Tag Archive: cargo bike

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

    Comments Off on Room for increased use of cargo bikes in Germany’s logistics industry

    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.

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

    Comments Off on A prototype of a self-driving cargo bike is being tested alongside messengers

    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.

  3. Bicycle logistics industry expects stable growth

    Comments Off on Bicycle logistics industry expects stable growth

    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.

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

    Comments Off on London cargo bike usage soars by 63% as businesses join forces calling for increased government support

    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.“

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

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

    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.

  6. Antric brings electric mobility to German island of Sylt

    Comments Off on Antric brings electric mobility to German island of Sylt

    ISTS and Sylt sponsors rely on the latest generation of cargo bikes

    With the use of the cargo bike “Antric One“, a new era of electromobility begins at the Insel Sylt Tourismus-Service (ISTS). Initiated by the ISTS marketing department and the Sprotten-Werbung agency, 19 Sylt companies were won over as sponsors for the innovative project.

    The cargo bike attracted many curious glances from strolling holidaymakers when it was presented on the Westerland promenade in the presence of the sponsors. “This is exactly what we were looking for, it’s tailor-made,” said ISTS event manager Jörg Elias. In the future, the cargo bike, which is fitted with the sponsors’ advertising space, will be used primarily to display event posters.

    On the island of Sylt, the Antric is mainly used for promenade and city trips, for example to cover the distance between the “Oase zur Sonne” in the south of Westerland and the North Sea Clinic or for events on the promenade. The Antric has many advantages. To quote ISTS event manager Jörg Elias: “In addition to more storage space and comfort, this is also a great advantage in rainy weather.” Our cargo bike will also be used to display event posters in future.

    Working together for progress for the benefit of the environment

    ISTS Marketing Manager Susanne Klick expressed her heartfelt thanks to all sponsors, which was documented in framed certificates. While the Sylt companies financed the purchase costs of the cargo bike, the Sylt Island Tourism Service is covering the insurance premiums.

    The four-wheeled cargo bike with e-bike technology, which is produced in the factory of the US company Cenntro in Herne, Westphalia, is a novelty – and on Sylt it is being used for the first time in the whole of Schleswig-Holstein. But there are already a number of other interested parties, from the city of Kiel to the University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein.

    Hand over of the Antric One

    The “Antric One”, which can reach speeds of up to 25 kilometers per hour, has a loading volume of 2.3 cubic meters and a payload of 291 kilograms. With a range of around 50 kilometers, it offers a variety of driving comforts – from a fully suspended chassis to a comfortable seat and ergonomic pedals, to windshield wipers and a rear-view camera. Another special feature is the textile body.

    The purchase of the latest generation cargo bike, which costs around 23,000 euros, was made possible by the following Sylt companies: Café de Paris, Fisch Hüs, Restaurant Bella Vita, Sylt-Strandkörbe, Steffi-Moden, Wohndesign Kiose, Sylt Aquarium, Different, Metallschmiede Sylt, Hake, Shell gas station, Rahn & Sohn, Malerbetrieb Eberhardt, Rohrleitungsbau Sven Vogt, Ingenieurbüro Volquardsen, Bäckerei Abeling, Zimmerei Peter Paulsen, Elektro-Bau Sylt and Property and House Management Gerhard Nissen.

  7. Fulpra unveils new 2024 models

    Comments Off on Fulpra unveils new 2024 models

    The Dutch manufacturer of heavy-duty and large-volume cargo trikes has given an update on new models that will be launched soon, as well as discounts for current stock.

    Fulpra’s new 2024 models will be launched on June 24th, and will come with an updated design, suspension and weather kit. The remaining stock of Fulpra’s 2023 models and a number of lightly used and ex-sample cargo bikes are currently being sold at competitive prices.

    New Fulpra 2024 models and specifications:

    The following models also share the following features: a FULPRA E-XACT DRIVE™ (20% slope, 70km range), a front and rear suspension and “Key-less entry” sliding doors.

    Visit Fulpra’s website for full information about models.

  8. EIT study: Logisticians can save massively with mixed fleets of e-cargo bikes and e-vans

    Comments Off on EIT study: Logisticians can save massively with mixed fleets of e-cargo bikes and e-vans

    A recent study conducted by EIT InnoEnergy, an organization dedicated to sustainable energy innovation supported by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), sheds light on the comparative advantages of utilizing e-vans and e-cargo bikes in terms of both costs and environmental impact.

    Source: Logistra

    The study emphasizes that employing a mixed fleet comprising both e-cargo bikes and e-vans proves to be more economically viable for logistics companies when compared to solely relying on e-van fleets. This shift towards mixed fleets is largely influenced by regulatory measures.

    Key Findings:

    1. Cost and CO2 Savings: The study reveals that deploying a mixed fleet consisting of 80% e-cargo bikes and 20% e-vans can lead to substantial annual cost savings, projected to reach 554 million euros by 2030, while concurrently reducing CO2 emissions in last-mile logistics by up to 80%. With the e-commerce sector witnessing annual volume increases of 8-14%, logistics companies are motivated to enhance profitability while mitigating environmental impact.
    2. Regulatory Influence: Regulatory initiatives, such as Stockholm’s impending ban on internal combustion engine vehicles within city centers, are compelling companies to transition towards decarbonizing their last-mile delivery services. In response to these regulatory pressures, the study provides insights into the feasibility and benefits of integrating e-cargo bikes into logistics operations.
    3. Cost Efficiency: Regardless of fleet composition and urban infrastructure, the study demonstrates that the use of e-cargo bikes reduces the overall cost per package compared to relying solely on e-vans. By 2030, the cost savings per package could increase significantly, offering substantial financial advantages to logistics companies.
    4. Benefits for Cities: Beyond monetary savings, the adoption of mixed fleets offers environmental benefits for cities, including a substantial reduction in CO2 emissions and the elimination of a significant number of delivery vehicles. Mixed fleets also alleviate pressure on local power grids and contribute to energy savings equivalent to the annual consumption of hundreds of households per city.

    Looking Ahead

    The study underscores the potential for collaboration between cities and logistics providers to maximize the benefits of mixed fleets. Public-private partnerships offer opportunities to optimize infrastructure planning, thereby realizing the advantages in terms of sustainability, land utilization, and cost efficiency. Ultimately, the study aims to provide decision-makers in Europe with valuable insights to manage escalating parcel volumes, uphold cost efficiency, and foster flexibility and sustainability in last-mile delivery operations.

  9. Antric donates to good cause via weniger e.V.

    Comments Off on Antric donates to good cause via weniger e.V.

    The cargo bike innovator has gifted an Antric One V4 to Weniger e.V. an association for people and organisations that want to embrace the idea of “less”

    Weniger describes itself as a learning and action space for impulses, suggestions and concrete implementations, where the strategies of sustainable development are also taken into account. More specifically, it is a legal entity that can be used by various projects, offering individuals and groups its brand and the infrastructure of a non-profit association. The aim is ensure that ideas are put into practice that contribute positively to the sustainability transformation of society. Various Weniger projects are designed to promote sustainable development, such as the “Paperless happy”, “CleanUp” and “Playground dwarves” projects.

    Antric‘s Cargobike offers a perfect solution with its cargobox and large load volume. “Specifically, we use the Antric for our work at and with primary schools in Witten, especially for our “MüTos – rubbish collection combined with romping around” programme. We also take part in the annual RuhrCleanUp on our cargo bike and transport the collectors’ heavy rubbish bags, because collecting rubbish is fun, lugging rubbish is less so. In general, the Antric offers us a mobility option for our numerous projects that fits in with our values,” says Patrick Schulz, employee of weniger e.V.. Antric began as a project in the Bochum University of Applied Sciences, and has been developing vehicles somewhere between e-bikes and electric cars since 2015.

    The feedback so far has also been extremely positive and has attracted a lot of attention on the streets of Bochum.

Campaign success

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.

Member profile

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.