My 350km review of the Rear Loading Electric Longtail Decathlon BTWIN R500E Cargo Bike
In September, riding the latest Decathlon Electric Cargo Bike, I spent several days exploring Frasso Telesino, a small village tucked into the Campania hills of southern Italy.
The roads twist and climb through olive groves and stone-walled lanes. It’s the kind of place where cars move slowly and life moves slower still — perfect terrain to test a cargo e-bike designed for everyday family adventures.
Decathlon’s R500E long-tail cargo bike arrived as a no-nonsense machine: solid frame, wide rack, integrated lights, and space for a child seat and panniers. I fitted the Gruvi Baby Bike Seat (luggage-rack mount) in beige — an easy match for the R500E’s long rear platform — and strapped my 18-month-old daughter in for the first ride.
From the first push, the motor hummed to life and the bike rolled forward with a steady, confident feel. On the quiet village roads, it felt more like a family car replacement than a bicycle.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Motor | Rear-hub motor, 58 Nm torque |
| Battery | 672 Wh (48 V 14 Ah), removable |
| Range | 50–90 km depending on load and terrain |
| Frame | Aluminium long-tail cargo design |
| Brakes | Tektro hydraulic discs, front & rear |
| Wheels | 26″ front / 20″ rear |
| Weight | ≈ 41 kg |
| Payload | 170 kg (rider + cargo + passenger) |
| Accessories | Compatible with Gruvi/Thule/Polisport seats, footrests, panniers, and front basket |
Those numbers tell you most of what you need to know — this is a sturdy, mid-priced electric cargo bike built to carry children, groceries, or a week’s worth of beach gear without breaking a sweat.
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Setup for Family Riding
Mounting the Gruvi child seat took less than ten minutes. The seat clamps directly to the R500E’s luggage rack and locks firmly in place. The footrests lined up neatly with the rack’s lower rails, giving my daughter a stable perch.
Once loaded, the bike’s long wheelbase kept the balance surprisingly even. The kickstand is sturdy enough to handle a wiggly toddler, though you’ll still want one hand on the bars when she’s climbing in or out.
Decathlon’s accessories integrate well: built-in lights, wide rack, and space for panniers. The total system feels considered — not an afterthought — and that’s rare in this price bracket.
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Ride Experience in Frasso Telesino
Over several mornings and evenings I logged 50 km + per day on hilly roads that rarely stayed flat for long. Some climbs pitch to 10 percent or more, so it was a real-world test of torque and traction.
On rolling gradients, the 58 Nm rear-hub motor delivered smooth, predictable power. The assistance kicked in gently, keeping balance steady with a sleeping child on the back. I stayed mostly in level 3 (out of 5) for cruising between villages — plenty for gentle hills without draining the battery.
On the steepest slopes, I needed level 5 and a bit of pedal effort. You feel the weight — around 41 kg plus child, seat, and bags — but it’s manageable. The hub motor doesn’t surge or spin; it just grinds away methodically. I’d call it excellent on hills, though a little cumbersome on the very steep bits, especially if your passenger nods off mid-ride.
Downhill, the Tektro hydraulic discs earn their keep. Modulated, quiet braking, even with 20 kg of baby and baggage aboard. Steering felt neutral: the 26″ front wheel rolls smoothly over rough tarmac, while the smaller 20″ rear keeps the centre of gravity low.
Battery life was solid — roughly 60 km per charge on mixed gradients. On flatter days I could stretch close to 80 km. Recharging overnight on a standard socket was simple.
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Comfort & Handling
The front suspension fork softens small bumps, though the rigid seat-post transmits some jolt through the saddle. Adding a suspension post would make long rides more forgiving — particularly with a sleeping child.
The cockpit is upright and relaxed, giving good visibility in traffic and comfort for long spins. At low speeds or when manoeuvring into tight spaces, you notice the length — 2.2 metres tip to tail — but it’s easy enough to control with a bit of practice.
The tyres (2.4″ wide) strike a smart balance between grip and efficiency, gripping well on damp cobbles and loose gravel lanes around Frasso.
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Everyday Practicalities
Long-tail cargo bikes live or die by usability. Here, the R500E shines.
- Storage: The integrated rack carries up to 80 kg, leaving room for child + panniers. The front basket (optional) adds another 10 kg.
- Kickstand: Dual-leg stand holds the bike steady even when fully loaded.
- Lighting: Integrated front and rear LEDs are bright enough for unlit village roads.
