Leeds businesses set for green delivery transport boost with new scheme

Businesses across Leeds have been encouraged to take advantage of a new opportunity to trial electric-cargo bikes for deliveries.

Leeds City Council has launched its ‘try-before-you-buy’ electric-cargo bike loan scheme today (March 16).

The three-month scheme, which includes a free training session, allows organisations to experience how e-cargo bikes could provide an alternative to cars and vans for heavy, bulky local deliveries.

Cllr Helen Hayden, Leeds City Council’s executive member for climate change, transport and sustainable development, commented: “The council is committed to reducing transport-related pollution to improve the air quality in Leeds.

“We have declared a climate emergency, and one of the ways we can help the city achieve net-zero carbon by 2030 is to offer businesses the opportunity to test local low-carbon delivery solutions. This new, free scheme is one of the first in the country.

“E-cargo bikes offer a cost-effective, versatile and attractive alternative to cars and vans for local trips. We are confident that they will become the first choice for everyday deliveries for many more businesses in the future.”

Leeds University is the first organisation to adopt the scheme, borrowing three e-cargo bikes, a trike and two long-wheel bases, for quick, cheap, green deliveries.

Louise Ellis, director of sustainability services at Leeds University, added: “We are committed to driving forward sustainability, and an important part of this is looking at how we move around the campus and the city.

Transforming our operational models to incorporate electric vehicles into our campus fleets reflects our ambitious travel and climate plan targets.

“We place active and sustainable modes of travel at the heart of these two strategies, and we are looking forward to seeing the positive impacts of these e-cargo bikes. This pilot helps us to improve and monitor the environmental and health benefits whilst finding alternative operational solutions.”

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