The future of urban logistics: trends and the transformative role of cargo e-bikes
What should the logistics of the future look like? Traffic congestion, increasing environmental pollution and the growing demand for fast, flexible delivery solutions are putting cities and logistics companies alike to the test. But in the midst of these problems, innovative trends and alternatives are emerging. They have the potential to transform urban logistics in the long term.
Logistics of the future: current problems and trends
The need for logistics will not diminish in the future. However, there are some approaches to solutions, ranging from global logistics processes to the last mile.
Logistics in cities presents companies with economic challenges and ultimately has an indirect impact on consumers.
Traffic congestion
The roads in cities are congested and noisy. Traffic jams and long journey times are part of everyday life. Delivery vehicles play a part in this, but they are also stuck in traffic themselves. This leads to longer route times and makes delivery inefficient and unpredictable.
There are now various approaches to counteract this. This starts with the online purchase. Many online platforms ask their customers whether the ordered goods can be sent in one package instead of several. The customer then decides for himself whether he wants to wait longer so that only one delivery is necessary instead of three.
But that alone is not enough to overcome the challenges of urban areas. Solutions that reduce the number of transport vehicles on the roads are in demand. Alternative means of transportation such as e-cargo bikes, which can use other routes like bicycles, are necessary.
However, there are also more futuristic approaches such as the delivery of pizza and parcels by drone directly to your doorstep. Micro-depots are another way of managing the last mile in cities.
Environmental impact
Consumers are attaching more and more importance to choosing sustainable products and brands. Questions such as “Where does it come from?”, “How was it made?” or “How is it packaged?” are no longer a rarity. At the same time, the volume of deliveries on the roads is increasing and with it the environmental impact. The challenge here is to maintain a balance and also offer sustainable deliveries. The question “How is it delivered?” should therefore be asked much more often in future.
Online orders are no longer just popular in typical e-commerce, but are also increasingly in great demand for food deliveries and everyday consumer goods. Instead of briefly stopping at the supermarket on the way home from work, consumers are having their groceries conveniently delivered to their homes.
“Greener” and sustainable delivery options must therefore be prioritised even more in the future. After all, supply chains account for around 60% of all CO2 emissions worldwide.
Only by decarbonizing logistics can the environmental impact of CO2 emissions be reduced.
For medium and long-distance vehicles, implementation with alternative energies such as solar, wind, water, geothermal energy or biomass is still difficult. However, these options can be implemented in urban areas in particular thanks to the short distances.
Cost pressure
Competition in the logistics sector is fierce, which leads to constant cost pressure. Companies are therefore looking for ways to optimize their processes and maintain quality at the same time.
Personnel costs, energy costs, vehicle and infrastructure costs and regulatory requirements are just some of the elements that drive up costs in the logistics sector. In order to remain competitive, businesses are implementing different measures, such as the digitalisation of processes, the automation of routines and tasks, the outsourcing of non-core tasks and the transition to sustainable logistics concepts.
High delivery frequency
Online retail and the associated fast delivery cycle require a high degree of flexibility and efficiency in the logistics chain. In such a fast-moving world, it is no wonder that people expect the shortest possible delivery times. Some large retail chains offer next-day or even same-day delivery. Saturdays are also delivery days. This intensifies competition on the supply market and places the emphasis on faster delivery.
Noise and air pollution
Freight traffic in cities causes noise and air pollution, which can affect the quality of life of residents. Pollutants from the exhaust of trucks and delivery vehicles contribute to air pollution in cities and can cause respiratory diseases, allergies and other health problems.
In addition, heavy goods traffic can impair the cityscape and reduce the attractiveness of a city for tourists and residents.
Cargo e-bikes: a transformative solution for urban logistics problems
The current problems in logistics in urban areas are already being tackled today with cargo e-bikes. They are particularly interesting for delivery services in view of the problem of the last mile. They promise shorter journey times and, thanks to alternative energies, more environmentally friendly delivery than with traditional delivery vehicles.
Cargo bikes such as the XCYC e-cargo bikes are changing logistics in cities by replacing and improving familiar approaches.
Decarbonization with electric vehicles
The zero-emission electric drive of cargo bikes reduces CO2 pollution in cities. This contributes to improved air quality and makes a general contribution to the environment.
Low-noise mobility
The engines of cargo bikes run quietly and are not a nuisance to residents. Even if a delivery has to be made at 6 a.m. in the city center, the cargo bike does not make any loud beeping noises when reversing. These factors increase the quality of life in cities.
