Storage Solutions: Best Rear E-Bike Baskets Tested

Choosing the Right Material and Structure

Finding the perfect rear basket (sold separately) for your Electric Bike is a game-changer—here's why: once installed, it forever changes how you will think about biking on your Pedego! Whether riding to work, running errands or off on something more adventurous, the right bag can help you get there in comfort and convenience. This guide goes in-depth on the best rear e-bike baskets, and we’ve tested them across important categories to help you make an informed decision that works great with your bike and lifestyle.
Let's make a great basket: The foundation (pun intended) of any great basket is its material and structure—your choice affects the durability, weight, and weather resistance above all. Selecting the correct material is essential if you want your investment to last. One bad choice and you could be dealing with a rusty, cracked or broken basket when loaded. To determine which one is best for you, think about the typical weather and how much your gear will weigh. A well-made basket will not only hold up to daily use, but it will also survive in the elements for many years.

Steel Baskets

Generally coated in vinyl or powder-coated to protect it, steel provides maximum strength and durability. It's an excellent pick for heavy-duty hauling.

Pro Tip

Touch up any scratches to keep rust at bay with outdoor-grade metal paint. By simply performing this maintenance measure, you will double the life of your basket.

Aluminum Baskets

A great compromise between the strength of steel and the low weight of plastic. They are naturally rust-resistant so they are great for riders who live in wet or coastal areas.

Wicker Baskets

Natural or synthetic wicker baskets give a classic, fashionable look and are lightweight but less long-lasting. They are ideal for lighter loads, such as a small purse or a jacket.

Quality Check

On the quality front, synthetic, all-weather wicker is much more resistant to rain and sun than natural rattan.

Plastic/Resin Baskets

These are contemporary, lightweight and 100% weatherproof. They don’t rust or rot, but you will need a high-quality plastic that is UV-resistant (to avoid it growing brittle over time).

Understanding Mounting Systems

The way that a basket is mounted is equally important as its material—it's what defines whether or not the basket will work with your Electric Bike and whether or not it does the job. A snug fit is critical for safety, as a bag or basket that’s too loose may shift on you and throw off your balance. There are 3 common mounting types; all have their own advantages. It is essential to measure the width and length of your e-bike rear rack before purchasing and check that the mounting hardware will fit.

Permanent Mount (Bolt-On)

Arguably the most difficult of mount types. The basket is directly bolted to the rear rack.

Installation Tip

When you’re installing, be sure to torque the bolts in a criss-cross pattern, similar to lug nuts on a car wheel, so they exert even pressure. You may wish to add a drop of blue thread lock compound on each bolt so that they do not come loose from vibration over time. This is the old-school way to install an anchor; this thing will not bust out.

Quick-Release Mount

These systems use a special bracket or adapter (like MIK or Racktime) that lets you click the basket on and off quickly. This is great for riders who want to take their basket off throughout the day, use it for errands or simply prefer taking their basket with them when they’re away from their bike.

Strap or Hook Mounts

Straightforward and sometimes tool-free, these are the least secure. They can only be used up to a very limited load and neither are they adapted for rough ground. They are not designed for valuables or heavy, regular, prolonged use if used on a powerful Electric Bike.

Baskets for Adventure E-Bikes like the ENGWE M20

ENGWE M20

Full Suspension Fat E-bike That Looks Like a Motorcycle

Buy Now

When you’ve got a dual-purpose adventure e-bike that’s as capable off-road as on, you need pannier bags that will keep up with the ride. There's a good example in the ENGWE M20 — An adventure-first full suspension fat e-bike. The post "An adventure-first full suspension fat e-bike – the ENGWE M20" appeared first on Electrek. With its smartphone-like streamline design, powerful brushless 55 N.m torque motor, and impressive double suspension system, it’s built for more than just city streets. If you own one of these, what you also need is a basket that’s incredibly durable and reliable. The answer: the M20, thanks to its large 120kg max load capacity, simply because the best rooftop basket for a Landcruiser is a hardy bolt-on metal rack that can handle the vibrations of off-road tracks and has no qualms supporting heaps of weight. So equipped, the M20, which already alleviates range anxiety through its optional 75km+75km dual battery configuration, takes on an additional dimension as the ultimate utility vehicle for camping, fishing or any off-road adventure!

