While I can't quite stow the MG as easily as other JackRabbit models, it's still small enough that I can slide it into my back seat—as long as I uncork the front handlebars and turn its front wheel backward. (Some sources refer to the MG as “foldable,” but this isn't strictly true: it just has a quick-release wheel and an easily removed handlebar.)

Which is to say, even without the cargo component, I could like the MG just as a fun little commuter, especially with the welcome addition of a cushy Kinekt active-suspension seat post that provides some added give for longer rides.

The Little Cargo Ebike That Could

Despite its petite size, the MG performs well as a true cargo hauler that you could use to move trailers full of groceries or the more precious cargo of your own children. I didn't borrow any kids to test rear child trailers or JackRabbit's mini-me rear seat and handlebar set ($175). But I did use the MG's preinstalled Burley trailer hitch to haul a box containing a 150-pound grill up a hill with a 7 percent grade. While the MG didn't get to full speed on the ascent, it pulled the grill and my 200-plus-pound self surprisingly well.

The MG's stability and cornering capabilities also fared better than I expected, given its short base. Cargo bikes tend to lengthen their frame to add stability and make room for riders to pedal comfortably while carrying loads on the front or the back. The MG Cargo's stability mostly comes from its cushy fat tires, largely thanks to the clever design of the larger front tire, which both adds stability up front on rugged terrain and lowers the center of gravity where cargo hangs. The lack of pedaling also naturally removes some wobble.

You will make compromises, though: Cornering can be jumpy, leading to the occasional overcorrection. The range also drops considerably with heavy carries, given that you can't add your own pedal power. Braking is fast but does require a good grip, especially with larger loads downhill.

For the Occasional Hauler

The MG Cargo lives in an interesting middle ground between commuter and cargo ebike. If I were primarily using it to transport children or work gear, I'd probably opt for a bulkier hauler or the Specialized Global Haul ST, WIRED's top-pick electric cargo bike that offers a more reliable long range.

The best use cases for the MG Cargo are as a fun recreational ebike that stows easily into your back seat or as a multipurpose commuter with built-in storage that saves its rider from needing to wear a backpack. In either case, the cargo capabilities function as bonus features as opposed to being the main draw.

It's less a workhorse than a hobby pony: I've slipped books and a blanket into a pannier so I can read at the park, and I've spontaneously brought home six-packs from the brewery a couple of miles down the road. When I grocery shop using the MG Cargo, I'm spared the bother of tightly packed parking lots that make me angry before I reach the aisles. I zip in, I unlock the panniers, pop in my groceries, and zip right back out. In this way, the MG Cargo also doubles as the cheapest therapist I know.

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