Earlier this month at Micromobility Europe, LEVA-EU member Minimal gave electric-mobility insights specialist Charging Stack an in-depth look at its cutting-edge electric cargo bike solution for urban logistics.
Charging Stack recently published a video of Minimal’s Product Design Engineer, Sean Heaney, talking through the advanced features of the Pedal 4 as a sustainable and efficient replacement for an urban logistics van.
After being introduced to the cargo bike, Charging Stack said the following on its LinkedIn:
“What makes Pedal 4 interesting is how complete it feels as a city logistics vehicle. It is small enough for dense urban routes, practical enough for serious cargo, and digital enough for fleet operators who need visibility.”
Featured Pedal 4 highlights include:
300kg payload
2.5m³ of cargo space
60km range with two swappable batteries
Pedal by wire chainless technology
FleetOS fleet management platform
Key fob system for unlocking and locking vehicle/cargo box
New HMI system
Double front wishbone suspension
A video demonstration of the Pedal 4’s easy-to-use operation can be accessed on Charging Stack’s LinkedIn or YouTube.
The University of Leeds led an ELEVATE project, conducting month-long trials for families to use e-cargo bikes instead of the car in the UK cities of Leeds, Brighton and Oxford. Results revealed that e-cargo bikes covered over half of the distance normally travelled by car, with 20% of participants purchasing a cargo e-bike after the trial.
After publishing their ELEVATE (Electric Vehicles for Active and Digital Travel) study “E-liveable – unlocking the potential of electric micromobility through e-bikes, e-cargo bikes and e-scooters”, researchers from the Institute for Transport Studies at the University of Leeds are calling for trials to be implemented elsewhere.
The team previously published positive results on the effects that e-cargo bike usage had on the exercise levels of participants.
The trial, which consisted of 49 households families using e-cargo bikes for month-long trials, saw participants use the practical and sustainable mode of transportation for shopping, leisure and commuting, showing their potential in reducing car use and improving health.
Dr. Ian Philips from the University of Leeds Institute for Transport Studies stated the implications of the study:
“The ELEVATE project shows that e‑micromobility – especially e‑bikes and e‑cargo bikes – has significant untapped potential to reduce car use, improve health, and enhance everyday life beyond large cities. But realising this potential will require coordinated action by policymakers around promotion, affordability, infrastructure, safety and regulation, rather than relying on individual behaviour change alone.”
Adam, a trial participant said the following about his experience trialing an e-cargo bike:
“The benefits of this have been transporting the kids – the fact that I can put them in there with all their bags from whatever they’re doing, whether it’s nursery, taking them to a friend’s house or taking them to a sports club, I can get it all in. It’s perfect for local journeys, I absolutely love it. Riding on this, I feel people do give you a lot of space compared to when I’m in Lycra on my road bike. When somebody sees that it’s a bloke stood upright with two kids in the front clearly doing a chore rather than a pleasure ride, I think people do give you more space and patience.”
Study findings
Trials consisted of households being offered the use of an e-cargo bike for free in the suburban areas of Brighton, Leeds and Oxford. Training was offered, and accessories (such as child seats) were provided to study participants.
E-cargo bikes trialled for use by households were either: a long john, which was equipped with a cargo / passenger area at the front, or a longtail, equipped with a long rack at the back for panniers and child seats.
Impacts of the trial were uncovered through interviews with participants, travel diaries, bike GPS tracking data and car mileage records.
Key findings included:
E-cargo bikes were used for a variety of purposes, most commonly for transporting children to education, as well as shopping and commuting, with distance travelled being an average of 38-42 km per week.
Over 50% of e-cargo bike distance ridden during the trials substituted car use
20% of participants purchased an e-cargo bike after the trials, demonstrating the applicability of “try before you buy schemes” encouraging longer term adoption.
Barriers to widespread use included purchasing cost, theft, negative battery safety perspectives, vehicle legality confusion and lack of suitable infrastructure such as parking facilities and charging stations.
