BQ Link: Meet Lug+Carrie

If you pass through any larger CBD in Queensland, there is a good chance you will see a different range of bikes compared to a decade ago. And it’s not just gravel bikes and road disc bikes at cafes. The rise and rise of e-cargo bikes has arrived in Australia, with notable growth in the last few years. It would be fair to say that Lug+Carrie have been part of that change.

Starting in Melbourne, the business has operated as a subscription service for Tern e-bikes since 2020. Launched by Ben and Dan Carr, the brothers developed the business idea given the need for more urban mobility. If Australians to see a bike as transport, and not just for sport, there was potential for a real shift in transport modes. E-cargo bikes were the perfect fit, but given their high cost to purchase, creating a subscription model would allow people to see if getting around by bike suited them, without a capital investment. Since then, Lug+Carrie expanded to Sydney and opened a store in Brisbane in late 2022.

‘Brisbane has responded really well to e-bike subscriptions,’ said Harriet Muir from Lug+Carrie, when asked about the Queensland response. ‘There are options around to lease e-bikes, but with Lug+Carrie people can commit to as little as 4 weeks – it is a very low risk and low cost way to see if an e-cargo bike suits you.’

The subscription model works within a service zone that covers about a 20km radius from Brisbane, which means subscribers not only get a quality e-cargo bike at a weekly rate, but that includes servicing at home and even rider rescue as well. It really takes out a lot of concern about maintenance and flat tyres for people thinking about getting on an e-bike – as well as getting rid of the upfront cost.

However, Lug+Carrie often find riders do want to buy a bike, as they end up convinced. While buying out subscription bikes has been possible, all three stores now sell e-bikes – and a greater range as well.

‘Our subscription offered 3 different e-bikes from Tern,’ Harriet explained, ‘this really helped to offer such a high level of service for subscribers. But with the popularity of e-cargo bikes, we can offer more bikes with direct sales, from both Tern and Riese and Muller.’

This means Lug+Carrie will now sell the Tern Vectron folding e-bike, the Tern Orox off-road adventure e-bike and the compact Tern NBD. The Riese and Muller range will have front loader e-cargo bikes and will also use the well-regarded Bosch e-bike systems.

If you have dropped in to visit the Lug+Carrie store in Woollongabba, you will have realised it doesn’t feel like a regular bike shop. You can ride right in, there’s room to park your bike, a big workshop, a lounge and some kids toys. While holding more bikes to sell needs a bit of a refit, Harriet explains that the culture won’t change.

‘Our shops will still feel like a place to come if you want to ride. We’ll be focussed on building a community and providing the service and support that our subscribers have come to know and love.’

So much of that support will remain with their move to more sales, with a personal handover of new e-bikes to go through all the capabilities, plus the option to purchase service packages, like those included in a subscription. That will include at home servicing, rider rescue, and even the Tern accessory subscriptions.

Subscribing to accessories makes a lot of sense for an e-bike purchase, given how the use of an e-cargo bike can change. Lug+Carrie offer the opportunity to swap out their Tern accessories within the subscriptions. You might opt out of panniers and fit a front rack, or remove a child’s seat for the Captain’s Chair, for example. It really saves purchasing the item and then storing it when you no longer need it, waiting to find time to pop it on Facebook Marketplace.

READ: Making the shift to an e-cargo bike

‘I got a Storm Shield for my kid when I got my e-bike,’ said Harriet. ‘But what if they hated it? I’d be stuck with the accessory. In the end they loved it and call it their bike cubby. For parents the accessory subscription really helps, as it means you don’t need to invest without knowing if it will work out or not.’

Here at Bicycle Queensland we’ve really noticed the increase in e-cargo bikes around greater Brisbane, and we are proud to have partnered with Lug+Carrie with offers for members on both subscriptions or e-bike purchases.

‘We are more than a bike shop, we are passionate about urban mobility,’ said Harriet. ‘All the advocacy that Bicycle Queensland does is so important. There is lots to do but we are really optimistic about the future.’

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Bicycle Queensland members will receive a 50% discount on a 2-month e-bike subscription from Lug+Carrie. Login to the BQ Portal for details. If you’re looking for a new e-bike, Bicycle Queensland members will receive 10% off e-bikes from Lug+Carrie.