Accessories

Cargo Baskets

Front and rear baskets with e-bike-appropriate weight ratings.

A basket is the least fussy way to carry things on an e-bike. No hooks, no straps, just drop in a bag and go. They make sense for the short trips e-bikes are so good at: a run to the grocery store in Frisco, a library drop, carrying a lock and a jacket to work. The key is choosing a basket with a real weight rating and mounting it in a way that suits a heavier bike.

Front baskets come in two flavors. Handlebar-mounted baskets attach to the bar and turn with steering; they are quick to fit but should be kept light because the weight swings the front end on every turn, which feels worse on a 60-pound bike with wide tires. Fork- or frame-mounted front racks keep the load fixed to the frame, so steering stays neutral even with a heavier load, and they are the better choice for anything more than a jacket and a bag. Rear baskets sit on a rear rack and carry more weight more stably, but they are not ideal on bikes with a child seat or panniers.

Check the basket's rated capacity, the rack's rated capacity, and whether your bike has the mounts the basket needs. Many e-bike forks have no eyelets, and suspension forks generally cannot take a fork-mounted rack. A basket that bolts to the rack or frame will always be quieter and safer than one hanging on a bar clamp, and a cargo net or bungee keeps loads from bouncing out on rough pavement.

2 products

Shop cargo baskets

Open a product for our full notes, pros and cons, and the link to its Amazon listing. We do not sell or ship products ourselves.

Filter

Clear all

Brand

Wald (1)Topeak (1)

Use case

neighborhood (2)commuting (2)

Cargo Baskets

Topeak MTX Basket Rear

Topeak's MTX Basket Rear slides onto the same QuickTrack rail as the MTX trunk bags, which means you can swap between a basket for groceries and a bag for commuting in seconds. The steel-mesh basket folds flat when not in use and has a handle for carrying it into the store. Weight capacity is moderate, so think grocery bags rather than tool chests. As with all MTX gear, you need a compatible rack or adapter plate; many e-bike racks are not MTX-compatible out of the box. It is a practical, tidy solution that avoids zip ties and bungees.

Best for: Grocery and errand runs · Topeak MTX rack owners · Riders who alternate between bag and basket

View details & where to buy

Sold on Amazon

Cargo Baskets

Wald 137 Front Basket

The Wald 137 is a steel wire basket made in Kentucky that has been bolted to American bikes for generations. It mounts to the handlebar with two brackets and two adjustable struts that reach down to the front axle, which is why it carries real weight compared to quick-release baskets. On an e-bike, the struts need to clear a front hub motor axle and any fender stays, and the handlebar brackets need room next to the display and brake levers. Once it is on, it will hold a grocery bag or a small dog carrier without complaint, and it costs very little.

Best for: Cruiser and step-through e-bikes · Grocery runs and errands · Budget cargo carrying

View details & where to buy

Sold on Amazon

How to choose cargo baskets

Mount type

Frame- or fork-mounted front baskets keep weight off the steering and are best for anything heavy. Handlebar-clamp baskets are easy but should be kept light. Rear baskets need a rack with enough rating and a flat deck.

Weight rating

Look for a published load rating, and stay under the lower of the basket and rack ratings. On an e-bike, front loads over roughly 10 to 15 pounds noticeably change handling when bar-mounted.

Fit with your cockpit

Front baskets must clear the display, headlight, brake hoses and cables. A tall basket can block the headlight beam, so check the height or relocate the light.

Material and size

Steel wire is sturdy and cheap; aluminum is lighter; wood and wicker are pretty but take abuse poorly. Size the basket to a standard grocery bag or your commuter bag rather than going as large as possible.

Quick-release or fixed

Quick-release baskets double as a shopping basket but can rattle loose if the latch wears. Bolted baskets are quieter and more secure.

Installation considerations

Route cables and brake hoses so they are not pinched by the basket mount; check that the front brake still moves freely.
Use thread locker on basket bolts; e-bike vibration loosens hardware faster than you expect.
Add a cargo net or bungee so loads cannot bounce out on rough roads.

Frequently asked questions

Does a front basket make an e-bike hard to steer?

A handlebar-mounted basket with a heavy load does. The weight swings with the bar and makes the front wander, especially at low speed. A fork- or frame-mounted basket keeps the load fixed to the frame and avoids most of that.

Can I put a basket on a bike with a suspension fork?

Handlebar-mounted baskets work. Fork-mounted racks generally do not fit suspension forks without special mounts, and clamping to the fork legs of a suspension fork is not a good idea.

Will a front basket block my headlight?

It can. Many e-bikes mount the headlight low on the fork crown or stem. Check the basket height, or move the light to the basket front or a fork mount.

Rear basket or panniers?

Baskets are easier for quick drops and odd-shaped items. Panniers carry more, are weatherproof, and come off the bike. Many riders use a rear basket on one bike and panniers for long commutes.