Transport Logistic 2023: Long Last Mile - How It Works with Cargo Bike Logistics

Essential is the coupling with micro depots

You will never replace the concrete mixer with cargo bikes, but Hohm believes that a considerable portion of the transport volume can indeed be handled by this rediscovered means of transport if it is cleverly combined and integrated into micro depot concepts. He also points out that clients need to meet Scope 3 requirements in terms of climate protection in their CO2 balances in accordance with the Paris Agreement and that logistics companies like Dachser must provide the appropriate solutions. The cargo bike is an important piece of the puzzle in this context.

How to properly assemble the puzzle

How to make it fit exactly and work better was the topic addressed by subsequent speakers. Alexander Belz from B4B Logistics in Munich pointed out that even general cargo can be transported with cargo bikes - and the company will prove this starting in June in the Bavarian capital. Combining a heavy cargo bike from Rytle and a trailer from Munich-based start-up e2trail, loads that were previously reserved for small transporters will be hauled.

With 1.1 to 1.3 cargo bike combinations, e2trail's CEO Holger Emmert calculated, a fully-fledged Sprinter can be replaced if it's set up intelligently, the start-up entrepreneur said convincingly. The first pilot projects with the versatile, pallet-compatible trailer, which also offers electric assistance and can also be used as a handcart and dolly for the "final mile," are promising. Emmert also points out that the comparatively inexpensive e-trailer can circumvent the hurdle of the still relatively expensive heavy e-cargo bikes.

Spare parts logistics with the cargo bike

Also still in the start-up phase and already in a first logistical application are mocci and CIP Mobility, a subsidiary of the CIP Group, which are represented at the booth of major logistics provider Bolloré with their innovative, chainless and fully networked pedelec made of plastic injection molding. The pedelecs here replace transport with vans and trucks to customer sites, logistics centers, and customs clearance areas for the exchange of numerous spare parts, tools, and documents. From the customer's point of view, says Ralf Busse, certain logistics services can already be performed faster and more cheaply by e-bike today. But this only works with reliable technology that operates maintenance-free and robustly, as they aim to achieve with the chainless mocci bike.

Light electric vehicles: Underestimated and robust

Norbert Kerkhoff is also familiar with robust and durable, who, as sales manager at Carit Automotive, promotes the E-platform vehicle HopOn of the light electric category L6e, which wants to be a cross between a cargo bike and a transporter. The electric drive is said to work completely problem-free and maintenance-free, the brakes and technology of the vehicle are designed to automotive standards, and the payload of over 250 kilograms in the short or even long version with two pallets can rival small transporters. Even a trailer with 300 kilos can still be hooked on.

What’s possible with light e-mobility

Interest in the vehicle from Münsterland is suddenly coming from all areas: bakeries, intralogistics providers, a disposal company, reports Kerkhoff. An important aspect and argument: The 84-centimeter wide vehicle fits almost anywhere on the roadside, eliminating the annoying parking worries. Kerkhoff also talks about excellent conversations at the trade show and great contacts with major logistics companies and is optimistic about further scaling of the concept. Even the price starting at 13,600 euros, most find not too high upon closer consideration of the capabilities of the light electric vehicle.

Thus, it might be that things are slowly turning "to the small wheel," so to speak in terms of "downsizing." The technical means are certainly available and ready for the market. Now, you just have to pull the right "tools" from the "toolbox."