As well as the e-cargo bike trials, researchers commissioned a YouGov national survey of 2,000 respondents in England with the results showing that over half would like to trial using an e-bike, e-cargo bike or e-scooter.
The 2026 edition of Eurobike will feature a range of expert events, panel discussions and practical workshops around the topic of cargo bikes and adaptive cycles, in light of growing demand for more inclusive sustainable transport and effective logistics solutions.
On 25 June, the Vision Mobility ThinkTank will explore the opportunities and limitations of commercial cargo bikes, and in particular their suitability for efficient operations in urban logistics. The panel discussion will feature various stakeholders from the industry, politics and professional associations, examining cargo bikes’ significant potential as profitable and reliable business assets, as well as being a sustainable transport option.
Also scheduled for 25 June is a session focused on adaptive cycles: Comfort and safety for every situation—tricycles are breaking out of their niche! This presentation will look at how the cycle industry is supporting the growing segment of those who would love to ride a bike, but cannot, or are no longer able to, ride safely on standard two-wheelers. With many in this segment being viewed as “silver surfers” or fit seniors, they share a common desire for personal transport that’s relaxed, safe and is good for their health – such as electric trikes with a high comfort factor.
On 26 June, a new B2B format, Beyond Bicycle, takes place, which will focus on bicycle concepts beyond the classic two-wheeler format. The topics include cargo bikes and trailers for both private and commercial use, recumbent bikes, tandems and specialised bikes for people with limited mobility.
On each day of Eurobike, the Urban Test Area will feature a range of models, including cargo bikes and micro electric vehicles, enabling visitors to experience urban mobility in realistic settings, with the opportunity to try typical tasks such as parking, loading and unloading, and tight turns. Registration in advance is advised to avoid queues on arrival.
An immersive two-week programme organised by Ghent University and the Technical University of Berlin, and co-funded by EIT Urban Mobility, invites students and professionals to advance their skills towards a career in urban mobility with the creation of a cargo bike business concept as they contribute to the development of more sustainable European cities.
The summer school, which will take place from 2-15 August, with the first week in Ghent, Belgium and the second week in Berlin, Germany, will give participants valuable expertise for developing and scaling cargo bike concepts in cities through fieldwork, expert-led lectures, workshops, and site visits.
This Cargo Bike Revolution Summer School is most suitable for students who would like hands-on experience with real urban logistics challenges and are interested in sustainable mobility, last-mile delivery and city policy.
Please note that for the course, students will need to be motivated to learn through fieldwork and teamwork and be comfortable working in the English language in a group setting.
Students will gain the following from participation:
A research-based problem definition and user insights
A cargo bike service or product concept with a value proposition
A business model canvas plus an impact assessment
A pitch deck and jury feedback
A network of peers, practitioners, and city stakeholders
All lecture and classroom materials are included. On successful completion of the programme, participants will receive 3 ECTS credits, and an official certificate of participation signed by EIT Urban Mobility.
More information about the Cargo Bike Revolution Summer School such as pricing and how to apply can be viewed online.
The German Bicycle Logistics Association (RLVD) has cooperated with the Wildau University of Applied Sciences for this report on the sector’s 2026 status, with figures demonstrating a good starting position. However it is noted that its ecosystem has stagnated for the first time with no profit. It reports that last year cargo bikes were used to travel approximately 5.4 million kilometres, calculated to having saved around 1,400 tonnes of CO₂.
The report indicates that after years of growth, the German bicycle logistics sector has stagnated for the first time. Although its figures demonstrate stable development, they do not reveal the typical growth rates as shown in previous years, with the report citing a weak economic situation and political framework conditions as the main reasons.
Stable stagnation, but the employment rate has doubled since 2020
The sector’s total revenue of €189.5 million is almost the same as the previous year. In terms of employment, there are currently 5,486 people working in the sector’s ecosystem, a moderate decrease in comparison to the previous year. However, employment has been more positive in the long term, with the number of jobs having doubled since 2020.
