Sustainable Mobility: Cargo Bikes Take Over London’s Streets
Cargo bikes can carry extra weight on the front or back of the bike and often have power aids to help riders carry heavy loads or go over hilly terrain.
Hackney is the most populous and culturally diverse area of London. Hackney is an urban area facing both high levels of inequality and high levels of air pollution. “According to Public Health England, up to seven percent of all deaths among people over the age of 30 in Hackney can be attributed to air pollution, which is higher than the London average in the UK. ‘England,’ said Ali Howes, who The Zero Emissions Network (ZEN), an initiative on the London City Fringe, aims to reduce emissions and improve air quality.
Hackney Council recently released a climate action plan for the area, with travel as one of the critical areas. “The plan recognizes the importance of making green changes the right way. Improving air quality will improve the health of Hackney residents and reduce pollution, which is why ZEN wants to support residents and customers through this change,” says Howes. One of the main functions of ZEN is the driving function. This is one of four projects selected for the Sustainable Climate Challenge, organized by EIT Climate-KIC and EIT Digital, supported by FedEx.
Cargo bikes can carry extra weight on the front or back of the bike and often have power aids to help riders carry heavy loads or go over hilly terrain. ZEN wants to promote bicycles as a cleaner, greener travel option
Hurdles to Wide Adoption
Howes says: “One of the biggest barriers to using cargo bikes is cost. “That is why the project includes grants so that small companies can switch to electric vehicles or machines, especially those that replace diesel or gasoline.”
Bikes are also transported to Hackney residents as part of an on-demand, public bike-sharing service for ordinary workers or those who cannot afford to save or buy them. Riders can use the app to access and ride a bike instantly. ZEN is also helping to provide bike training to entrepreneurs in Hackney and has developed a toolkit that the local government can use as a template for setting up a bike-sharing plan.
Hackney also seeks more strategic ways to employ shared mobility electric scooter rental solutions. The city has also expanded its support for e-scooter brands, encouraging private ownership of the electric two-wheeler (E2W).
The Flash Motors Infinity X is the king of the electric scooter hill. It provides a 75-mph top speed and a 70-mile maximum range.