- Service: Decathlon’s store network and spares availability make maintenance simple, a huge advantage outside big cities.
I parked it daily outside cafés and village shops without hassle. The only challenge is physical space — Italian streets can be narrow — so a wall hook or garage bay is ideal for storage.
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Pros and Cons
Pros
- Excellent value for a full-size cargo e-bike
- Confident, stable handling even with child seat fitted
- Smooth, predictable motor assistance
- Decent hill performance for a rear-hub system
- Long range (50–90 km realistic)
- Integrated lights, sturdy stand, family-ready accessories
Cons
- Heavy to lift or push up steep ramps when loaded
- Rear-hub motor lacks the punch of mid-drive units on extreme climbs
- Rigid seat-post transmits bumps — consider upgrading
- Large footprint can make storage tricky
Who It’s For
The Decathlon R500E is made for families who want electric assistance without paying premium-brand prices. It excels in suburban, village, and small-town riding where gradients are moderate and traffic is calm.
If you live in a mountainous area or plan to carry two kids regularly, a mid-drive cargo bike might serve you better. But for most riders — school runs, market trips, weekend adventures — the R500E delivers a sweet spot of price, performance, and practicality.
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Verdict
After several days of hauling groceries, toys, and one very content toddler through the Italian hills, I came away impressed. The Decathlon R500E Cargo Bike is more than a budget alternative; it’s a capable, well-designed long-tail that feels built for real life.
It’s excellent on hills, steady on descents, and remarkably stable when your passenger drifts off to sleep. The motor won’t win drag races, but it climbs with quiet determination.
For under €3,000, it’s hard to beat. Add the Gruvi child seat, a good helmet, and maybe a suspension post, and you’ve got a family vehicle that replaces most short car trips.
In Frasso Telesino, surrounded by vineyards and church bells, it turned every errand into a small adventure — which is exactly what a good cargo bike should do.
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FAQ: Decathlon Electric Cargo Bikes
Is the Decathlon R500E a good electric cargo bike for families?
Yes. The Decathlon electric cargo bike, officially called the BTWIN R500E Longtail Cargo Bike, is built for family use. It carries up to 170 kg including rider and passenger, fits most child seats (like the Gruvi or Thule Yepp), and rides smoothly on everyday terrain. It’s stable, practical, and great value compared to high-end longtails.
Can the BTWIN R500E Cargo Bike handle hills
Absolutely. The BTWIN R500E cargo bike uses a 58 Nm rear-hub motor that provides steady power on gradients. On moderate hills it feels effortless; on steeper climbs you’ll need higher assist levels and a bit of pedal input. For typical city and village terrain, it performs brilliantly.
What is the range of the Decathlon R500 Electric Longtail Cargo Bike?
The Decathlon R500 Electric Longtail Cargo Bike comes with a 672 Wh battery that delivers between 50 km and 90 km per charge. Range depends on rider weight, load, terrain, and assist level. On my Italian test ride, I managed around 60 km on hilly roads with a child seat and gear.
Is the Decathlon Cargo Bike comfortable for long rides
Yes, the Decathlon cargo bike is comfortable thanks to its upright riding position, wide tyres, and front suspension fork. The only limitation is the rigid seatpost — upgrading to a suspension post helps smooth out bumps, especially with a sleeping child on board.
Can you fit a child seat on the Decathlon R500E?
Yes. The R500E’s reinforced rear rack accepts most luggage-rack-mounted child seats. I used the Gruvi Baby Bike Seat from Decathlon, which locked securely into place and felt stable even on uneven roads. The setup is simple, solid, and perfect for daily family rides.
How much does the Decathlon R500E Cargo Bike cost?
At the time of writing, the Decathlon R500E Cargo Bike retails for around €2,999 / £2,799, depending on your market. It’s one of the most affordable full-size electric longtail cargo bikes available in Europe — ideal for families wanting e-mobility without luxury-brand pricing.
Who should buy the Decathlon R500E?
The R500E cargo bike is designed for riders who want to replace short car trips with an e-bike that can carry children, groceries, or gear. It’s ideal for suburban and village use, school runs, and local adventures. For very steep terrain or multi-child setups, a mid-drive alternative may offer more torque.
Where can I buy or test ride the Decathlon R500 Electric Longtail Cargo Bike?
You can buy or test ride the Decathlon R500 Electric Longtail Cargo Bike at Decathlon stores across Europe, or order online through the Decathlon website. Many stores have demo bikes available for family test rides.
