“Go Mama, go Mama, go!” My two-year-old’s cheer echoed from the rear of the bike while I exerted myself up a steep incline, his baby brother snug in a front seat and a backpack filled with our daily necessities — laptop, diapers, lunches — weighing heavily on me. My legs throbbed, my heart raced, yet I couldn’t help but laugh. This was the beautiful chaos of motherhood colliding with the routine of biking — a moment both humbling and amusing.

I had been an avid bike commuter for years, confidently enduring rain, wind, and traffic on my reliable steel-framed road bike. However, now faced with two kids and a hefty load, I was testing my physical limits. A change was necessary.

Cycling has always been more than mere transportation for me; it’s an integral part of my identity. I met my husband while volunteering with Bike East Bay (previously the East Bay Bicycle Coalition), and cycling swiftly evolved into a shared way of life. It brought us joy, health, and a sense of community. It offered us freedom. Yet, the demands of early parenthood are physically taxing, and the challenge of transporting two small children and all their belongings rendered my cherished road bike more burdensome than beneficial. We were intent on remaining a one-car family, but our current arrangement was becoming untenable.

Then came a life-altering gift: that Christmas, “Santa” delivered an Xtracycle E-Swoop — a sleek, sturdy electric cargo bike that I quickly dubbed the “minivan of bikes.” It accommodated both me (at 5 feet tall) and my 6-foot husband, and from the very first ride, I was enchanted. Instantly, I could transport both kids, a week’s worth of groceries, and even a 12-pack of toilet paper — all without breaking a sweat. The steep hills of Berkeley and Oakland no longer seemed insurmountable. What used to be a daily grind transformed into a delightful adventure.

Our new e-bike revolutionized our daily routine. Mornings became smoother, errands were completed quicker, and we no longer wrestled with car seats. We zipped to the park as a family, often with additional kids along for the ride. On weekends, we participated in a monthly kids’ bike parade — one of our cherished traditions. We’d attach the kids’ bicycles to ours, ride over together, and join a throng of wobbly young cyclists parading through the neighborhood. With the e-bike’s assistance, I could ride ahead and block intersections to ensure the route was safe. Recently, our youngest — who had spent four years perched on the back of my bike — had her inaugural ride in the parade. I was overwhelmed with pride.

Now, with three growing (and heavier!) children, our setup has changed. I ride a Tern HSD — a more compact but still formidable e-bike — while my husband and I share the load of the kids. We’ve rediscovered our rhythm. Our days revolve around biking from school to errands to judo practice, all without ever pressing the gas pedal. Most days, our car remains parked in the driveway.

Of course, there are compromises. At times, I yearn for the simplicity of a traditional bike — no battery to recharge, no electronics to concern myself with. And yes, the price of an e-bike can be daunting. But when I consider how much we’ve saved on gas, vehicle maintenance, insurance, and stress — it feels worth every cent. The mental and physical health benefits are substantial, too. I’m outdoors, moving my body (e-biking still requires effort, especially if you resist the urge to utilize Turbo mode all the time), enjoying time with my kids, and remaining connected to my community.

E-bikes serve as powerful tools for overcoming obstacles. Whether it’s tackling steep hills, carrying heavy loads, recovering from an injury, or simply managing a busy family life, the electric boost makes biking accessible for more individuals. I’ve witnessed older adults, parents with toddlers, and those who never imagined they could ride again discover confidence and joy on an e-bike.

There’s something empowering about opting for a bike over a car. It’s a quiet resistance against traffic, pollution, and the fast pace of modern living. On a bike, things slow down just enough. You notice more. You stop for ice cream. You converse with your kids. You never fret about parking tickets. You sense the wind shift before the rain arrives.

These days, when I arrive at the grocery store and park right by the entrance, I can’t help but smile. It’s one of the many small advantages of life on two wheels. People often inquire about my bike, and I relish witnessing their curiosity evolve into excitement when they realize how enjoyable and simple it can be.

We’re still pedaling along — two e-bikes, three kids, and one (mostly) content family navigating life’s ups and downs with a little electric assistance. If you’re contemplating making the change, I suggest: go for it!