Tag Archive: cargo bike

  1. Registration open for ICBF 2025

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    Source: International Cargo Bike Festival

    The International Cargo Bike Festival will return to Utrecht in the Netherlands from 13-14 October 2025 with a new B2B focus and special early bird pricing until March 31st.

    The International Cargo Bike Festival (ICBF) is set to reunite the cargo bike industry, showcasing its forward-looking vision for urban mobility. Returning with a renewed focus on industry visitors, the 2025 edition of the event aims to attract over 40 exhibitors in global cycling city Utrecht. Scheduled for a mid-week timeframe, the festival will offer an accessible venue featuring keynote speakers, panel discussions, and an outdoor test track for hands-on demonstrations.

    Numerous exhibitor benefits

    Exhibitors attending the ICBF can look forward to several benefits. The organisers have announced a freeze on 2025 floor space prices, which will include essential amenities such as electric connections, Wi-Fi access, and test track usage. Responding to feedback from past participants, the event will focus on fostering innovation while creating a more business-oriented environment. By shifting to a mid-week schedule, the festival aims to better accommodate dealers, distributors, fleet managers, policymakers, investors, and developers. Exhibitors interested in learning more can access the official exhibitor pack here. While the focus is industry-centric, B2C visitors will still be welcome at the event.

    New Product Pitch feature for 2025 event

    A notable new feature for the 2025 festival is the introduction of the New Product Pitch. As part of their exhibition package, all exhibitors will have the opportunity to present their latest cargo bike, product, or service innovation in a two-minute pitch to festival audiences, at no additional cost. These presentations will also be published on the ICBF YouTube channel, offering exhibitors extended digital exposure. To facilitate seamless presentations, ramps will be installed for easy transportation of cargo bikes on and off the stage. Exhibitors seeking more time can opt for a presentation slot of up to four additional minutes for an extra fee.

    By adapting to the needs of the global cargo bike industry and embracing innovation, the International Cargo Bike Festival 2025 promises to be a dynamic and impactful event, driving the future of sustainable urban transport.

  2. Invitation for cargo bike industry to join Taipei Cycle Business Trip

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    Source: Nieuws Fiets

    In late March 2025, the Taipei Cycle show will take place at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center. As Asia’s largest cycling trade fair, this event will highlight the rising prominence of cargo bikes. To celebrate this development, NieuwsFiets.nu, in collaboration with the International Cargo Bike Festival (ICBF), is organising a business trip to Taiwan for industry professionals.

    Nieuws Fiets has partnered with the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), the organiser of Taipei Cycle 2025.

    Taipei Cycle, alongside Eurobike, is one of the premier trade fairs for the global cycling industry. It attracts leading international suppliers of components and finished products and welcomes a large number of overseas visitors annually. Although the event is held in Taiwan’s capital, it is firmly focused on global markets, providing opportunities for worldwide exports.

    Driving international business growth

    A key highlight of the fair is Bike Vision, a new initiative by Taipei Cycle that showcases groundbreaking innovations and supports startup growth in the cycling industry. This platform provides selected startups with opportunities to display their developments, connect directly with industry leaders, and establish partnerships that can accelerate global business growth, particularly in the Asian market.

    As global awareness of environmental sustainability and carbon reduction initiatives grows, electric bikes and light electric vehicles have become preferred transportation and logistics solutions in Europe and the Americas. Recognising this potential, Taipei Cycle 2025 will dedicate the fourth floor of Nangang Exhibition Center, Hall 2, to the E-Bikes & Drive Units and Cargo Bike & Micro-mobility Pavilion. This area will feature a comprehensive showcase and test zone for e-bikes, motor systems, cargo bikes, e-scooters, and light electric vehicles.

    Limited seats for the exclusive business trip

    To align with the focus on cargo bikes, Nieuws Fiets and ICBF are organising an exclusive business trip for representatives of the cargo bike industry. Other industry professionals are also welcome to join this fully arranged trip to Taipei Cycle 2025.

    Please note: Only 20 spots are available for the Taipei Cycle Cargo Business Trip, so early booking is essential to secure your place.