Bicycle logistics production and operation figures
Cargo bike and trailer production numbers have remained steady at approximately 37,000 units annually. The number of operating bike logistics companies has decreased from 112 to 107, interpreted as an initial indicator of consolidation, which is typical of more mature markets.
Positives in safety and climate change effects
Although the industry is experiencing economic stagnation, the report highlights the ecological benefits the sector brings to the transportation in Germany. Cargo bikes were used to travel approximately 5.4 million kilometres in 2025, which has been calculated to have saved around 1,400 tonnes of CO₂.
Like previous years, there have been no fatal accidents involving cargo bike use, reinforcing the transportation mode as a safe, urban transportation solution.
Growth in sub-segments
Although the number of transportation companies has been decreasing slightly, the ecosystem is expanding in other areas, with the number of manufacturers expanding by 8% and segments including trade, service and workshops growing by 6%.
The report also reveals cargo bike applications are increasingly diversifying with them being used for other applications beyond traditional logistics processes such as crafts, municipal services and internal transportation.
Cautious optimism from the industry about the coming years
From companies surveyed, the following numbers have stated the following:
84% expect at least stable revenue for 2026
Around half are anticipating growth
35% are aiming to recruit for additional positions
46% number of employees to remain the same
In regards to the medium term period, the industry’s outlook is more ambitious, with an average annual growth of 14% expected over the next five years.
Calls for improved policymaking
The report summarises expectations of policymakers, which include calls for consistently expanding cycling infrastructure and measures for improving road safety.
The stakeholders are also calling for a legal framework for commercial cargo bikes which is innovation-friendly. In regards to economic policy, there are requests for a reliable funding environment, improved conditions for start-up and stronger CO₂ pricing on the agenda.
Perspectives from industry and research leaders
The CEO of the RLVD, Ernst Brust, has summarised that the current industry developments should be interpreted as signal for action being needed toward progressing a political framework which consistently supports climate friendly logistics solutions like cargo bikes which has have high energy efficiency, a clear advantage of over conventional commercial vehicles.
Christian Rudolph from the Wildau University of Applied Science highlights that bicycle logistics is showing resilience in established markets, and that although there is consolidation, there is no slump and innovation is continuing. He is of the opinion that bicycle logistics no longer has a niche status and is maturing further with its own independent ecosystem.
A mature market with new beginnings
The 2026 reports reveals the market is transitioning – although the rapid growth phase has ended for now, there are structural adjustments underway. Report implications state that provided the political framework adapts to the market needs, bicycle logistics can remain a significant part of sustainable urban mobility with promising prospects.
The LEVA-EU member recently exhibited at one of the leading global trade fairs for specialized bicycles, where it showcased its INTELLECTRIC cargo bike as an exemplary sustainable logistics solution for modern mobility on its booth, on the test track, and through a guided tour by cargobike.jetzt.
The German brand stated that it received great feedback from the SPEZI show, where it walked visitors through the INTELLECTRIC Cargobike’s high-performing capabilities designed to support a range of demanding applications and transportation tasks.
On its own booth, on the test-track, and with Cargobike.jetzt, Dynamic Drives Giessen showcased how its heavy-duty pedelec offers a completely new driving experience with high reliability and performance, thanks to features including its chainless serial hybrid drive, which delivers outstanding performance, even with a high payload.
The LEVA-EU member’s Co-Founder has explained how the company is building a data-driven system to enable it to create highly efficient, complex products as quickly as possible.
From an R&D centre in London with a team of 15 people, the electric logistics vehicle designer and manufacturer developed a cargo bike and fleet management software over a period of 1.5 years, which is ready for global scaling at a highly competitive price.
The company has also rolled out a highly efficient system of technology, software, data, and simulation, enabling two team members to complete tasks that would have required twenty people a year ago.
Recently, its Co-Founder Joe Allum reported the extension of Minimal’s capabilities, with the company’s achievement of being able to quickly develop a new reconfigurable cage/pickup variant, when requested.
