Tag Archive: cargo bikes

  1. Substantial emissions and cash savings to be gained from last-mile mixed electric fleets

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    A new study by EIT InnoEnergy reveals that, compared to e-vans alone, e-cargo bikes reduce the total cost per parcel regardless of the city layout and fleet mix.

    Source: Tech.eu

    A recent study conducted by EIT InnoEnergy, a body of the European Union, has revealed the potential benefits of employing mixed electric fleets comprising both e-cargo bikes and e-vans for urban logistics operations. The findings suggest that such a mixed fleet approach not only offers significant cost savings for logistics providers compared to relying solely on e-vans but also contributes to enhancing the overall quality of life in urban areas.

    The research, which examines the economic and environmental implications of utilizing mixed electric fleets, indicates that for a major logistics company handling 2 billion parcels annually, transitioning to a fleet consisting of 80 percent e-cargo bikes and 20 percent e-vans could result in substantial annual cost savings of approximately €554 million by the year 2030. Moreover, such a shift could lead to a reduction in last-mile logistics emissions by as much as 80 percent.

    Jennifer Dungs, the Global Head of Mobility at EIT InnoEnergy, underscored the growing pressures faced by logistics operators, including escalating parcel volumes, bans on combustion-engine vehicles in city centers, parking constraints, and the imperative to minimize costs in a highly competitive industry. Dungs emphasized, “This study demonstrates that e-cargo bikes are not only a sustainable solution to these challenges but also offer cost competitiveness and viability for major logistics players, both presently and in the foreseeable future.”

    The study’s findings highlight that e-cargo bikes present a cost-effective alternative to e-vans across various fleet compositions and urban layouts. In the baseline case examined, the total cost per parcel in 2023 using e-cargo bikes was found to be €0.05 lower compared to a fleet solely comprising e-vans. By 2030, this difference is projected to increase to €0.20 per parcel.

    In an optimized scenario, where an 80 percent e-cargo bike and 20 percent e-van fleet operates within a medium-sized city, the savings relative to a 100 percent e-van fleet are even more substantial. In 2023, this optimized approach translates to savings of €0.08 per parcel, totaling approximately €156 million annually for a large logistics provider. By 2030, the cost difference per parcel is anticipated to reach €0.28, resulting in total savings of approximately €554 million.

    Furthermore, the integration of e-cargo bikes into urban logistics systems could yield significant environmental benefits, including an up to 80 percent reduction in emissions from last-mile logistics across Europe’s 100 largest cities. Additionally, the adoption of e-cargo bikes could alleviate traffic congestion and competition for space by potentially replacing up to 120,000 vans.

  2. Fernhay e-bikes added to Zoomo lineup of micromobility fleet solutions

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    Zoomo, provider of last-mile electric fleet solutions, has announced its plans to double down on four-wheeled e-cargo bikes, catering to the needs of the burgeoning urban logistics sector. The announcement sees Zoomo welcome LEVA-EU member Fernhay, micro-mobility vehicle solutions provider, to its platform, alongside Vok, a provider of automotive-grade cargo bikes.

    Zoomo will offer financing for both Fernhay and Vok vehicles, with full maintenance and its advanced fleet management software which helps businesses track and maintain their delivery fleet. The announcement builds on Zoomo’s recent introduction of EAV to its product line-up, reinforcing the company’s dedication to putting more light electric vehicles (LEVs) on the road.

    With the rapid growth of e-commerce and the introduction of anti-car legislation in major cities, the urban logistics sector is actively exploring alternative vehicle form factors to replace traditional delivery vans. Four-wheeled e-cargo bikes are coming out on top, and Zoomo is confident this form factor is meeting the last mile delivery sector’s evolving demands. This is because compared to conventional vans, e-cargo bikes offer faster urban delivery, with the potential to reduce carbon emissions by up to 90%, all while being more cost-effective.

    Both Fernhay and Vok e-cargo bikes are tailored to the specific requirements of urban delivery, offering a spacious 2,000-litre cargo capacity and a robust 200 kg payload limit. With a 250W output and supported speeds of up to 25 km/h, these vehicles present an ideal replacement for traditional vans.

    Michael Johnson, Co-Founder and CRO, Zoomo, said: “We’re all in on e-cargo bikes as true ‘van-replacers’. We know our customers in urban logistics want this solution to achieve their sustainability goals and drive more efficient deliveries. We have traction from customers around the world, including the likes of Evri, who are reaping the benefits of integrating cargo bikes into their fleets, and we’re determined to build on this momentum.”