    The package costs €2,895 and includes flights, accommodation at a 5-star hotel, breakfast, dinner on exhibition days, local transport, and airport taxes. This trip is open exclusively to professionals in the cycling or retail industries and is not available to consumers.

    Click here for more information and booking.

  3. Growing the supply of shared cargo bikes in Sweden

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    Source: Fietsberaad Crow

    Switching from motorised vehicles to cargo bikes for transporting goods in urban areas can significantly reduce emissions. However, the availability of shared cargo bikes remains limited. Researchers from Lund University in Sweden explored how to expand the supply and usage of shared cargo bikes, highlighting the critical role of municipal actors.

    The study combined a literature review with interviews involving 15 stakeholders, including representatives from two shared cargo bike providers: Grätzlrad in Vienna and LastenVelo in Freiburg. Grätzlrad, initiated by the municipality of Vienna, allows users to collect bikes from local managers, while LastenVelo, a citizen-led initiative, uses fixed parking spaces. Both platforms offer free bike loans, requiring only a deposit or administrative fee for registration. Currently, these services are primarily utilised by early adopters, mostly environmentally conscious, highly educated men who already rely on bikes as their main mode of transport. As a result, shared cargo bikes remain a niche service, not yet reaching a wide variety of population groups.

    Role of municipal actors

    The research emphasises that increasing the use of shared cargo bikes among diverse residents requires a variety of providers and user-friendly booking platforms. Municipalities play a pivotal role in this process by integrating cargo bikes into urban mobility planning and fostering growth through collaboration with different providers. For example, cities can directly offer shared cargo bike services, as seen with Vienna’s Grätzlrad. Alternatively, they can support citizen initiatives like LastenVelo by creating favorable legal frameworks or provide subsidies to commercial providers, provided they distribute bikes across targeted neighborhoods.

    Rental hubs and scaling up

    Beyond municipal efforts, organisations like Forum Freie Lastenräder, an association of free cargo bike providers across Germany, Austria, and Hungary, are essential for growing the shared cargo bike network. Station-based systems with automatic rentals are particularly promising for scaling up, as they are well-suited for goods transport. While free-floating systems, commonly used for shared bikes and scooters, are less ideal for cargo bikes, having these managed systems with administrators would be valuable, especially for first time users. These can provide a personal touch for first-time users. Strategic rental locations, such as shared mobility hubs, housing developments, and public transport stops, can further enhance accessibility.

    Click here to read the full study.

  4. Free online course on cargo bikes in logistics

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    Source: RadMarkt

    A free e-course titled “Cargo Bikes: Revolutionising Urban Delivery” is being offered by Cargobike.jetzt in collaboration with EIT Urban Mobility.

    The course introduces participants to sustainable transport solutions and measures for implementing bike logistics for businesses and cities.

    The course consists of four modules and includes interactive elements such as historical insights, quizzes, gaming features, and short videos from experts. It aims to deepen the understanding of cargo bikes in logistics in a dynamic and engaging way.

    Click here to register for the course.

  5. Room for increased use of cargo bikes in Germany’s logistics industry

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    Source: SAZ Bike

    An industry survey revealed that the use of cargo bikes in the German logistics sector has high potential and room for growth, particularly in urban areas

    Across Germany’s logistics industry, there is a lack of widespread knowledge about the use of cargo bikes, which has become evident from data collected in an online survey conducted as part of the Logistics Barometer Bavaria. The survey was organized by the Logistics Initiative Bavaria and the German Bicycle Logistics Association eV, with analysis provided by the PedeListics team at Nuremberg University of Applied Sciences. In November 2023, more than 100 participants from Bavaria and across Germany, representing various logistics sectors from intralogistics to traditional freight forwarding, participated in the survey.

    Untapped potential

    The study results reveal that two-thirds of respondents see urban areas as the primary application for cargo bikes, while one-third also see potential in suburban areas. Nearly 90 percent of participants stated that the range of these vehicles extends up to ten kilometers. This suggests that in many cities, cargo bikes could be used to transport goods from the outskirts to city centers or vice versa. Respondents particularly identified potential in last-mile logistics, deliveries to private customers, and personal errands. Furthermore, 24 percent of participants highlighted the relevance of cargo bikes for internal company transport. However, there was less enthusiasm for using cargo bikes for commercial deliveries, procurement trips, or business travel replacements.

