Royal Mail has launched its first electric cargo cycles, expanding its electric delivery fleet – the UK’s largest. The first 20 Minimal Pedal 4 cycles will be deployed this month in cities including London, Brighton and Cambridge, with further locations planned.
The cycles are manufactured at Minimal’s microfactory in West London. Their introduction marks another step toward Royal Mail’s target of reaching net zero by 2040. The company says e-cargo cycles will help reduce carbon emissions, improve local air quality and streamline delivery rounds by giving posties a dedicated vehicle rather than sharing a van.
The Pedal 4 can be charged from a standard three-pin plug socket, allowing it to operate from any delivery office, including sites with limited yard space or electricity capacity. Unlike Royal Mail’s micro electric vehicles (MEVs), introduced last year, the Pedal 4 does not require a licensed driver, opening up delivery roles to a wider range of people. It can operate on roads with speed limits of up to 48km/h, as well as cycle lanes, cycle paths and greenways.
The fully electric cycle has a range of up to 60km and a cargo capacity of 2.5m3. It was designed specifically for commercial deliveries on demanding urban routes.
Mark Riley, delivery design manager at Royal Mail, said, “Our new electric cargo cycles mark another important step toward reaching net zero by 2040 and making our delivery network more efficient for the future. They will help reduce emissions and improve air quality in the communities we serve, while creating new opportunities for people to join Royal Mail without needing a driving license.”
Patrick Bion, CEO at Minimal, said, “Royal Mail operates one of the most demanding delivery networks in the country. Their decision to scale Pedal 4 throughout the UK is the clearest-possible signal that right-sized electric vehicles will be central to how we move goods through cities more efficiently.”
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