Logistic giant, InterCity RailFreight company begins using electric cargo bikes for last mile

InterCity RailFreight has achieved 100% electric-only routes on their supply line through significant expansions of their logistic service working in tandem with electric vehicles and electric cargo bikes.

The low-carbon high-speed logistics business is experiencing ‘unprecedented growth’’ as it announced its network expansion which looks to link over 100 of its 125mph daily rail services across the East Midlands, CrossCountry and Great Western to the new, all electric supply chain.

The local couriers that are using EV’s such as electric vehicles and, at an increasing rate, electric cargo bikes are connecting with InterCity RailFreight to enhance efficiency and reduce carbon output.

From statistics taken from the firm’s website, they claim up to a 500% saving in time against some road-based logistic alternatives as well as 60% in savings in certain instances. The firm has seen amazing results and has quoted that 97% of orders are now arriving within 15 minutes of the scheduled time to city centres. Upon seeing these results, industries such as medical and catering, which cannot afford delays, are increasingly using electric cargo bikes to link up to the multi-modal chain. This expanded coverage will now reach certain services covering Aberdeen to London and Penzance.

Where used, electric cargo bikes are consistently shown a net benefit both in economic savings, time savings and ecological benefits. Hopefully this combined trilogy of successes will lead more companies to adopt an EV based supply chain.

URBAN ELECTRO is an electric transport specialist with a range of electric bikes ranging from affordable B-grade models at £695, to powerful E-MTBS. URBAN ELECTRO is looking to stock electric cargo bikes in the future to help continue our transition into an electric world.

Futuristic bicycle garage in the Netherlands offers a unique experience

One of the largest bicycle parking garages in all of the Netherlands had just been constructed in he Hague. Built directly beneath the koningin julianaplein directly in front of the city’s main railway station, the project has been designed to appear as a museum-esque setting the intelligent directional markings, white ceilings, back-lit glass walls and specious aisles. This garage has space for approximately 8,000 bicycles and rental bikes within a secure environment. 

Designed and completed by Silo, a design studio, the project intends to serve as an essential link into the Hague’s urban mobility network. The interesting and intricate patterns are not only aesthetically impressive but are also intended to make it easier to find your bike.

One of the key features of the design is the wall of light that surrounded the parking facility. The history of the architecture of the hague is displayed in this wall and forms one continuous image that cyclists can experience as they ride past the wall. The garage will be integrated with the above developments including residential spaces, commercials offices and a public square to bring everything together.

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Electric Bike Perception Slowly Improving In The UK

ELECTRIC BIKE PERCEPTION IMPROVING THROUGH EUROPE

Electric bikes were once a rare sight on the streets and cycleways of Europe and spotting one in the UK was like a white whale sighting. However they are now becoming rapidly more common as the attitude towards electric bike and the awareness of them has drastically shifted. 17% of people in Europe say they are more likely to use or buy an e-bike this year in comparison with the last 12 months. The shift in attitude is extremely likely to be due to the Coronavirus.

Electric bikes are being viewed by many European as a way to modify their daily lives to cope with the Corona pandemic. Shimano released a report displaying that 24% of Europeans already own an electric bike or are likely to use or buy an e-bike. What is even more interesting is that 11% of the potential users say they would never use a regular bike.

The Shimano Steps E-bike Index 2020 has the aim of comparing the attitudes towards e-bikes across major European countries. Currently, the UK has the smallest amount, just 7%, of people saying they will try an electric bike. This could be due to the stigmatisation of e-bikes, the lack of legislation and infrastructure or due to the absence of their promotion. While in Italy almost 30% said they would use or by an e-bike this year. However there are promising signs amongst the younger age group of 18-24 who claimed they are more likely to use or buy an electric bike more than any other age group tested.

However a concern shared throughout all age groups is that common perception that using an electric bike wouldn't improve their fitness level, with 19% stating this reason for putting them off. Contrary to this a recent study by the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity showed “evidence that e-cycling can improve cardiorespiratory fitness. E-cycling can contribute to meeting physical activity recommendations and increasing physical fitness. As such, e-bikes offer a potential alternative to conventional cycling.” Electric bikes encourage those who are uncertain to get back on the bike as that thrill of speed gets the endorphins going and the knowledge and comfort of the electric assistance reduces all anxiety of journey lengths.