    Tom Assmann, Chairman of the German Bicycle Logistics Association, commented on the findings, saying: “I am positively surprised. The results clearly show that bicycle logistics is perceived as an established option for delivery in the city and in factory traffic. However, the number of bicycles used is still far behind the potential. What is needed here is a political prioritization of sustainable means of transport, stronger promotion of the ramp-up of vehicles and the development of a safe infrastructure,”

    One potential reason for the limited use of cargo bikes is the low level of information available to logistics companies. Only nine percent of respondents felt well-informed about the purchase costs of cargo bikes, and just five percent were knowledgeable about maintenance costs. Awareness was even lower regarding aspects such as possible uses, providers, technology, services, and funding opportunities.

    The role of bicycle logistics in driving growth

    An increase in bicycle logistics could also boost the Bavarian economy. The state is home to several highly innovative manufacturers of cargo bikes and trailers, which are creating sustainable jobs through family businesses and startups. From Augsburg to Würzburg, medium-sized bicycle logistics companies in various cities are demonstrating how logistics, environmental protection, and fair working conditions can work hand in hand. Additionally, several universities in Bavaria are researching new cargo bike deployment concepts, such as integrating them with public transport or micro-hubs.

    To address the information gap around bicycle logistics, the Logistics Congress Bavaria, hosted by the Logistics Initiative Bavaria CNA eV, will be held in Nuremberg on November 21, 2024. The event, organized in collaboration with the German Bicycle Logistics Association eV, will feature lectures and regional exhibitors to raise awareness and promote knowledge in this growing field.

  6. A prototype of a self-driving cargo bike is being tested alongside messengers

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    A ground-breaking prototype of a self-driving logistics bike was unveiled recently in Magdeburg. For the Eaasy System project team, this marks a significant leap forward in the cargo bike industry.

    Source: Velobiz.de

    The foundation of this innovation is a vehicle from Ono Motion, based in Berlin.

    At the end of last month, the demonstration showcased a glimpse into the future of eco-friendly delivery services for mail and packages in urban areas. The prototype, developed by Ono, features a contactless push assistance system.

    This technology enables the robust bike to autonomously navigate alongside or behind a delivery person. According to the project partners, the bike is designed to maintain a maximum speed of 5.9 km/h when engaged, and it can effectively stop in front of pedestrians or obstacles while following the delivery person’s movements.

    The self-driving vehicle enhances the efficiency of postal and parcel delivery on designated routes by eliminating empty travel distances and offering greater flexibility. For longer trips, manual driving remains an option. Model simulations suggest a potential time savings of 20 percent, providing a competitive edge over traditional diesel vans.

    Support from the Federal Government

    The Eaasy System research initiative is backed by the University of Magdeburg, led by Tom Assmann, the Chairman of the Bicycle Logistics Association. The university is responsible for developing the autonomous driving capabilities, while its partner, FusionSystems, focuses on environmental perception. Onomotion has advanced the Ono model for the Eaasy System, collaborating with IAI GmbH to incorporate new components for automated driving. The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action is funding this research endeavour.

    The project aims for completion by early 2025, during which additional testing and trials of the prototype and its driving functions will occur. A field test is also planned in collaboration with the consortium leader, Mediengruppe Magdeburg.

  7. Bicycle logistics industry expects stable growth

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    Source: SAZ Bike

    The German Bicycle Logistics Association (RLVD) has released its 2024 industry report, revealing promising developments in the bicycle logistics industry. Despite facing global challenges, the sector is demonstrating steady growth and maintains an optimistic outlook for the future.

    Tom Assmann, a board member of the RLVD, emphasizes the organization’s ambitious goal: “We aim to shift 30 percent of urban commercial traffic to cargo bikes or trailers by the end of the 2020s.” Assmann notes that the report highlights the industry’s resilience in pursuing a sustainable economy, even under challenging conditions. However, the report forecasts an average annual growth rate of 10 percent, which may not be sufficient to fully achieve CO2-neutral urban logistics. To address this, Assmann urges policymakers to establish fair conditions that foster sustainability and innovation. He advocates for the inclusion of cargo bikes in public procurement policies, the revival of federal subsidies for cargo bikes, and consistent funding for expanding cycling infrastructure.

