Cost savings, predictable reliability, efficiency. The recent Cargo Bikes for Business event in Bristol, UK, took a practical approach to introducing business owners to the various advantages of switching vans for cargo bikes, and outlined grants available.
Hosted by Bristol Business Improvement District (BID) in collaboration with Bristol City Council, the July event gathered local and national businesses to explore the potential of cargo bikes for last-mile logistics, hear local success stories, and learn about the city’s new consolidation hubs. A variety of cargo bike brands and models were showcased during the event, representing a diversity of options to meet multiple needs.
LEVA-EU member Minimal was one of the brands participating in the event, with Marketing and Content Creator Antonia highlighting the advantages of their “right-sized” Pedal 4 model, that balances capability on the road with eco-friendly delivery goals.
Successful case studies
The director of local café business Spicer & Cole, Chris Swift, outlined the cost and logistical savings the company is able to make by operating their own cargo bike.
In comparison to vans or third-party delivery via cargo bike, he highlighted the predictability of the cargo bike as a key advantage, adding that running costs are lower, food damage during transit is almost eliminated, and that access is easier, especially in pedestrianised areas.
Tom Swithinbank, Senior Project Manager of Bristol BID, shared that Bristol City Council’s gardening teams are using cargo bikes to transport tools to and from the green spaces they manage. He also explained that Bristol BID is lobbying for greater uptake of cargo bikes; grants of up to £20,000 can be applied for, to cover 50% of the cost of switching and help businesses make a streamlined transition.
The perspective for bike workshops
The event heard from Dexter Robinson of independent Bristol workshop Holy Spokes, who described his business’s expansion into providing fleet services for the growing cargo bike sector, alongside the traditional leisure or commuter cycle market. He also emphasised that businesses should prioritise regular servicing of their cargo bikes, to unlock cheaper operation in the long run.
Consolidation hubs
The event included the chance to visit Bristol’s new consolidation hub, located in a car park and designed to allow operators to collect and support incoming goods from different suppliers, and consolidate them for delivery via cargo bike. It is the first of three planned hubs, which aim to help the city achieve its Net Zero targets.
Just over a year into New York’s three-year microhub pilot project, the city reports that the local delivery hubs have eliminated over 3,000 truck trips, and there has been a positive response from the trucking industry, last-mile delivery operators and environmental advocates alike.
The pilot project initially installed three microhubs at locations in the city’s Upper West Side in April 2025, and two new locations have now been added in the financial district, and Upper East Side. The hubs enable truck operators to transfer deliveries to sustainable transport options such as cargo bikes for the last leg of the delivery journey.
The New York project sees each microhub assigned exclusively to a single delivery partner, with locations selected on the basis of compatible land use, and proximity to high-density areas, truck routes, bike lanes and transit.
Figures from the pilot’s first year show that 110 packages a day were delivered via cargo bike, replacing around three truck miles (4.8 km) of travel. Handcarts were also used to deliver around 860 packages a day, which replaced 1.5 miles (2.4 km) of truck travel. City officials state that the pilot has reduced an estimated nine grams of air pollution.
NYC Department of Transport (DOT) Commissioner, Mike Flynn, spoke of the positive impact. “When big delivery trucks deliver individual packages on local streets, we can see pedestrian crosswalks and travel lanes getting blocked, and a variety of other unsafe challenges. Shifting these deliveries onto handcarts, e-bikes, and other smaller delivery options is a win for our environment, street safety, and our neighborhoods.”
Reactions from the delivery sector
The Trucking Association of New York views the microhub pilot positively, with Vice President, Government Affairs, Zach Miller stating, “We’ve supported microhub distribution for years because it offers strong operational alignment for certain segments of last-mile freight and the small businesses that provide these delivery services. We’re pleased to see NYC DOT continue expanding microhubs as part of a broader, holistic freight strategy that includes Blue Highways, off-hour deliveries, package lockers, and a modernized truck route network.”
The first phase of the project was launched with delivery collaborators in Net Zero Logistics and Amazon.
Net Zero Logistics CEO, Mark Chiusano, highlighted the various benefits of the project. “By providing dedicated curb space for last-mile transfers to cargo bikes and zero-emission modes of transport (including walking), we can cut truck trips, eliminate double parking, and reduce emissions – all while keeping New York City moving.”
