Cargo Bike
Madsen Electric DK2
The bucket bike that puts kids first but costs like a premium longtail
by Madsen
$3,799
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90lbs
Weight
600lbs
Max load
120Nm
Torque
780Wh
Battery
The Carryish Take
Bottom line: An expensive but uniquely kid-focused cargo bike that prioritizes passenger happiness over practical versatility.
Best for
- Families with 3-4 kids who want everyone to ride together
- Parents prioritizing kid comfort over cargo hauling flexibility
- Suburban families with garage storage and car replacement goals
- Anyone whose kids have rejected traditional longtail seats
Not for
- Budget buyers — the RadWagon 4 does family hauling for $1,899
- Urban riders who need to store indoors or navigate tight spaces
- Cargo haulers who need versatility — the Tern GSD converts better
- Anyone without kids — you're paying for features you won't use
Pros & Cons
What we like
- +Massive bucket seats up to 4 kids comfortably with bench-style seating
- +750W Bafang mid-drive with 120Nm torque handles hills with a full load
- +780Wh battery provides 25-35 miles of real-world family hauling range
- +Kids actually love riding in the bucket — it's like a moving fort
- +American-made with solid steel frame and 600 lb total capacity
- +Class 2 compliance means legal everywhere e-bikes are allowed
Watch out for
- –At 90 lbs, nearly impossible to lift or maneuver without motor assist
- –Wooden bucket requires regular maintenance and weather protection
- –$3,799 is premium longtail money for limited cargo versatility
- –Massive footprint makes apartment storage nearly impossible
Full Specifications
Motor & Power
- Motor
- Bafang (Mid-drive)
- Power
- 750W nominal
- Torque
- 120 Nm
- Assist levels
- 5
- Throttle
- Thumb throttle
- Class
- Class 2 (20 mph, throttle)
Battery & Range
- Battery
- 780Wh
- Voltage
- 52V
- Removable
- Yes
Size & Weight
- Weight
- 90 lbs
- Max system weight
- 600 lbs
Drivetrain & Brakes
- Drivetrain
- Chain — KMC
- Brakes
- Hydraulic disc — Tektro
Cargo & Family
- Layout
- Longtail
Extras
- Display
- LCD
Frequently Asked Questions
How many kids can actually fit in the bucket?
Officially 4 kids, but realistically 2-3 depending on ages and sizes. Two elementary schoolers fit perfectly with room to move around.
Can I haul cargo instead of kids?
Yes, but the bucket design isn't optimized for it. You'll get more cargo versatility from a traditional longtail with panniers and accessories.
How does the wooden bucket hold up to weather?
The wood is treated but needs occasional maintenance. Most owners recommend a cover for long-term outdoor storage.
Is 90 lbs too heavy for daily use?
It's manageable with the motor running but genuinely difficult to move manually. Plan on always having battery power for basic maneuvering.
If the RadWagon 4 is the budget family hauler and the Tern GSD is the Swiss Army knife, the DK2 is the dedicated kid mobile. Choose it when happy passengers matter more than cargo flexibility or price.