    E-cargo bikes: A growing market with significant potential

    In 2023, approximately 5,400 individuals were employed in the bicycle logistics industry. The report reveals that the majority of companies within the sector are small to medium-sized enterprises. Last year, the industry generated a turnover of 183 million euros, reflecting a stable to slightly increasing trend compared to the previous year. In total, 37,650 cargo bikes and trailers were sold for commercial use in 2023, with 95 percent featuring electric drive support. Cargo trailers are becoming an increasingly important part of the market, with around 12,000 units sold.

    Nicolas Schüte, the lead author of the study from Wildau University of Applied Sciences, underscores the long-term potential of cargo bikes for commercial purposes: “The use of cargo bikes is not just a passing trend; it’s a sustainable concept with vast potential. We’re seeing an expanding range of applications, from mobile coffee bars to outpatient care, that can benefit from bike logistics.

    Bicycle logistics: A key contributor to climate protection

    The report highlights the significant impact of bicycle logistics on climate protection. In 2023, cargo bikes covered around eight million kilometres, resulting in a reduction of approximately 2,100 tons of CO2 emissions. The survey also indicates that bicycle logistics significantly improves road safety, with no serious injuries or traffic fatalities reported since the survey’s inception. Martin Schmidt, another RLVD board member, addresses concerns about the safety of cargo bikes and trailers: “The negative headlines surrounding cargo bike tests are often misleading and taken out of context. Our daily operations demonstrate that these vehicles are indeed safe.

    The full 2024 industry report is available here.

  8. London cargo bike usage soars by 63% as businesses join forces calling for increased government support

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    Source: Cycling Industry News

    London remains a standout in the UK when it comes to cycling, with cargo bike usage in the city surging by 63%, according to Clean Cities analysis.

    In early August, a group of cargo bike operators, representing 54 businesses including plumbers and electricians, took to the streets of central London, crossing London Bridge and passing the Houses of Parliament as part of the annual Cargo Bike Cruise. They were rallying behind Clean Cargo Capital, a new campaign aimed at promoting the adoption of electric and pedal-powered commercial vehicles as part of a ‘green deal for freight’.

    Campaigners and businesses are urging the Mayor to enhance support for cargo bike adoption as a cleaner alternative to polluting diesel and petrol vans, which impose hidden social and environmental costs estimated at £2.46 billion annually in London.

    While Transport for London (TfL) has committed over £100 million to help businesses scrap polluting vans, none of these funds have been allocated specifically to boost cargo bike adoption.

    Campaigners and cargo bike operators view this as a missed opportunity and are calling for a “Green Deal for Freight.” They propose that remaining funds be allocated to a “Bikes for Business” initiative, providing tailored advice and subsidies to London businesses interested in adopting cargo bikes.

    The group is calling for measures to level the playing field between cargo bikes and more polluting delivery methods, including a fairer Congestion Charge that better reflects the environmental and social costs of different modes of transport. They are also pushing for an urgent river crossings package for cargo bikes, as they are currently excluded from the Silvertown Tunnel, set to open next year.

    Jack Skillen, Director of Sustainability and Place at Team London Bridge, the business improvement district, said: “In this area alone, over 200 businesses have switched to cargo bikes for transporting everything from legal contracts and blood samples to stationery and waste.

    The change in London Bridge has been dramatic, and is having such a positive impact on the environment and the public. But there are barriers limiting progress, so we need partners, including the Mayor, local and national governments to share our vision if we are going to see this positive transformation continue across London.”

    Jemima Hartshorn, founder of Mums For Lungs added: “We know that a quarter of a million children in London have asthma and that comes at a huge human and financial cost to all of us. When every breath we take has toxins in, the impact of this crisis is one that affects each and every Londoner, but it is a crisis that is avoidable.

