Tag Archive: cargo e-bike

  1. Manchester trials new e-bike subsidy

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    Source: Cycling Electric

    The UK city region has announced a new scheme which will enable eligible citizens to save between £300 to £1,000 when purchasing an electric bike, e-cargo bike, or an adapted e-cycle bike, and associated accessories.

    The TfGM (Transport for Greater Manchester) vouchers are available through specialist retailers on a first-come, first-served basis, courtesy of the UK Government’s body Active Travel England.

    Vouchers for making e-biking more accessible

    The subsidy scheme is targeted at residents in the Greater Manchester area who are over the age of 16 for individuals with:

    • Lower incomes
    • Living in high-deprivation areas
    • Limited access to affordable transport
    • Less likelihood to be part of typical cycling demographic groups

    About the voucher eligibility, the Beeactive Transport for Greater Manchester website says, “The e-bike voucher scheme actively aims to increase access to e-bikes for those who stand to benefit the most. Higher value vouchers may be offered to applicants with greater need, helping to reduce cost barriers and support more people to begin or sustain cycling.”

    Transport for Greater Manchester adds “You may be able to use your TfGM e‑bike subsidy voucher with a Cycle to Work scheme. This depends on whether the retailer supports both the voucher and Cycle to Work scheme and accepts them together.”

    At the same time, residents can test e-bikes for free for the short-term before committing to a purchase by applying for a “Borrow an e-bike” scheme.

    Voucher exclusions

    The terms and conditions of the scheme mean that e-bike conversion kits aren’t eligible for purchasing, nor any vehicle that is throttle-controlled (and therefore unlikely to be an e-bike outside of certain exceptions). For lock purchases using the funds, they must be a diamond-rated security item.

    E-bike media, Cycling Electric, are also playing a role in encouraging e-bike awareness in the UK by holding free testing events in Bath, Leeds and London this year.

  2. Fulpra cargo e-bikes used in city pilot scheme

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    Source: MoLo Hubs Project

    Facilitated by MoLo Hubs and the city of Mechelen, Pidpa technicians have traded in their vans for LEVA-EU member Fulpra’s fully equipped electric cargo bikes for a five-week trial. Pidpa is the first water company in the Flanders region to test this sustainable mobility solution.

    MoLo Hubs, an INTERREG North Sea Region project, co-funded by the European Union, announced its latest sustainable urban logistics project, which involved Fulpra bikes being customized to be more space-efficient for tools and equipment. This was to assist Pidpa technicians in carrying out their work efficiently as they navigate the city center without parking issues or access restrictions.

    From 15 September, Pidpa and the city of Mechelen have been exploring the advantages and limitations of using this sustainable mobility solution, such as its load capacity and battery range. To ensure safety and confidence on the road, Pidpa technicians have also received hands-on training from the Flemish Foundation for Traffic Knowledge.

    MoLo Hubs stated that this pilot scheme has taken inspiration from the “Park + Switch” solution in Amsterdam, where service providers leave their vans at a hub on the edge of the city and continue their journeys with a light electric vehicle. By testing a similar approach in Mechelen, Pidpa and the city aim to assess how the model can be tailored to local needs.

    “This project shows how sustainable and efficient business practices can go hand in hand,” said Alexander Vandersmissen, Alderman for Mobility and Economy.

    “With electric cargo bikes we can continue serving our customers quickly and reliably, while contributing to a more sustainable city.” – Christophe Poels, Director Sales & Marketing at Pidpa.

  3. VROEGH and Swapfiets unveil Power Plus e-bike

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    Source: VROEGH

    LEVA-EU member VROEGH has once again partnered with Swapfiets, the pioneering “Bicycle as a Service” company, to create a highly efficient and durable e-bike tailored to modern mobility demands. The result is the Swapfiets Power Plus, a robust, cargo electric bike that’s been developed with a sharp focus on Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and real-world usability for both customers and mechanics.

    Designed with heavy-duty use in mind, the Swapfiets Power Plus stands out for its ability to carry substantial cargo loads safely. With stable geometry, reinforced front and rear carriers, and a frame that accommodates up to 60 kilograms of cargo, the Power Plus meets the needs of urban users for a variety of purposes, including transporting groceries, deliveries, or children.

    A one-size-fits-most geometry ensures user flexibility, which is essential for Swapfiets’ business model that includes instant replacements and rapid service. The bike’s geometry also enhances balance and maneuverability, key for stop-start city riding under load.

    Durability by design

    To meet Swapfiets’ promise of a 10-minute in-store repair or replacement, VROEGH integrated insights from six years of mechanical repair data into the Power Plus. Designed for easy servicing, every mechanical element, from the battery dock to drive components, has been optimized for quick access and long-term reliability.

    Swapfiets mechanics played a key role during the development phase. Workshops conducted with logistics, user experience, and technical teams informed key design decisions, ensuring the bike is as appreciated by service staff as it is by riders.

    Future-proof with flexible component configurations

    Recognizing the rapidly evolving e-mobility landscape, the Power Plus has been built to accommodate multiple component configurations over time. Its frame is compatible with various motor, hub, and battery systems, a move that gives Swapfiets flexibility amid supply chain fluctuations and ongoing technological improvements.

    This component-agnostic approach extends the bike’s lifecycle and reinforces Swapfiets’ sustainability commitment. As the company retains ownership of its bikes, end-of-life recycling has also been factored into the frame’s design, ensuring raw materials can be recovered and reused.

    A successful partnership in e-mobility innovation

    Operating as an extension of Swapfiets’ internal R&D team, VROEGH’s comprehensive design process included concept generation, prototyping, and iterative feedback loops. This collaboration has yielded a vehicle that meets both user expectations and operational requirements.

    With production now underway, the first Swapfiets Power Plus e-bikes are rolling out in Amsterdam and Paris, signaling the next step in scalable, service-oriented urban mobility.

    R&D outsourcing opportunities with VROEGH Design

    VROEGH is a Dutch industrial design agency specializing in mobility solutions. The firm offers end-to-end R&D services in adding value for companies seeking to innovate in transportation, from concept design to final engineering.

    It welcomes partnership inquiries to the email info@vroeghdesign.com, and updates about its latest collaborations and product launches can be accessed on its LinkedIn page.

  4. DOCKR announces pilot of new OUCA vehicle

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    Source: Dockr

    Since becoming part of Today, LEVA-EU member DOCKR has increased its e-mobility offering with the announcement of an upcoming model for childcare, including pre-school and after-school transport purposes.

    DOCKR states that its newest cargo e-bike will be “super robust, durable and easy for riders” as a smooth and reliable daily childcare transportation solution.

    With a load capacity of 180 kg, it is perfectly equipped to safely transport up to 8 children for trips to school, childcare services, or rides around the local neighbourhood.

    OUCA pilot scheme

    As part of the OUCA pre-announcement, DOCKR confirmed that it is currently undertaking several pilots and invites more users to take part in its pilot scheme by contacting the team through its website.