A Beachside Realization to Bold Innovation

Megan Lancaster didn’t plan on revolutionizing the wagon industry, but her leap from investment banking and consulting to entrepreneurship was destined for something big. After years of crunching numbers and building products for others, she wanted something more personal—a project that could make a real difference for people, especially busy families.

Then came her lightbulb moment. On a crowded beach over the 4th of July, Megan and her mother, Renee, watched families wrestle with heavy wagons loaded with kids, coolers, and chaos. Her mother turned to her and said, “Why don’t we have an electric wagon? We’ve got electric bikes and scooters, so why are parents still dragging wagons across sand?”

That spark became Ellavate Wagon, a game-changing, electric-assisted wagon designed  who deserve a little less struggle and a lot more freedom. Megan took her corporate grit and powered it into a mission of family empowerment and adventure.

Creating Ellavate Wagon to Solve a Real Problem

Megan Lancaster saw a gap that no one else had filled: a family-friendly, tech-forward solution to make outdoor adventures simpler and stress-free. Families had been hauling heavy wagons across beaches, parks, and trails for generations, but the technology hadn’t caught up with the needs of modern parents.

She knew parents deserved more than a basic wagon to lug around gear and kids; they deserved a tool that worked for them. That’s when Ellavate Wagon’s mission took shape: to transform family outings from a feat of endurance to a seamless, enjoyable experience. With this mission in mind, Megan and her mother began designing the electric-assisted, all-terrain wagon of their dreams—a wagon that would move over any surface effortlessly and, crucially, wouldn’t drain parents’ energy before their adventure even began.

Ellavate Wagon brings a tech-savvy edge to the classic wagon, with features that redefine convenience and capability. Lightweight and equipped with a robust electric-assist motor, it glides across sand, gravel, and trails, making it a practical solution for family outings. It’s a tool built for adventure, accessibility, and making memories with ease.

Building the Brand: Challenges and Successes

With a clear vision in mind, Megan set out to turn Ellavate Wagon from a dream into a tangible product. Like any startup journey, the early stages were a test of patience, persistence, and ingenuity. From the first sketches to the final design, Megan faced a slew of obstacles, because engineering an electric wagon that was both lightweight and powerful required uncharted innovation. Securing resources and partnerships in a new market was no small feat, and each step brought unique challenges.

Yet, Megan’s tenacity paid off. In 2022, Ellavate Wagon launched to an overwhelmingly positive response, making its mark as the first electric-powered wagon crafted specifically for families. A hit among millennial parents and the aging population seeking mobility solutions, Ellavate Wagon has quickly gained traction. Customers love that it’s a ticket to simpler, more enjoyable outings that support their active lifestyles.

Second Place at PitcHER™: Recognition Ellavate Wagon Deserves

For Megan, the journey to the 2024 PitcHER™ stage at Grace Hopper Celebration was a validation of her hard work and vision. Standing before the judges, she shared the story of Ellavate Wagon with a contagious passion that couldn’t be ignored. Megan painted a vivid picture of her product’s purpose, emphasizing how Ellavate is more than just a wagon; it’s a breakthrough in an underserved market, truly changing family adventures through technology.

Her pitch resonated deeply. The judges were captivated not only by the innovation of Ellavate Wagon but by the gap it filled for families seeking accessible, all-terrain mobility. Earning second place in PitcHER™, Megan’s work was recognized as both groundbreaking and vital.

Join the Movement: Become an AnitaB.org Member

Megan Lancaster’s journey with Ellavate Wagon is about making a valuable product, but it’s also a bold declaration that women can disrupt industries and redefine convenience for families. She isn’t just trying to create a new niche, she’s trying to transform the way that tools can improve daily life. And through that, she’s also showing us that women in tech can break barriers and dream big.

By becoming an AnitaB.org Member, you can help fuel more stories like Megan’s and support groundbreaking initiatives like PitcHER™. Join a thriving community of trailblazers, innovators, and advocates who are committed to advancing women and nonbinary individuals in tech. Together, we’re building a future where women like Megan have the resources, recognition, and community to bring their boldest ideas to life.