THE RISE OF THE E-BIKE MARKET
Have you ever had trouble transporting your purchases, your football gear, or your kids when the only mean of transport is your bike? Well, the cargo bike is your solution. The only problem is, that the more stuff you put into it, the heavier it gets. To avoid arriving at your destination all exhausted and sweaty, you need an e-cargo bike.
Maybe this is why the electric cargo bike industry is thriving around the world. Cargo e-bikes can be the solution for enterprises that need to transport minor things or private people as an alternative to a car.
Definition
A cargo bike (also known as a box bike, freight bicycle, or freight tricycle) is a human-powered vehicle designed and constructed specifically for transporting loads.
An e-cargo bike (also known as an electric cargo bike) is identical to a cargo bike but with an assisting motor. The bikes come in many different shapes and sizes and can be used to transport a variety of cargo such as food, parcels, or heavy goods.
The booming e-cargo bike market
The growing environmental consciousness around the globe is the major factor driving the growth of the electric cargo bikes industry. The cargo bike is zero-emission, quiet, and efficient. There are no parking restrictions or parking fines, it is free-flowing when there is heavy traffic, and it is able to access areas where cars and vans are not permitted. Exactly what is needed in the drive for livable low carbon cities.
The growing focus on improving air quality and decarbonizing transport has caused rising government investments in e-cargo bikes. Many governments are taking initiatives to encourage the use of e-cargo bikes.
In 2021, the Italian government allocated € 2 million to the purchase of cargo bikes and power-assisted bikes. Prague’s two e-cargo bike depots opened in 2020 and 2021 respectively. They are considered an alternative to last-mile van delivery. The new Irish Finance Bill in 2022 is to make a tax incentive of up to €3,000 to families who are interested in buying an e-cargo bike for transport and business trips, rather than a car or van.
Third-party cycle logistics companies are springing up in many countries. The potential of this environmentally responsible logistics alternative is significant. For example, nearly 50% of goods deliveries and 75% of private trips could be made using cargo bikes in Brussels.
Rapid technological advancements
Rapid technological advancements and new innovations are playing an important role in the growth of e-cargo bikes. Many innovations are involved in the production of cost-effective and lightweight vehicles to improve the overall performance of vehicles.
Regulating speed and keeping balance are well-known safety issues when it comes to e-cargo bike safety. A torque sensor system will give riders more control over their e-cargo bikes. The instant response to the force riders apply to the pedals will give exactly the assistance a rider needs from the motor. Moreover, a torque sensor system can improve the smooth riding of e-cargo bikes. Our contactless torque/cadence sensor technology can ensure that you get a natural ride feel when riding an e-bike. Check our newly released SG2Q contactless torque/cadence sensor.
Cargo bikes regulations
The standards will describe the safety requirements and test methods for light and heavy-weight cargo bicycles, with and without electrical assistance. At the moment there is no international standard at all for the cargo bike industry. Therefore, manufacturers in general use the existing German standard DIN 79010.
In recent years there is a growing discussion on regulations on cargo bikes. An international standard on cargo bikes is still under development, for example, a maximum total weight.
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