E-Cargo Bikes Promise to Cut Carbon Emissions

Using a specially developed network of microhubs, e-cargo bikes could replace fossil-fueled delivery trucks, reducing both congestion and carbon emissions.

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Electric cargo bikes could become instrumental in reducing traffic congestion and air pollution in our cities, while at the same time cutting carbon emissions from package deliveries by 30%.

To prove this concept, researchers from the University of Washington Urban Freight Lab, ran a three-month pilot program in Seattle this summer.

Treehugger reports that instead of relying on delivery trucks that typically pick up packages from warehouses on city outskirts, the program tested three-wheeled e-bikes and cargo pods to transport goods from a local distribution center called a “microhub”.

“The aim of the project was to see whether e-cargo bikes can help reduce the environmental problems associated with so-called “last-mile” deliveries, a term that describes the trip that packages make from warehouses to people’s doorsteps. The researchers found that e-cargo bikes lead to a 30% reduction in the total tailpipe carbon dioxide emissions per package delivered—including both “last mile” emissions and the carbon emitted by transporting products to the microhub.”

But if we upgrade e-cargo delivery systems with better logistics and infrastructure, the reduction in emissions can increase to 50%.

This includes more bike lanes and parking spots for e-bikes.

To be honest, an e-cargo bike can’t carry as many packages per trip as a delivery truck, but two e-bikes could replace a truck using the system that the researchers developed.

This system owes its success to the “microhub”, which acts as a drop-off/pick-up location for goods and services at the neighborhood level.

The best thing is the same microhub can be used by multiple delivery providers, retailers, and consumers.

These hubs could become true neighborhood assets that reflect community interests and needs.

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Nikola Gemeš

Highlights • 10 years of writing and editing experience Obsessed with home decor trends, plant parenting, cleaning, and other lifestyle topics. • Expertise in content marketing and email strategy for brands and small businesses About Nikola Gemeš Nikola Gemeš, an electrical engineer turned sustainability consultant, bridges the gap between complex environmental concepts and GreenCitizen readers with his well-researched, accurate content. His commitment to sustainability extends from his professional life to personal practices of recycling and home-grown food. An adventurer at heart, Nikola enjoys hiking, white-water sports, and pocket knife collecting. At Green Citizen, he's instrumental in presenting the best sustainable brands, aiding well-informed decision-making. He firmly believes in the collective power of individuals, experts, businesses, and governments to foster a world where sustainability, life quality, economic prosperity, diversity, mental health, and gender equality are core values. Experience Nikola Gemeš has a rich and diverse background in electrical engineering, which he utilizes to break down complex sustainability topics for his readers. His unique blend of technical knowledge and communicative skills has made him a crucial part of GreenCitizen. Nikola's experience has honed his ability to navigate through intricate data and research, ensuring the content he delivers is both accurate and reliable. His passion for educating and informing is palpable in the impact he has made on Green Citizen's readership. Outside of his professional endeavors, Nikola is deeply committed to environmental conservation in his personal life. This commitment is reflected in his everyday activities, from recycling to cultivating his own food. His hands-on approach to sustainability gives him a first-hand understanding of practical conservation efforts, further enriching the content he produces. These personal experiences often seep into his work, making it relatable and engaging for readers. Nikola's key role extends to assessing and presenting sustainable brands to his audience. His comprehensive grasp of sustainability allows him to critically evaluate and offer the best environmentally-friendly options available on the market. He aids readers in making informed decisions that have a positive impact on both their lives and the environment. His belief in collective efforts towards a sustainable world is evident in his work, as he consistently promotes values of quality life, economic prosperity, diversity, mental health, and gender equality.