Carr Brothers Activate US Expansion for Fewer Cars on LA Roads
Los Angeles, US
Lug+Carrie founders Daniel and Ben Carr have flicked the on switch for their expansion into the US, with their new Wombi business taking subscriptions in Los Angeles from last last month.
Wombi is being billed as the US’s first e-bike subscription service tailored for families, with a unique FamilyFlex bundle that gives subscribers access to a full-service Tern GSD e-cargo bike. The bundle provides a wide variety of combinations of passenger accessories to carry their children, and adjust as their children grow.
“We chose Los Angeles as our first market because of the massive cycling potential this city has,” a statement from Wombi says.
“Nearly 50% of car trips in LA are less than three miles (4.83km) and we believe that with great weather and existing density, Los Angeles could be the most bike-friendly city in the US.
“Wombi is launching in Culver City, and is aiming to increase the number of bicycle commuters in Culver by 50% in our first year.”
The CEO and co-founder of Lug+Carrie and Wombi, Daniel Carr, says the factors driving greater adoption of e-cargo bikes in Australia – congestion, public policy and people recognising the potential for electric cargo bikes to provide more enjoyable commuting – were also prevalent in Los Angeles, making it a good time to launch in that market.
“We’ll stay focussed on getting the product offering and team fine-tuned here in Los Angeles but we see the potential across California and many cities across the US,” he added.
Dan explained the US company name is a fun play on the name of the Australian marsupial, the wombat, which also has a reputation for taking cars off the road.
Like Lug+Carrie’s Australian operation, the US service is underpinned by the company’s partnership with Taiwan-based e-bike manufacturer Tern.
Wombi’s ‘full-service’ subscriptions include maintenance, roadside assistance, theft and damage cover.
Lug+Carrie has grown into the world’s largest cargo e-bike subscription fleet since Daniel and his brother Ben founded the business in Melbourne in 2019 and Daniel has based himself in the US to oversee the establishment of the sister business.