He stated that in record time, within two weeks, they had successfully designed, engineered, sourced, and built a reconfigurable cage/pickup variant while also coordinating several releases, new product variants, and vehicle platforms, as well as factory and supply chain simulations.
Designing a data-driven system for improving development, sourcing and manufacturing time
Allum has also expressed the significance of the cutting-edge system Minimal is building that will enable it to improve on its previous work:
“But this isn’t just about building great products (although we are better, more capable, and at a lower cost than anyone else). What matters more is how we’re doing it. We’re building the system that allows us to build anything, faster and better than ever before. Fully data driven.”
Allum explains that the system is innovating core building blocks and guidelines that will significantly reduce development, sourcing, and manufacturing time.
Looking ahead, it is expected to lay the foundations for “factories of the future”, with the enabling of technologies to be faster and more flexible, and supply chain strategies to “enable the best price anywhere in the world”.
LEVA-EU member CONVOY has collected a trio of accolades at the Wonder Global Design Awards (WGA), with their innovative e-trailer gaining recognition for its ability to swiftly transform any adult bicycle into a family-friendly electric cargo bike.
The WGA judges commended the CONVOY trailer’s ability to allow riders to carry children, pets or cargo easily on their existing bikes, and praised its features: “The patent-pending inline e-trailer architecture delivers true innovation: a wireless handlebar sensor combined with an actuated rear-wheel steering system keep bike and trailer perfectly aligned, offering the safety and ride feel of a longtail e-cargo bike with the versatility, lightweight, and easy storage of a trailer.”
In a LinkedIn post, the CONVOY team stated that the WGA recognition is a “huge credit to our team, partners, and early believers. This is fuel.”
The German Cycling Logistics Association, Radlogistikverband Deutschland (RLVD), has joined the country’s debate on the use of cargo bikes on narrow cycle lanes, taking a stance against blanket bans or restrictions. RLVD instead argues for constructive dialogue with the aim of improving urban traffic safety while pursuing sustainable transport goals.
RLVD Chairman Ernst Brust outlined the parameters of the debate: “The current discussion shows one thing above all: we are facing a shared infrastructural challenge. Conflicts arise where traffic areas are too narrow, unclearly designed, or overloaded. This situation affects pedestrian, bicycle, and car traffic equally.”
Discussions in Germany have included proposed potential restrictions for the use of cargo bikes on narrower cycle and shared-use paths, alongside suggestions of stricter penalties, or for mandatory drivers’ licenses, with many of the proposals coming from pedestrian-traffic advocates Fuss eV. However, RLVD questions the evidence basis of a growing or significant problem posed to pedestrians by cargo bikes, and states that the introduction of heavy measures would be counter-productive. “Such a regulation would be disproportionate, bureaucratic, and would burden both families and businesses,” says Brust. “Our common goal should be to minimize risks – not to create new obstacles to climate-friendly mobility.”
A statement issued by Fuss eV included an example of Germany’s largest cargo bike, which measures 7.5m long. RLVD points out that the average commercial cargo bike is much smaller, “about half as wide, half as long, and half as fast as a conventional delivery van.”
RLVD does emphasise the need for cargo bike riders, especially commercial, to act responsibly, stating, “Security arises from competence, mutual respect and clear framework conditions – not solely from prohibitions.” They propose voluntary, practical safety and vehicle training, to include, among other things:
Braking exercises (empty/loaded, dry/wet)
Evasive maneuvering
Cornering and stability training
Maneuvering and safe parking
Cargo and child safety devices
Technical checks before departure
Infrastructure- and situation-related rules of conduct
RLVD points to the development of a future-proof cycling infrastructure as a key aspect in preventing conflict. Factors include:
Sufficient minimum widths of mandatory cycle paths
Clear structural separation of pedestrian and bicycle traffic
Safe intersection and bus stop areas
Low-conflict solutions in construction site situations
“We invite FUSS eV to join us and other stakeholders in a structured exchange,” said Ernst Brust. “Our common goal is clear: Vision Zero, a fair distribution of public space, and a transport revolution that combines safety, climate protection, and urban life.“
