FedEx Express is deploying 13 e-cargo-bikes in three cities across the UK. The e-cargo-bikes in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Cambridge will work alongside FedEx vans on delivery and pick-up rounds.

The carrier already has e-cargo-bikes in London thanks to the Ultra Low Emissions Zone. As well as being zero-tailpipe-emission, they are able to use cycling infrastructure such as bike lanes and can often go on roads where cars and vans are banned. They are also able to find roadside parking more easily than motor vehicles.

The move comes as FedEx gradually moves toward a zero carbon future, with plans to be net zero by 2040 worldwide. By 2025 it plans to make 50% of its new vehicle purchases electric and 100% of them will be electric by 2030. E-cargo-bikes form part of that plan, and more are to hit UK cities’ streets in the next 12 months.

Alun Cornish, operations managing director of FedEx Europe, said, “Electric cargo bikes will fulfill a sustainable last-mile delivery solution for customers in and around Edinburgh, Glasgow and Cambridge city centers. Earlier FedEx pilots in the cities made the case for transitioning to two wheels, proving an effective alternative to vans thanks to their ability to take shorter, faster routes. We see real potential for e-cargo bikes to complement and work alongside our motorized vehicle fleet as we strive to make zero-emissions deliveries our standard.”