Car Traffic Alternatives For LA Traffic Fatigue
Raising two kids in LA means a constant negotiation of how we can best spend our time, much of it on 4-wheels schlepping between this sports practice and that art class. I needed a hack. A way to avoid the dreaded LA traffic jams that makes commuting take more time out of your day than the time spent at your actual destination. I needed to reclaim some of that schlepping time as quality time. I began to notice some of our school friends showing up at drop-off on two wheels instead of four, and I was intrigued. While I was trying to calm the backseat bickering, my friends were riding to the front of the drop-off line, handing off backpacks and waving, “Have a great day!” SO peaceful. SO quick. I wanted THAT!
What Would Be The Best Car Alternative?
The Research Began. I immediately dove down the e-bike rabbit hole to find our family’s new set of wheels. I had so many questions.
- How much do they cost?
- What can they carry?
- Where do I get it serviced?
- How fast does it go?
- How do I charge it?
- What’s the safest bike for carrying kids?
The list of considerations was very intense and often confusing. I was overwhelmed, so I put my search on hold.
But a friend then told me about Wombi. I can subscribe to a fancy cargo e-bike, and it comes with all the rider benefits I would need to ease into the family cargo e-bike lifestyle. Everything was included, like service, insurance, roadside assistance, and delivery; it was like finding a cheat code to commuting paradise.
The Best Type of Reliable E-Bike To Start My Journey
We began our cargo bike journey with a Tern GSD from Wombi. It had a Transporteur Rack on the front and a Captain’s Chair on the back, and side rails for the kids to rest their feet comfortably while we rode. It has:
- Pedal assist up to 20 miles per hour and all the safety features I could dream of.
- Front and back lights.
- Sturdy step-through frame.
- UL 2849-certified Bosch battery.
- Bosch midline motor system.
- Premium, super responsive brakes that can handle the weight of me and my two kiddos with care.
This e-bike unlocked a completely new lifestyle for our family that I’ve come to lovingly describe as “car-lite.”
Life After Downsizing From a Car to an E-Bike
We immediately noticed that it improved our mornings. The kids were excited to climb onto our trusty GSD named Banksia, rather than the car, and I was happy for them to. The breeze on our faces put us all in a better mood before tackling the day ahead, plus no more backseat bickering!
Soon after, we started using the bike for quick errand runs. It quickly became the best bike for errands when going to Target, grabbing takeout, and eventually, I was loading our Wombi with a week's worth of groceries without giving it a second thought. We were no longer reaching for car keys but instead grabbing our bike keys and googling the best bike route.
Not only were school drop-offs and errands now much more enjoyable, but:
- My work commute time was cut in half!
- I was no longer sitting in traffic.
- I got a little exercise on my way into the office.
I also began to see our neighborhood in a new light. I started waving hello to people I passed, noticing businesses that I’d never seen before, and finding a renewed appreciation of a city I’ve lived in for 20 years.
I used to think living in Los Angeles meant I had to accept the “traffic tax.” I was wrong. Going “car-lite” with Wombi, we reclaimed the joy of navigating a city defined by its traffic, and we’re never looking back.
FAQs on Swapping Your Car for a Wombi E-Bike
Can an e-bike handle my commute and after-work errands?
Yes, all Wombi e-bikes are equipped with a Bosch Performance Line Cruise motor (on the tern quick haul and tern hsd) or a Bosch Cargo Line motor (tern gsd). All models can carry a minimum of 330 Lbs and can travel a minimum of 62 miles, making them perfect for long days of tasks.
Are e-bikes safe for commuting in traffic?
All Wombi bikes are designed for safe, efficient use. With premium responsive brakes, a sturdy frame, front and rear lights, and a pedal-assist, each e-bike prioritizes safety.
Do you need a license to handle a Wombi e-bike?
No, you do not need a license to handle a Wombi e-bike since it is not considered a motor vehicle, even with respect to new laws in CA.
What is included in a Wombi e-bike subscription?
With a Wombi subscription, your service, theft, and damage coverage, 24/7 roadside assistance, and delivery are included for your convenience.
Can a Wombi e-bike handle a family with multiple children?
Yes, a Wombi e-bike can handle up to two children, their sports equipment, and school bags, and make the “getting there” a whole lot more joyful.