Across the UK, e-cargo bikes are becoming an extremely popular mode of transport and have the potential to revolutionise the future of the transport network, whilst lowering fuel emissions, and improving the environment.
The sales of e-cargos have soared, with Cycling Industry News reporting an increase of 37% in May 2022, compared to previous years, which breaks down as around 10,000 units that can be defined as cargo bikes sold in the UK that year.
So, what is an e-cargo bike, and why are they growing in popularity at such a rapid rate?
Whilst there many varieties of design available on the market, cargos actually fall into three categories: front-loading, long tail, and mid-tail.
The earliest models of cargo bikes were invented as far back as 1877. Long before they received an electric boost, they were used as a manual “carrier bike” for heavy loads, before it evolved in a 20th century Netherlands, where it became redesigned with the loading at the front, to hold heavier weights, and with more control.
In 2022, Highway Cycles began to stock The Trek Fetch+ 4, an electric cargo box bike that has the capacity to confidently carry up to 80kg, due to the powerful boost of the Bosch smart system.
Bryn Francis, UK Retail Marketing Manager for Trek Bikes, said: “From our point of view, Trek sees one of the main keys to a more sustainable and greener future, to be switching the transport mode-share towards cycling.”
He added: “Introducing Fetch+ gives families a specific built-for-purpose car replacement bike, to transport themselves and their families with ease. Designed initially around transporting people, it also has elements which can be used by businesses to switch to greener transport for delivering goods and services.”
Many businesses are now practicing greener delivery methods, and e-cargos are now seen as a versatile option. With built in storage, the nifty e-cargo is designed to carry a heavy load and can nip through rush hour traffic.
For shorter distance deliveries, an e-cargo bike makes perfect sense- economical, less pollutive, and it doesn’t have to abide with parking restrictions.
Marcus Vere, founder of Box Bike Delivery, formulated an idea to begin delivering on specialist cargo bikes in 2013, using the cycle network running through Stevenage, after decided he wanted to launch a sustainable, but efficient, delivery service.
He said: “Once I saw that other companies were in fact doing exactly this type of work, I got in touch with some of them, and by 2014, I had two non-electrical assist e-cargo bikes and a first customer, a local franchise. Skip forward to the present, and though we no longer deliver vegetable boxes, we are a service partner for a national parcel delivery and use five e-assist cargo bikes to achieve this.”
He added: “In addition to over 200 parcels a day, we also deliver for local pharmacies, florists and other businesses, as well as collect mail from schools and offices. We also have a Carla Cargo power trailer with a larger cargo box, it is pulled by a normal bike and can carry a bit more weight. Nearly all our deliveries are within Stevenage, and the cycleway network there is invaluable for our business to work.”
With the recent rise in fuel costs, the launch of many localised green initiatives, and the increased boost, post-Covid, to get more active, many families are now using e-cargos for everyday activities.
With built in seats and harnesses, it is a safe way of transporting children around, particularly on a busy school run.
Another appealing benefit for families is that e-cargos are registered on the cycle to work scheme, which means they can save money on the overall cost purchase.
Peter Jordan is a Hertfordshire father-of-two, and has been riding his e-cargo for two years, for parental duties, the odd work commute, and for leisure.
He said: “I swapped my road bike for an e-cargo, and haven’t looked back. Firstly, I wanted to incorporate cycling it into my fitness routine, but it has now changed the way I travel and explore my local area, as well as my perception of distance- a lot more is now possible on two wheels. I use it for the school run, weekend kid’s clubs, and food shopping, which I find more convenient, as there’s no parking worries.”
He added: “On a personal note, it’s given me a new way of connecting with my children, they sit in front of me, so we can have conversations, and we often stop a lot and take in our surroundings, and I get to see the world through their eyes, which is a truly bonding experience.”
Want to see what all the E-cargo fuss is about? Drop into Highway Cycles and test one for yourself.
Highway Cycles offer a range of e-cargo bikes, to suit your needs. For more information, visit: Electric Cargo Bikes | Award Winning Benno Bikes (highwaycycles.co.uk)
