Below are a number of frequently asked questions about the 'E-Bikes for Everyone' program. You can also visit the Lug+Carrie website to find out more information about the e-bikes available.
Q: What is the E-Bikes for Everyone program?
A: It is an initiative of community organisation Solar Citizens, offering residents who live and work in and around Wolli Creek the opportunity to trial a premium Lug+Carrie e-bike subscription for 12 weeks at half the cost! This program is part of our ‘Electrify Wolli Creek’ initiative, and is being delivered thanks to grant funding from Transurban. It is open to people living, working or studying in Wolli Creek and the surrounding suburbs. The project aims to highlight the benefits of e-bikes, including saving time on school drop-offs and commuting, a healthy and active lifestyle and reducing congestion and pollution in the community
Q: Who are Solar Citizens?
A: Solar Citizens is an independent, community-based organisation working to protect and grow renewable energy and transport in Australia. We represent the millions of Australian households who are powering their lives with the sun, and the vast majority of Australians who support the transition to renewable energy and clean transport.
We obsessively pursue the largest opportunities to bring down carbon emissions, whether in our energy system through the rapid deployment of rooftop solar, or through the rollout of electric vehicles. Our vision is for an Australia where everyone is enjoying the financial and health benefits of clean technology: renewable energy, clean transport, and electrified homes.
Q: Who are Lug+Carrie?
A: Lug+Carrie are a company on a mission to replace half of all car trips under 5km in our cities by 2030. They do this by offering everyday people the opportunity to swap the car for an e-bike with either a subscription model, or sales. They are partnering with Solar Citizens to deliver the e-bikes as part of E-Bikes for everyone.
Q: How do I take part?
Step 1: Complete the Expression Of Interest
Step 2: Solar Citizens will be in touch via email with more information and a link to a short survey to complete
Step 3: Once the survey is complete, a friendly team member from Lug+Carrie will get in touch to help you get set up with your preferred e-bike model along with any accessories you need.
Step 4: Your e-bike will then be delivered to your address on your chosen date, fully assembled and ready to ride.
Step 5: After 12 weeks, we ask that you complete an end-of-trial survey. Once complete, you’ll go in the draw to win a $100 gift card. At this point you can either return your e-bike and end your subscription, or continue your subscription at full price.
Q: When do I need to redeem the discount?
A: We ask that you redeem the discount by 31 March 2025
Q: How will my information be used?
A: As part of the trial you provide us with your contact details and some information about why you’re taking part. We will ask you to complete a short survey at the start of the program and again at the end. This is to help us measure the effectiveness of the trial. Your responses will remain anonymous. Your name, postcode, email and phone number will be shared with Lug+carrie so that they can reach out to you and get you signed up to the program. You can read more about how we handle your data here: solarcitizens.org.au/privacy_policy
Q: What happens after the 12 weeks?
A: Your e-bike subscription will continue at the full subscription price unless you cancel it within 28 days of when you want the subscription to end.
To cancel, simply send an email to [email protected]. Cancellation will take effect 28 days from the day of notice, at which point you will schedule collection or bring back your e-bike, the bike lock, charger, and any accessories that were included in your subscription.
Q: Which e-bike models can I choose from?
A: All e-bikes listed here under weekly subscription: https://shop.lug-carrie.com/collections/our-range
Q: How will I receive my e-Bike?
A: The e-bike subscription includes:
free delivery at the start of each subscription and pickup at the end
free on-site servicing, where we make minor repairs at your home, while you wait
free delivery and pickup for any service that needs to be completed at our shop
The 12 weeks trial period will start when you receive your e-bike.
Q: What is an e-bike / electric bike?
A: An e-bike is just like a regular bike, but it includes an electric motor that is powered by a rechargeable battery. The motor provides pedal assistance, which makes carrying a large load, heading up hills, or riding into the wind (or all of the above) a lot easier. Ultimately, e-bikes help you to do more, ride more, and ride further.
Q: Do I have to charge it?
A: Yes, you have to charge the battery if you want to use the electric motor, which we assume is the reason you’re looking into e-bikes! The charge process is as simple as plugging it in, just as you would with your mobile phone. To fully charge the battery takes about 4 hours. The battery can be removed from the bike, making it super convenient for taking it up into an apartment for charging.
Q: So how long does a charge last?
A: The range of each of our e-bikes varies and it all depends on how heavily you rely on pedal assist and how much load you carry. Using a single standard, fully charged battery, you will get between 42 and 110km.
Q: What happens if my battery goes flat, I get a flat tyre or another issue on the road?
As a Lug+Carrie subscriber you are covered by the Rider Rescue roadside assistance program. If you are stranded with a flat battery, mechanical issues, or an injury, they’ll organise a taxi to take you and your bike to a destination of your choosing, a ride valued up to $50. For more details, check out The Lug+Carrie Guide to Breakdowns
Additionally, if it’s just a flat battery and you’re looking for a workout, your e-bike will work just like a normal bike when the battery is flat or if the motor is turned off.
Q: Could the battery catch fire?
A: No. The Bosch batteries on our bikes meet the most rigorous battery safety standards – a standard called UL2849. Unfortunately, with news of e-bike battery fires spreading in the mainstream media, people have become worried about the dangers involved with e-bike and scooters.
Q: What if my subscription bike gets damaged or stolen?
A: If your bicycle is damaged or stolen, you should get in touch with us to help you out. Each bicycle is covered by insurance that carries an excess of $500. In the case of damage above $500 or theft, the subscriber would be responsible for the $500 excess payment, while insurance would cover the rest.
To be covered by insurance, your bike needs to be securely locked using the frame lock, chain lock, and alarm. The bike must also be kept undercover and out of sight overnight. Damaged or lost parts, components, or accessories valued up to $500 will be charged to the subscriber at the value of the item/s.
Q: What does a Lug+Carrie subscription include?
A: A Lug+Carrie subscription is an ongoing rental of one of our e-bikes designed to remove upfront purchase costs, any surprise breakdown and maintenance fees, and everyday support to keep you moving. Subscription includes:
- A bike (of course) that is kitted out with everything you need to get on the road (you’ll need to bring your own helmet)
- At home maintenance by one of our expert mechanics
- Rider Rescue roadside assistance in case your bike breaks down
- Insurance to cover theft or damage.
- Access to their Rider Network, our amazing community of Good Movers. It’s a Facebook Group where everyone shares their adventures and tips and asks questions. We also host regular community rides for everyone to meet and have a good time!
Click here to view the full range of FAQs on Lug+Carrie's website.