UK cargo bike delivery network Zedify’s latest impact report shows that their fleet is making a difference in emissions.
The company has significantly reduced carbon emissions by utilizing cargo bikes for last-mile deliveries, achieving a 95% carbon saving per kilometer compared to diesel vans and 82% to electric vans. Zedify saved 202 tonnes of CO2e in 2023 alone.
In its latest report, the founders Rob King and Sam Keam say, “many in the logistics sector struggle with insecure work, low pay, and poor conditions. To cap it off, customers often end up frustrated with poor service from inefficient and overstretched operations.”
The company is now scaling up a delivery model to tackle these issues.
In an exclusive interview, the company’s CEO told Locate2u: “It’s a nightmare, and it’s not just London. Most of our cities (even small ones) have major problems with congestion and air pollution. And more so for delivery drivers.”
We see logistics companies thinking sustainably by using e-bikes and drones to deliver in a more ‘greener’ way. In February, FedEx Express UK rolled out e-cargo bikes for delivery in London.
Zedify’s urban logistics solution
Zedify dates back to 2004 when CEO and co-founder Rob King, inspired during a walk in the Lake District, first witnessed the potential of cargo bikes for urban logistics. Captivated by their efficiency and sustainability, Rob launched a cargo bike logistics venture in Cambridge later that year.
This pioneering business, an early model of sustainable urban logistics, soon became a hub of innovation. It attracted local government officials, logistics brands, and entrepreneurs eager to learn and share insights, setting the stage for what would evolve into Zedify.
E-cargo bikes for delivery
Zedify’s reports highlight the development of its cargo trike, the GTrike designed and built in 2020. This new build aims to improve delivery efficiency and reduce the environmental impact of its fleet. This innovation allows quicker repairs and lower lifecycle emissions than larger delivery vehicles.
In January, New York mayor Eric Adams announced his administration was in talks with New York City to establish a department of sustainable delivery. This is a first-of-its-kind regulatory body in the US that will establish guidelines for delivery.
Here’s why parcel carriers could be introducing e-bikes into their fleet:
- Lower cost: Companies save on fuel. E-bike purchases are also easier on the budget, while delivery vans can be expensive.
- Traffic congestion: E-bikes can weave through traffic and reach destinations faster, especially in peak traffic. Delivery vans cannot avoid congestion, especially with a heavy load of parcels.
- Reduce carbon footprint: A sustainable way of transporting goods means a company reduces its carbon footprint – a ‘greener’ environment benefits the community.
ALSO READ: Varamis Rail launches zero-emission freight service in London
Photo Credit: Zedify
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About the author
Sharl is a qualified journalist. He has over 10 years’ experience in the media industry, including positions as an editor of a magazine and Business Editor of a daily newspaper. Sharl also has experience in logistics specifically operations, where he worked with global food aid organisations distributing food into Africa. Sharl enjoys writing business stories and human interest pieces.
