Cargo Bike
Yuba Kombi E5
Entry-level longtail with mid-drive power that won't break the bank
by Yuba
$2,899 – $3,229
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63lbs
Weight
440lbs
Max load
40Nm
Torque
~25mi
Real range
418Wh
Battery
2
Kids
Carryish Scores
7/10
Overall
5/10
Hills
7/10
Cargo
6/10
Range
8/10
Value
7/10
Family
The Carryish Take
Yuba quality at an entry-level price. The Shimano Steps motor has less torque (40Nm vs 85Nm on the Spicy Curry) so steep hills with a full load will be slower. But for flat-to-moderate terrain, it does the job. The rear rack fits two child seats or panniers. Wheel skirts keep little fingers away from spokes. Good first cargo bike if you're not sure you'll commit to the lifestyle.
Bottom line: The Kombi E5 delivers mid-drive quality at hub motor pricing — a rare find in today's cargo bike market.
Best for
- Families with 1-2 kids under 8 wanting mid-drive refinement
- Suburban parents doing school runs and grocery trips
- First-time cargo bike buyers who want to skip hub motors
- Households replacing a second car on flat to moderate terrain
Not for
- Heavy haulers — the Radwagon 4 carries more for $500 less
- Hill climbers — the Tern GSD's 85Nm torque crushes steep grades
- Budget buyers — the Lectric XPedition does longtail basics for $1,400 less
- Daily car replacers who need 40+ mile range
Pros & Cons
What we like
- +Shimano mid-drive feels natural and responsive compared to hub motors
- +63 lbs is genuinely light for a longtail cargo bike
- +15-year frame warranty backs up Yuba's build quality claims
- +440 lb total capacity handles two kids plus weekly groceries
- +Magura hydraulic brakes stop confidently with cargo loads
- +Integrated lights and Class 1 compliance keep you street legal
Watch out for
- –418Wh battery runs thin on longer rides with heavy cargo
- –40Nm torque struggles on steep hills when fully loaded
- –Component spec feels budget-focused for a $3,300 bike
- –Only available through Yuba dealers, limiting test ride options
Full Specifications
Motor & Power
- Motor
- Shimano (Mid-drive)
- Power
- 250W nominal / 400W peak
- Torque
- 40 Nm
- Assist levels
- 3
- Throttle
- None
- Top speed
- 20 mph
- Class
- Class 1 (20 mph, no throttle)
Battery & Range
- Battery
- Shimano 418Wh
- Voltage
- 36V
- Removable
- Yes
- Stated range
- 40 mi
- Real-world range
- ~25 mi (loaded)
- Charge time
- 4 hrs
Size & Weight
- Weight
- 63 lbs
- Max system weight
- 440 lbs
- Cargo capacity
- 175 lbs
- Rider height
- 5'0" – 6'2"
Drivetrain & Brakes
- Drivetrain
- Chain — Shimano Alivio
- Gearing
- Derailleur (9-speed)
- Brakes
- Hydraulic disc — Magura
- Rotor size
- 180/180mm
Wheels & Comfort
- Front wheel
- 26"
- Rear wheel
- 20"
- Tire width
- 2.15"
- Tires
- Schwalbe
- Puncture protection
- Yes
- Suspension
- Rigid
Cargo & Family
- Layout
- Longtail
- Max child passengers
- 2
- Child seat compatibility
- Yuba child seats, Thule Yepp
- Footboards
- Yes
- Wheel guards
- Yes
- Racks
- Rear
- Rack system
- Yuba
Safety & Security
- Integrated lights
- Yes
- Locking kickstand
- Yes
Extras
- Display
- Shimano E6100
- Kickstand
- double leg
- Fenders
- Included
- Included accessories
- Wheel skirts, running boards, fenders, kickstand
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the 40Nm Shimano motor compare to other cargo bikes?
It's smoother than most hub motors but weaker than premium mid-drives. Think Honda Civic reliable rather than Tesla quick.
Can the 418Wh battery handle daily car replacement?
For trips under 15 miles, yes. Longer commutes or heavy cargo loads will need daily charging.
Is 63 lbs actually manageable for most riders?
It's light for a cargo bike but still awkward to lift. You'll manage stairs but won't love them.
Why choose this over the Radwagon 4?
The mid-drive motor feels more natural and the build quality is noticeably better. Worth the $500 premium for most riders.
Against the Radwagon 4, you're paying $500 more for significantly better motor feel and build quality. Compared to the Tern GSD, you're saving $1,500 but giving up serious hill-climbing power and premium components.
