Last mile delivery bikes gain new funding

The Department for Transport and the Office for Low Emission Vehicles have announced £2 million of funding to support the uptake of e-cargo bikes.

Seeking to increase the number of electric delivery vehicles replacing older, polluting vans, Transport Minister Jesse Norman said the funding will help improve the environment, reduce congestion and drive UK companies towards a greener future.

In the last year alone spending online in the UK increased by 15.3 per cent and the latest road traffic estimates indicate van traffic increased by 4.7 per cent to 49.5 billion vehicle miles in 2016. If most of these vans are diesel, congestion and air quality will become even more pressing issues, with pollution levels heightening.

As part of the international Zero Emission Vehicle Summit, it is hoped the funding and increased use of electric delivery vehicles will cut the current trend in its tracks.

Jesse Norman, the Minister for Low Emission Vehicles, said: “Support for e-cargo bikes will help to ensure that Britain leads the way in the development and deployment of the technologies of the future. Encouraging electric delivery bikes on to our city streets will cut traffic and improve air quality, and will show how these vehicles have the potential to play an important role in the zero emission future of this country.”