Campaign ‘TRASHH’
Fields of application for cargo bicycles in municipal companies
The research project TRASHH examines the application potential of electrically supported cargo bicycles for public organisations and service providers using the example of Hamburg’s environmental and operational services (SRH).
Based on the findings gained in this way, the conditions under which the use of electric cargo bicycles can be possible and useful for municipal companies instead of light utility vehicles with conventional combustion engines are derived. In addition, it is examined how users can be motivated to use electric cargo bicycles in their everyday working lives. The movements of the cargo bicycles, as well as additional information on the work carried out, is surveyed with the help of the MovingLab.
The aim of the project is to reduce the environmental impact of vehicles in the service sector and to formulate recommended actions for municipal companies on the use of electric bicycles.
Hamburg’s environmental and operational services deploy the seven cargo bicycles in different fields, for example the cleaning of green areas or roads and pavements. A total of six different cargo bike models are in use.
Task
The test persons use the app for commercial trips with the electric cargo bicycle. Interviews with participants are carried out at the start of the project. During the project, questions about handling the electric cargo bicycles are asked via the MovingLab app.
For example, the following aspects are surveyed while using the MovingLab:
- Transported articles
- Battery charge status
- Number of customer contacts
- Activities which cannot be carried out with the cargo bicycle
- Negotiations with the drivers of light utility vehicles, for example to hand over refuse bags
- Satisfaction with the use of the cargo bicycle
Perspectives
Until now, there have been few reliable statements on the successful economic use of electric cargo bicycles in municipal companies. The findings from TRASHH provide the first real key values on economic viability, environmental effects and employee satisfaction for waste management companies and similar municipal companies. The high visibility of cargo bicycles at SRH additionally serves to encourage companies in the private sector to also push ahead with the restructuring of their own commercial fleets towards smaller electric vehicle concepts.
