That's a great and very practical question! It really depends on the specific city and the type of location. In many modern urban areas, especially for larger commercial or public space bins, wheels are becoming standard. You'll commonly see them on those big, rectangular metal or heavy-duty plastic containers used by businesses, in parks, or at transit stops.
As for sturdiness, that's the critical part. The better-quality municipal and commercial wheeled bins are designed with rough pavement in mind. They typically feature large, solid rubber or polyurethane wheels—often two fixed wheels on one end and two swivel casters on the other for maneuvering. These are meant to handle curbs, cracks, and uneven surfaces without breaking down immediately. However, not all are created equal. Some lighter-duty residential-style wheeled bins distributed by cities can struggle with constant heavy use on very rough terrain, and wheels or axles can wear out or break.
So, the short answer is: yes, many do come with wheels, and the ones intended for heavy public use are generally sturdy enough. The key is robust construction and large, durable wheels. If they're cheaply made, they'll likely have a short, noisy life on our bumpy sidewalks.