By Jesse Kelber, special to the Blog
Subscription streaming services, sure.
Subscription news sites, of course.
Subscription electric cargo bikes… huh?
While it may sound unusual at first, that’s the model recently brought to Seattle by Wombi and housed in the former G&O Family Cyclery space at 8558 Greenwood Ave N. And it’s catching on.
Offering month-to-month subscriptions on three models of Tern e-assist cargo bikes, with fees starting as low as $135/month. Wombi is the US extension of Australian company Lug+Carrie, which has been operating in several markets down under since 2019 and opening their first US operation in Los Angeles in 2023. The Seattle location opened earlier this year.
For their monthly subscription fee, riders have unlimited use of their chosen bike model, access to scores of accessories to trick the bike out just right for their uses, insurance coverage, and all maintenance (which can be provided in-shop or in-house via a mobile repair van).
To top that off, Wombi will deliver your bike right to your front door.
Oh, and you have the option of buying your bike for a discounted price after subscribing for 12 months.
While e-assist bikes have made quite a splash in recent years, many find the price tag daunting, cargo e-bikes like the Tern models Wombi users have access to retail for anywhere from $2,500-$8,000. That might seem reasonable in lieu of a car, but for many it’s still out of reach.
“A Wombi subscription makes premium e-bikes incredibly accessible.” Nia Ransom, Wombi Seattle Customer Service Specialist told me. “With the flexibility of month-to-month plans, the ability to swap bikes or accessories as your needs evolve, and comprehensive maintenance included, our riders enjoy all the perks of ownership—without any of the hassle.”
Who does Wombi see as their target audience here in Seattle? According to Kinley Lagrange, Director of Marketing and Customer Success for Wombi, “Our e-bikes are thoughtfully designed to accommodate a wide variety of people, and the diversity of our ridership reflects that.” Kinley continues, “We’re proud to have a balanced mix of men and women, riders spanning a wide age range, and use cases ranging from daily commutes to families with multiple children. Our bikes comfortably fit individuals from 4’11” to 6’5”, ensuring a great experience for everyone.”
And if the monthly subscription fee is still out of reach, Wombi is also working with local employers to provide subsidies for their employees’ subscriptions. “In addition to serving the general Seattle population, we partner with companies and government organizations, like the City of Seattle, to provide their employees with access to e-bike subscriptions,” says Wombi Regional Director Samantha Golay-Smith. “Many of our partners subsidize part or all of the subscription cost, making it simple for employees to leave their cars behind and embrace bike commuting. It’s a convenient way for organizations to support healthier, more sustainable lifestyles for their teams.”
More information is available at the Wombi Seattle page, or stop by the shop on Greenwood Ave, hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 9:30 am – 5:30 pm.
Jesse is a freelance writer based in Greenwood. To learn more or contact him about a project, please visit JesseKelber.com.
