Xtracycle Swoop ASM review: The nicest cargo e-bike I’ve tested… so far!

This one is a bit outside the usual home energy upgrade territory, but it touches on household transportation choices, so here's the rundown. A new cargo e-bike called the Xtracycle Swoop ASM has been getting strong marks in testing, mainly for how it handles the job of replacing car trips for errands and kid-hauling. It's a Class 3 electric bike, meaning it can assist up to 28 mph, with a mid-drive motor and battery rated for up to 60 miles of range per charge. Both parts carry UL safety certification, which matters if you're thinking about charging a bike battery in your house or garage.

The standout feature is automatic electronic shifting, which changes gears for you, including downshifting automatically when you stop so you're not stuck in the wrong gear at a red light with kids and cargo on board. The rear deck is built to carry two or more passengers, plus gear, and comes with sturdy included accessories rather than charging extra for the equipment that makes it a practical family hauler.

The price is $4,495, putting it in premium territory compared to budget cargo bikes that start around $1,500, though still well under some models that run close to $8,000. For homeowners weighing whether an e-bike could replace a second car for school runs or errands, this is a reminder that the cargo e-bike category now spans a wide range of prices and capabilities, with quality and durability varying a lot depending on what you spend.