Benno 46er Speed

The Benno 46er Speed is a compact electric cargo bike for riders who want proper carrying ability without moving to a full-size longtail. It sits neatly between the smaller RemiDemi and the bigger Boost, giving you a shorter, sportier-feeling bike that can still handle kids, groceries, work gear and loaded Wellington riding.

The clever bit is the mixed wheel setup. A 26” front wheel gives comfort and control up front, while the smaller 24” rear wheel keeps the load lower and more stable. Add the Bosch Performance Speed motor, front suspension, hydraulic disc brakes and a strong rear rack, and you have a cargo bike that feels lively rather than lumbering.

Why we like it

The 46er Speed is for people who want a cargo bike that still feels like a bike. It is close to regular bike length, so it is easier to store, park and thread through tight streets than a bigger family hauler, but the rear rack and accessory system still give it proper utility.

The Bosch Performance Speed motor is the big advantage here. With 85 Nm of torque and support up to 45 km/h, it makes sense for longer commutes, Hutt Valley runs, western suburbs climbs and those days when the wind has clearly chosen violence. The 500 Wh battery gives a solid base for daily use, and the dual-battery compatibility adds room to grow if your riding gets longer, heavier or more frequent.

The mixed wheel design also makes sense for loaded riding. Smaller rear wheels help keep passengers and cargo lower, which improves stability. The larger front wheel and 75 mm suspension fork help with comfort and control over rough roads, raised crossings, potholes and light mixed-surface detours.

Best for

Choose the 46er Speed if you want one bike for fast commuting and practical carrying. It works well for a rider who might carry one child, a larger load of groceries, work gear, panniers, a front tray setup, or a mix of all the above depending on the day.

It is especially useful if you like the idea of a cargo bike but do not want the footprint of a bigger longtail. Think Newtown streets, apartment storage, busy bike racks, narrow side paths and the daily game of finding somewhere sensible to park.

Setup options

The 46er is built around Benno’s accessory system, so it can be set up in a few different directions. The rear rack is rated to carry up to 60 kg and can work with compatible child seats, rails, pads, sideloaders, panniers and cargo accessories. Up front, the frame is compatible with Benno front trays and baskets, sold separately.

For family use, it can be configured with a child seat or passenger setup depending on age, size and accessory choice. For cargo use, it can take panniers, a rear rack setup, and a front tray or basket for the stuff you want within reach.

Good to know

The 46er has a 190 kg maximum gross weight. That includes the rider, bike, cargo and accessories together, so the real carrying limit depends on the whole setup, not just the rear rack rating.

The rear rack is rated to 60 kg, but passenger and cargo setups need the correct accessories fitted. If you are carrying a passenger, the rear wheel must be covered with suitable wheel guards or compatible bags to keep feet, clothing and straps away from moving parts.

The one-size frame is listed to suit riders from 5’1” to 6’3”, with a step-through frame and adjustable contact points. As always with cargo bikes, we recommend a test ride if you are close to either end of the fit range or planning to share the bike between riders.

Choose this or something else?

Choose the 46er Speed if you want compact cargo ability with a faster, sportier ride feel.

Choose the Benno Boost if you want more of a classic compact longtail setup with a little more cargo-bike presence.

Choose a larger family cargo bike if you regularly carry multiple kids, bigger passenger setups or bulkier loads.

Choose a standard commuter e-bike if you mainly carry yourself, a laptop and the odd bag of groceries.

Our take

The 46er Speed is a very Wellington sort of cargo bike. Quick enough for real commuting, strong enough for hills, compact enough for tight streets, and useful enough to change how often you reach for the car keys.

It is not the biggest cargo bike in the room, and that is the point. It gives you a heap of carrying ability in a bike that still feels nimble, tidy and fun to ride.