E-Cargo bikes - the ideal alternative to van/car deliveries
Businesses and Community Groups in the Oban area are being invited to sign up for a free trial of an E-Cargo bike to experience the benefits of delivering goods to customers in a sustainable, cost effective and environmentally-friendly way. HITRANS, the regional transport partnership for the Highlands and Islands, has attracted funding from the Euro Interreg North Sea Region project MOVE and Energy Saving Trust to buy a stock of bikes that are available for hire at no cost to the user. All necessary lights, locks and safety equipment are provided as part of the trial. Training will also be offered to ensure that users are confident in using the bikes before starting the trial. All that participants need to do is to provide insurance and a safe and secure storage of the bike.
E-cargo bikes are easy to charge, with removable batteries that can be plugged into any ordinary wall socket. Charging generally takes four –eight hours, depending on the size of the charger and the load being carried, and most bikes will be able to provide a least 20 miles from a single charge, although many can achieve much more than this. E-cargo bikes fill the gap between traditional bicycles and delivery vans and are a perfect option for transporting work equipment, light freight, parcels, groceries and prescriptions. With electric pedal assistance, they have the capability and power for transporting significant loads with the benefit of being able to move freely through congested areas, avoid parking tickets and truly achieve a door-to-door service.
The first round of trials - carried out in Inverness, Oban and Orkney – are coming to an end and the results from users surveyed have proved so encouraging that we want to extend the trial period and hopefully extend the service to other communities in the Highlands and Islands.
The average use of the bikes by users surveyed is 3-4 times per week and the range cycled per month ranged from 26-232 miles carrying loads of between 7-45kg. Users saw a massive potential for the bikes to become an alternative to a small car/van for deliveries..