yuvy from Elwing is an excellent urban electric bike at an affordable price.
The Elwing Yuvy offers all the advantages of a single-seat electric bike but with a wide, comfortable seat for two. Modular and customizable, it’s a comprehensive bike with a maximum load capacity of nearly 330 lbs. Its wheels and design make navigating any environment easy.
How to Choose Your Two-Seater Electric Bike
More fun, more practical, and more eco-friendly: an increasing number of people want to buy a 2-seater electric bike. So, if you’re among them but unsure where to start, this guide is for you!
Power, battery, motor, design, brakes… Numerous factors must be considered when purchasing a two-seater electric bike, especially given the variety of models in the electric bike market!
Why Ride a Two-Seater Electric Bike?
The two-seater electric bicycle is a recent development in the world of electrically assisted bicycles. Increasingly, individuals are choosing this two-seater bike, which provides a viable alternative to cars.
Environmentally friendly, it adapts to both everyday situations and more active lifestyles. With it, you can run errands, go for leisure rides, or even commute to work. As you’ve likely noticed, the electric two-seater is already a staple in the electric bike market!
What Type of Electric Tandem Bike Is Right for You?
Within the world of two-seater electric bikes, three design types exist: cargo bikes, tandems, and electric bikes with a two-seater seat.
Electric Bikes with a Two-Seater Saddle
Electric bikes with a two-seater seat are the most popular two-seater bikes. Operating on the same principle as a moped, scooter, or motorcycle, the two-seater seat allows one person to ride behind the driver. These models are often customizable and modular, making them highly versatile.
Indeed, a whole bunch of accessories can be added according to your prefrences and your budget (front and rear basket, mirrors, central box, etc.).
Cargo Bikes
250 high-speed brushless gear engine. 36V 10Ah removable waterproof battery. Front drum brake and rear disc brake. 250 lbs load capacity. 3 pedal assist modes. 1 year warranty.
Budget: $ | Speed: 22 mph | Range: 35 miles
Cargo bikes are comfortable and versatile bicycles. Ecological and cost-effective to purchase, a 2-seater electric cargo bike frees you from the constraints of fuel, parking, or insurance.
If you have a family, this is the perfect bike for you. Whether you’re dropping your kids off at school or running errands without getting too tired, cargo bikes are ideal alternatives to cars due to their ability to carry a substantial load of up to 330 lbs. These bikes are available in various models, including the two-wheeler, the longtail, and the three-wheeler. For more information, feel free to check out our guide to electric cargo bikes.
Tandems
Tandems are two-seater electric bicycles that are still rarely offered on the electric bicycle market. For a leisurely ride or an exciting adventure, the tandem electric bike offers a genuine shared experience. Here, there’s no room for jealousy; whether as a couple, with friends, or with family, everyone pedals! Designed to be robust and adaptable to all types of roads, tandems are suitable for various uses. Most tandem bikes are equipped with two batteries, doubling the range!
Which Motor to Choose for a Two-Seater Electric Bike?
If the motor primarily serves for assistance and will propel you at about 15.5 mph – a limit imposed by electric bike laws – the type of assistance is a crucial factor. There are two types of assistance.
The first type of assistance found on two-seater electric bikes is the rotation sensor. In this system, the motor starts as soon as you begin pedaling, making it a simple and easy-to-maintain technology.
The second type is the pressure sensor. In this system, pressing the pedals activates the motor immediately. Furthermore, by adapting to the environment, it optimizes battery usage. The harder you push on the pedals, the stronger the assistance. Conversely, if you push the pedals less intensely, the assistance weakens.
The Battery: An Essential Element!
The battery is one of the most critical criteria in purchasing a two-seater electric bike. Why? Because the motor requires sufficient power to support the weight of two people, especially if you plan on tackling inclines!
In this case, we recommend paying attention to the battery’s voltage, a unit of measurement indicating its power. The more volts, the greater the level of assistance. For thrill-seekers aiming to tackle challenging terrains, the battery of a 2-seater electric bike should be as powerful as possible.
Additionally, inquire about its range and charging time. The battery’s range is expressed in Ampere-hours (Ah) and is usually listed alongside the voltage figure. The same principle applies here as for power: the higher this figure, the greater the range.
