Why were electronic organs designed as substitutes for pipe organs?

Electronic organs were primarily designed as an economical and compact substitute for the much larger and more complex pipe organ.12

Traditional pipe organs are intricate instruments that require significant space and resources to house their extensive systems of pipes, wind chests, and bellows. In contrast, electronic organs—which emerged in the early 20th century—offered a space-saving alternative that could fit into smaller environments, such as homes or smaller institutions, while still providing a versatile range of sounds.213

By utilizing electronic oscillators or other tone-generating technologies, these instruments could replicate various musical timbres without the physical demands of a conventional pipe organ. Over time, they evolved into a distinct class of instruments, particularly popular for domestic use and popular music, often incorporating features like automatic rhythm production that further distinguished them from their traditional counterparts.13