Amazon launches UK e-cargo bike fleet

Londoners waiting for their Amazon packages are more likely to receive them via couriers on e-cargo bikes than in its signature vans, as the retail giant looks to cut carbon emissions across its supply chain.

This week Amazon has launched its first “micromobility hub” in the London Borough of Hackney, to serve last mile deliveries across central London’s low emission zone.

According to the online retailer, the hub will deliver over one million parcels each year with the bikes and walkers replacing vans on the road.

This adds to the millions of deliveries already being completed by its fleet of 10,000 electric vans on the road in the UK, which Amazon claims helped the firm deliver more than 45 million packages last year.

Councillor Mete Coban, Hackney Council cabinet member for Environment and Transport, said: “Tackling transport emissions is key if we’re to reach net zero.

“We’re really pleased to have worked with Amazon to support them to take traditional vans off the streets and replace them with e-cargo bikes. This will help to reduce emissions and improve air quality for people in Hackney and beyond.”

John Boumphrey, Amazon’s UK country manager, added: “Our new e-cargo bikes, walkers and growing electric vehicle delivery fleet will help us make more zero-emission customer deliveries than ever before across London and the UK.”

Amazon also unveiled plans to launch additional e-cargo hubs across the UK this year.

The online behemoth has also detailed plans to install over 30,000 modular solar panels by the end of the year at its Manchester, Coalville, Haydock, Bristol and Milton Keynes locations.  It claims this will produce enough energy for 3,500 UK homes each year.

“Doubling the number of on-site solar projects at our facilities across the UK further demonstrates our ambition to power our operations with 100% renewable energy by 2025 and represents a key step on our journey to be net-zero carbon by 2040,” said Boumphrey.