Cargo Bike
Buzz Bicycles Beekeeper
Budget longtail with surprising specs at an unbeatable price
$1,299
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72lbs
Weight
400lbs
Max load
60Nm
Torque
~26mi
Real range
500Wh
Battery
The Carryish Take
Bottom line: The Beekeeper proves you don't need to spend $2,000+ for solid longtail cargo hauling.
Best for
- Families with 1-2 kids under 10 replacing short car trips
- Budget-conscious buyers who need serious cargo capacity
- Suburban riders with garage storage and moderate hills
- First-time cargo bike buyers testing the car-replacement waters
Not for
- Apartment dwellers — 72 lbs up stairs isn't happening daily
- Steep hill climbers — the RadWagon 4's torque sensor handles grades better
- Premium seekers — spend $800 more on the Tern Quick Haul for Bosch power
Pros & Cons
What we like
- +500Wh battery delivers 30-35 real-world miles with mixed riding
- +400-lb total capacity handles two kids plus weekly groceries
- +Thumb throttle makes loaded starts effortless
- +Mixed wheel sizes (24"/20") optimize stability and loading height
- +Shimano 7-speed drivetrain handles moderate hills loaded
- +$1,299 price undercuts most longtails by $400+
Watch out for
- –At 72 lbs, you'll struggle with stairs or second-floor storage
- –Mechanical disc brakes require more hand strength than hydraulic
- –Generic motor lacks the refinement of Bosch or Bafang systems
- –No specs on accessories — might need aftermarket kid seats and bags
Full Specifications
Motor & Power
- Motor
- Generic (Hub (rear))
- Power
- 500W nominal
- Torque
- 60 Nm
- Assist levels
- 5
- Throttle
- Thumb throttle
- Top speed
- 20 mph
- Class
- Class 2 (20 mph, throttle)
Battery & Range
- Battery
- 500Wh
- Voltage
- 48V
- Stated range
- 40 mi
- Charge time
- 5 hrs
Size & Weight
- Weight
- 72 lbs
- Max system weight
- 400 lbs
- Rider height
- 5'2" – 6'3"
Drivetrain & Brakes
- Drivetrain
- Chain — Shimano
- Gearing
- Derailleur (7-speed)
- Brakes
- Mechanical disc
Wheels & Comfort
- Front wheel
- 24in
- Rear wheel
- 20in
- Tire width
- 3"
Cargo & Family
- Layout
- Longtail
Safety & Security
- Integrated lights
- Yes
Extras
- Display
- LCD
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the 500Wh battery compare to other budget longtails?
It's surprisingly generous — the Lectric XPedition has 672Wh, but most budget longtails sit around 480-500Wh. You'll get 30-35 miles with kids and cargo in eco mode.
Can this handle two kids safely?
Yes, with the right accessories. The 400-lb capacity and stable geometry work, but you'll need to buy compatible kid seats separately — check what fits the rear rack design.
How does it climb hills loaded?
The 60Nm motor and 7-speed Shimano drivetrain handle moderate suburban grades fine. Steep San Francisco-style hills will have you pedaling hard even in the lowest gear.
Is assembly difficult?
Most longtails arrive 85% assembled — you'll mount wheels, handlebars, and accessories. Budget for local bike shop assembly if you're not handy with tools.
Against the $1,399 Lectric XPedition, you trade 172Wh of battery for $100 savings. Compared to the $2,099 Tern Quick Haul, you lose Bosch refinement but keep 80% of the functionality at 60% the price.