Beryl Tomay, Vice President, Transportation at Amazon, emphasised the importance of a collaborative approach. “Programs like this show what’s possible when the city and the private sector work together to make urban delivery safer and more sustainable. We look forward to continuing to innovate – including efforts like the growth of our e-cargo bike program – so we’re best able to deliver for New Yorkers.”
Growth of the scheme
NYC DOT aims to further expand the pilot project’s geographic and partner reach, and is inviting a broader range of business participation through an application process.
In the period up to 2055, freight volumes in the city are projected to grow by 46%, and the proliferation of trucks already poses significant challenges. The city states that 44,000 trucks cross critical chokepoints on a daily basis, leading to congestion and delays that cost the city an estimated $20 billion (€17.45 billion) annually in lost productivity, rising maintenance requirements, and environmental impact.
Other delivery solutions
The pilot project commenced just over a year after NYC DOT authorised the use of e-cargo bikes on city streets; in the intervening period, commercial cargo bike use for delivery has grown at least seven-fold.
Additional measures include the Blue Highways program, which aims to utilise marine infrastructure to shift delivery from road to waterways, and an Off-hour Delivery program, which incentivises the delivery of goods during off-peak hours between 7pm and 6am.
Last-mile delivery in London is being influenced by the city’s clean-air policies, with the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) encouraging the use of alternatives to non-compliant vans, while various trials and the establishment of microhubs aim to scale up commercial cargo bike adoption.
The ULEZ is having its intended effect of encouraging businesses operating in the city to avoid the use of non-compliant motor vehicles for delivery, especially for shorter journeys in dense boroughs with a high volume of road traffic. Small and medium-sized businesses in the delivery and retail sector are finding that economics of delivery are changing. Electric cargo bikes present themselves as viable delivery options, with substantial loading capacities available, the ability to circumvent a lot of congestion, and competitive purchase, running and maintenance costs.
Mainstream usage
The availability of cargo bikes with lockable boxes, chilled containers and flatbeds for larger items make them attractive to a range of businesses. Operators can make use of technology such as routing software, remote locking functionality and real-time courier data for maximised utilisation and traceability.
Typical users include retailers completing same-day e-commerce orders, facilities management teams moving supplies between sites, and courier companies. Cargo bikes are a suitable option in boroughs operating trials such as low-traffic zones and time-limited loading bays, as they are able to access kerbside parking more easily and thus streamline delivery.
Rationalising the delivery space
Several London boroughs and Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) are organising and supporting short-term trials to test out fresh routes, revised kerbside layouts, and consolidation points. These trials typically measure aspects such as delivery times, reliability, resident feedback and rider safety, helping to inform decision-making on the establishment of permanent hubs and cargo bike-friendly loading bays. Common delivery models involve goods being delivered in bulk to a local microhub adjacent to busy centres, then consolidated for speedy drops. In these scenarios, operators report fewer failed deliveries, and smoother handovers.
Support for small businesses
Upfront cargo bike costs have fallen in recent years, however smaller businesses still seek out help with financing, insurance and training. Past national funding and borough-level schemes have helped establish earlier fleets, and currently some landlords offer hub space as part of their sustainability packages for business tenants. The TfL Cargo Bike Action Plan, published in 2023, outlines pathways for the scaling of cargo bike adoption across the city, including standards and best practice for businesses.
Successes and challenges
The increasing uptake of cargo bikes has led to lower running costs and improved efficiency and access on short urban delivery trips, while contributing to reduced congestion and clean air gains.
Ongoing challenges include limited secure kerbside loading/unloading and parking space, and the scaling of microhubs in areas of expensive property. Ensuring rider safety and training is also a challenge as cargo bike popularity rises, necessitating clear standards.
What’s next?
It is likely that there will be more efforts to expand microhub networks close to transport nodes, with partnerships between national carriers, local business and property managers helping to facilitate.
Retailers may expand the options for ‘green delivery’ slots at the checkout stage, at comparable prices to standard delivery.
Policies will continue to prioritise public health and climate targets, in turn encouraging a continued shift towards sustainable commercial delivery options.
A free business-focused cargo bike event is scheduled for 2 July in Bristol, UK, organised by Bristol Business Improvement District (BID) and Bristol City Council. Those in the wider cargo bike ecosystem, including manufacturers, vendors and courier companies, are invited to take part.
