Shared operator Beryl has today launched an electric cargo bike scheme in the London borough of Westminster.
Four e-cargo bikes have been deployed as part of a new six-month pilot designed to help residents and businesses travel more sustainably across the city.
Fitted with an electric-assist motor for extra power, the bikes can be used for transporting small to medium loads, such as work tools, shopping or sports equipment. They can run on cycle lanes, making them a sustainable alternative to vans and cars, and help reduce emissions, while improving air quality.
Zag Daily spoke with Beryl CEO and Co-Founder Phil Ellis who said: “It was great to see people coming over, asking questions and trying out our e-cargo bikes at the launch event in Westminster today. In a world of endless information at your fingertips, sometimes it’s good to give people the opportunity to come along, chat to someone and get a feel for the vehicles.
“E-cargo bikes have been popular in other countries, particularly in Scandinavia, for a while now and have so much potential as a fast and efficient way to shuttle goods across busy urban environments. I think they could be highly beneficial for a lot of individuals and businesses in the area as a genuine alternative to cars and vans.”
The vehicles cost £1.50 to unlock, followed by 10p per minute. To maintain a clean and secure fleet and prevent obstruction, users that lock their e-cargo bike out of a bay will be charged a £10 fee and users that lock their e-cargo bike out of the service area will be charged a £25 fee.
Cllr Paul Dimoldenberg, Cabinet Member for City Management and Air Quality at Westminster City Council, commented: “We are committed to making the city a safer and more pleasant place to walk and cycle, and to tackle key pinch points for London’s vital bus network. Improvements to walking safety, cycling connections and public transport priority schemes are vital if we are to improve air quality.”
This is Beryl’s second e-cargo bike scheme having launched one in the borough of Hackney in September 2021.