Presently, almost all 2-seater batteries are removable. Recharging the battery is as simple as plugging it into a power outlet. However, some bikes may have integrated batteries. In such cases, unless you store your bike at home, recharging may be inconvenient, especially for apartment dwellers.
The Design
Design can also be a criterion in choosing an electric bike for two. Indeed, purchasing an e-bike is an investment that must align with your preferences. Thus, a bike’s personality can be a determining factor.
The first aspect to consider is the frame’s shape, which should be comfortable for you. An open frame facilitates leg movement, while a closed frame offers more stability and better comfort, especially during long rides. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide what suits you best.
Additionally, depending on the handlebars’ shape, you’ll be able to sit upright and handle your bike with varying precision. Consider the size and weight of the bike; they should allow you to ride comfortably and maneuver easily. Since electric bikes for two tend to be heavier than conventional bikes, ensure you can lift your bike comfortably for ease of handling.
Brakes
Regarding braking, two types of brakes exist: mechanical brakes and hydraulic brakes.
The mechanical disc brake system applies pressure to the wheel, triggering braking. However, this type of braking is more likely to damage the bicycle’s wheels. Conversely, the hydraulic disc brake system applies pressure to a disc using liquid, allowing for more gradual braking without damaging the wheels. This system is often recommended for its efficiency and the reduced risk of damage to the bike.
This is also reflected in the price of the electric bicycle, as mechanical disc brakes are typically less expensive than hydraulic disc brakes. Therefore, depending on your needs, it’s important to choose the most suitable braking system, especially for a 2-seater electric bike carrying a heavy load, requiring robust braking power.
Where to Buy a Two-Seater Electric Bike?
Two-seater electric bikes are becoming increasingly available at various brands and stores, though quality can vary significantly between manufacturers. For longtails and cargo bikes, Decathlon is a recommended choice. Moustache offers good options for two-seater tandems, while Elwing or Garrett Miller are excellent choices for electric bikes with a two-seater saddle.
Used and Refurbished
Terrified by the prices in the new two-seater electric bike market? Consider the reconditioned and second-hand market for affordable options!
While these models may be recent, some are already available on certain bike resale sites. This approach can save you hundreds of euros on bikes that are lightly used or even nearly new. We recommend specialized websites for second-hand bike sales, where you can find numerous ads for electric bikes. Additionally, there are websites, such as Upway, dedicated to reconditioned electric bikes, offering a wide selection of recent models.
Can Two People Legally Ride an Electric Bike?
Electric bikes capable of carrying two people, like all electric bikes, must adhere to the EN 15194 standard. Therefore, they must meet certain important criteria:
1. The assistance system must engage automatically during pedaling and cease when pedaling stops.
2. The maximum speed is limited to 15.5 mph.
3. The electric bicycle must be equipped with a motor with a maximum power of 250W.
More specifically for 2-seater and “utility” electric bicycles, the French standards agency (AFNOR) has recently established the NF30050 standard. This standard encompasses static and dynamic stability tests for two-seater, three-seater, and longtail cargo bikes.
Conclusion
The two-seater electric bike market is booming with an increasing number of models available. Whether it’s a cargo bike, a tandem, or a traditional two-seater, we’re confident you’ll find the perfect fit. This guide aims to assist you in selecting the ideal electric bike for two. We strongly advocate for investing in such a bike if you aim to reduce car usage or even eliminate it entirely.
The Best Two-Seater Electric Bikes
250 high-speed brushless gear engine. 36V 10Ah removable waterproof battery. Front drum brake and rear disc brake. 250 lbs load capacity. 3 pedal assist modes. 1 year warranty.
Budget: $ | Speed: 22 mph | Range: 35 miles
Road-approved. Large front rack. Rear rack for 1 child. Shimano Roller Brake. Low frame. 2-year warranty.
Budget: $| Speed: 15 mph | Range: 43 miles
Payload up to 396 lbs. Hydraulic disc brakes for enhanced safety. 5-year warranty included for peace of mind.
Budget : $ | Speed : 15 mph | Range : 40 miles