Five municipalities that were testing electric bikes in home care services chose to continue to use these bikes because they were all satisfied with the previous results. A spin-off effect is that other municipalities in the region have been inspired to start their own electric bicycle projects. Companies also have positive experience with e-cargo bikes all previous targets were met. On the other hand, there are downsides of using e-cargo bikes, like limited range and payload of the e-cargo bikes.

More and more cities are inspired to start their own e-cargo bike projects

After the Pro-E-Bike test period ended In November 2014 for five municipalities that were testing electric bikes in home care service, they all chose to continue to use the electric bikes. This is significant as it means they now are paying for the bikes that replace cars used before the test period.

Electric cargo bikes for goods and carrying children

The overall experience is good and all participating municipalities. In some activities e-bikes have replaced many car journeys while in others the e-bikes were used as a complement to a car. E-cycling in winter can be a challenge due to icy and snowy roads that limit the use of the bikes. A spin-off effect is that other municipalities in the region have been inspired to start their own electric bicycle projects.

Motala, one of the pilot cities, also purchased 10 electric cargo bikes for their childcare units. Experiences of the city of Motala were presented at Pro-E-bike seminar on E Week in Linköping earlier in January. Other inspiring examples presented during the Pro- E-bike workshop were Almroths and Koop Service. As part of its environmental efforts Almroths, a haulage company, in 2014 started to offer shipment of goods by cargo bike in central Norrköping. The social enterprise Koop Service is using electric cargo bikes mainly to run goods between their second-hand shops but is now considering selling green transport services to other companies.

Positive experiences with e-cargo-bikes in Groningen

Ten companies in the Netherlands bought e-cargo-bikes and use it as part of their normal business practices. This implementation action was inspired by Pro-E-Bike project.

MulderWorks is a maintenance/construction company based in Groningen. They expected that the electric cargo bike would lead to an increase in efficiency, a reduction in the cost and an improvement in the corporate image. And these targets were met. Also, delivery time was reduced as well as the energy consumption. The bicycle is used about twice a week and on average a ride is about 30 km with a load of 100 kg. The main financial advantage of the bicycle is the significant decrease in fuel costs. But the low maintenance, operating and investment costs and the positive image makes the owner operator say he regrets he didn't buy the e- cargo-bike much earlier!

Cook-ing is a company based in Groningen that cooks and delivers meals based on organic ingredients. They expected an e-cargo bike would improve efficiency, corporate image, energy consumption, emissions and reduce delivery time. Also the e-cargo bike would positively influence the corporate social responsibility.  Results after 12 months shows that this is indeed the case, in particular with respect to the image and reputation.

On the down side, the large turning circle of the bike, especially when fully loaded, makes it sometimes difficult to turn. The weather also sometimes has a negative impact on the ease and comfort. The limited range and payload of the e-cargo bike, means larger deliveries or longer distances need the car.

ECF is partner in PRO-E-BIKE and ECF Hosts PRO-E-BIKE events at Velo-city 2015 in Nantes.

About the author

Randy Rzewnicki, PhD. has a wealth of experience in the world of cycling having previously worked with Fietsersbond Brussel (Brussel’s Cyclist Union) and a range of other EU funded Projects such as Switch, Bike2Work, CycleLogistics & LifeCycle. He is currently co-managing the Pro-E-bike Project, which promotes moving urban freight by cycle.

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