$115/mo for an electric cargo bike? Wombi launches bike subscription service in Seattle, sets up in the old G&O space

Electric cargo bikes are incredible machines that can do a lot of what a car can do (and a lot a car can't do) for a fraction of the cost. They are also a lot of fun.

But even though $2,500 to $8,000 is not very much money compared to buying a car, it is still a lot of cash up-front for a bicycle. For a car-free family like mine, the cost was a no-brainer. We use it every day and are getting close to putting 10,000 miles on the Tern GSD we bought in October 2021. But folks often get sticker shock when they see how much some of these higher-end electric cargo bikes can cost. The problem is exacerbated by the relative lack of financing options available compared to the (often predatory) auto loan industry.

But what if you could lease an electric cargo bike instead? That's the concept behind Wombi, which just launched in Seattle. For a monthly subscription fee, people can rent an electric cargo bike rather than buy one. Better yet, service as well as theft/damage insurance is included in the price. And let me tell you, service costs can really add up on these things.

Wombi launched in Los Angeles last summer, and Seattle is now the company's second market. Wombi is the U.S. sister company to Lug+Carrie, which started in Australia in 2019 and operates in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne. They currently offer three models of electric-assist Tern bikes: The Quick Haul budget mid-tail (retail starts: ~$2,500, Wombi starts: $115/mo), the HSD mid-tail (retail starts: ~$4,300, Wombi starts: $135/mo), and the GSD longtail (retail starts: ~$4,500, Wombi starts: $150/mo). You can also get the bikes outfitted with kid-hauling, pet-hauling and cargo-hauling accessories for additional fees. Users will have the option to buy the bike after 18 months as a subscriber, according to the Wombi website.

The included insurance covers damage or theft, but you'll be on the hook for $500 plus whatever else the insurance company can weasel out of. You also must be able to store the bike under cover, not visible from the street and always off street overnight." Communal garages and bike cages are also OK so long as they are not open to the public. You can find more details in their FAQ.

Wombi has set up shop in the former G&O Family Cyclery space in Greenwood (8558 Greenwood Ave N), and several folks from G&O are working there including Davey Oil (the Seattle General Manager) and Donald Villarreal. If you live within 6 miles of their shop, they offer free delivery, pickup and service calls. They will likely still serve folks beyond 6 miles of the shop, but you'll have to work out the details with them.

Bike subscriptions are a growing business model across the globe. Subscription bikes from Swapfiets were absolutely everywhere in Amsterdam when I visited in 2023. I'll be very interested to see how Wombi changes the cargo biking landscape in Seattle because I can say from experience that once you have one of these things, it's hard to imagine life without it.

Below is the Wombi press release:

Wombi, the full-service, subscription e-bike service from Los Angeles, is expanding to Seattle, serving all of Seattle and the East Side. Wombi offers Seattleites an accessible way to commute by premium e-bike-complete with essential services: maintenance, repairs, insurance, and even roadside assistance on a month-to-month basis. This full-service approach makes biking convenient, affordable, and enjoyable.

We believe that everyone should have access to reliable and accessible transportation options," said Dan Carr, CEO of Wombi. Our goal is to make e-bikes a viable option for all Seattleites, regardless of their previous biking experience or budget. By offering an all-inclusive service, we're making it easier than ever to choose a bike over a car."

Since its launch in Los Angeles in Summer 2023, Wombi has quickly gained a reputation for breaking down the barriers to e-bike commuting. Wombi offers more than just e-bikes-it facilitates a lifestyle shift. Now, Seattle residents can enjoy the convenience and joy of riding a premium Tern e-bike with peace of mind that the inclusive subscription provides.

Seattle's commitment to progressive urban planning made it the ideal choice for Wombi's next chapter. The city's forward-thinking investments, like the $133.5 million Move Seattle Levy aimed at enhancing biking infrastructure and cyclist safety, align perfectly with Wombi's mission to get more households to choose a bike over their car for daily use.

We're here to help people rethink their daily commute by choosing a joyful alternative to cars," added Kinley Lagrange, Director of Marketing and Customer Success. We support our subscribers at every step, ensuring they can simply enjoy the ride."

Wombi's expansion into Seattle is supported by the company's strong foundation with Lug+Carrie, its sister brand in Australia. Founded in 2019 by brothers Benjamin and Daniel Carr, Lug+Carrie has become the world's largest cargo e-bike subscription fleet, operating in Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane. With over 2,500 customers, Lug+Carrie has successfully made e-bikes accessible for families and individuals across Australia. Now, with Daniel Carr based in the U.S., Wombi brings the same dedication to making e-bikes an accessible and practical (and fun!) transportation choice to American cities.