Relief on the roads
A cargo e-bike like the XCYC pickups relieves congested roads. The use of cycle paths is permitted. In addition, cargo bikes are smaller, more maneuverable and do not require a regular parking space.
Future-proof features of cargo e-bikes
Cargo e-bikes have long since outgrown their infancy. The modern and efficient vehicles are being used by more and more companies thanks to their high-performance characteristics.
Powerful electric drive
Cargo e-bikes travel at a speed of up to 25 km/h. Special features such as the engine on the XCYC Work, which is specially designed for cargo bikes, make this model a powerful vehicle. That is why cargo bikes are not the same as e-bikes with trailers.
It is possible to drive up to 100 kilometers on one battery charge. However, load and driver weight as well as the route conditions and driving style influence the energy requirement. But you can get the most out of it with adjustable engine power. You can also double the range with an additional battery.
Load capacity and load volume
There are basically two versions: Cargo e-bikes with a loading area at the front or rear. Models with a rear body are generally more stable and easier to turn. The permissible total weight varies depending on the model and is 300 kg for the XCYC WORK, for example.
The load volume depends on the body. A Euro pallet and a total volume of 2 m³ can be easily transported with the XCYC WORK. That’s enough for a gastro bike and for delivering parcels.
You can find more information on this page about the loading and weight of cargo bikes.
Flexibility and superstructures
Cargo bikes can be as maneuverable and agile as the loading areas. The XCYC E-Cargo Bikes are characterized by their individual body systems. In addition to a tarpaulin body, you can also choose between a simple railing body or a lockable aluminum case.
Sustainability and efficiency: the economic benefits of cargo e-bikes
Cargo e-bikes have three main advantages. Companies, whether in the food service industry, retail or delivery services in general, can realize lower operating costs and optimize delivery times. At the same time, cargo bikes such as the XCYC models are accessible to everyone and can be ridden without a driver’s license.
Lower operating costs
The running costs for a cargo bike are significantly lower than for a conventional delivery vehicle. This is due to several factors:
Lower fuel costs
Cargo bikes are powered by muscle power or an electric motor, which is significantly cheaper than petrol or diesel-powered vehicles. The energy costs for an e-cargo bike are generally only a fraction of the cost of gasoline or diesel.
Lower maintenance costs
Cargo bikes have a simple design and therefore require less maintenance than conventional vehicles. This means lower costs for repairs and inspections.
No parking fees
Cargo bikes can usually be parked free of charge at bike racks, while parking fees may apply for conventional vehicles.
The lower operating costs of cargo bikes make them an attractive alternative to conventional delivery vehicles, especially for companies operating in urban environments.
Improved and more flexible delivery times
In cities, cargo bikes can optimize delivery times. Bicycle paths may be used. They simply drive past traffic jams and are at the front of the queue at red lights.
In city centers, roads are sometimes only passable at certain times. However, this does not apply to cargo bikes. Even one-way streets can be used for deliveries and collections. This brings flexibility to logistics and makes journeys in cities efficient again.
High accessibility
With a cargo bike like the XCYC, you no longer need a driver’s license to deliver parcels or handle logistics on the factory premises. As a result, even more people are qualifying for such logistics jobs and companies do not need to invest in a driver’s license.
The XCYC cargo bikes are also so stable and safe thanks to their 3-wheel design that even people with physical disabilities can use them for mobility. This also means more inclusion of companies that want to hire people with disabilities.
More sustainable image
Furthermore, the use of cargo bikes in logistics also has an impact on the external image. Customers recognize that companies act sustainably, which can improve their image and reputation. At the same time, the use of cargo e-bikes can also be actively included in communication and incorporated into advertising messages, for example. This can have a positive effect on customer acquisition and loyalty in the medium to long term.
Conclusion: Shaping the future with cargo e-bikes
The delivery industry is facing a double challenge: increasing delivery volumes require adaptation to growing market needs, while at the same time customer expectations, sustainability pressure, rising costs and congestion in cities are limiting the scope for action.
Europe’s green transition opens up new opportunities
. Electric cargo bikes offer a low-emission and efficient solution for inner-city logistics. They can help to improve air quality, relieve traffic congestion and at the same time improve the quality of life in urban areas.
Companies, consumers and decision-makers all play an important role in shaping the future of logistics. Companies must invest in sustainable transportation concepts, consumers must demand environmentally friendly delivery options and decision-makers must create the necessary framework conditions to promote the use of freight vehicles.
The future of the supply chain can only be made greener and more efficient if all players work together.
