UPS testing electric cargo bike
UPS has announced that it is currently testing an “electrically supported” cargo bike for the delivery and pickup of packages in downtown Basel, Switzerland. In a statement issued yesterday (6 July), UPS said that it was “exploring the economic and ecological viability of this alternative mode of transportation for city-centre delivery over a period of four weeks”.
The company already uses battery-aided cargo bikes in Hamburg, Germany (photo).
The battery-supported tricycle has a capacity of 1.5 cubic metres and can carry loads weighing up to 150kg. UPS said that the bike’s compact design makes it “ideally suited for inner-city use”.
“By using cargo bikes in a targeted manner, UPS aims to reduce inner-city congestion, noise and emissions,” said Philip Healey, marketing manager, UPS Switzerland. “This form of urban delivery also offers a distinct advantage to UPS itself, as it reduces the time spent on searching for a suitable parking position, saving valuable time.”
A working group focusing on city logistics in Basel will study the results of the trial.