Another aspect that many forget about electric bikes is the fact you can simply turn off the electrical assistance. Sure, you have to deal with the added battery weight and motor but on lighter bikes it is not too significant to dissuade you. Even for those who still have preconceptions about electric bikes, what’s better; cycling for 25 miles or cycling for 50?

In the Netherlands an enormous 78% of the total population ride a bike at least once a month. Its interesting to note how drastically the reasons for switching between countries vary with the Netherlands having a very practical outlook with (39%) saying the reason they want to ride an e-bike this year is because it looks like less effort.

Taking a deeper look into why Europe has embraced the shift toward electric bikes, the perceived benefits are almost globally acknowledged. The majority, 31%, of those who were likely to use or already owned an e bike said they would primarily use an e-bike for family activities or leisure purpose, showing that an electric bike isn't only for travelling or commuting. A third (32%) have stated they would buy or use an e-bike this year to tackle stepper climbs or cycle longer distances, and many would use an electric bike to ameliorate their physical (30%) and mental (22%) health.

Beyond the physical elements, a many adults stated that environment reasons were the reason they are considering, or have made, the switch to an electric bike (18%). Interesting, it is young adults (18-24) who predominately quoted this reason, with over a quarter (24%) suggesting environmental reasons for the switch.

However, it is important to question if this trend will continue past the current health crisis. Will the UK and Europe continue to look for more active and sustainable ways of travelling? And will the bike industry be able to cope? The demand worldwide for bicycles has become so large that lead-times have increased with many retailers and companies completely running out of electric bikes.

URBAN ELECTRO aims to always keep finding the best electric bikes available on the market for the best prices. We believe electric bikes shouldn't only be a luxury but should be available to everyone to experience their benefit.

For more information on the Shimano Steps E-bike Index 2020, visit here. Total sample size was 13,412 adults in the Netherlands, Italy, Denmark, France, Sweden, Germany, UK, Switzerland, Norway, Spain and Poland.

Government legalises rental electric scooters in UK

While predicted to be the solution to our urban mobility problem, personal use electric scooters have been surrounded in legal problems. However recent laws have come into place legalising the usage of rental e-scooters and now trails of rental scooters are taking place around the country.

What is an e-scooter?

An e-scooter is a 2-wheel motorised vehicle powered, usually, by lithium ion batteries and qualities as a Personal Light Electric Vehicle (PLEV)

E-scooters use no pedals and do not require any initial momentum with your foot to start moving. They have an average speed of 12mph and can travel roughly 11 miles before needing a recharge. All of these aspects have led to electric scooters being an attractive prospect for urban mobility.

It is clear to see that cities are having a serious issue with congestion and pollution and scooters could be a potential solution. A successful implementation of electric scooters could make a significant environmental impact by reducing the carbon output of commuters, not to mention reducing their commuting time.

What’s the current law?

Currently, only rental electric scooters are legal as part of government trials. Under new government laws, rental scooters can be used on roads and cycle lanes, but not on pavements. You will also now need a full or provisional driving licence to use a trial electric scooter.

What about other countries?

Europe and the US have embraced electric scooters much faster than the UK with more than 100 cities providing access having access to rental schemes. According to some reports, an estimated 20,000 electric were on the streets of Paris in 2018. Though an increase in scooter numbers alongside an increase in  bicycles usage has led to congested cycle lanes and roads. 

What are the benefits of an e-scooter?

• Cost-effective – You can save money on fuel and most most can be charged on the mains at home or at the office.

• Ecologically sustainable – No harmful emissions, helping to ameliorate inner-city air quality.

• Time-saving – by avoiding congestion or speeding up long walks, electric scooters can save enormous amounts of time on a morning commute

URBAN ELECTRO Rushden

Will there be a change in the law?

The UK government had been considering whether to repeal the ban on electric scooters for considerable length of time now, as part of their efforts to make travel more sustainable.

Furthermore, with covid-19 looming over us, the government has also been set the task of trying to reduce public transport numbers but still allow people to travel around the city to get the economy moving again, making electric scooters are very viable option. Alongside the taks of working towards net zero emissions by 2050 net zero emissions by 2050, e-scooters could be a realistic way of achieving this. However some critics have called for even stricter regulations due to an increase in e-scooter-related accidents across the continent.

What are your thoughts on electric scooters? Are they a roadside and pavement menace? Or a practical and sustainable way of moving through our congested cities?

