Our Cargo Bike 101 glossary breaks down the most important terminology into clear, professional explanations. We’ve categorized the terms into bike fundamentals, key components, drivetrain & performance, electrical systems, and braking technology, making it easy to find exactly what you need. Whether you’re new to the industry or looking to deepen your expertise, this guide will help you navigate the technology behind e-bike, and e-cargo bikes with confidence.
Term | Definition |
Diamond Frame | A traditional frame design made of two triangles, offering strength and efficiency. |
Cargo Box Chassis | The base frame that supports the cargo box for stability. |
Step-Through Frame | A frame with a low top tube for easy mounting and dismounting, ideal for cargo bikes. |
Rigid Fork | A non-suspension fork that offers durability and better load capacity for cargo bikes. |
Cargo Rack | A frame-mounted platform designed for carrying goods or attaching extra accessories. |
Wheelbase | The distance between the front and rear wheel axles; a longer wheelbase improves stability. |
Standover Height | The height from the ground to the top tube; ensures comfortable standing over the bike. |
Head Tube Angle | The angle of the front fork steering tube relative to the ground; affects handling. |
Bottom Bracket Drop | The vertical distance from the bottom bracket to the wheel axles; influences balance. |
Chainstay Length | The distance from the bottom bracket to the rear axle; longer chainstays help with load distribution. |
Fork Rake (Offset) | The horizontal distance between the steering axis and the front wheel contact point; affects steering response. |
Trail | The distance between the front wheel’s contact point and the projected steering axis; more trail improves stability. |
Tapered Head Tube | A head tube that is wider at the bottom, increasing front-end stiffness and steering precision. |
Seat Tube Angle | The angle of the seat tube relative to the ground; affects pedaling efficiency and rider position. |
Stack & Reach | Stack is the vertical distance from the bottom bracket to the top of the head tube; reach is the horizontal distance from the bottom bracket to the head tube. |
Downtube Reinforcement | Additional strengthening in the downtube to handle extra cargo weight and stress. |
Steering Assembly | The system that controls the front wheel’s movement, including linkages and bearings. |
Suspension Assembly | The shock-absorbing system that improves comfort on uneven roads. |
Handlebar Tube | The bar that the rider holds to steer the bike, available in different shapes for ergonomics. |
Term | Definition |
6061-T6 Aluminum | A lightweight, corrosion-resistant aluminum alloy commonly used for cargo bike frames. |
7005 Aluminum | A stronger but slightly heavier aluminum alloy, providing better fatigue resistance. |
Reynolds 853 Steel | A high-end steel alloy that strengthens after welding, offering a balance of strength and comfort. |
Chromoly Steel (4130) | A durable steel alloy known for its strength, fatigue resistance, and smooth ride feel. |
Titanium Frame | A lightweight, rust-resistant material offering high strength but at a premium cost. |
Hydroforming | A technique where metal tubes are shaped using high-pressure fluid, allowing for complex designs. |
TIG Welding | A precise welding method that provides clean, strong joints in aluminum and steel frames. |
ED Coating (Electrophoretic Deposition) | An anti-rust coating that extends the life of metal bike frames. |
Double Butted Tubing | Tubes with thinner walls in the middle and thicker ends, reducing weight without compromising strength. |
Internal Cable Routing | A design where cables run inside the frame, protecting them from damage and improving aesthetics. |
Dropouts | The slots where the rear wheel attaches to the frame; can be horizontal (for chain tensioning) or vertical (for easy wheel removal). |
Thru-Axle | A stronger axle system that threads through the frame and wheel, increasing stiffness and alignment. |
ISCG Mounts (International Standard Chain Guide) | Mounting points for a chain guide or bash guard, often found on mid-drive e-cargo bikes. |
Term | Definition |
Cargo Load Capacity | The maximum weight a cargo bike can safely carry, including both rider and cargo, typically between 100-250 kg for commercial cargo bikes. |
Rack Mounts | Pre-drilled attachment points on the frame for installing cargo racks, child seats, or other accessories. |
Integrated Frame Lock | A built-in locking system on the frame, allowing for quick security without needing an external lock. |
Wheel Flare | The outward angle of the rear triangle to accommodate wider tires, improving traction and stability under heavy loads. |
Wheel Hub | The center of the wheel that holds the axle and bearings. |
Inner Tube | The inflatable rubber tube inside the tire, providing cushioning. |
Outer Tire | The rubber part of the wheel that contacts the road, affecting grip and durability. |
Shock Absorber | A suspension component that reduces vibrations and enhances riding comfort. |
Term | Definition |
Gear Ratio | The relationship between the front chainring and rear cog; lower ratios provide easier pedaling, while higher ratios improve speed. |
Belt Drive System | A maintenance-free alternative to chains that uses a carbon-reinforced belt, offering silent and smooth operation. |
Mid-Drive Motor Integration | A design where the electric motor is mounted near the bottom bracket, optimizing weight distribution and efficiency. |
Multi-Speed Drivetrain | A system with multiple gears, allowing for better efficiency in various terrains and loads. |
Single-Speed Drivetrain | A simple drivetrain with one gear ratio, requiring less maintenance but limiting speed versatility. |
Bottom Bracket (BB) | The bearing assembly that connects the crankset to the frame, allowing smooth pedaling motion. |
Belt Pulley | A grooved wheel that guides the belt in a belt drive system, replacing traditional chainrings and cassettes. |
Carbon Belt Drive | A low-maintenance, grease-free alternative to chains, offering silent and durable performance. |
Standard Fork / Suspension Fork | A front fork that can be rigid or equipped with suspension for better shock absorption. |
Stem | The part that connects the handlebars to the fork, affecting the bike’s handling. |
Grips | Rubber or foam coverings on the handlebars that improve comfort and grip. |
Crank Arm | The metal arm connecting the pedals to the bike’s drivetrain, transferring power from the rider to the wheels. |
Bottom Bracket | The bearing system inside the frame that allows the crank arms to spin freely. |
Saddle | The bike seat, designed for comfort based on different riding styles. |
Seat Post | The tube that connects the saddle to the frame and allows height adjustment. |
Cassette / Freewheel | The rear gear cluster that determines the bike’s gear range and shifting efficiency. |
Term | Explaination |
Direct Drive Hub Motor | A motor that directly powers the wheel without gears, offering durability but with some resistance when coasting. |
Geared Hub Motor | A motor with internal planetary gears that improves torque and efficiency while reducing motor size. |
Mid-Drive Motor | A motor mounted near the bottom bracket, offering better weight distribution and efficiency. |
Mid-Drive Motor Torque Multiplier | A system where motor power is amplified through the bike’s gears for greater efficiency on hills and heavy loads. |
Overvolting (Power Boosting) | Increasing battery voltage to enhance motor power output and speed, though it may reduce lifespan. |
Hub Motor | A motor integrated into the wheel hub, providing direct power to the wheel without needing a chain or belt. |
Torque Sensor | A sensor that adjusts motor assistance based on the rider’s pedaling force for a natural ride feel. |
Internally Geared Hub | A gear system enclosed inside the rear hub, offering low maintenance and smooth shifting. |
Differential Gear | A system in trikes (three-wheeled cargo bikes) that balances the speed of left and right wheels. |
Term | Definition |
Battery Management System (BMS) | A system that monitors and regulates battery performance, ensuring safety and longevity. |
Integrated Battery Compartment | A frame design that houses the battery inside the downtube for better protection. |
Smart Controller | The central unit that regulates motor power, battery usage, and various electronic features. |
Display Panel (HMI – Human-Machine Interface) | A digital screen that shows speed, battery life, and other ride metrics. |
Throttle Assist | A control mechanism that allows the rider to engage the motor without pedaling. |
Lithium Cobalt Battery | A type of lithium battery known for its high energy density, commonly used in e-bikes for better power-to-weight ratios. |
Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery | A type of rechargeable battery known for its long lifespan, safety, and thermal stability, commonly used in e-bikes. |
Lead-Acid Battery | A traditional rechargeable battery, less commonly used in e-bikes today due to its heavier weight and shorter lifespan compared to lithium-based batteries. |
Wiring Harness | A set of electrical cables connecting all electronic components to ensure smooth operation. |
Integrated Switch | A handlebar-mounted control panel for operating lights, power modes, and other functions. |
DC Converter | A device that converts the battery’s high voltage (e.g., 48V) to a lower voltage (e.g., 12V) to power accessories like lights and displays. |
Term | Definition |
Brake Caliper | The component that clamps onto the brake rotor to slow down the bike. |
Brake Master Cylinder | The hydraulic pump in a disc brake system that controls braking force. |
Hydraulic Disc Brakes | A braking system that uses hydraulic fluid to transfer force from the brake lever to the calipers, providing powerful and consistent braking. |
Mechanical Disc Brakes | A cable-actuated disc brake system that requires more manual adjustment but is easier to maintain than hydraulic brakes. |
Four-Piston Brake Caliper | A caliper with four pistons for increased braking power and better heat dissipation, commonly used in high-performance e-bikes and cargo bikes. |
Brake Rotor (Disc Rotor) | A circular metal disc attached to the wheel hub that the brake caliper clamps onto to create friction and slow the bike down. |
Floating Brake Rotor | A rotor design with a floating inner and outer ring, allowing slight movement to handle heat expansion and prevent warping. |
E-Brake Cutoff Sensor | A safety feature in e-bikes that immediately cuts motor power when the brake is applied to prevent accidental acceleration. |
Regenerative Braking | A system in some e-bikes where braking energy is converted back into battery power, improving efficiency and extending range. |
Brake Lever Reach Adjustment | A feature that allows riders to customize the distance between the brake lever and handlebars for better ergonomics and control. |
Heat-Resistant Sintered Brake Pads | High-performance brake pads made from metal compounds, designed to withstand high temperatures and provide strong braking power under heavy loads. |
Gas Spring | A high-performance suspension component often used in premium shock-absorbing systems. |