Global logistics firm UPS is testing an electrically supported cargo bike for the delivery and pickup of packages in downtown Basel, Switzerland. The trial is part of the company’s global strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and will take place over a four-week period.
UPS already uses battery-aided cargo bikes in Hamburg, Germany, and managed to reduce CO2 emissions by 1.5% in 2013 when compared with the previous year.
The battery-supported tricycle has a capacity of 53ft3 and can carry loads weighing up to 330 lb. The cargo bike itself weighs only 330 lb inclusive of the battery, and is ideally suited for inner-city use due to its width of only 3ft 3in.
Philip Healey, marketing manager, UPS Switzerland, said, “By using cargo bikes in a targeted manner, UPS aims to reduce inner-city congestion, noise and emissions. 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.”
July 15, 2015
