Free delivery by electric cargo bike is going to be available for businesses in the Cowes and Newport areas in March, April, and May.
The 3-month pilot project aims to show how electric cargo bikes can meet the needs of local businesses. It is being run by People Powered Community Interest Company (PPCIC) in partnership with Wight Community Energy (WCE).
This is one of several new projects to deliver renewable energy and help deliver the changes needed to meet the Island’s net zero target by 2040.
E-cargo bike deliveries offer wide benefits: replacing diesel- or petrol-powered journeys with e-cargo bike deliveries helps create quieter, safer streets as well as improving air quality, reducing CO2 emissions, and cuts down on traffic congestion.
The delivery service will start on 1st March and is available for local businesses who want to make deliveries in the West Cowes and Newport area. As well as delivering on behalf of businesses based in the area, ‘last mile’ deliveries from elsewhere on the Isle of Wight will be received at a micro-hub in Cowes and then distributed by e-cargo bike.
Matthew Whittaker, director of PPCIC, has said:
“We’re making deliveries free of charge for the period of the trial to make it as risk-free as possible for a wide range of businesses and organisations to try out. We hope there will be sufficient interest to make the service permanent once the trial is over.
“Our three e-cargo bikes are able to carry anything from a bunch of flowers to a washing machine, so we have the versatility to support a broad range of needs for local businesses”
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And cause long tailbacks of other vehicles because of their slow speed. How does this benefit carbon reduction?
Interesting way to look at it, it is of course true that all road users come with their own advantages and disadvantages.
Patience and tolerance of other road users makes for a happy driver. As mentioned in a comment below, the switch over to e bikes and vans for deliveries is already up and running on the mainland and these 3 E Cargo bikes will be providing solutions on a practical, environmental and community level here on the island.
This is a really positive movement taking place. Haha and let’s be honest, the traffic in Cowes and Newport isn’t exactly moving at breakneck speed so they won’t be too much of a hindrance to others!
Splendid!
Why don’t the council get some and start picking up unwanted white goods to take to the tip for the elderly and vulnerable.
Great idea – would be a really good initiative
Is someone delivering black labs over here? Love to have one, gorgeous dogs.
As long as they adhere to one way traffic rules and pedestrianized zones.
Rider training & a code of conduct will ensure all rules are followed ✅
Yet another stupid idea to clog up the roads
moan moan moan….. there are very few people that post comments on this news channel that are actually positive.
Try getting off the island and visiting the third world for a while, there you will see real issues to moan about.
The usual dullards moan moan moaning as normal. Pitchforks at the ready! Ban anything electric! kill it with fire! etc etc blah blah blah.
Excellent, I hope it works out. I reconditioned an old bike of mine into an ebike. Sold car as never used it again.
I’ve decided I’ll be giving up my car this year too. Driving has become such a nightmare on the island. With island roads traffic lights everywhere, horses, cyclists, what’s the point in financing road use for them? Food deliveries and shoe leather for me 🙂
Interesting way to look at it, it is of course true that all road users come with their own advantages and disadvantages.
Patience and tolerance of other road users makes for a happy driver. As mentioned in a comment below, the switch over to e bikes and vans for deliveries is already up and running on the mainland and these 3 E Cargo bikes will be providing solutions on a practical, environmental and community level here on the island.
This is a really positive movement taking place. Haha and let’s be honest, the traffic in Cowes and Newport isn’t exactly moving at breakneck speed so they won’t be too much of a hindrance to others!