Visit URBAN ELECTRO Rushden, Northampton today to see the latest electric transport technology from electric bikes to electric scooters to electric motorbikes.

Germany the forerunner in Europe’s electric bike sales as market nears 3 million units

Statistics provided from LEVA-EU show that the electric bike market is still on the increase, with Germany leading the charge. With the national results still yet to be released, LEVA-EU’s findings indicate that Europe will surpass 3 million units in 2020.

According to LEVA-EU, the German electric bike market hit the one million unit milestone for the first time with LEVA-EU commenting that “there is little doubt that the one and a half million mark will be exceeded this year”. The Germans saw E-MTB sales grow nearly 47% (just under 360,000) and by 24% in Switzerland to 50,000.

Market increases have also been seen in Belgium with the uptake of the speed pedelec, which has modified its traffic code to accommodate them. The traffic rules for speed pedelecs are fairly clear. Moreover, commuters using a pedelec can enjoy a compensation of up to € 0.24 per km, tax-free.  106 test riders commuted on a speed pedelec in the past year for 3 weeks in the framework of the 365SNEL project. Covering an average of 21.6 km a day. This can result in more than €1,300 extra per year, tax-free. Holland saw an increase of 38% based on 2018 figures and judging from the current figures from Germany, once the numbers are in we are due to see a further increase.

Our ROK electric bike is the perfect way to get out and do your exercise or even, if your work is essential, for your commute. Find more info here: https://www.urbanelectro.com/rok

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Forget electric cars — e-bikes will be the top selling EV in the next decade - 130 million e-bikes are expected to be sold globally between 2020 and 2023

Electric vehicles and transportation will be dominated by a revolution that will upend travel as we currently understand it. Even with Tesla’s world changing vehicle fleet, electric bikes are going to quickly overtake these sales and become the forerunner in EV sales.

Electric bikes have been struggling for years to shrug off its ‘niche / luxury’ label it has obtained in the UK. Europe has much more readily expected electric bikes as a mode of transport with 2.2 million units sold in 2018, around 980,000 of those in Germany alone (statista.com). And the electric bike market has only continued to grow. With improvements in lithium-ion technology, motor power efficiency and a decreasing in pricing and a global push in the direction of carbon-neutrality, we can only expect further growth. Deloitte, which released it’s predictions in December, says it expects 130 million e-bikes to be sold globally between 2020 and 2023. It also noted that “the number of e-bikes on the roads will easily outpace other e-vehicles by the end of next year.”

That dramatic increase in sales heavily relies on a cultural shift in the mentality of consumers.

Deloitte further predicts a 1 percentage rise in the proportion of people who bike to work from 2019 to 2022. While this may not appear much, given the time and the low base number, these tens of millions of additional bike journeys will mean a significant impact to our environment.

While the UK and America still tend to see electric bikes as recreational luxury items, Europe consider them as legitimate transportation options. In the US and Canada, averagely around 1 percent commutes by bike today, however is is higher in the UK. Around 5-6% of the population aged 16+ use their bike at least once a week for transport purposes. (https://www.cyclinguk.org/statistics)

Electric bikes sales is one of the fasting growing markets but still only represents a tiny portion of sales with 70,000 out of 2.5 million being sold in the UK in 2018, of which. In the US Electric bike sales rose by an terrifying 91% from 2016 to 2017 and continued to rise another 72% from 2017 to 2018 to an astounding $143.4 million, according to the market research firm NPD Group.

Bikes can be reconfigured to carry children, groceries, or even local deliveries with many companies creating unique solutions to these solutions, such as the Babboe cargo bikes, or the Italwin SUV 

If cities begin to make the necessary changes to encourage more people to bike — such as creating an infrastructure of protected bike lanes, offering safe storage and creating zones with restrictions on cars - It is very possible that e-bikes can retain the top spot as the forerunner in electric transportation.

To Make Electric Scooters Safer, Focus on the Street

Electric scooters have seen varying responses in legality throughout the world. With some cities such as Milan welcoming their inclusion and incorporating them into their daily commute while others such as London and LA placing a blanket ban on them.

Atlanta saw the tragic death of 34-year-old nurse Amber Ford on an electric scooter. However their response was quite unlike the UK’s response of a complete ban following the terrible accident that led to the death of Emily Hartridge, a UK TV presenter.

