Guide launched to encourage couriers to switch to e-bikes
Hackney, Tower Hamlets and Islington Councils have this week launched an innovative guide to help fleet managers switch from mopeds to e-bikes: a more sustainable form of travel.
The Scooter Switch Toolkit, developed by independent transport consultants, Steer, was created after research showed that businesses require clear, comprehensive information to make the switch to e-bikes.
The significance of e-bikes in the delivery sector has grown rapidly in recent years, with their trial and adoption by firms such as Royal Mail, Sainsbury’s and DHL. E-bikes provide an ideal solution to businesses balancing cost, efficiency and speed in this demanding sector.
We are a leader in tackling London’s poor air quality and are committed to protecting residents from its harmful effects. We’re delighted to be working with our neighbouring boroughs to create and promote the Scooter Switch Toolkit.
Key elements of the toolkit include:
Ensuring the e-bike model is compliant with UK legislation
Health and safety measures including riders completing Level 3 Bikeability cycle training
Advice on appropriate equipment such as high visibility clothing and information on helmet safety standards and bike lock ratings
Fuel cost savings comparison between mopeds and e-bikes
Maintenance schedules and costs.
It’s great to see businesses using e-bikes in our borough. This is another way we are tackling the poor air quality within our borough and supporting local business. I hope the Scooter Switch Toolkit can provide a viable alternative for deliveries in many sectors to help improve air quality for everyone.
We’re committed to ambitious and pioneering work to improve London’s poor air quality, which can have a negative impact on the health and life expectancy of our residents. This innovative toolkit will help businesses make the switch to e-bikes, cutting emissions and providing more sustainable transport.
The toolkit is part of the Zero Emissions Network (ZEN); a tri-borough project from Hackney, Islington and Tower Hamlets Councils, part-funded by the Mayor of London.
ZEN aims to help businesses and residents save money, reduce emissions and improve air quality by making changes in transport to reduce air pollution that causes almost 10,000 premature deaths in London each year.
Erkut Ozer, founder of Bagged2u, a small local business that delivers goods from high street retailers directly to residents, has been using the toolkit to help establish his fleet of 10 e-bikes.
The ZEN team and the toolkit has been an invaluable resource in navigating the ever changing area of sustainable transport to help develop our delivery service."
The Scooter Switch Toolkit is freely available to businesses across the country and is available here: