FedEx Express has introduced a fleet of 13 e-cargo bikes to work alongside its vehicle pick-up and delivery fleet in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Cambridge, as it continues its journey towards zero-emission deliveries.
The express transportation company has already introduced e-cargo bikes in London, replacing diesel vehicles in emission-restriction zones.
Alun Cornish, FedEx operations managing director in Europe, said: “Earlier FedEx pilots in the cities made the case for transitioning to two wheels, proving an effective alternative to vans thanks to their ability to take shorter, faster routes.
“We see real potential for e-cargo bikes to complement and work alongside our motorised vehicle fleet as we strive to make zero-emissions deliveries our standard.
“Electric cargo bikes will fulfil a sustainable last-mile delivery solution for customers in and around Edinburgh, Glasgow and Cambridge city centres.”
FedEx is aiming to achieve carbon-neutral operations globally by 2040 with electrification of its pick-up and delivery vehicles being a particular area of investment.
In March 2021, FedEx announced its global target for 50% of all newly procured vehicles to be electric by 2025, rising to all new purchases by 2030.
The roll out of e-cargo bikes is expected to continue in UK cities beyond Edinburgh, Glasgow and Cambridge, alongside the transition to fully EVs.
According to FedEx, the sustainability benefits of delivering goods by e-cargo bike include not only reduced carbon emissions but also reduced congestion and noise.
Bicycle couriers can also make use of existing road infrastructure, such as bicycle and bus lanes, and are able to find kerbside parking more easily than vans – particularly in hard to access areas.
It added the implementation of e-cargo bikes to operations in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Cambridge promotes the liveability of dense urban areas, as demand for deliveries continues to rise alongside the need to reduce the environmental impacts of transportation.