Critical Features For A M20 Compatible Basket Include:

• Heavy-Duty Steel Construction: For demanding riding conditions and a tough, adventure-ready bike frame design.
• Wide and Flat Base: To adjust for a solid fit on the wider rear racks found on such fat tire bicycles including the M20, which measures 20x4.0" tires.
• Stable Multi-Point Bolt-On System: The rack should never appear to move back and forth during rides, with its sturdy mount adding value to the basket system for a steady ride secured by the bike's 2 dependable disc brakes.
• High Weight Capacity: It is advised you select a basket with a 25kg (55 lbs) loading capacity to maximize your bike’s functionality.

Those for a city bike, specifically one that needs to be chained and stashed daily near the office, have become larger and more sophisticated; virtually all are detachable for easy shopping or laundry loading/unloading. The right baskets cost $20-$200, ranging from just-in-case rattan-ish metal to waterproof, rain-friendly versions. Size and design determine what you can carry and it’s vitally important to make sure your stuff's volume doesn’t exceed the two-wheeler's capacity. If it fits once in sling-shot mode—that beloved doggie traveling tote bag you push your baby across town in—then don’t include height but do count weight. Not only check how much weight the basket can hold, you also have to check what is the maximum load capacity of your e-bike rear rack itself. The rack is usually the weak link. OVERLOADING your rack causes damage to the frame and, more importantly, can make for a dangerous ride as it compromises the way your bike steers and brakes — and that’s particularly risky when you’re moving along at a steady clip.

For the Daily Commuter (15-20 Liters)

This is a great size to use if you need an everyday work bag that can accommodate your laptop and lunch, as well as a change of clothes. “Try to find a little bit of a taller profile on the basket so that it kind of keeps things in there,” she says.

For the Grocery Shopper (25-40 Liters)

You need one with a wider, deeper basket, specifically designed to hold one or two standard paper grocery bags just so.

For the Pet Owner

You need a pet basket. They feature essential safety features such as a wire mesh top to prevent escape and a padded floor for comfort. Make certain the weight recommendation will comfortably accommodate your pet's body weight.

For the Delivery Pro or Heavy Hauler (>40 Liters)

If you need lots and lots of space, go for a large, platform-style basket or crate. Generally of steel construction, they also demand a heavy-duty rear rack and are firmly bolted on.

Recommended Baskets for Daily Commuting

For those who rely on traditional Electric Bike models for daily commuting, there are a few brands that provide great, well-tested baskets made for convenience and functionality. They are distinguished by robust mounts, intuitive designs, and strong materials that are made to stand up to the strains of urban environments. They provide a perfect mix of style and utility for anyone wanting to add a more practical edge to their daily ride.

Wald 582 Rear Bicycle Basket

A timeless pick that’s basic and very sturdy. Made of steel wire, it’s pretty lightweight and installs easily. Its low-profile design facilitates loading and unloading.

Topeak TrolleyTote Folding MTX Rear Basket

Smart for grocery shopping. This fabric basket connects with a quick-release track system and has a telescoping handle and wheels, transforming it into rolling cart mode after you’ve dismounted the bike.

Axiom Market Basket LX

Double platform woodgrain recycled PVC construction holds loads up to 75 lbs. Heavy duty and lightweight. Premium features like easy-lift handles, backing plates to wrap the yoke around, not through the handle, and a quick-release universal mount system. It comes with a carrying handle and quick-release mount.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q1: How can I avoid my stuff rattling or bouncing out?
A: You should use a bungee cargo net stretched across the middle of the basket. It’s an inexpensive and effective accessory that keeps loose items in place so they don’t eject on bumps.

Q2: Will installing a rear basket make my Electric Bike difficult to ride?
A: A heavy rear basket can be unstable, since it adds weight and raises the center of gravity. Begin by hauling fewer items, and try turning in an empty parking lot to get a feel for how things handle.

Q3: Do wire mesh baskets beat out solid-walled baskets?
A: Wire mesh baskets are lighter and you can use bungee cords or nets from all angles, but smaller objects might fall out the bottom. Solid baskets will provide better protection from road spray and keep smaller items secured.

We’ve made it an easy upgrade to decide on the correct rear basket that’s compatible with your e-bike.