Stroudy 

Today we took out the Yuba compact for a test ride - A long tail cargo electric bike. My wife’s seating position on the pannier rack was too low even with the seating pad.

Are there any market available seating options that could fit on the rack that would elevate the seating position for an adult passenger on a cargo long tail E bike?

or perhaps there is another long tail cargo bike that would solve this problem?

thanks

Leisesturm

I personally have only seen children as passengers on that particular bike. But I just took a look at their product page and there are a couple of pictures with adult female passengers. Yes, they are sitting low with respect to the rider, and for a very good reason: unlike a tandem, on a cargo bike the passenger is load. You want your load low and centered so you can throw the bike left and right as necessary. A higher seating of the passenger will greatly compromise maneuverability. Unless, of course, you size up the entire bike to suit. Is there a particular reason for choosing the compact design?

SirLeaflock

What's your main purpose for the bike? A Surly Big Easy is the easy (and expensive) answer to your question. It uses 26" wheels and I'm guessing has a longer wheelbase. Strapping on a few folded towels could work. If your wife is closer to 120+ pounds than 100, I'd suggest adapting to the shorter seating position if you're stuck on a long tail. If taking her as a passenger is a bonus of having a cargo bike, I'd focus on your cargo and storage needs first. If riding together is the primary goal and a tandem isn't appropriate, I'd suggest a front loader, especially depending on weight. My experience is riding a Big Dummy and while I'm extremely satisfied with it, it's not exactly a relaxing ride once the weight gets serious. I've had around 135-140 lbs of people on the back, and more often almost a weeks worth of groceries for six, sometimes with a kid also for 4ish miles. I assume the pace that e-assist would allow might make things smoother, but just doesn't seem like the best fit.

Harhir

I have not come across a long tail cargo bike with a rear end tall enough to transport an adult. They are designed to haul kids who don't ride themselves yet or for cargo. The tail ends are low on purpose to keep the center of gravity low. This is why most long trail cargo bikes only use 20" wheels on the rear.
Why a cargo bike and not an electric tandem bike? This way you both have comfortable seats and can support each other pedaling.

Leisesturm

20" wheels f/r are a recent design expansion in the long tail cargo bike platform. 26" x 2.?" was the Surly standard for years. 24" f/r exists (under discussion), but split size f/r will remain uncommon because of the need to carry tubes or buy tires in odd lots. But if you missed this photo, here it is again. Found another when I went back. And still another. All that said, your question is valid.

Harhir

I have cargo bike with 26" rear wheels as well. But I think this is too low as well for most adults unless the person is shorter side. But this is my view being 6'4". lol
But maybe the poster of the original question might want to try a 26" wheeled cargo bike such as the Yuba Mundo or Surly Big Easy.