Electric cargo (e-cargo) bikes are emerging as a practical and sustainable option for last-mile delivery in rural areas—offering a low-emission alternative to vans, particularly for smaller-scale logistics.
This resource explores how e-cargo bikes are being adopted by rural businesses to navigate geographic dispersion, reduce carbon emissions, and lower operational costs. While often associated with urban transport innovation, the case studies included here demonstrate how rural settings are also finding context-specific uses for these vehicles.
In addition to real-world examples, the resource includes a review of research evidence on the environmental and logistical benefits of e-cargo delivery, helping to frame its relevance in rural contexts. A blog post by NICRE Innovation Associate Steven Morrison Cairns introduces the topic, and a report from Green Alliance expands on the policy and infrastructure changes needed to support wider uptake across the UK.
Together, these materials offer insights into how rural logistics can evolve through small but meaningful shifts in practice and investment.
Authors: NICRE Innovation Associate Steven Morrison Cairns.
Year: 2023.