The event will include the opportunity to view various types of cargo bikes, hear about support from Bristol City Council, summaries of financial offers, and the option to visit the city’s new consolidation hub, which is the first of three planned. The event’s aim is to demonstrate both the operational and environmental benefits of cargo bikes, and act as an effective connection point for businesses with suppliers and operators.
Councillor Ed Plowden, Chair of the council’s Transport and Connectivity Committee, said, “We have a range of support available to enable businesses to make and receive deliveries in the cleanest and greenest way possible, without sacrificing profits. Businesses and organisations in Bristol are beating traffic and saving fuel through cargo bikes, and our new freight consolidation hubs will increase these benefits further. The event is a great opportunity to hear first-hand from businesses using cargo bikes and learn about the support available to help you transition from van to bike.”
A group ride through the city centre will start the event day, with businesses that currently use cargo bikes invited to take part to showcase their role in supporting clean and sustainable logistics. In the afternoon, a business-focused session, Cargo Bikes for Business: The Opportunity for Bristol, will explore how organisations of varying sizes are reducing costs, improving efficiency and meet sustainable transport goals through the use of cargo bikes. Confirmed exhibitors include LEVA-EU member Minimal.
The event is part of Bristol BID’s Cargo Bikes for Business programme, which aims to help organisations adopt more sustainable ways of delivering goods and services around the city. Participating businesses have been able to access subsidies which support cargo bike adoption, as well as free consultancy on integrating cargo bikes into supply chains.
Tom Swithinbank, Senior Project Manager at Bristol BID, said, “Since launching Cargo Bikes for Business, we’ve seen growing interest from organisations looking for practical ways to reduce emissions while maintaining efficient and cost-effective operations. Businesses across Bristol are already demonstrating how cargo bikes can support everything from deliveries and logistics to day-to-day services, and we’re keen to help even more organisations explore the opportunities available. This double event line up is an opportunity to celebrate the businesses already leading the way, share practical insights and showcase how cargo bikes can help organisations operate more sustainably while supporting a cleaner, less congested city.”
Businesses interested in participating in the event can reserve their spot here.
Active Travel England (ATE) has awarded funds to 12 projects which promote walking, wheeling and cycling, with each receiving up to £100,000 (€115,690) following a competitive bid process in 2025. Winning projects include an e-cargo bike-sharing scheme in Brighton and Hove, and an e-cycling hub in Bradford.
PedalUK was awarded £99,819 (€115,480) for its OurBikee-cargo bike-sharing pilot scheme to be delivered in Brighton and Hove, alongside the City Council and the University of Brighton. OurBike represents the UK’s largest community e-cargo bike share network, launched in 2022 and, until now, mainly operating across 16 London boroughs and in three rural communities. The bikes are hosted by local business and community hubs, and OurBike statistics show that 66% of users replace car trips.
Emma Hughes, General Manager at PedalUK/OurBike, said, “This funding enables OurBike to launch and test our London e-cargo bike share scheme outside the capital in Brighton & Hove Building on research from the University of Brighton and working with Brighton & Hove City Council and local partners, we are addressing the real barriers to e-cargo bike use by embedding bikes in communities and making everyday cycling more accessible and affordable for families and businesses carrying children, goods or equipment.”
Bradford-based Capital of Cycling was awarded £100,000 (€115,690) for its e‑cycling hub and toolkit which helps organisations to set up cycle libraries and loan schemes. The aim of the libraries and loan schemes is to turn the users into long-term cyclists under their own steam, by loaning standard or cargo e-bikes for periods of two to eight weeks to qualifying participants. Scheme users are encouraged to share their experiences with other users and Capital of Cycling, and receive guidance on acquiring their own e-bike or traditional bike at the end of the loan period.
Other projects receiving funding include community behaviour change programmes, gamified walking campaigns and accessible wheeling apps.
National Active Travel Commissioner, Chris Boardman, said:
“These projects are about testing fresh ideas in the real world and finding out what works.
“By backing smaller, innovative organisations across the country, we are tapping into more imaginations, reaching people in the heart of the community and building a strong evidence base that will further improve everyday journeys for people who walk, wheel and cycle now and in the future.