    Zoomo is resolute in its belief in the future of e-cargo bikes within cities, and that regulation will ultimately favour these form factors, not hinder. The productivity and efficiency gains, such as the ability to circumvent traffic, park without fines, and reduce costs, remain compelling reasons for their adoption. Fernhay and Vok offer unique and compelling solutions for companies seeking to optimise their urban logistics operations.

    Peter Schenkman, Fernhay COO, said: “Our partnership with Zoomo is a significant step towards offering efficient, green, and cost-saving urban logistics. We share a commitment to sustainability and believe that e-cargo bikes can revolutionise last-mile delivery.”

    “The financial and operational infrastructure to support a widespread micro-mobility revolution in the world of city logistics is in its early days and it’s evident that Zoomo is at the forefront here”, says Indrek Petjärv, Vok Bikes Co-founder and CEO. “We could not be happier to join forces and give Zoomo’s customers the possibility to make the switch using our vehicles and in turn bring the administrational flexibility to our own customers.”

    Fernhay and Vok will leverage Zoomo’s global reach in the United Kingdom, Europe, the United States and North America. Furthermore, both existing and future customers of VOK and Fernhay gain access to Zoomo’s extensive service network, telematics-integrated software platform, and financing options.

  3. Freight Transport Bootcamp coming up in November 2023 at VUB Belgium

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    Interested industry professionals are called to participate in the Freight Transport Bootcamp scheduled for November 17, 2023, to be held at the U-Residence on the VUB Campus in Etterbeek.

    The primary goal of this intensive bootcamp is to delve into the challenges and opportunities that urban freight transport presents. It seeks to provide attendees with a comprehensive understanding of the complexities and intricacies surrounding this critical aspect of urban infrastructure. The event will feature interactive workshops, expert lectures, real-world case studies, and hands-on activities.

    The bootcamp’s content spans a wide array of topics, including last-mile delivery, e-commerce, cargobikes, smart transportation systems, and policy interventions. The aim is to equip participants with practical insights to develop innovative and sustainable strategies capable of revolutionizing urban freight transport. These insights are founded on the “8 A’s” framework for creating a more sustainable transport system, which includes elements such as Awareness, Avoidance, Act and Shift, Anticipation of new technologies, Acceleration, Actor Involvement, Adapt behavior, and All in love.

    Importantly, the bootcamp is tailored to cater to a diverse range of participants. Urban planners, transportation professionals, policymakers, logistics managers, environmental enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, and individuals passionate about crafting sustainable and efficient urban freight systems are all encouraged to attend. It extends its arms to both industry professionals looking to enhance their knowledge and students eager to explore sustainable transportation solutions.

    Attendees can expect to gain a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and potential solutions in the realm of urban freight transport. The event offers a unique opportunity to learn from leading experts in the field, engage in collaborative discussions with peers from various backgrounds, and develop practical skills to address real-world problems.

    By participating in this bootcamp, individuals have the chance to contribute to making cities more livable, reducing environmental impact, and shaping the future of urban logistics. It is a valuable opportunity for industry professionals seeking to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving field and for students interested in sustainable urban development.

    Please note that registration for the bootcamp is mandatory, with a registration fee of €250 for general participants and a reduced rate of €100 for students.

    Follow the link for the agenda and further information.

  4. Research highlights preference for proper cycle infrastructure among e-bike and cargo bike users

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    Source: Transportation Research Interdisciplinary Perspectives

    Research published in the latest edition of Transportation Research Interdisciplinary Perspectives reveals the route preferences of cyclists across different categories of bicycle.

    The research was in part inspired by the growth of cargo and electric bike markets, in this case classed as ‘innovative’ bikes, as well as the numerous environmental and health benefits of cycling and improved cycling infrastructure. Researchers Michael Hardinghaus and Jan Weschke aimed to make better data available in the adoption and kinds of cycle infrastructure projects. The methodology adopted a graphically assisted online discrete choice experiment.

    The different infrastructure needs anticipated by such innovative bikes includes potentially wider track, and consideration of different acceleration behaviour. The authors also identified the lack of past research that specifically compares or differentiates bicycle types. Small sample sizes and inconsistencies in conclusions lead them to state that current research is not sufficient for understanding route choice among these categories.

    The sample set consisted of 687 users, of which 271 were e-bike users, 166 cargo bikes and 250 regular bikes. The majority of the group were males ages 25-54, with more than 70% being daily cyclists. For the route choices, features for cyclists to assess included whether arterial road or side street, presence of bike lane, cycle path, or protected bike lane, maximum speed for cars of 50 km/h or 30 km/h, cycle street (no through traffic, residents only), living street (max. speed cars 7 km/h), cobblestone or asphalt surface, presence of on-street parking, and presence of trees.

