With Bristol being the first UK Authority to declare a climate emergency resulting in the production of the One City Climate Strategy, there is a clear vision to reach net zero by 2030. With transport related emissions accounting for 24% of UK greenhouse gas emissions. companies are being asked to look at ways to reduce their contribution to this.
To do this business and community organisations in Bristol are being offered the chance to apply for a grant to cover 50% of the cost of purchasing an e-cargo bike. Grants are also available for pool e-bikes, storage and support as part of the Clean Air Zone Initiative.
E-cargo bikes have large potential to reduce the impact business has on the movement of goods into and around city centres. Some of those benefits of switching from diesel van deliveries to e-cargo bikes include:
If that's not enough reasons, the Energy Saving Trust have created a series of guides and tools to help make a business case.
Equally having e-bikes available for staff to loan either to try commuting or to make work trips on can help staff to 'try before they buy' and can reduce milage claims of grey fleets. Both of which help you to reduce your carbon footprint, whilst supporting staff health and wellbeing.
What E-Cargo Bike Is Best for My Business?
It's important to understand the size and quantity if items that you need to move around the city. If you do small loads that can fit into a couple of bags, or just need to travel to meetings, then it's worth considering a standard e-bike, for bigger loads there are several options, including:
Long Loaders
The Tern GSD, Cube Longtail Hybrid or Estarli Longtail are great for carrying small cargo. They are easier to store as they take up less space and are more agile for moving between queuing traffic. Load the bike with boxes or bags to front and rear racking to suit your cargo needs. Due to the ease of storing long loaders they are often an attractive solution and even if larger carrying capacity is required, these bikes can be easily fitted with a towing trailer. Great for carry loads of up to 60kg
Front Load 2 wheels
The Cube Hybrid 500 and Raleigh Stride 2 offer a large front cargo box for larger and heavier cargo. They are slimline and offer good maneuverability on the road. Great for carry larger bulky loads. Typically suit rider heights between 5ft 2in to 6ft 2in. These bikes are slimmer and can typically fit between bollards/gates on cycle paths but can be more challenging carrying heavier loads when starting and stopping.
Front Load 3 wheels
The Raleigh Pro offers greater capacity cargo boxes that are lockable and can double as a moving advertisement for your company. Tricycles offer more stability, as they cannot tip and can carry loads of up to 110kg. These bikes are significantly wider so may struggle to fit through bollards on cycle paths and required larger storage space.
The Electric Bike Shop is the UK’s largest independent E-bike only retailer, with experts on hand in the Bristol Store on Whiteladies Road to help you chose and test ride the perfect bike for your application.
We can offer full support including a range of E-cargo Bikes, accessories and servicing packages to get you started.
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