The Vergecast My other car is a cargo bike
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Sep 30, 2025 Transportation writer Andy Hawkins, an e-bike advocate, discusses his thrilling experiences with electric cargo bikes, exploring how they can replace car trips for errands and even school runs. He shares insights on the growing popularity of cargo bikes, fueled by improved tech and pandemic demands. Meanwhile, reporter Lauren Feiner dives into the Google ad tech remedies trial, unpacking the monopolistic practices, government demands, and the complexities of competition in the digital advertising world. It's a mix of cycling innovation and courtroom drama!
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From Suburban Kid To Cargo-Bike Parent
- Andy Hawkins grew up biking in the suburbs and later used cargo bikes to avoid becoming an "SUV guy."
- He moved to New York, biked extensively, then brought cargo biking back to suburban life to replace many car trips.
Cargo Bikes Are Utility-First E-Bikes
- Cargo bikes combine e-bike range with real utility by carrying kids and groceries, making them viable car replacements.
- Andy frames them as climate- and safety-positive ways to remove cars from roads.
Tech And Pandemic Drove Adoption
- E-bike tech improvements and pandemic behavior shifts accelerated cargo-bike adoption by reducing exertion and expanding range.
- These trends made cargo bikes a realistic daily transport for errands and child transport.