“The lessons we learn will help councils, businesses and communities invest in approaches that are inclusive, practical and deliver tangible benefits. It’s about making it easier for more people to choose active travel for everyday trips, whatever their age, ability or background.”
According to fleet service provider Arval, global companies’ mobility strategies are increasingly including a bicycle offering. Germany has a particularly widespread culture of corporate bicycle leasing compared to other countries, with many businesses using cargo bikes for various business activities.
The latest Arval Fleet and Mobility Barometer shows that over one-third of German companies already uses bicycle leasing, or is considering its introduction within the next three years. German companies offering bicycle leasing currently is at 20%, with a further 16% considering this within the next three years; this is a significant difference to the European average, at 5% and 6% respectively.
Corporate bicycle sharing in Germany is also strong, with 14% of companies currently offering this, and 21% considering to introduce it. Again, this is much higher than the European average at 6% and 8% respectively.
The use of cargo bikes by German companies is significant, with 17% already using them, and a further 30% considering introducing them in the next three years. Of this combined 47% of companies, 28% say the main reason for their use is courier services. Other key uses include last-mile delivery, customer visits, food delivery and transportation of tools and materials to customers.
The Arval study also sees sustainability goals as a driving force behind overall mobility strategies. 40% of companies both globally and in Germany cite CSR guidelines as the main factor behind mobility strategies, while the reason of personnel-related needs such as talent recruitment, employee retention runs a close second in Germany.
The survey polled 10,157 businesses in 33 countries around the world, including 300 in Germany.
The Danish capital, one of the world’s biggest cycling centres will soon host its unique annual championship, Svajerløbet, on June 13. It is a celebration of the city’s strong cargo bike culture, which is especially evident in some of the city’s streets having more cargo bikes than cars travelling down them.
Svajerløbet, the Danish Cargo Bike Championships, brings a unique combination of speed, community, fashion, and cargo-bike culture. This year’s edition is anticipated to be particularly memorable, as it will take place next to Dronning Louises Bro, a bridge which has some of the highest levels of bicycle traffic in the world.
The cargo bike has a key role in Copenhagen’s mobility, with it being relied upon by citizens for reasons such as transporting children, groceries, as well as tools to job sites and delivering packages around the city.
Svajerløbet – a diverse race celebrating cargo bikes
The competition is open to a wide range of cargo bikes, which includes two-wheelers, three-wheelers and vintage delivery bikes.
Race participants can compete individually or in relay teams of four people. The race typically hosts a range of participants, from cargo bike enthusiasts, to bike couriers, to local businesses, cycling stores and families.
Unique dress code for a cycling championship
Described by its organisers as “the best-dressed race in the world,” participants are encouraged to dress like the traditional Danish “svajer,” bicycle delivery workers who carried goods throughout the city wearing items like flat caps, suspenders, workwear, vintage messenger clothing and classic urban attire.
Entry cost is 50 Danish kroner (around €7) to race with a chance to compete for medals and earn the special “Svajer of the Year” title.
The publication features 22 chapters with contributions from numerous ALICE members, and places the topic of urban logistics at the intersection of sustainability, digitalisation and circular-economy principles. The pressures placed on urban logistics systems by rapid changes in factors such as urbanisation, e-commerce and consumer expectations are explored in detail, alongside examinations of real-world solutions including cargo bikes, micro-hubs and more.
The book seeks to bridge the gap between research and practice, consolidating latest knowledge with practical solutions, case studies and policy perspectives in a way designed to support efficient and sustainable last-mile logistics.
The growing importance of circularity in logistics is also explored, taking in factors such as reusable packaging, producer responsibility schemes, and the integrated forward and reverse flow of goods.
The book aims to provide a comprehensive roadmap for the transformation of urban logistics systems, highlighting the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors, alongside improved integration of infrastructure, regulatory frameworks, and digital solutions.
Comments Off on How electric bikes enable life-changing mobility
Source:Cycling ElectricImage sources: Mark Stosberg, Unsplash, and Cycling Electric
Electric cargo bikes, adaptive trikes, eMTBs and more have all played a role in transforming people’s lives, as a selection of real-life stories told to Cycling Electric shows. The ability of power-assisted pedalling to deliver tangible results is represented by greater freedom, improved health, higher efficiency, and engaged children.
