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2025
Conference Paper
Title
The economical application of cargo bikes in logistics - Overview of current utilization and related business models
Abstract
The logistics sector produces significant amounts of greenhouse gases (GHG) and thus contributes to climate change. As a consequence, the necessity for emission free or low-emission modes of transport rises in logistics and relevant new concepts and vehicles are being developed. Political leaders urge the industry to rethink conventional logistics accordingly, which is still predominantly conducted by heavy but flexible road-bound vehicles, using combustion engines. In contrast, desired logistics use low-emission main runs, adding agile vehicles of appropriate size for collection and distribution of goods in the first and last mile of the supply chain.
Accordingly, a variety of electrified cargo bikes are introduced into the tension field of economic and ecological logistics solutions. While in the past, cycle logistics was limited to correspondence or similar cargo of small size and volume, technological advances allow for new areas of application. This paper aims to categorize currently emerging areas of application for cargo bikes in logistics and identify underlying business models. For this purpose, the authors conducted analyses of both the currently-forming body of research on the topic and occurring applications covered in contemporary literature. This study evaluates the advantages and limitations of each identified application in relation to current logistics practices. Early adopters are referenced to illustrate real-world implementation.
As a result, conclusions on the business models which are affected most by the advancement of cycle logistics can be drawn. The paper finds that the economic dimension of applying cargo bikes in the observed supply chains and business models is critical, as an efficient application of the vehicle is universally considered a main driver in this field of small margins.
Alternatively, restrictive policy is attempting to increase the share of cargo bikes in logistics. Proposals for further research include applied comparisons of economic viability in the discussed fields, providing insights for decision makers and academics in a rapidly evolving and growing technological field.
Accordingly, a variety of electrified cargo bikes are introduced into the tension field of economic and ecological logistics solutions. While in the past, cycle logistics was limited to correspondence or similar cargo of small size and volume, technological advances allow for new areas of application. This paper aims to categorize currently emerging areas of application for cargo bikes in logistics and identify underlying business models. For this purpose, the authors conducted analyses of both the currently-forming body of research on the topic and occurring applications covered in contemporary literature. This study evaluates the advantages and limitations of each identified application in relation to current logistics practices. Early adopters are referenced to illustrate real-world implementation.
As a result, conclusions on the business models which are affected most by the advancement of cycle logistics can be drawn. The paper finds that the economic dimension of applying cargo bikes in the observed supply chains and business models is critical, as an efficient application of the vehicle is universally considered a main driver in this field of small margins.
Alternatively, restrictive policy is attempting to increase the share of cargo bikes in logistics. Proposals for further research include applied comparisons of economic viability in the discussed fields, providing insights for decision makers and academics in a rapidly evolving and growing technological field.
Author(s)