    As demonstrated today with the Cargo Bike Cruise, there are alternatives to the dirty diesel and petrol vehicles we see on our roads in still increasing numbers. We must see London transition to a cleaner and greener city, we must incentivise businesses to adopt not only electric vehicles but innovative and yet simple solutions such as the cargo bike.

    Whether it be grocery deliveries or a local electrician, the humble cargo bike is being shown as an impactful tool in decarbonising local economies and cleaning up London’s air. We need to see further support from the Mayor for businesses to take part in this pedal powered revolution.

  9. Nijland Cycling B.V. and Cargo Cycling Join Forces with Metrucks GmbH to PropelUrban Mobility with the Metrucks Doer E-Quadricycle

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    Nijland Cycling B.V. and its subsidiary brand Cargo Cycling are proud to announce a strategic partnership with Metrucks GmbH, aimed at revolutionizing urban mobility through the innovative Metrucks Doer e-quadricycle.

    The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) solidifies the commitment of all parties to collaborate on production, sales, and service of the groundbreaking vehicle.

    Under the terms of the MOU, Nijland Cycling B.V. will oversee the final assembly of Metrucks Doer vehicles, leveraging its expertise to ensure the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship. Cargo Cycling will lead sales and marketing efforts for the Metrucks Doer outside of Germany. Metrucks GmbH will stay responsible for
    production and sales of the Doer for the German market.

    With a shared vision for sustainable urban mobility, Nijland Cycling B.V. and Cargo Cycling are poised to drive positive change in communities across the globe through the Metrucks Doer e-quadricycle.

    The Metrucks Doer sets new standards in urban transport, boasting customer-centric features such as modular building blocks for customizable solutions and a reinforced weatherproof cabin for enhanced comfort. Its ergonomic seating positions, combined with a pedelec version for seamless navigation through bike lanes, offer users unparalleled convenience and flexibility.

    “We are thrilled to join forces with Nijland Cycling B.V. to bring the Metrucks Doer to the forefront of urban mobility solutions,” says Srinath Menon, Founder and developer of the Doer at Metrucks GmbH. “This partnership not only strengthens our production capabilities but also expands our global reach, thanks to Cargo Cycling’s expertise in sales and marketing.”

    “Joining forces with Metrucks by taking on the assembly of the Doer is a great opportunity for us to further optimize our recently expanded production facilities. We love working on well-designed vehicles, and I must say, the Doer is exceptional,” says Luuk Nijland, COO at Nijland Cycling B.V.

    “We are excited to partner with Metrucks GmbH to introduce the Metrucks Doer to markets outside Germany,” says Jeroen Beumer, CCO at Cargo Cycling. “This collaboration not only underscores our dedication to sustainable urban mobility but also strengthens our position as a leading provider of innovative transportation solutions by expanding our product portfolio with a fantastic four-wheeler.”

    About Metrucks GmbH

    METRUCKS GmbH is a bootstrapped start-up, located in the south of Germany, that was founded at the end of 2021 as “Metrucks e.K.” and converted into a GmbH in 2023. The founder, Srinath Menon, is a mechanical engineer, welding engineer and holds a Master of Manufacturing Management, specialized in product design. He has years of experience in the research and development department of a well-known German car manufacturer and is following up on urban micromobility already since his studies.

    About Nijland Cycling B.V.

    Nijland Cycling B.V., a 34-year-old Dutch family business based in Heeten, is managed by the third generation. The company is well-known for its production of recumbent and adaptive bikes for individuals with disabilities under the Nijland brand and heavy-duty cargo bikes for urban logistics under the Cargo Cycling brand. They handle all production processes in-house, including frame building, a paint shop, wheel building, and assembly. Over the past few years, Nijland has seen consistent growth, demonstrating its strong presence in the market.

    About Cargo Cycling

    Established as a brand under Nijland Cycling B.V in 2020, Cargo Cycling has been a key player in the cargo bike industry, building on the efforts by Nijland in this space since 2015. It offers a unique and diverse range of heavy-duty cargo bikes to meet various logistics demands. With established partnerships with industry giants like PostNL and DHL, Cargo Cycling has solidified its position at the forefront of last-mile delivery vehicle solutions, showcasing its commitment to providing efficient and reliable transportation options for urban logistics.

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