The Top 4 eCargo Bike myths about delivery you need to know

Electric cargo bikes offer a cheap, clean and greener way to deliver to your customers. For deliveries, speed matters. Growth in this sector is faster than anywhere else in the industry as companies begin to understand the implications of traffic congestion, air pollution and climate change on their business model. Naysayers would have you believe there is no future for Ecargo bikes, vans are better. Let’s dig into the detail and dispel some myths.

Myth #1 – You can’t get much in a eCargo bike

On the face of it, yes a van has a bigger capacity than an average cargo bike. However, vans are rarely full. In fact research by TfL suggests that at anytime, 39% of vans are less than 25% full which means commercial cargo bike capacities are very competitive.

Myth #2 – Delivery by eCargo bike is slower and more expensive

Take a look at any traffic queue and you will see delivery vans. Vans get stuck in traffic. A lot. They also contribute to emissions and traffic congestion. On cost, speed is key and cargo bikes are proven to be faster. 60% faster when goods are delivered last-mile from city-centre hubs. The big carriers are beginning to wake up to this now and we’re beginning to see private courier firms flourish too. The likes of Amazon, DHL & DPD are trialling ecargo bike deliveries as customers want greener alternatives.

Further Reading

• Top 5 reasons to buy an Ebike this year
• Top 10 Health Benefits of Riding an Ebike
• How much can an electric bike save you vs owning a car?

Myth #3 – Cargo Bikes are no good in bad weather

If it rains you put a coat on or you use an umbrella. It’s no different on a cargo bike. Riders simply wear appropriate clothing for the weather and the cargo box can be covered or closed. 

What if it’s snowing or icy? Well like a car or van, you would take a balanced view of how safe it is to drive in bad weather. Its the same riding an ecargo bike too. It’s also a myth that Europe has much better weather than us where cargo bike deliveries are common.

Myth #4: EV’s, Drones And Driverless Pods Are The Future

They may have a part to play in the future of logistics but the tech is new, unproven and we have a climate crisis to deal with right now. We can’t wait. Cargo bikes on the other hand are ready to roll!

• Transport in the UK needs to reduce carbon emissions ASAP
• Electric Vehicles are not the silver bullet the media make you believe. They might be cleaner but they have stacks of embedded carbon in them from production and they won’t ease traffic congestion.
• Air pollution is an acute problem we need to deal with now. 
• Congestion costs the UK economy £6.9 billion a year. Our streets are congested and unsafe. We need to reprioritise road space just to get moving again.
• Delivery drivers are treated poorly. Long hours and low pay. Lets give them a healthier alternative