Electric bikes are slowly marking their territory as more compact alternatives to higher-powered vehicles like cars. Gone are the days when bicycles functioned best as single-user transportation devices.
These days, more and more brands are manufacturing electric bicycles designed to transport multiple passengers at once. These versatile machines can be used to haul groceries, transport children to and back from school, lug work equipment, etc.
Some are even capable of carrying two overweight adults!
In this article, we will cover some of the most important features to look for in multi-passenger e-bikes. We have also compiled a list of the best 2-seater electric bikes currently available on the market.
Strap in and get comfy, we're about to explore the amazing world of dual-passenger e-bikes.
Can You Have a Passenger on an Electric Bike
Transporting a passenger on an electric bicycle is not illegal - as long as the bike in question is designed to carry more than one person. So, what makes a good passenger e-bike?
Electric bikes, in general, are designed to handle heavier payloads than regular bicycles. However, you're going to need more than just a sturdy frame to conveniently ride with another human being on two wheels.
In the next section, we'll cover some of the most important features to look out for in a dual passenger e-bike.
Things to Look Out for in a Passenger Electric Bike
1) Room for a Passenger
Trivial as it sounds, you actually need room on your e-bike for you to be able to carry passengers. Two adults can't sit comfortably on an average-sized saddle and trying to prop your passenger on the bike's handlebars won't work because there's just too much going on on an electric bike's cockpit.
The best option would be to purchase an electric bicycle with companion bike seats. These are better suited to dual-passenger riding than regular e-bikes with stripped-down frames.
If you're unable to find an electric bike with extra seats, purchase one with a rack or mount of any sort. As long as the rack (or mount) is designed to support heavy loads, it should hold up against the average adult weight.
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2) A Powerful Motor
Unless, of course, you plan on asking your passenger to alight every time there's a steep hill in sight, at which point you can consider your e-bike no better than a regular bicycle.
A good power rating for 2-seater e-bikes rests somewhere between 500 and 1000 Watts. Electric bikes with power ratings below that range's lower limit might not perform as expected when faced with stronger resistant forces.
Also, for better practicality, consider purchasing an electric bike with throttle-assist functionality. If your passenger is a tall person, their legs might restrict yours' range of motion, making it hard or uncomfortable to pedal.
3) Dress Guards
Since whoever's accompanying you on your trip will most likely be sitting behind you, installing dress or coat guards over the bike's rear wheel will prevent dangling clothes from getting caught in the wheel.
Image credit: Boston.gov
These accessories, like fenders, are often made out of plastic or aluminum alloy. Some manufacturers install dress guards on their e-bikes while others leave it to riders to decide whether or not they need an aftermarket pair on their bike.
Can You Put 2 Seats on a Bike
It depends. As mentioned earlier, anyone can purchase an aftermarket bicycle seat (or bench) and fasten it to their e-bike's rack. As long as you don't exceed the rack's weight capacity, you shouldn't face any problems.
For instance, the Ride1Up 700 Series' rear rack is rated for a maximum load capacity of 50 lbs (23 kg). Any rider carrying passengers heavier than that limit risks damaging, not just the rack but other vital components on the bike, including the rear wheel and the motor.
Another thing you need to keep in mind before slapping a rack and/ padded seat onto your bike's frame is this: Installing a rack on an electric bike will not miraculously make it suitable for dual-passenger riding.
Some bikes aren't designed for heavy-duty purposes. Straining their components will just cause the entire system to fail, cutting the bike's lifespan short. If you're going to fix a rack on such a bike, make sure you limit whatever you carry to lightweight objects.
Besides, there are moped-style electric bikes that come pre-installed with double seats. If you'd rather skip the whole process of searching online for a rack that'll fit your bike and then spending hours on YouTube learning how to install it, we've listed a few of these factory-ready passenger e-bikes, check them out below.
Best 2-seater Electric Bike
Any electric bicycle that fails to deliver comfort, convenience, optimal speed, and versatile functionality may not be the best pick for a true cycling enthusiast. However, as a short rider, what should really be essential are lower frames and a convenient riding experience.
But that’s the only low thing about this electric bike. The RadRunner two probably wowed users because of the phenomenal twist they provide during the ordering process. The Rad Power Bikes website gives 330 additional accessories to help customize the design.
