E-cargo bike scheme set for launch in Birmingham

The City Council managed to secure nearly 60 thousand pounds for a trial run of the project

Over the past few months, the local government of Birmingham has been working on creating and preparing its transport plan for the future. The City Council has already developed and unveiled its Emergency Transport Plan that aims to make movement in the urban area more sustainable, cleaner and more environmentally friendly. It also comes in addition to Birmingham’s overall Transport Plan which focuses on promoting alternative modes of movement such as walking, cycling and the use of the city’s public transport network.

The newest upgrades to come the way of Birmingham are its brand-new cargo e-bikes that are meant to transform the way deliveries are made across the urban area. The City Council applied for a grant to the UK’s central authorities back in March and how now received 58.000 pounds for the development of this pilot project.

Delivered to where they’re needed

Thanks to the funding, the City Council has purchased 20 electric cargo vehicles (13 bikes and 7 trikes) that will make up the backbone of its new initiative aimed at promoting and supporting sustainable freight vehicle practices. 

Some 75% of these new vehicles will be delivered to the partners of the City Council that will demonstrate their benefits and ensure their diligent use. Among them are The Active Wellbeing Society, Aston University, The University of Birmingham and the Jewellery Quarter and Westside Business Improvement Districts.

Upon the announcement of the grant, Birmingham City Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment, Councillor Waseem Zaffar, stated that “I’m really pleased that we have successfully secured funding from the Energy Saving Trust to trial e-cargo bikes in the city. Working with our partners, the pilot scheme will demonstrate how e-cargo can provide a low carbon alternative to vans and cars, which is a further step towards a cleaner, greener Birmingham.”