Who has never found themselves stuck behind a truck while it unloads its merchandise? In addition to taking up a lot of space on the road, these means of transport have a significant impact on air pollution in cities. The innovative and ecological alternative is found in electric bike delivery. For what reasons does this mode of transport fit into the future of the logistics sector?
Traditional delivery: what environmental impacts?
In 2019, the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) conducted a survey on the impact of road traffic in Brussels. This survey estimated that in 2019, air pollution in Brussels cost €50,000 every day, primarily spent on healthcare expenses.
Although these figures are already quite alarming, it's not the only estimate made by the research center at VUB. After refining their research, they found that nearly 14% of the traffic consists solely of goods delivery. Even worse, these 14% of traffic generate 33% of CO2 emissions in Brussels, not to mention other nuisances like noise, double parking, poor road visibility, etc.
Delivery 100% electric: a revolution in progress
Electric delivery is gaining momentum, and several major companies are now turning to this eco-friendly way of transporting goods.
Whether through electric bikes, trikes, or utility vehicles powered by electricity, many companies have recently been incorporating these types of electric vehicles.
Electric delivery: these companies have taken the leap
Among these innovative companies, we find, for example, the giant Amazon as well as the Leuven-based brewing company AB InBev, both of which have opted for the use of electric trucks for their urban deliveries.
Amazon, led by billionaire Jeff Bezos, has committed through The Climate Pledge program to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040. To achieve this goal, the company has invested in the development of a 100% electric delivery vehicle. By 2030, it plans to deploy 100,000 electric vans worldwide for delivery purposes.
On the other hand, AB InBev has been quicker, and its first electrically powered truck has already completed its first 100% electric delivery in Leuven last December. The beer giant will now deliver to the center of Leuven using its electric vehicle. The brewery company has already placed an order for a second electric truck, which will operate in the streets of Brussels.
Electric bike delivery, the eco-friendly delivery
With the rapid growth of e-commerce due to the global pandemic crisis, the freight transport sector also continues to expand, bringing with it a significant number of trucks and consequently pollution.
Therefore, it is crucial to consider alternatives to reduce these fine particle emissions in the air and to find a way to decongest traffic in city centers. Electric delivery is the new trendy mode of transportation to adopt in the logistics sector. At Urbeez, we have understood this well and are already using electric bikes and cargo bikes for transporting goods throughout Brussels.
The advantages of electric bike delivery
Opting for the transition to delivery operations powered solely by electricity offers several advantages.
- Delivery Speed
Thanks to its smaller size, the cargo bike can easily navigate through narrower or residential streets where a truck would have to take a detour. Moreover, with the new speed limit of 30km/h throughout Brussels, electric bikes now have the advantage as they don't have to wait in traffic jams.
- Better accessibility
Our Urbeez couriers have the ability to move more easily in the city, especially in areas where cars are not allowed to circulate: pedestrian zones, parks, etc. These places are accessible to bicycles and allow them to reduce the distance to travel as well as the delivery time.
- Ecological delivery
Delivery by cargo bike is part of an eco-friendly approach. Collaborating with Urbeez couriers allows businesses to adopt an ecological communication strategy, which is a real bonus in the current era. For comparison, a utility vehicle emits on average 150 g of CO2 per km, whereas electric bike delivery emits almost nothing.
- Flexibility in delivery volume
Contrary to what one might believe, a cargo bike doesn't only transport small volumes. There are different types of cargo bikes that allow the delivery of larger parcels thanks to the use of trailers.At Urbeez, we deliver parcels weighing up to 300 kg anywhere in Brussels.
Encouraging electric delivery in the city
For the past few years, the Brussels government has been aiming to encourage businesses to use electric cargo bike delivery. This mobility policy aims to alleviate the capital from the numerous freight trucks and thus improve traffic flow.
The Good Move plan of the Brussels-Capital region, approved in 2020, aims to promote sustainable mobility in the city through bicycle logistics and the use of electric cargo bikes. Moreover, several major cities in Belgium are actively developing their networks of electric charging stations to encourage the growth of this ecological movement in their city centers.
Indeed, businesses have everything to gain from turning to companies like Urbeez for fast and environmentally friendly delivery of their goods. This 100% electric revolution represents the future of urban transportation.
Urbeez: 100% Electric Delivery Across Brussels
Founded in October 2020, this innovative Brussels-based startup offers ecological solutions to all businesses looking to reduce their CO2 emissions in city centers.
Urbeez promises a fast, non-polluting, cost-effective, and tailored delivery service to meet the needs of each business. Indeed, to best satisfy demands, Urbeez has cargo bikes as well as several three or four-wheeled vehicles with trailers to transport larger loads.
Feel free to request your free quote .