This means every customer will have the choice to personalize their RadRunners with various racks and platforms to explore. It’s unarguably one of the best benefits of getting this electric bicycle.
That’s because the initial design is quite bare and basic. Of course, people who love minimalistic designs won’t mind this. Still, beyond the simple design, the RadRunner 2 delivers on performance, speed, optimal battery levels, and functionality.
Apart from the somewhat v-shaped step-thru frame, there's an upgraded saddle that makes this electric bike a better pick than its predecessor. The seat has extra padding to improve comfort and an ergonomic angle that improves the overall riding experience.
Many potential buyers aren’t convinced with a few simple quirks and an extra-padded seat. This is understandable, riders want to know how durable, functional, and stable their electric bikes will be.
That’s why it was important to consider the electric bikes' stability, power, and battery life amongst other things. It was nice to know that the RadRunner 2 rocks a laid-back head tube angle that helps to improve stability.
That works hand in hand with the sturdy front fork which gives riders optimal control while they ride around town. It is important to note that, with just a single-speed drivetrain, this electric bike is probably more suited to city-round commutes or casual riding.
It may not be best to think about adventurous speeds with this utility E-bike. Still, the LED control panel, integrated rear rack, and 750W power are certainly consolation. The LED panel displays everything from the battery level, power buttons, pedal assistance, and lights.
While the rear rack can shoulder baskets, panniers, or even hold an extra seat. Last but not least, thanks to the powerful geared hub motor, this E-bike can power through steep hills, rocky roads, and sandy terrains.
Main Features:
- Riders Weight Limit | 300 lbs (137 kg)
- Battery | 48V, 14 Ah Lithium-Ion Battery
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If you love long commutes and fun adventures on and off-road, then the RadRunner would be a smart, affordable, functional, and ergonomic choice. It’s one of those bicycles that takes comfort into consideration above all things.
The extra-padded seats make that very clear. Plus it comes with an extended passenger seat that’s equally padded for a partner, friend, or family member. Just like most of the Rad bikes, the design is quite simple.
The design is not over the top or something to really show off about. Still, if you love retro styles and functional frames, then the RadRunner satisfies both essentials.
To further explain its distinguishable functionality, this electric bike comes with a 7-speed drivetrain that makes outdoor exploring fun and versatile. Riders can choose to take things slow and steady while commuting to and from work or running errands.
However, rockier roads, hills, sandy terrains, and off-road tracks, in general, may require more torque and power capacity.
Thankfully, the well-thought-out design on the RadRunner allows you and an extra friend to choose between a good range of speed options without compromising on fun, safety, or comfort. Plus, the integrated head and tail lights ensure all paths stay lit regardless of the time of the day.
But most importantly, the RadRunner is yet another low-framed bike suitable for short riders. It can be quite annoying trying to overreach on a regular bike built for people with a height ranges from 5”6 to 6”6.
The RadRunner, by popular opinion, is one electric bicycle that has successfully combined retro aesthetics and modern functionality with a guaranteed convenient riding experience for fun-sized riders.
Main Features:
- Riders Weight Limit | 300 lbs (137 kg)
- Motor | 750W Geared Hub Motor
- Battery | 48V, 14 Ah Lithium-Ion Battery
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Easily one of the most sturdy electric bikes you'll ever come across, the Tern GSD is a cargo e-bike rated for maximum weights of up to 440 lbs (200 kg).
In terms of space, the Tern GSD S10 outclasses the Hyperscrambler and MOTAN M-66 R7 with a massive frame-integrated rear rack rated for weights of up to 200 pounds (91 kg). Riders can mount padded seats on the e-bike's rear rack to make it better suited to dual-passenger riding or, if they have smaller kids, place two baby seats on the rack.
The bike also comes with integrated footrests, a pair of dress guards, and a chain guard to make riding safer and more comfortable for passengers.
Tern even allows riders to customize their GSD units by including various mounts throughout the bike's frame.
Run out of space? No problem! Just fix a basket to the stem mount or attach a trailer to the e-bike's dedicated trailer mount.