Atlanta instead decided to put the responsibility upon the condition of the roads, rather than the ability of the individual. Atlanta mayor, Keesha Bottoms and the Atlanta council decided, after consulting local and national safety experts, to fix the streets. The following September, a multi-million dollar plan to reshape the streets in order to protect users on more vulnerable vehicles such as e-scooters, bicycles and pedestrians. Cities across the world are beginning to expand their networks to incorporate alternative travel methods. Barcelona were among the first to classify the increasing volume of micro-vehicles and have proceeded to reach every area of the city with an impressive 170km bicycle network. Nashville spent only $100,000 to complete a seven block stretch of bicycle lane which has made an enormous impact. San Francisco have recently completed a $3.5m overhaul of Market Street, removing cars entirely.

The people of Atlanta have spent more than $16 million on e-scooter trips in the last 12 months, and took almost 4,400,000 rides on scooters and e-bikes alone. San Francisco discovered through a study of the city that 58% of electric scooter accidents happened on its ‘high injury’ network. However the study indicated that vehicle management, rider education and fleet operations on behalf of the scooter companies would make a significant difference on injury levels. A third of injuries to e-scooter riders in Austin happened on the users very first ride, so it is evident that some form of training would benefit. Los Angeles recently revealed that nearly half of shared e-scooter trips would be otherwise been taken by a private car or taxi.

Unfortunately, the current UK ruling seems hilariously antiquated compared to other countries, particularly when you consider that electric scooters only go a little faster than their non-electric counterparts favoured by many children on route to school or even adults on their commute.

Reports from the telegraph indicate that out of 100 pulled over during the Met’s first operated, only 10 were fined and only 1 seized. The Met reported that these decision were down to irresponsible riding, endangering others, running red lights, rather than the fact it was an electric scooter.

Are the laws likely to change in the UK? During a COVID-19 briefing on 9 May 2020, Transport Secretary, Grant Shapps unveiled that the plan to evaluate e-scooters in the UK has been brought forward to June 2020 and have been revised to expand nationwide, rather than to four specific regions as originally planned. Grant Shapps called this to be “the biggest review of transport laws in a generation.” This review intends to establish minimum vehicle requirements, and will consider whether to require riders to have a license, insurance and whether to wear a helmet. This announcement was made alongside other suggested changes to the transport infrastructure to avoid build-ups. It is unclear whether the market will take a private ownership route or move toward to shared scheme since shared transport has seen a dip amidst public fear of contagion.

MK purchases a fleet of electric cargo bikes for council and private use

An electric cargo bike

A fleet of 21 eCargo bikes has been purchased by MK Council as part of its zero carbon initiative. Milton Keynes are one of the counties incorporating electric transport into its infrastructure as part of its zero carbon initiative. MK have purchased a fleet of 21 eCargo bikes, with a capacity of 630 litres, that will be utilised by the council’s tree and highway inspectors to travel around the borough.

These electric cargo bikes will also be available for local businesses to lease as a part of the city’s ‘smarter travel scheme’ to assist businesses in reducing emissions and transport costs. Moreover, three of these bikes will be available for social enterprise. MK aims to become carbon free by 2030 and purchased the electric cargo bikes through funding provided for the Department for Transport.

MK council’s social care team for children recently swapped to electric cars last year, which has been reported to be a UK first for a county. Averagely, a social workers travels 150 miles per months and the team now shares four electric cars for their short journeys across the country, making a significant impact to their carbon output. The Highway and tree inspection team travel roughly 5,000 miles each year and this will now be mainly taken by electric cargo bikes.

Across the UK 18 local authories, who have successfully secured funding, will be purchasing a total of 273 electric cargo bikes and 9 electric cargo trailers. MK is looking to continue exploring alternative travel options, to carry on generating transport savings and improve air quality.

Nottingham have also purchased a fleet of electric cargo bikes, in association with Raleigh, after the authority was successfully in acquiring nearly £50,000 from the Energy Saving Trust in government funding.

The Nottingham Cycle City electric cargo scheme seeks to initially establish itself in Nottingham in three main trial areas; An internal fleet, local delivery partners and local businesses.

Nottingham haven't stopped there either. At the end of 2020 they intended to be among the first in receiving fully electric waste refuse collection vehicles. NCC expect to utilise these vehicles for 10 years, as opposed to the 7 year life span of the current diesel vehicles. And with predicated fuel savings of £10,000 per year, and further savings of £6,000 for cheaper maintenance, these vehicles are predicated to save over £300,000 over their lifetime.