    Findings from the survey indicated that individuals who use cargo bikes and e-bikes place a greater emphasis on the quality of infrastructure compared to those who use conventional bicycles. This underscores the need for increased investment in such facilities, given the continued rise in popularity of these bicycle types.

    In terms of statistics, the research found that:

    “Protected bike lanes for example are valued about 20 % higher by cargo bike users and even nearly 40 % higher by e-bike users than by users of regular bike types. In the same way, bike paths, side streets and asphalt as smooth surface are valued between 15 % and 60 % higher by cargo bike users while e-bike users have higher preferences for bike lanes, bike paths, cycle street and side streets in the range between + 20 % and + 60 % compared to regular bike users.”

    The authors concluded that physically separated infrastructures along main streets such as bike paths and protected bike lanes are of major importance, as well as routes through side streets in general and cycle streets with priority for cyclists. It is hoped that the results shall be useful in supporting the design of future-proof bike friendly cities.

  5. Dutch sales figures for cargo bikes in 2022

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    Source: Jos Sluijsmans

    Director at the International Cargo Bike Festival, Jos Sluijsmans, shares insight and market comparisons on the reported sales figures for this bicycle category.

    At the beginning of May, the RAI Association published the “Key Figures Car & Mobility and Two-Wheelers 2023”. These key figures are published annually by Stichting BOVAG-RAI Automobiliteit, which charts the Dutch market for passenger cars, commercial vehicles and two-wheelers.
    In the key figures on the sale of two-wheelers, it is not immediately clear in which category (electric) cargo and cargo bikes fall and what the sales figures for these bicycles are.

    Sluijsmans questions the RAI Association, who replied that electric cargo bikes fall into the ‘e-bikes’ category and that 8,901 cargo bikes were sold in 2022. Regular cargo bikes fall into the ‘other’ category. The RAI Association does not know how many cargo bikes without electrical assistance have been sold. The sales figures are based on a representative sample of all bicycle shops in the Netherlands, regardless of whether they are affiliated with a trade association. The research data comes from market research agency GfK.

    The number of 8,901 electric cargo bikes sold is very low compared to sales in Germany, for example. In 2022, according to the ZIV Zweirad-Industrie-Verband e.V. 212,800 cargo bikes were sold. This difference can partly be explained by the fact that Germany has five times as many inhabitants and still has to catch up in the use of cargo bikes compared to the Netherlands. Another factor will be that there are interesting subsidy schemes for the purchase of cargo bikes in Germany.

    In addition, it also plays a role in Germany that so-called ‘longtails’ (bicycles with an extended rear carrier) and delivery bicycles are counted as ‘Lastenrad’. In the Netherlands, a ‘bakfiets’ is a bicycle with a box in the front or at the back. A more neutral term, which includes cargo and cargo bikes as well as longtails and delivery bikes, is ‘transport bike’.

    There are more than thirty manufacturers of utility and cargo bikes in the Netherlands. In addition, there are also many dozens of foreign companies active on the Dutch market. Some companies produce exclusively for the private market, others exclusively for the business market, and many companies produce for both private and business users.

    Inquiries with the various cargo bike manufacturers have shown that they too have the strong impression that the sales figures of the RAI Association are far below the actual figures. Based on the data provided by them, Sluijsmans comes to the conclusion that the number of cargo bikes sold in the Netherlands in 2022 will be around 40,000. That is considerably more than the 8,901 according to the data of the RAI Association.

  6. Applications open for International Cargo Bike of the Year 2023

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    Source: LOGISTRA

    HUSS-VERLAG and its LOGISTRA magazine are organizing the “International Cargobike of the Year” competition for the fourth time. This competition has become a recognized platform for showcasing innovations in the rapidly growing cargo bike industry. A panel of experienced bike logistics professionals will evaluate the numerous new products from the CABOTY candidates in a streamlined process. They will assess the models based on their suitability for commercial use, technical innovation, and overall cost-effectiveness across categories such as “Light Cargobikes,” “Heavy Cargobikes,” and “Cargobike Trailers.”

    The test days for the competition will take place at the Eurobike and the IAA MOBILITY events. The winners will be recognized at a dedicated award ceremony during the IAA MOBILITY.

    Applications for the competition can be submitted until August 14, 2023.

    To apply, visit the website here!

