Planning Tool: Assessing the Potential of Cargo Bikes

Cargo bikes could play a significantly larger role in parcel delivery in city centers than previously thought. This is shown by a new study from the Technical University of Munich (TUM) and the Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt (KU), based on the examples of Munich and Regensburg. According to the researchers, around one-seventh of the CO2 emissions caused by deliveries could be saved. The study also shows, according to the universities, that the potential use of cargo bikes varies depending on the location. An analysis of various scenarios revealed: In Munich, there is the potential to deliver around 28 percent of the parcel volume with cargo bikes, and in Regensburg about 37 percent. The kilometers previously covered by delivery vans could thus be reduced by 16 percent in Munich and by 18 percent in Regensburg. As a result, the CO2 emissions caused by delivery would decrease by 14 percent in the first case and by 17 percent in the second case.

Cost efficiency no self-starter

According to the research partners, the model calculations also show that the use of cargo bikes would only mean a small cost savings for the companies. While delivery vans incur higher basic costs, the total number of routes would inevitably be higher due to the lower capacity of cargo bikes.

Generating savings potential

There would be further savings potential if several logistics companies were to cooperate to avoid overlapping routes. The research team has calculated that, with two partners, the kilometers driven for parcel delivery could be reduced by up to 29 percent, and with three partners by up to 42 percent.