Asda has become the first UK supermarket to trial Oxfordshire-based EAV’s 2Cubed eCargo delivery bike.
The electric-assisted vehicle was used by the retailer as part of a two-week trial to make deliveries from its Cambridge store, as it looks at potential solutions to reach customers who live in proposed pedestrianised areas and zero-emission zones where future access for conventional delivery vehicles could be limited.
Simon Gregg, vice president of online grocery at Asda, said: “It was great to see the reaction to the e-bike when we took it out on the road – it was really well received and definitely was a talking point at the store and with our customers.
“As we look to the future of retail we have to consider new and innovative ways to continue to offer great service to our customers whilst navigating things like low-emission zones and pedestrianised areas. A solution such as this would allow us to get into town and cities where access is limited, using either roads or cycle lanes.”
Both road legal and able to travel in cycle lanes, the 2Cubed eCargo model weighs 150kg and can reach speeds of up to 15mph, thanks to an ultra-lightweight chassis made of a bio-recyclable flax and carbon composite.
The unit behind the driver’s cab carries up to 10 full totes of shopping – the equivalent of two customer orders – with drivers only required to pedal for short bursts to maintain top speed. Furthermore, a ‘hold’ button enables drivers to maintain a speed of 6mph without pedalling.
The vehicle is also currently being trialled in London by on-demand laundry and dry cleaning service LaundryHeap.