Adaptive trikes
Wheelchair user Jamie Lawson has cerebral palsy, which significantly affects her balance. She invested in a pedal-assisted recumbent trike from LEVA-EU member ICE Trikes, having used their non-electric products for 20 years. She highlights particular advantages for her riding needs, such as the ability for the controls to be adapted and customised to favour her stronger left-hand side, which makes a significant difference.
Jamie states, “As a wheelchair user, the feeling of pedalling gives me an immense sense of freedom and achievement. For a long time, the idea of using e-assist felt slightly like cheating. I’ve always valued the physical effort and the sense of accomplishment that comes with cycling. However, as I started venturing beyond park routes and onto the road, including completing RideLondon 30, I found myself in situations where maintaining a safe, consistent speed on inclines was really challenging.
“That’s where an e-bike becomes less about cheating and more about enabling. It opens up longer road routes and gives me the confidence to tackle inclines safely. I’d also like to explore some off-road riding, where that extra boost will definitely come in handy.
“The reassurance allows me to ride more independently, without always needing to rely on a ride buddy for support. In that sense, pedal-assist doesn’t just make riding easier; it turns cycling into a realistic everyday option.”
Cargo bikes
A variety of experiences with cargo bikes were shared.
Christina Hayford moved to Chicago in 2015 and stopped driving, getting around mainly by bike and public transport, including with her son who was born in 2017. Rear bike seats and a trailer on traditional bikes gave way to an electric cargo bike in 2022, which represented a much quicker way to get to museums and other places that would require multiple public transport transfers.
The Bakfiets-style cargo bike they chose allowed for easy communication with her son during trips, and the e-assist allowed for the tackling of longer journeys. Christina describes how, although the bike was a large upfront expense, savings on public transport, car payments and parking costs are significant.
E-bikes were also essential for Christina when she was diagnosed with breast cancer, enabling her to get to chemotherapy appointments with relative ease, and to continue outings with her son that would not have been possible on a regular bike or walking. Her transport mode to continuing treatment is a folding e-bike, and says, “I was lucky to bounce back quite easily from chemo and surgery, and many of my healthcare providers have attributed it to my biking lifestyle. Today, you will find me riding one of my e-bikes, generally over ten miles per week, to see everything Chicago has to offer. Biking, especially e-biking, has truly given me a freedom that does not exist by car.”
Nick Postorino also moved with family to a new city, from the US to Bergamo in Italy, and with a goal to drive a lot less. When his children were due to be in the same school, he and his wife decided to get a cargo bike for easier transportation. He says, “The impact of living a bike-first, car-second lifestyle has been enormous for our family. For myself, commuting to and from work became a stress reliever rather than a source of stress. But the biggest impact, I hope, is on the kids. Riding on the back of the cargo bike is fun – the wind is in your hair and you can say ‘ciao’ to everyone you encounter. Not only that but the kids are engaged in our route and at eight and ten years old already have quite a good mental map of the city. This gives me peace of mind as they get older and more independent. Most importantly, I want to demonstrate to my kids and everyone we encounter that there is another way. Using a bike for transportation isn’t just fun, it’s quicker, easier, calmer and makes you more connected to the world around you.”
Ben Furfie states that “My electric cargo bike changed what was possible for me. It kick-started a 38kg weight-loss journey and made it viable for our household to ditch a second car, saving tens of thousands of pounds. Neither of those things would have happened without an electric bike.”
He had previously tried using a bike for everyday transportation, but found it a struggle to carry things, and would arrive sweaty. The purchase of a cargo bike changed things almost immediately: “The electric assist and large carrying capacity removed the practical barriers that had previously made cycling feel inconvenient. Suddenly, I could do full supermarket shops, carry bulky items and handle everyday tasks such as getting to work, visiting the dentist or doctors or running routine errands in a way that felt just as predictable and convenient as driving, if not more so.”
Electric mountain bikes
Geoff Waugh is a photographer, with mountain biking one of his specialisms. He says, “Using an e-bike means I can recce areas to shoot faster and get to more of them, as well as being able to foray further into the hills. I can also ride up ahead of the riders and look back for a shot rather than struggling behind and always looking up the trail. My e-bike doesn’t have a USB port, but many of them now do, which would allow me to charge my camera accessories while on the go, which would be another bonus. There are only upsides as far as I am concerned.”
