London’s micromobility operators are in full support of online retailer Amazon’s plans to launch a fleet of e-cargo bikes in the capital.
Amazon is opening its first micromobility hub in Hackney, east London to replace thousands of van deliveries.
Along with an existing fleet of electric vehicles, the hub will contribute to 5m deliveries a year. The bikes will be operated by a variety of partner businesses, not directly by Amazon.
Beryl CEO Philip Ellis told Zag Daily: “I’m delighted that the world’s largest logistics company has recognised the wealth of benefits that e-cargo bikes can bring and will hopefully raise their profile even further as a legitimate transport option.
“For last mile deliveries or short journeys, the bikes are by far the best and often the most time efficient way to move large or heavy items.”
Ellis said Beryl’s e-cargo bikes in Hackney Borough Council have already shown that they have potential to transform local areas by providing a real alternative to car and van travel.
“Our ultimate aim is to work with local authorities to develop a London-wide networked e-cargo bike scheme, helping to reduce emissions, congestion and noise pollution all across the capital.”
HumanForest, which currently operates shared e-bikes in several boroughs across London, has hinted that e-cargo bikes are on the horizon and so Amazon’s move serves as further validation that these vehicles are here to stay.
“It’s really fantastic to see so many large companies embracing sustainable micromobility solutions,” HumanForest’s Founder and CEO Agustin Guilisasti told Zag. “Amazon’s announcement today will mark a new chapter in its carbon reduction plan and we support any company taking such steps.”
More delivery hubs are due to open in the UK this year as Amazon drives towards a net-zero future.
