Electric cargo bikes are incredible machines that can do many of the things a car can (and many of the things a car can’t) at a fraction of the cost. And they’re a lot of fun, too.

But while $2,500 to $8,000 isn’t a lot of money compared to buying a car, it’s still a lot of money for a bike. For a car-free family like mine, the cost was a no-brainer. We use it every day and are close to putting on 10,000 miles on the Tern GSD we bought in October 2021. But people are often shocked to see how much some of these higher-end electric cargo bikes can cost. The problem is exacerbated by the relative lack of financing options 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 instead of buying one. And even better, service and theft/damage insurance are included in the price. And let me tell you, the service costs for these things can really add up.

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Wombi launched in Los Angeles last summer, and Seattle is now the company’s second market. Wombi is the U.S. sister company of Lug+Carrie, which launched in Australia in 2019 and operates in Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne. They currently offer three models of Tern electric-assist bikes: the budget-friendly Quick Haul Midtail (retail price: around $2,500, Wombi price: $115/month), the HSD Midtail (retail price: around $4,300, Wombi price: $135/month), and the GSD Longtail (retail price: around $4,500, Wombi price: $150/month). For an additional fee, you can also have the bikes outfitted with accessories for hauling kids, pets, and cargo. According to the Wombi website, users have the option to purchase the bike after 18 months of subscription.

The included insurance covers damage or theft, but you’ll have to pay $500, plus whatever else the insurance company can squeeze out. You’ll also need to be able to store the bike “under cover, not visible from the street, and always off the street overnight.” Shared garages and bike cages are also fine, as long as they’re not open to the public. See the FAQ for more details.

Wombi opened their store in the former G&O Family Cyclery space in Greenwood (8558 Greenwood Ave N), and several people from G&O work there, including Davey Oil (the Seattle General Manager) and Donald Villarreal. If you live within 6 miles of their store, they offer free delivery, pickup, and service visits. They will probably also serve people outside 6 miles of the store, but you’ll have to work out the details with them.

Bike subscriptions are a growing business model around the world. When I visited Amsterdam in 2023, Swapfiets subscription bikes were everywhere. I’m very excited to see how Wombi changes the cargo bike landscape in Seattle, because I can say from experience that once you have one, it’s hard to imagine life without one.

Below you will find the press release from Wombi:

Wombi, the Los Angeles-based full-service e-bike subscription service, is expanding to Seattle, serving all of Seattle and the East Side. Wombi offers Seattle residents an affordable way to get to work on a premium e-bike – including essential services: maintenance, repairs, insurance, and even roadside assistance on a monthly basis. This full-service approach makes cycling convenient, affordable, and enjoyable.

“We believe everyone should have access to reliable and accessible transportation,” said Dan Carr, CEO of Wombi. “Our goal is to make e-bikes a viable option for all Seattleites, regardless of their previous cycling 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 the summer of 2023, Wombi has quickly earned a reputation for breaking down the barriers to e-bike commuting. Wombi offers more than just e-bikes – it enables a lifestyle transformation. Now Seattle residents can enjoy the convenience and joy of riding a premium Tern e-bike while relying on the security that comes with the included subscription.

Seattle’s commitment to progressive urban planning made the city an ideal choice for Wombi’s next chapter. The city’s forward-looking investments, like the $133.5 million Move Seattle Levy to improve bike infrastructure and cyclist safety, align perfectly with Wombi’s mission to get more households to choose bikes over cars in their daily commutes.

“We want to help people rethink their daily commute by choosing a convenient alternative to the car,” added Kinley Lagrange, Director of Marketing and Customer Success. “We support our subscribers every step of the way and make sure they can simply enjoy the ride.”

Wombi’s expansion to 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 grown into 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 to families and individuals across Australia. Now, with Daniel Carr in the US, Wombi is bringing the same commitment to making e-bikes an accessible and convenient (and fun!) transportation option to American cities.