Traveling up steep hills should be a breeze with this beast - even when you have a passenger on board. The bike is equipped with a mid-drive motor that provides pedal assistance up to 400% of the rider's input.
Pros
Cons
Main Features:
Editor's Choice (Affordable Options)
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Alternatives We Like
Juiced's Hyperscrambler 2 is a moderately-priced moped-style e-bike equipped with a 1000-Watt Bafang Retroblade hub-motor. Mounted on the Hyperscrambler's frame is a 24-inch padded seat.
Now, for those who don't know, regular bicycle saddles typically measure between 9 (22 cm) and 11 (28 cm) inches in length. This means the Hyperscrambler's double seat has almost three times more room than the average saddle.
To make rides even more comfortable for passengers, Juiced fits a pair of coil springs to every Hyperscrambler unit. These act as the e-bike's rear suspension and ensure passengers enjoy smooth rides when cruising over bumpy terrain.
You can also attach an aftermarket rear rack to the Hyperscrambler to create more space for cargo or an extra passenger. Just make sure your total payload doesn't exceed what the bike can take.
Pros
- It is a full-suspension e-bike. Unlike hardtail electric bikes that provide cushioning for only the front half of the unit, the Hyperscrambler 2 absorbs shock on both of its ends, ensuring that riders and passengers enjoy a smooth ride.
- It is one of the best electric bikes, safety-wise. Every Hyperscrambler 2 order comes with a pair of mirrors, front & rear indicator lights, pre-installed front & rear lights, and a horn.
People often overlook these features when browsing through e-bike product pages online. Don't be one of them, opt for an electric bike with pre-installed safety accessories — they always come in handy on busy roads.
Cons
- For a moped-style electric bike, the Hyperscrambler 2's weight capacity is pretty low. The recommended weight limit for the Hyperscrambler 2 is 275 lbs (125 kg). Which is kind of disappointing considering the bike's frame build.
Main Features:
- Riders Weight Limit | 275 lbs (125 kg)
- Motor | 1000-Watt Bafang Retroblade hub-motor
The Addmotor Motan M-66 R7 might not possess the same high-end components as the Hyperscrambler, however, its design offers a higher level of comfort, when riding with a passenger, than most moped-style e-bikes in its class.
One of the most obvious features of the Addmotor MOTAN M-66 R7 is its oversized saddle. That thing measures up to 24 inches in length and can accommodate two adult riders.
The e-bike also comes with foldable steel pegs which allow passengers to rest their feet as they cruise through town.
If you're very particular about riding comfort, the Addmotor Motan M-66 R7 might just be the best 2-seater e-bike for you. It is fitted with a 750W brushless hub motor that draws power from a 768Wh lithium-ion battery.
The maximum payload capacity of Addmotor's MOTAN M-66 R7 is 300 lbs/136 kg (25 lbs/11.3 kg higher than the Hyperscrambler). It also comes preinstalled with front & rear headlights as well as dual fenders.
Pros
- It is an affordable dual-passenger e-bike. The Addmotor MOTAN M-66 R7 retails for just $1999 - $1000 cheaper than the Juiced Hyperscrambler.
Cons
- The bike has a tiny frame. While riding on the MOTAN M-66 R7 might be comfortable for two short riders, the bike is just not built to carry more than one tall rider.
A large part of the bike's saddle is positioned too close to the stem making it hard for tall riders (between 5'11 and 6'2) to sit comfortably without shifting to the rear end of the seat. - Its fenders (especially the rear one) don't provide full protection against wheel sprays. They're small and can't catch all the dirt thrown up by the bike's wheels.
Main Features:
- Riders Weight Limit | 440 lbs (200 kg)
- Motor | Bafang 48V*750W Integrated Wheel Motor
- Battery | 48V*11.6Ah Lithium Battery
- Speed | 20 mph
What’s the Best Premium E-bike for Carrying Babies?
Few cargo e-bikes have a cult-like enthusiasm than the Tern GSD.
This cargo e-bike is a real monster on the road and will even let you bring two babies with you.
The best part?
It has the footprint of a regular bike, making it a super convenient purchase for the small families who need to take the bike on the train, store it in a small apartment or even maneuver in tight city spaces.
Main Features:
