Tag Archive: cargo bike

  1. OECD-ITF calls for coordinated policies to scale light cargo vehicles in cities

    Comments Off on OECD-ITF calls for coordinated policies to scale light cargo vehicles in cities

    Source: Fietsberaad

    A new report from the OECD’s International Transport Forum (ITF) highlights the growing role of light cargo vehicles, such as cargo bikes and other smaller-than-van vehicles for urban parcel delivery, while warning that their wider adoption depends on stronger and more coherent policy frameworks.

    The study, Lightening the Load: Integrating Light Cargo Vehicles in Cities, finds that urban logistics has diversified significantly in recent years as operators increasingly turn to smaller delivery vehicles for last-mile operations. In dense urban environments, these vehicles can deliver parcels more efficiently than vans and trucks, while supporting key public policy objectives, including reduced emissions, improved road safety, and enhanced urban liveability.

    However, the report cautions that light cargo vehicles also face operational limitations, notably reduced range and carrying capacity. These constraints may require additional urban logistics hubs and a larger workforce, increasing costs in an already competitive market. As a result, the ITF stresses that authorities must play an active role in shaping the conditions under which these vehicles can succeed.

    A central challenge identified in the report is the absence of harmonised international standards and classifications for cargo bikes and other micro-delivery vehicles. Fragmented regulations create uncertainty for manufacturers and operators, complicate access to insurance and financing, and slow market development. The lack of consistent employment and training standards further complicates uptake and raises concerns about worker safety and well-being.

    To address these issues, the ITF has advised several suggestions.

    ITF policy recommendations:

    Integrate freight logistics within broader urban planning strategies and mobility plans

    • The report urges cities to embed freight logistics early on into urban planning and mobility strategies, including sustainable urban logistics plans supported by collaboration between authorities, operators, workers, and citizens.

    Promote vehicle taxonomies that support desired policy outcomes

    • Clear vehicle classifications aligned with goals such as space efficiency, safety, congestion reduction, and environmental performance can help authorities assign access rights and rules transparently.

    Align domestic standards and light cargo vehicle classifications to best-in-class frameworks

    • Harmonising national regulations with international or leading frameworks would reduce uncertainty and enable faster market development for light cargo vehicles.

    Encourage more sustainable outcomes through vehicle size and weight-based incentives

    • Incentives based on vehicle size and weight, such as access to priority lanes or urban zones, can steer operators toward smaller, more sustainable delivery options.

    Promote an urban logistics sector that provides fair, green jobs for the future of logistics

    • The report calls for standards on training, fair employment, and worker safety to ensure light logistics contributes to decent, future-proof jobs.

    Facilitate the development of fixed and mobile micro-hubs to support small cargo vehicles

    • The ITF highlights the importance of urban micro-hubs and shared logistics spaces to support efficient light cargo operations.

    The full ITF (OECD) report on Lightening the Load: Integrating Light Cargo Vehicles in Cities can be downloaded from Fietsberaad.

  2. Fulpra tour with founder

    Comments Off on Fulpra tour with founder

    Source: Fulpra

    The LEVA-EU member’s founder and director, Niels Markvoort, gives a tour of the cargo bike brand’s factory in Nieuwegein, the Netherlands. He shares his perspective on the creation of Fulpra, its unique offering and latest product updates in providing sustainable urban logistics solutions.

    First, Niels gives a tour of the inline assembly area in which Fulpra bikes are built, where he details the different components being put together to produce cargo bikes, and the various load compartments, which are designed uniquely for each customer.

    He also spoke of Fulpra’s newest innovation, the Quatro, a four-wheeled light electric vehicle previously showcased at Eurobike. It is being tested and being put into production for market availability in a few months, with the incorporation of a Bluetooth radio feature, for playing music while riding.

    Niels reveals that, after developing bikes for 20+ years, he started Fulpra to merge the enjoyment of cycling around the city with urban logistics. He describes the core selling point of Fulpra products as being able to cycle like a normal bike, with the capacity to handle a lot of weight. Looking ahead, he aims for every European city to feature the Fulpra optimising convenient urban logistics.

  3. Electric cargo bikes boost health and jobs in Uganda

    Comments Off on Electric cargo bikes boost health and jobs in Uganda

    Source: DW

    A national e-mobility plan is providing robust electric bikes and cargo bikes to individuals and communities in Uganda. It is supporting nurses in delivering vaccination programmes and small business owners in expanding their opportunities.

    The initiative, which is supported by NGO First African Bicycle Information Organization (FABIO) and AfricroozE, a Germany-based enterprise developing e-bikes tailored to Africa, is aiming to boost access to sustainable transport, thereby significantly broadening people’s horizons.

    Aisha Musamba was gifted an e-bike under the initiative, to help with delivery of an immunisation programme. She says: “The bike saves children’s lives, because parents often don’t immunise their children because of the distance involved. With this bike, we can come straight to their homes.”

    The e-bike is a significant benefit compared to the traditional bike she used previously, allowing Aisha to travel further and reach more people, while conserving her energy.

    The bikes are robustly built, designed to handle challenging terrain, and the charging infrastructure is solar-powered – allowing for reliable charging in areas where electricity supply is problematic.

    Other bike users may lease, rent or buy the e-bikes which have been made available under the initiative.

    Adam Kigenyi, a juice vendor, has customised the bike to allow him to carry more products and increase his range, enabling him to reach more customers. His previous vehicle had been a manual three-wheeler; with the electric cargo bike, he can visit customers more quickly, and has seen a real life-change thanks to the new vehicle.

    The project partners have established a solar-powered service hub in the town of Jinja, with further facilities planned in rural areas, to ensure the ongoing reliability of the bikes.

    The full video report on the initiative can be found here.

  4. Santos Bikes announces new cargo model

    Comments Off on Santos Bikes announces new cargo model

    Source: Santos Bikes

    The LEVA-EU member has introduced its Santos Adventure Cargo bike, a model designed for powerful adventures which is equipped with smart mounting rails for safely securing a variety of cargo.

    Described by the Dutch manufacturer as a “true adventure cargo bike that can handle it all”, the Santos Adventure Cargo bike can be securely equipped with various luggage items, from camping gear to groceries, thanks to its Airline mounting rails and a sturdy anti-slip flatbed that is mounted firmly with stainless steel brackets.

    The cargo bike’s features boast a robust steel frame, a durable Santos PX system and Gates belt drive, an innovative steering hub, Rohloff gear hub, and Fahrwerker disc brakes.

  5. Fulpra’s 3- and 4-wheel cargo bikes take centre stage at ICBF

    Comments Off on Fulpra’s 3- and 4-wheel cargo bikes take centre stage at ICBF

    Source: Fulpra

    The LEVA-EU member showcased the attributes of its next-generation cargo bikes at the globally renowned International Cargo Bike Festival, which recently took place in the city of Utrecht in the Netherlands on October 13-14.

    Fulpra made a bold impression at the latest International Cargo Bike Festival with its Co-Founder and Growth Director, Michel Van Eijnatten, giving a presentation about his company on the ICBF stage, which began with the statement: “You are looking at the greatest cargo bike in the world.”

    The succinct introduction captured the attention of attendees and set the tone for the remainder of his presentation, which focused on substance over slogans.

    Van Eijnatten spoke about the creation of Fulpra five years ago, as a project aiming to design the most efficient cargo bike for sustainable last-mile delivery. This led them to develop their three-wheeled cargo bike, designed fully by the Fulpra team with its own drive line, platform and compartment.

    On stage, he announced a new four-wheeled cargo bike, the Fulpra Quatro, a comfort-optimised version that has 80% of the same bike and unique drive line of the three-wheeler model, which equips both LEVs for efficient performance carrying a 350 kg payload.

    The presentation concluded with a lighthearted moment as the event host, Emma Stubbe from the Dutch Cycling Embassy, took one of the bikes for a test ride.

    ICBF was a successful event for Fulpra, demonstrating their commitment to innovation in redefining urban logistics with advanced electric cargo bike technology throughout the show.

    Based in the Nieuwegein area of Utrecht, its team continues to develop the next generation of electric cargo bikes, which are designed to be powerful, reliable, and purpose-built solutions for real-world urban transport demands.

    A shortened version of the presentation can be viewed online.

  6. Paris expands e-bike financial aid scheme

    Comments Off on Paris expands e-bike financial aid scheme

    Source: SortiraParis

    The French capital is increasing the financial aid offered to encourage individuals and businesses to purchase e-bikes and cargo bikes. It is also subsidising cycle training courses and secure bike parking.

    The aim of the expanded scheme is to broaden access to clean mobility options to more people and companies.

    Individual applications

    Paris residents with a reference tax income per unit of less than, or equal to, €10,000 can receive 50% of the purchase price of an e-bike, up to a maximum of €400.

    A higher compensation amount is available for electric cargo bikes, with 33% of the purchase price up to a maximum of €600.

    An additional amount of 33% of the purchase price of a helmet and/or an anti-theft device is also available, up to a maximum of €50.

    Corporate applications

    Small Paris-based companies with fewer than 50 employees can receive a subsidy of 50% of the purchase price of professional cargo bikes, up to a maximum of €1,200.

    Which e-bikes qualify?

    Specific criteria must be met under the scheme. E-bikes must be new or reconditioned with V3r certification and at 3N15194 standard, be marked with a unique identifier, and be registered in the national cycle registry. Bikes fitted with lead batteries are not eligible.

    Rider training courses

    Bicycle training courses are reimbursed at 60% of the cost, up to a maximum of €60. Instructors must hold the CQP AMV (Certificat de qualification professionnelle Animateur mobilité vélo) or be trained to the IMV (Initiateur mobilité à vélo) certificate.

