The mission for any e-cargo operator is to beat the van. Delivering sustainably isn’t enough. These bikes need to be faster, cheaper, and more reliable if they are to really drive vans out the city.
A recent partnership between Mubea and one of London’s most reputable sustainable last mile logistic providers Delivery Mates sheds light on what it takes to run a successful cargo bike operation in London to achieve that goal.
Delivery Mates currently runs more than 100 of Mubea’s most advanced Cargo PACK pedelecs. These have been tested to withstand over 60,000 kilometres worth of impact.
Engineering for “harsher” markets
Mubea U-Mobility’s Project Lead Stefan Räth says that the UK gives Mubea’s cargo bikes a “harsher” treatment compared with mainland Europe.
Stefan attributes this to two factors: rough road conditions and the way riders use the bikes.
“But you can adapt to this,” he says. “If you see very specific behaviour exists in the UK, whether it’s because of the harsh roads or misuse cases, you engineer your product ‘against’ what’s causing the vehicle issues.”
According to Delivery Mates’ COO Kevin Savage, Mubea has developed a deep understanding of London’s specific market challenges by observing their operations first hand.
“Their cargo bikes are specifically engineered to withstand the stress placed on the wheels, chassis, and suspension by the rougher UK road conditions,” Kevin says. “The durability of these components ensures the bikes remain reliable and efficient even under demanding use in London.”
For Mubea, withstanding harsh demand means constant upgrades and new iterations, with the 2024 version 3 Cargo PACK having been in series production since 2022.
It’s not just the vehicle, it’s the infrastructure that comes with it too – the spare parts that need to be ready when the first repair request comes in, and the operations that need to be aligned to facilitate that. Otherwise, it’s uptime that is compromised.
“Cargo bikes are still an evolving product across the entire sector,” Stefan says. “We’re always learning, testing, and producing because that is what it takes to become the preferred green last mile delivery option.”
Mubea uses a fleet management platform which directly opens up communication channels with Delivery Mates. Repair requests are categorised into ‘Tier 1’ repairs (the simplest), ‘Tier 2’ repairs, and ‘Tier 3’ repairs (the hardest). Stefan says his team can solve Tier 3 repairs in a couple of days at most, even when international shipping of parts is required.
“This is the fast and reliable response Delivery Mates needs to ensure they aren’t losing money from their operations.”
To solve rider misuse, Stefan says it’s largely down to training riders correctly and credits Delivery Mates who handles this on its own. All of Delivery Mates’ riders undergo comprehensive training programmes that focus on riding techniques, safety protocols, and cargo bike maintenance.
“This training ensures that riders are equipped to handle the bikes responsibly, which not only protects their safety but also extends the lifespan of the cargo bikes,” Kevin says. “By promoting a careful and responsible riding style, we reduce the likelihood of damage to the vehicles and ensure they remain in peak condition for as long as possible.”
The refined Cargo PACK
Featuring newly developed brakes and a payload of up to 200 kilograms, the Cargo PACK can travel 25 kilometres on a single charge at a top speed of 25 kilometres per hour.
The bike’s 2m3 cargo box is one draw in for Delivery Mates, which has been modified to feature three doors for easy loading and unloading.
Smooth operational handling comes in the form of rider ergonomics too with fitted hand grips, an adjustable seating position, and easy access to the cargo space.
For Stefan, it’s the whole package that makes the Cargo PACK suited for demanding city logistics. “We’ve developed a versatile and durable package,” he says. “The bike employs the latest drivetrain technology connected to AES batteries which offer the highest battery standard currently on the market.
“The drivetrain is the heart of the product. Then comes the chassis, and then the box. We’ve combined these three components to guarantee operational stability and maximum uptime.”
Maximum uptime is a slogan of Delivery Mates’ which has managed to increase its deliveries by 15% in 2024 while reducing distance travelled by 45% thanks to its strategic hyperlocal microhub placement.
“After labour costs, cargo bike expenses are the next largest cost for us, so focusing on total cost of ownership is crucial,” Kevin says. “Mubea’s commitment to minimising costs is evident in the design improvements made in their new model, which significantly impacts our overall efficiency. Their bikes have allowed us to maximise our uptime and enhance our profitability by reducing maintenance downtime and operating costs.”
Ultimately, Stefan says the secret to success in today’s rapidly evolving sustainable logistics market is the constant development of a product that adapts to its times.
“You take your product and you ask: what is the biggest pain point? You improve it and then you find the second biggest pain point which now becomes your new biggest pain point. You improve that.
“It doesn’t stop. There will always be improvements to make because ultimately the goal is to beat the van. To do that we need to constantly be lowering maintenance and operational costs in the industry.”
