Bike test: ARCC Linton and Estarli L20 2.0 electric cargo bikes

The ARCC Linton and new Estarli L20 2.0 look superficially similar: they’re electric cargo bikes that are made in Britain, using the typical longtail format.

Those stretched-out rear frames and racks will carry children in seats, cargo in boxes, shopping in huge panniers, and more. Yet the two bikes’ spec sheets show notable differences in design and intent.

Frame, fork & cargo racks

The Linton’s frame and fork are hand built in Cambridge from 4130 chrome-moly steel. All aspects of the Linton conform to the ground-breaking German cargo bike standard DIN 79010, as well as the EU equivalent, BS EN 17860.

The Linton’s top tube is actually two thinner tubes with cross members, which looks elegant and is clearly stiff enough. By contrast, Estarli’s L20 is made from chunkier aluminium alloy tubing and has a lower step-through.

The rear load areas are similar: both bikes will carry around 80 litres in the rack-top boxes supplied. Longtail panniers with a capacity of 50 litres each can also be fitted.

Estarli supplied its own, while I fitted Decathlon Longtail Panniers to the Linton. Finally, both came with their optional front racks. The Estarli’s gross weight capacity (including rider) is 250kg. The Linton’s is 200kg.

The Linton model I tested with an 8-speed hub weighed 35kg but the range starts at 24kg for the stripped-back singlespeed. At 37kg, the Estarli is heavier but not hefty in e-cargo bike terms. It does have a weighty Enviolo hub, however, as well as a larger-capacity battery.

Both are by definition fairly large bikes, especially with the optional foot rails and safety cages. The Estarli has a fold-down handlebar and pedals to help with storage.

Electric components

The Linton uses widely available Bosch power tool batteries, combined with a Bafang front hub motor. The test bike came with two 216Wh batteries and a fast charger. You can select 144Wh or 324Wh batteries if you prefer. The use of power tool batteries may sound basic but is actually very sophisticated.

ARCC’s Intelligent Drive System consists of: the ARCC Bikes IDS Pod, a battery mounting/control unit with three USB outlets (one 1.5A, two 0.5A); and a handlebar-mounted ARCC Bikes IDS Wireless Remote that can be removed from its magnetic cradle.

It’s proprietary tech designed and made by ARCC. The only jarring note for me was the plethora of key systems involved. The ARCC system can be retrofitted to other bikes, although the company insists on doing the work.

The advantage of bike and electric components being ‘separate’ is sustainability. The electric parts can be upgraded or replaced, while the bike itself may last a lifetime.

The Estarli L20 takes a more conventional approach. It has an own-brand, mid-drive motor with 110Nm torque and a high-capacity 600Wh or 820Wh battery. The battery is well positioned midframe and is removable with one key.

The ARCC system now features powerful hardwired lights. There is also an app that lets you see the charge remaining in percentage terms instead of battery-level LEDs.

The Estarli is again more mainstream, employing an easy-to-read central display that shows all the usual metrics. This L20 2.0 has front and rear hardwired lights. The rear is very bright indeed.

Other components

I’m going to focus mostly on cargo accessories. For the weekly shop, longtail rear panniers should suffice. Both pairs here have internal pockets and fold flat when not in use. Optional footrests effectively support the larger-than-average weights you are likely to put in them.

The Estarli bags go on and off more easily using straps around the frame. The Linton uses panniers just like Decathlon’s; they’re bolted to the rack via lugs on the panniers.

For the rear loading area, the Linton uses a friction-fit plastic box sitting inside the safety rails. The Estarli has a reinforced canvas bag inside the rails with Velcro fasteners.

While the safety rails will be appreciated for child carrying, I’d like a way to fix cargo boxes to the rear rack without them. Rain covers for cargo would be nice, too; these have open tops.

With the right accessories, these bikes can also carry passengers. The Linton will carry an adult or two children at the rear, while a front-mounted child seat enables a toddler to be carried there. The Estarli is capable of carrying ‘up to three children or two bigger kids comfortably’.

I was glad to see strong central kickstands to help with loading. The Linton’s locks in place and requires a cable-operated switch on the bars to release it – a great safety touch.

Ride

The riding position on both bikes is ‘sit up and beg’. With its sweptback handlebar, the Estarli feels particularly short reach, although a flat bar can be specced instead. By contrast, the Linton has a more relaxed riding position. It handles beautifully even with a heavy load.

I tested the bikes with at least 50kg on the rear and 15kg at the front. Both will carry more. The Estarli rear rack is rated up to 110kg, the Linton’s 100kg. Although both bikes have a torque sensor, the Estarli’s assistance kicks in sooner. The motor provides abundant power in Boost mode.

If you want immediate power on the Linton, you need to depress both brake levers when stopped to activate three seconds of ‘Launch Control’ full power. As in other scenarios, you get quite a lot less power than you do with the Estarli.

The Estarli is a star performer on hills. I rode it up a long 25% climb several times, adding weight for each run. I got to around 65kg of cargo before it started to feel too much.

In Boost mode – the top power level out of five – the display showed a peak motor power of 870 Watts. Bosch voluntarily caps peak motor power at 750 Watts.

The Linton is more suited to moderate hills. The motor and gearing combo is sufficient for gradients up to 15% or so with a load of 50kg.

There are six power levels and an intriguing automatic mode, which lets an inclinometer ramp up the power as the hill steepens. The Bafang hub motor can’t equal the Estarli’s mid-drive but the autoboost is noticeable and welcome.

In hilly Pennine country with a modest load, the Linton’s range was around 12 miles per 216Wh battery. While I’d expect a lot more in flatter areas, many riders will want the optional extra battery – or perhaps two 9Ah (324Wh) batteries.

The Estarli’s larger-capacity battery results in a longer range, and I never got close to running it flat.

I preferred the stepless Enviolo gearing of the Estarli. The 8-speed hub of the Linton feels a little clunky in comparison – although it never missed a shift

A smaller beltring is an option for the Linton, and I would have liked to try that in lumpy West Yorkshire. Going down hills, the hydraulic disc brakes were more than capable of keeping both loaded bikes under control.

The walk-assist function these bikes have is helpful when pushing. A low-speed throttle would make this function easier to use. I’d also like to see the option of a heavier-duty, higher-torque motor for the Linton for those living in hilly areas.

Verdict

The choice here is between the Estarli’s outstanding hill-climbing power and the lower weight, sophisticated technology and long-term sustainability of the Linton.

But both are capable load haulers over more moderate terrain, and both feature a range of well-thought-out bag, box and rack accessories to make the most of their longtail layouts.

I could see the ARCC Linton breezing through cycling cities like York or Oxford, while the Estarli felt better suited to the challenging terrain of my Pennine testing ground.

Other options

Tern GSD Gen 3 £4,700+

The bike that set the template for high-quality cargo hauling and kiddy carrying, the GSD has a Bosch mid-drive and a huge array of accessories.

Tarran L1 Series £3,799+

The latest challenger to Tern’s crown. Premium models are crammed full of high tech, including an automatic, electronically operated kickstand and a rear-view camera.

First published in Cycle magazine, August/September 2026 issue. All information correct at time of publishing.