    Secure parking

    The city is subsidising 50% of the price of annual subscription to secure bike parking facilities, up to a maximum of €100.

    How to apply

    Applications can be made online here, and the subsidies may be combined with other schemes offered by the French government (bonus vélo, prime à la conversion), Île-de-France Mobilités or Métropole du Grand Paris. You can check eligibility before submitting an application via an online simulator.

  7. Study finds that electric cargo bike riders exercise up to 3 times more than non-users

    Comments Off on Study finds that electric cargo bike riders exercise up to 3 times more than non-users

    Source: Cycling Electric

    A report recently published by the ELEVATE e-micromobility research project revealed a range of positive health-benefit results for participants in an e-cargo bike trial.

    ELEVATE is a joint project between the University of Leeds, University of Brighton, University of Oxford, Technical University of Eindhoven, and Technical University of Dortmund; its aim is to understand the potential of existing and new forms of e-micromobility – including cargo bikes – to identify the people, places and circumstances they will be most useful, and deliver the most benefit.

    In the trial covered by the report, 49 households in Leeds, Oxford and Brighton were lent an electric cargo bike for one month in the summer-autumn period of 2023. 11 of these participating households also borrowed a cargo bike for a period of 3-6 months during the winter-spring period of 2024. The research also included data from a survey conducted by YouGov in spring 2023.

    All participating households and survey respondents were classed as “not fitness enthusiasts” before the trial began, with up to a third cycling less than once per month, and 40% reaching less than NHS-recommended physical activity levels.

    Trial results

    • Following the trial activity, analysis of the data showed that those who had use of an e-cargo bike had 2.6-3.1 times more exercise than non-users.
    • Participants met the nationally recommended physical activity levels, and achieved more active travel minutes than non-users.
    • Participants in the e-cargo bike trial trended toward healthier BMI and reduced sedentary behaviour.
    • Participants reported improved physical and mental health, as well as commenting on social and environmental advantages.

    Cycling Electric points out the links to other studies which have found that electric bike users ride more frequently than they may have done on traditional bikes, and for longer periods of time – therefore covering greater distances, and more easily eliminating the need for car journeys.

  8. Germany’s e-cargo bike funding reaches significant milestone

    Comments Off on Germany’s e-cargo bike funding reaches significant milestone

    Source: Velobiz

    Since 2021, Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE) has been subsidising the purchase of electric cargo bikes and matching trailers for commercial use. The number of bikes and trailers purchased under the scheme has now reached over 10,000.

    The Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA) which provides the financial support announced in a recent press release, “with the 10,000th subsidized e-cargo bike in May 2025, a significant milestone was reached. A total of around 14.5 million euros was paid out to companies from 80 sectors.”

    The funding is distributed as part of the National Climate Initiative (NKI), which is a key part of Germany’s aim to be widely climate neutral by 2045. Funding can be applied for by companies and public institutions, such as universities, until 30 June 2027. Up to 25% of the purchase price is subsidised, up to a maximum of €3,500 euros per bike.

  9. Prague promotes sustainable urban delivery with Better Cities Fund launch

    Comments Off on Prague promotes sustainable urban delivery with Better Cities Fund launch

    Source: EU Urban Mobility Observatory, EIT Urban Mobility

    A new initiative, the Better Cities Fund, has been introduced to Prague to help couriers transition to electric cargo bikes, in an effort to bring sustainable transport to last-mile delivery services in the Czech capital. The fund was launched by urban delivery company Wolt, with the support of EIT Urban Mobility, and partners Threshpoint Analytics and South Pole.

    The fund has seen success in other cities in Northern Europe, and in Prague €400,000 will be available to help couriers switch to one of two electric cargo bike options – a compact and versatile long-tail model, or a high-capacity four-wheel bike, both of which provide 100km+ of range and come with two swappable batteries, enhancing flexibility. The programme offers flexible leasing options with no down payment required, and comprehensive insurance and maintenance.

    Wolt recently organised a test drive in Prague to showcase the vehicles, allowing couriers and city officials, as well as members of the public, to experience the potential of the cargo bikes first-hand. Traian Urban, Director at EIT Urban Mobility Innovation Hub East, attended the event, and discussed the role of zero-emission transport in urban areas. “With increasing pressure on European cities to reduce transport-related emissions, expanding electric delivery fleets is a practical step toward improving air quality. By prioritising sustainable urban transport, Prague—and cities like it—can make tangible progress in reducing pollution and creating healthier environments for residents.”

    Jakub Moťovský, Head of Courier Strategy & Innovation, Region Central, at Wolt, also shared his thoughts on making last-mile logistics more sustainable. “Prague has the opportunity to enhance sustainable urban logistics, especially in last-mile delivery, by adopting greener solutions and advancing low-emission transportation. Better Cities Fund supports this transition by helping couriers overcome the high costs of electric transport and showcasing innovative approaches to reducing the city’s carbon footprint.”

    Find out more about the Better Cities Fund, and how to apply, here.