UPS is testing out nearly 100 ‘eQuad’ cargo bikes which were designed by last-mile delivery company Fernhay.
UPS has said that it is also testing out electric bikes from other manufacturers for its trials but has not disclosed the names, the company told Reuters.
The UPS eQuad has an electric-assisted top speed of 25km (15.5 miles) – if the delivery person pedals harder, they can go faster – and can haul up to 200 kilograms or 441lbs of packages.
The company intends on scaling up its electric bike operations in response to growing consumer demand for e-commerce, and to supplement its existing truck fleet.
UPS is trialling the electric vehicles in seven European markets, including the UK.
Luke Wake, VP of Fleet Maintenance and Engineering at UPS said: “There are more and more opportunities for zero-emission solutions like this that can alleviate inner-city congestion.”