  7. Carla Cargo roadshow & Eurobike

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    Source: CARLA CARGO

    LEVA-EU member Carla Cargo supports roadshow showcasing commercial cargo bikes for the South Baden region

    BADENOVA INNOVATION FUND PROMOTES ALTERNATIVE MOBILITY
    The green and social delivery expert!

    From May to July 2023, the Lastenrad-B2B roadshow will stop at ten municipalities in the South Baden region. Up to ten cargo bikes and trailers will be available for test rides, and the Lastenrad-B2B team will provide advice and needs analyses. Subsequently, municipalities and businesses can test suitable cargo bikes for their purposes free of charge for up to four weeks in everyday business.

    LEVA-EU member, the cargo bike trailer innovator Carla Cargo, and the Freiburg-based booking platform sharee.bike as well as other partners will be present at all roadshow dates.

    Roadshow dates 2023

    • 23.5. Merzhausen
    • 5/24 Breisgau Industrial Park
    • 14.6. Kenzingen
    • 15.6. Offenburg
    • 27.6. Herbolzheim
    • 28.6. Bad Krozingen
    • 29.6. Breisach
    • 4.7. Kehl
    • 5.7. Riegel
    • 6.7. Freiburg

    CONTACT LASTENRAD B2B

    Carla Cargo will see you in Frankfurt at Eurobike!

    THE MOST INSPIRING PLATFORM FOR THE BICYCLE INDUSTRY, MESSE FRANKFURT 21. – 25. JUNE 2023

    Carla Cargo are looking forward to the great EUROBIKE show in Frankfurt from 21. – 25. June. Don’t miss coming by and taking a test ride on the Carla Cargo products at booth: F10.0 / D32

    FIND OUT MORE!

  8. LEVA-EU member Carla Cargo welcomes new Sales and Marketing Manager

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    Jörg Fingerle joined the team at the beginning of 2023, and aims to drive forward the ‘traffic revolution’.

    The appointment of a Sales and Marketing Manager for Carla Cargo sees the company launch into a new phase of development. Additionally, the new team member releases the company founder and pioneer Markus Bergmann to focus on other aspects of the brand.

    Jörg Fingerle has been working in international sales and marketing for 25 years and has been active in the bicycle industry for many years. He is the founder of two bicycle stores in Freiburg and for recent years, has been in charge of sales at Jobrad and was responsible for setting up its new bicycle business division.

    Carla Cargo will relocate to new Herbolzheim HQ

    Carla Cargo plans the move for late April 2023. The cargo-bike-manufacturer’s new home base is close to the HQ of their primary supplier, features higher-quality working conditions, and will enable a more efficient production process. We wish the team the best with their move!

  9. Zero-emission cargo bike trader’s market sees successful trial in the UK

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    Source: Cycling Industry News, M. Sutton

    The ‘Cleaner Air Markets’ report from Fare City reveals that using cargo bikes and electric vehicles for the delivery of goods to local trader’s markets may reduce CO2 emissions by 67.5 times compared to use of conventional diesel vans.

    The new UK-based report examines how the traders of a working market were enabled to switch from their polluting internal combustion engine vehicles to trial zero tailpipe emission modes of transport, such as cargo bikes and electric vehicles. Report publisher, Fare City shares, “There is an exciting opportunity to reconsider how we service our public markets. At present, traders use polluting vans and cars to bring goods to and from markets in towns and cities across the UK. For years, this practice of driving goods into the heart of communities has contributed to local air pollution, congestion, and carbon emissions, adversely impacting the very people such markets aim to serve.”

    Find the full report via the Fare City website.

    In its inaugural effort to develop one London marketplace, Fare City reports that if all traders within the trial were to permanently switch to zero-emission modes, annual CO2 emissions would drop by 1,175kg. This, of course, is due to the substituted transport methods such as cargo bikes and e-bikes producing 67.5 times less CO2 pollution than diesel vans in the same scenario.

    Mark Sutton’s write-up of the report describes a carbon reduction of 99% over journeys of 5km. He shares, “Assessment of a typical 5km journey returned the finding that a trader travelling 5km each way in a diesel van will produce 2.65kg CO2e. This will reduce to 0.77kg CO2e if using an electric van, a 71% reduction, while if the diesel van was replaced by an electric cargo bike the carbon emissions would drop from 2.65kg to 0.04kg CO2e, a reduction of 99%“

    A secondary finding highlights the warm reception of market traders to alternative transportation methods – 90% of all market traders and 57% of all market businesses engaged with the project. From the user-base 80% of participants stated that they were ‘likely’ or ‘very likely’ to use a zero-emission device again thanks to the benefits they experienced.

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