Smart Sandyford Pilot eCargo Bike Project for Local Businesses in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown.
Smart Sandyford have partnered with Bleeper, Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council and Enable to give local businesses an opportunity to trial eCargo Bikes. The project will provide a low-risk and low-cost means for businesses to test eCargo Bikes without having to commit to purchasing one. The aim for the project is to show businesses the benefits of using an alternative form of mobility when making deliveries for both the environment and their health and wellbeing. ECargo bikes provide many different benefits for businesses including the following:
- They can complete faster deliveries as they can maneuver through streets more
easily than cars as well as being able to take shorter routes. - They are more energy efficient than vans or cars, reducing the air pollution and
greenhouse gas emissions. - Drivers also do not need a license, making the bikes accessible to all people.
The electric powered bikes can take any type of cargo and deliver it to customers quickly providing a more sustainable and more efficient alternative to traditional delivery vehicles.
The scheme which commenced in June 2021 was made possible by collaboration between Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, Enable Research Centre TCD, Bleeper and local companies, facilitated through Smart Sandyford. Through the scheme, local businesses in Dun Laoghaire can gain exclusive use of a brand-new Cube Cargo Hybrid for only €100 per month, with the pilot subsidised by the County Council.
Researchers will work with the participant companies and Bleepers bike location data to assess the success of the scheme and the environmental impact of the ebikes. At the end of the 6 month trial period, Enable will provide businesses with a report detailing how much money and emissions could be saved by making a permanent switch to eCargo bikes. With the majority of the bikes already delivered to local businesses it is hoped a few more businesses will participate in the pilot to reach the target of 20 companies.
There is a wide range in the type of companies who have already signed up to the pilot, from pizza deliveries to office materials to artists, who are all now making deliveries by bike. Companies are also making use of the free branding option for their eCargo bike which can be seen below. If your business is interested in signing up for the pilot or you would like to read more about the project you can do so here. If you have any further questions please phone (01) 437 0930.